Events Next Year

Situated right on the edge of the peninsula's harbor, the remaining towering Corinthian columns of the Temple of Apollo are the defining postcard image of Side.

Pro Tip: Go about an hour before sunset. The white marble glows brilliant shades of orange and pink against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.

Unlike many ancient theaters built into hillsides, Side’s massive Roman theater was constructed on freestanding arches, making it an architectural marvel of its time. It could historically hold around 15,000 spectators and was used for both dramatic plays and gladiator battles.

Side's Roman Theater. Quelle: Acanthus Cennet Barut Collection

Housed inside a beautifully restored 5th-century Roman bath complex, this museum contains a dense and impressive collection of statues, sarcophagi, and coins excavated directly from the surrounding ruins. It provides great context before you walk the rest of the old town.

🌊 Nature & Adventure Activities

Explore Manavgat Waterfall & River

Just a few kilometers inland lies the Manavgat River. While the waterfall itself is low and wide rather than towering, the rushing turquoise waters are incredibly refreshing.

What to do: Take a river boat cruise starting from Manavgat down to where the cold river water empties into the warm Mediterranean Sea. Most tours stop at a sandy spit of land where you can swim in both fresh and saltwater simultaneously.

Relax on the Dual Beaches

Side splits into two main beach stretches:

West Beach: Shallow, calm waters with a long pedestrian promenade lined with hotels and restaurants. It is highly popular for families and water sports.

East Beach: Somewhat wilder, more relaxed, and bordered by historical dunes and ruins. It is ideal if you prefer a quieter day on the sand.

Activity / Attraction Best Time of Day Ideal For

Temple of Apollo Sunset (6:30 PM - 8:30 PM) Photography, couples

Side Ancient Theater Morning (Avoid the midday heat) History buffs, families

Manavgat Boat Tour Mid-day (11:00 AM - 4:00 PM) Nature lovers, swimming

Old Town Shopping Night (8:00 PM - 11:00 PM) Souvenirs, dining, nightlife

💡 Practical Tips for Visiting

Getting Around: Side’s old town peninsula is heavily pedestrianized. You can easily take local mini-buses (called dolmuş) from nearby Manavgat or surrounding resort areas directly to the entrance of the ancient ruins.

Beating the Heat: If visiting between June and August, temperatures routinely cross 35°C (95°F). Plan your ruin-exploring for early morning or late evening, and spend the middle of the day at the beach or in air-conditioned museums.

Currency: While Euros and British Pounds are widely accepted in resorts, keep some Turkish Lira (TL) on hand for small vendors, museum entry fees, and public transport.