Side holidays

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Side holidays

Best hotels in Side

You’ll find the quiet beach village of Side on the Turkish Mediterranean, an hour or so from Antalya. Expect a flawless mix of old and new in this Roman-inspired resort, with its untouched old town and glamorous harbourside; a blend of impressive ancient sights (like the amphitheatre) and chic waterfront restaurants await you.

On both sides of the maze of winding streets are two sandy beaches, which are perfect for relaxing in the sunshine or tackling some high-octane water sports. Holidays to Side are ideal if you want a laid-back break with friends or a loved one, and thanks to those soft, sandy beaches, they’re perfect for family breaks too. 

Things to do

When the hot Turkish sun is beating down, there’s nowhere better than the resort’s long, sandy beaches; and with two of them to choose from, you’ll have to find your favourite. If you can tear yourself away, the old town is well worth a visit. Both day and night, it has a great atmosphere, with bustling bazaars and Turkish restaurants galore.

Just beyond the town limits are its most famous attractions, including the huge ancient amphitheatre. It’s an absolute must for lovers of culture. If you’re a bit of a foodie, then you’re in luck as holidays here give you the perfect opportunity to try the local delicacies. Head to the harbourside restaurants, where they’re serving up tantalising Turkish fare and fresh seafood all day long.  

White Water Rafting

For a great way to see Koprulu Canyon, you should have a go at Old Town. This gem is largely unspoilt, and has a museum of Greco-Roman exhibits and stunning views of the sea. Visiting the Temple of Apollo; the most famous landmark in Side, is an absolute must. It’s also the best place in all of Side to see the incredible sunsets.

Dance the night away

There is always a lot to do when the sun goes down in Side, with many vibrant bars, clubs and restaurants for you to enjoy. You’re sure to find a restaurant with a great view and romantic atmosphere for couples and for the people who want to party until the sun comes up, Side has many vibrant nightclubs which are open all night.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Alanya | Antalya | Beldibi | Belek | Bodrum | Dalaman | Goynuk | Istanbul | Izmir | Kemer | Konakli | Lara Beach

 

Map of Side

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20 ℃

Even in April there’s plenty of sunshine, making this a great destination for a spring break.

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4 hours

Antalya International Airport (AYT).

Types of holidays in Side

Side is best for...

Couples: A charming old town, stunning harbour and laid-back beaches provide a picture-perfect setting for a romantic holiday. Look out for local tavernas for those intimate dinners for two, and walk along the beach hand in hand as the sun sets.

Beach lovers: Twin beaches with soft sand and clear waters are the ideal excuse to just sit back and relax in the sun. Build epic sandcastles with the kids, or just top up your tan with some serious sunbathing.

Sightseers: Take a short stroll from the beach and you’ll find yourself in ancient Side. The old town is home to the towering Roman theatre and Temple of Apollo, making Side holidays great for history buffs.

Fast facts for Side

Language: The language spoken here is Turkish.

Currency: The currency used here is the Turkish Lira.

Local time: Side is 2 hours ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: The transfer time to Side is 1–2 hours. 

Flight time from UK: The Side flight time is 4 hours.

Visas and health: If you’re a British Citizen and you’re travelling to Side for a holiday, you will not need a visa unless you are planning on staying for more than 90 days in a 180-day period. If you need any more advice on Turkey visas, or entry requirements - please visit FCDO website for the latest guidance. 

Holiday destinations related to Side:

 

Getting around Side

By dolmus: Dolmuses (small white minibuses) are a cheap and efficient way to travel on your Side holiday. They’re really handy for a quick shuttle to the beach, as you can hop on and hop off whenever you like.

By taxi: Taxis are readily available and run on a meter. Rates are different during the day and night, they’re generally low-cost for short journeys.

By bus: There’s a bigger bus service connecting the resort to nearby resorts along the coast. Buses are regular, affordable, and perfect for getting to places like Izmir and Istanbul. They’re also a great way to meet the locals and find out more about this region of Turkey, and are perfect if your holiday is on a tight budget.

Events in Side

Arts and culture: The annual Side International Culture and Arts Festival is the biggest event of the year, running in late August/early September. Expect free, open-air concerts, plus jazz and ballroom dancing, in the town’s ancient amphitheatre and Temple of Apollo.

Manavgat Culture and Tourism Festival: Held over in Manavgat (20 minutes’ drive away), this summer festival gets holidaymakers involved in local culture. Enjoy traditional folk music and dancing and delicious Turkish delicacies.

Side weather

Temperature: High 20s (°C) between June and October.

Best time to visit: The cooler months of spring, around April and May.

From April onwards, temperatures are firmly in the early 20s (°C) until they soar to 30°C and above in July. In summer, you can expect up to 12 hours of sun a day, meaning more time on the beach for you and the kids! Sunny weather sticks around well into October, with temperatures in the mid to high-20s (°C). Expect a bit more rain in the winter, but holidays to Side are pretty warm all year round. 

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