Best Things to Do in Side, Türkiye: Attractions, Boat Trips & Excursions

Why Side Works for Almost Every Kind of Holiday

Side sits on a small peninsula on Türkiye's Mediterranean coast, about an hour's drive east of Antalya Airport. Its old town grew up among the ruins of an ancient harbour city – Roman columns stand beside cafés, and the main street leads straight to a temple by the sea.

Around the peninsula you'll find long sandy beaches with shallow water. Inland, the Manavgat River, the Taurus Mountains and some of the region's best-known excursions are all within easy reach. That mix is what makes Side so popular: you can spend one day exploring history, the next on a boat, and the evening at a harbour restaurant – without changing hotels.

This guide covers the best things to do in Side and explains which activities suit which kind of traveller, so you can plan your days before you arrive.

Top Things to Do in Side at a Glance

If you only have a few days, start with these:

• Walk through the ancient city of Side and watch the sunset at the Temple of Apollo

• Spend a day on Side's beaches, either side of the old town

• Take a Manavgat River boat trip down to the sea

• Visit Manavgat Waterfall, a short drive from the centre

• See the Roman theatre at Aspendos, one of the best-preserved in the world

• Go rafting in Köprülü Canyon or join a jeep safari in the Taurus Mountains

• Cruise the Green Canyon, a turquoise lake surrounded by mountains

Below, you'll find more detail on each of these, plus other Side attractions worth your time.

Historical and Cultural Attractions in Side

The Ancient City of Side

Side was founded more than 2,500 years ago, and its name is usually said to mean "pomegranate" in the old Anatolian language spoken here. The city became a wealthy port in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, and much of what you see today dates from Roman times.

What makes Side special is that the ruins are not separate from the town – they are part of it. As you walk in from the main entrance, you pass the monumental fountain (Nymphaeum) and the old city gate, then follow a colonnaded street into the old town. Most of the old town is pedestrianised, so it's easy and pleasant to explore on foot.

Best for: first-time visitors, history lovers, couples

The Temple of Apollo at Sunset

The Temple of Apollo stands at the very tip of the peninsula, right by the water. Only a few white marble columns have been re-erected, but the setting – with the sea on three sides – is striking.

Sunset here is one of the most photographed moments in the Antalya region, so arrive a little early if you want a good spot. It's an easy walk from the harbour, which makes it a natural start to an evening in the old town.

The Ancient Theatre

Side's Roman theatre is one of the largest in the region. Built in the 2nd century AD, it could seat an estimated 15,000–20,000 spectators. From the upper rows you get a wide view over the old town and the coast. The theatre is a ticketed site, and opening hours change with the season, so check before you go.

Side Museum

The small Side Museum is housed in a restored Roman bath building. It displays statues, reliefs and sarcophagi found in and around the ancient city. It's a good choice for a hot afternoon and helps the ruins make more sense.

Day Trip: Aspendos and Perge

If you enjoy ancient sites, Aspendos is well worth a half-day trip. Less than an hour west of Side, its Roman theatre is famous for its excellent state of preservation and is still used for performances, including a summer opera and ballet festival.

Many excursions combine Aspendos with Perge, a large Roman city closer to Antalya, or with a waterfall visit – a full day of culture without the need to rent a car.

Best for: travellers interested in history and culture, photographers

Side Beaches and Water Activities

Beaches in and Around Side

Side has two main beaches, one on each side of the peninsula, often called the East Beach and the West Beach. Both are sandy with a gentle slope into the sea, which is why Side is a favourite with families.

The coast continues in both directions with long hotel beaches:

• Kumköy – to the west, with a long sandy shoreline and plenty of cafés

• Çolaklı and Evrenseki – further west, quieter and mostly lined with resorts

• Sorgun and Titreyengöl – to the east towards Manavgat, with beaches backed by pine forest

Water Sports

On the busier beaches you'll find operators offering:

• Parasailing

• Jet skiing

• Banana boat and ringo rides

• Canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding

Several dive centres in the area also run "try dive" sessions for beginners and trips for certified divers. Always ask about qualifications and safety equipment before booking any water activity.

Best for: families, groups of friends, travellers looking for a relaxing beach holiday

Side Boat Trips and Excursions

Boat trips are among the most popular Side excursions. They're relaxing, suitable for most ages, and show you a different side of the coast.

Manavgat River Boat Trip

This classic trip follows the Manavgat River down to where it meets the Mediterranean. Along the way you pass green riverbanks and fishing boats, and most trips include swimming time at the river-mouth beach and lunch on board. Some combine the cruise with a stop at the large weekly market in Manavgat town.

Good to know: it's a slow, easy-going day with very little walking – a good choice for families and older travellers.

Coastal Boat Trips and Pirate Boats

Sea boat trips from Side and Manavgat harbour stop at several swimming spots along the coast. "Pirate boat" tours are especially popular with children: the boats are decorated as pirate ships, and there's usually music, games and a foam party on board.

If you prefer a quieter day, ask whether the boat is a party-style trip or a relaxing cruise before you book.

Green Canyon Boat Trip

The Green Canyon is a mountain lake formed by the Oymapınar Dam, inland from Manavgat. The boat trip takes you across emerald-green water between steep, forested cliffs, with swimming stops and lunch included on most tours. It's a great alternative for travellers who want scenery rather than beach crowds.

Best for: couples, families, nature lovers

Longer Excursions from Side

Side is also a starting point for longer trips:

• Pamukkale – the white travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis. This is a very long day trip, so an overnight option is more comfortable.

• Cappadocia – usually offered as a 2- or 3-day package, with the option of a hot-air balloon flight.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Manavgat Waterfall

Manavgat Waterfall is a few kilometres north of Manavgat town. It's wide rather than tall – the river drops over a broad rocky ledge – and the shaded paths and cafés beside it make it a pleasant, short stop. Many river boat trips and city tours include it, so you may not need a separate visit.

Rafting in Köprülü Canyon

Köprülü Canyon National Park is one of the best adventure day trips from Side. Guided rafting tours run down the Köprüçay River through a deep, pine-covered canyon. Most routes are suitable for beginners: guides give a safety briefing and handle the steering, and there are calm sections where you can swim.

Along the way you'll also see the old Roman stone bridge that crosses the canyon. Minimum ages differ between operators, so check before booking if you're travelling with children.

Best for: adventure seekers, groups of friends, active families

Jeep Safari in the Taurus Mountains

A jeep safari takes you off the coastal roads and up into the Taurus Mountains, through villages, forest tracks and viewpoints. Tours usually include a lunch stop and a swim in a river or lake. It's bumpy and dusty – which is part of the fun – but not ideal for anyone with back problems.

Quad and Buggy Safaris

For something shorter, quad and buggy safaris run on dirt tracks near Side. They typically last a few hours and are easy to fit around a beach day.

Best for: adventure seekers, groups of friends

Family Activities in Side

Side is one of the easiest places on the Turkish Riviera for a holiday with children. Distances are short, the beaches are shallow, and many excursions are designed with families in mind.

Popular family activities in Side include:

• Beach days on the East or West Beach, where the water stays shallow for a good distance

• Pirate boat trips, with music and games on board

• Manavgat River boat trips – relaxed, with little walking

• The Land of Legends theme park in Belek, between Side and Antalya, with rides, a water park and an evening show

• Antalya Aquarium, known for its long walk-through tunnel – a good plan for a very hot day or a day with rough seas

Tip for families: choose morning excursions in July and August, and keep the afternoon for the pool or beach. Midday heat can be tiring for small children.

Evenings and Nightlife in Side

Side's nightlife is relaxed rather than wild – if you want big clubs, Alanya is the livelier option. In Side, a typical evening looks like this:

• Watching the sunset at the Temple of Apollo

• Dinner at a harbour or old-town restaurant – fresh fish, meze and grilled dishes

• Walking through the old town's shops, which stay open late in summer

• A drink at one of the bars around the harbour and the main street

In summer, an evening performance at the Aspendos theatre is a memorable option if the programme is running during your stay.

Best for: couples, relaxed evenings, travellers who prefer atmosphere to parties

Relaxing Activities in Side

Not every holiday day needs a plan. For a slower day:

• Visit a Turkish bath (hammam) – a traditional hammam includes steam, a body scrub and a foam massage. Many hotels have their own, and there are independent hammams in the Side area.

• Shop in the old town for Turkish delight, spices, textiles, ceramics and leather goods.

• Spend an afternoon at a beach club or a quiet cove away from the main hotel strip.

Which Side Activity Is Right for You?

Practical Tips for Visiting Side

• Best time to visit: May–June and September–October are warm, with smaller crowds. July and August are very hot, so plan sightseeing for the morning or late afternoon.

• Getting around: the old town is mostly pedestrianised. Most excursions include hotel pickup from Side and the surrounding resort areas – ask about pickup when you book.

• Book popular tours in advance in peak season, especially rafting and Green Canyon trips.

• What to bring: sun protection, water, a hat and comfortable shoes for the ruins; swimwear and a towel for boat and rafting days.

• Check what's included: lunch, transfers, entrance fees and optional extras vary between tours – read the details before you compare prices.

• Respect the sites: don't climb on fragile ruins, and follow any signs at the theatre and temple.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Side, Turkey best known for?

Side is best known for its ancient ruins inside the town – especially the Temple of Apollo and the Roman theatre – and for its long sandy beaches.

How many days do you need in Side?

Three to four days is enough to see the ancient city, enjoy the beaches and take two excursions. With a week, you can add Aspendos, rafting, the Green Canyon and a relaxing beach day or two.

Is Side good for families?

Yes. The beaches have shallow water, distances are short, and there are many family-friendly excursions, from pirate boat trips to theme parks and aquariums.

What is the most popular excursion from Side?

The Manavgat River boat trip is one of the most popular, along with rafting in Köprülü Canyon and the Green Canyon boat trip.

Final Thoughts

Few Mediterranean resorts let you swim in the morning, walk through Roman streets in the afternoon and watch the sun set behind an ancient temple – all in one day. That's what makes Side special.

Choose one or two excursions that match your travel style, leave time for the beach, and save at least one evening for the old town. When you're ready, compare Side tours on Maxtoria to find the right boat trip, adventure or day out for your holiday.