Antalya Airport → Side

Side Travel Guide - Ancient Ruins Meet Paradise Beaches

Side perfectly blends 3000 years of history with modern beach resort luxury. This ancient port city on Turkey's Mediterranean coast offers stunning ruins, golden beaches, and authentic Turkish atmosphere—all just 75km from Antalya Airport.

About Side

Founded in the 7th century BC by Greek colonists, Side (pronounced "see-day") served as a major Mediterranean port and later a Roman provincial capital. Today, ancient columns stand alongside modern cafes, creating a unique atmosphere where history and holiday blend seamlessly.

Key Facts

- Location: Manavgat district, 75km east of Antalya

- Airport: 65km from Antalya Airport (60-75 min)

- Population: ~20,000

- Famous For: Temple of Apollo, Roman theater, beaches

- Season: April-November (best: May, June, September)

- Beach: 6km golden sand

- Old Town: Pedestrian-friendly ancient streets

Why Side is Unique

Temple of Apollo

Side's iconic landmark—five marble columns on a promontory over the sea. Built 2nd century AD, spectacularly photogenic at sunset. Free entry, 24/7 access, crowds at golden hour.

Ancient Theater

One of Turkey's largest Roman amphitheaters (15,000-20,000 capacity). Built 2nd century AD, remarkably preserved. Entry ₺50, open 8am-7pm summer. Climb to top for panoramic views.

Old Town Peninsula

Maze of cobblestone streets with boutique hotels, jewelry shops, restaurants, Turkish carpet stores. Evening harbor walk magical with sea breeze and sunset colors.

Side Beaches

East Beach (Side Plajı)

Wide, developed, hotel-lined stretch east of harbor. Family-friendly, excellent facilities, water sports available. Hotels: Sunrise Resort, Roma Beach, Sound & Light.

West Beach (Kumköy)

Longer, mix of public/resort areas. Budget-friendly sunbed rental, connects to Kumköy town (500m). More local atmosphere.

Sorgun Beach (5km east)

Pine forest meets beach—shaded, peaceful, upscale resorts. Hotels: Voyage Sorgun, Sentido Perissia.

Titreyengöl (7km east)

Between lake and sea—unique setting. All-inclusive resort zone. Hotels: Magic Life, Starlight.

History & Ruins

Side Museum: Roman baths converted to museum, statue collection, entry ₺40

Agora: Ancient marketplace ruins, free to explore

City Walls: Byzantine fortifications, great viewpoints

Vespasian Monument: Ornamental gateway

Nymphaeum: Fountain ruins

Things to Do

Manavgat Waterfall (15 min)

Refreshing waterfalls, entry ₺20, restaurant on-site, best visited morning.

Green Canyon Boat Tour

Full-day trip to emerald reservoir, swimming stops, lunch included, €30-40.

Ancient Aspendos (20km)

Best-preserved Roman theater worldwide, entry ₺80, incredible acoustics, hosts concerts.

Water Sports

Jet skiing €40-60/15min, parasailing €50-70, banana boat €15-20, paddleboard €10/hour.

Boat Trips

Manavgat River cruise (half-day €25-30), pirate ship tour (full day €35-45), sunset cruise €20-25.

Dining

Harbor Restaurants

- Ocakbaşı: Turkish grills, sea view, €20-30

- Moonlight: Fresh fish, romantic, €25-40

- Aphrodite: Mediterranean fusion, €20-35

- Liman: Good fish, €15-25

Turkish Specialties

- Pide (Turkish pizza): €5-8

- Lahmacun (thin meat pizza): €2-3

- Fresh fish: €20-30/kg

- Gözleme (filled flatbread): €3-5

- Künefe (dessert): €4-6

Getting to Side

Private Transfer: €35-45, 60-75min direct. Best option—flight tracking, door-to-door, fixed price, 24/7. Book: WhatsApp +90 530 123 4567

Taxi: €70-100, 70-90min, negotiable pricing, unreliable

Shared Shuttle: €8/person, 90-120min with stops

When to Visit

High Season (Jun-Sep): Guaranteed sun, warmest sea (25-28°C), most expensive, crowded

Shoulder (May, Oct): Perfect weather (25-30°C), 30-50% cheaper, less crowded, ideal choice

Low Season (Nov-Apr): Very cheap, empty ruins, mild (15-20°C), sea too cold, many hotels closed

Best times: May or late September-early October

Where to Stay

Luxury (€150-400): Barut Hemera (adults-only), Roma Beach Resort, Silence Beach

Mid-Range (€80-150): Sweet Side Hotel (boutique old town), Defne Star, Azure by Yelken

Budget (€40-80): Lale Park, pensions in old town

Practical Info

Budget per day: Luxury €150-300, mid-range €80-150, budget €40-70

Money: Turkish Lira official, €/$/£ accepted, ATMs plentiful

Language: Turkish official, English widely spoken, Russian common

Safety: Very safe, low crime, tourist police, safe night walking

Book Your Side Transfer: WhatsApp +90 530 123 4567, from €35, 60-75 minutes

Complete Guide: Antalya Airport to Side Transfer

Side combines ancient history with modern beachside comfort, making it one of Turkey's most popular resort destinations. Located approximately 65 km from Antalya Airport, this guide covers everything about your transfer to Side.

About Side

Side (pronounced "See-day") is an ancient Greek port city turned modern resort town. Famous for its remarkably preserved Temple of Apollo, ancient Roman theater, and golden beaches, Side offers a unique blend of history and holiday relaxation.

Side Highlights

- Temple of Apollo: Iconic ruins overlooking the Mediterranean

- Ancient Theatre: One of the largest in Anatolia, still hosting events

- Old Town: Narrow streets, boutique shops, seafood restaurants

- Beaches: Long stretches of golden sand on both east and west

- Manavgat Waterfalls: Popular day trip nearby

Transfer from Antalya Airport to Side

Route Overview

Distance: 65 km

Duration: 60-75 minutes

Route: D400 coastal highway

The journey follows the scenic Mediterranean coast, passing through Belek and Manavgat before reaching Side. The road is modern and well-maintained throughout.

Pricing

| Vehicle | Passengers | Price |

|---------|-----------|-------|

| Economy Van | 1-4 | €35 |

| Business Van | 1-6 | €45 |

| Minibus | 7-10 | €65 |

Side Areas We Cover

Side spans a large area with distinct neighborhoods:

Side Center (Antik Side)

The historic heart with Temple of Apollo, old town bazaar, and harbor-side restaurants. Most hotels here are boutique style.

Kumköy

Northern beach area with large all-inclusive resorts. Popular with families for calm, shallow waters.

Çolaklı

Quiet resort area between Kumköy and Side center. Mix of 4-star and 5-star hotels.

Titreyengöl

Lakeside setting with large resort complexes. Known for peaceful atmosphere.

Sorgun

Premium resort area with pine-forested beaches. Hotels like Voyage Sorgun and Gloria Golf.

Evrenseki

Family-friendly area with mid-range hotels and apartments. Good value option.

Manavgat Center

Town center, 4 km from Side. Useful for those staying in apartments or villas.

What's Included

- Meet & Greet: Driver waits with your name sign

- Direct Route: No stops or other passengers

- Flight Tracking: Adjusted for delays

- Luggage Help: Assistance with bags

- Child Seats: Free on request

- Water: Bottled water provided

Tips for Side Transfers

1. Evening Arrival Recommended: Avoid midday summer heat

2. Share Vehicle Details: Especially for Side old town (narrow streets)

3. Book Return Early: Pick up 3.5 hours before flight

4. Manavgat Falls: Can be visited en route if arranged

Nearby Alternatives

Gazipaşa Airport (GZP): For eastern Side areas, this smaller airport is actually closer (50 km to Alanya direction).

Book Your Side Transfer

Experience the ancient wonders of Side stress-free. Book your private transfer today.

WhatsApp: +90 530 123 4567