Side
Where the ancient city meets the sea
A town like an open-air museum with the columns of the Temple of Apollo, an ancient theatre and a harbour. Ruins by day, seaside restaurants and shopping streets by evening.
About the region
Side sits about 75 km east of Antalya on the tip of a small peninsula. What makes it unusual is how the ancient city and the modern town interlock: walking the colonnaded street you have 2,000-year-old ruins on one side and cafés and shops on the other.
The emblem of the area is the Temple of Apollo, whose five white columns face the sea at the peninsula's end — one of Antalya's most photographed scenes, especially at sunset. Nearby, the Side Ancient Theatre seats 15,000 and is among the largest Roman theatres in the region; its acoustics remain remarkable.
Two different beaches flank the town: the long sandy stretch to the west is best for sunset, while the calmer eastern shore suits a morning swim. Manavgat Waterfall, 8 km away, and the inland Aspendos Theatre make Side a natural base for exploring the wider area.
Highlights
- Temple of Apollo at sunset
- Side Ancient Theatre, seating 15,000
- Colonnaded street running through the town
- Two beaches with different characters
Good to know
- Good for
- Those wanting history plus beach
- Distance from Antalya
- About 75 km
- How long
- 1–2 days
- Nearby
- Manavgat Waterfall, Aspendos