About Side
Side is a cosy resort with snow-white beaches and the columns of the Roman Temple of Apollo standing on the shore. Perfect for romance and a cultural break. It suits couples, families, and history buffs. The best time to visit is May–October. Midsummer daytime highs average around 35 °C with sea temperatures near 28 °C. July dew point sits near 21 °C — useful context if you are sensitive to humid heat.
Side is a small peninsula where history is literally lapped by the sea. On the very tip stand the famous columns of the Roman Temple of Apollo from the 2nd century AD (around 150 AD, the Pax Romana era under emperor Antoninus Pius) — the best spot in Turkey to watch the sunset.
The town of Side itself is much older: it was founded by Greek colonists in the 7th century BC. The beaches are split into the western (long, sandy, gentle entry — for families) and the eastern (more youthful). The town is pedestrian: Roman amphitheatre, agora and aqueducts everywhere, side by side with modern restaurants and shops.
The vibe is calmer than in Antalya or Alanya. People love Side for being relaxed and culturally rich at the same time.
Beaches & things to do
Plan around the numbers: May highs around 26 °C with sea near 22 °C; July peaks near 35 °C / sea 28 °C; October still offers roughly 26 °C air and 24 °C water for many swimmers. Rain-day counts rise again from November (≈8 days). Shoulder months usually mean easier hotel rates and more pleasant daytime walks than midsummer.
- Temple of Apollo and sunsets
- Ancient amphitheatre
- Long Side and Kumköy beaches
- Manavgat waterfall
- Walks through the old town
How to get to Side
Most visitors reach Side via Antalya Airport (AYT) — 1 hour. Pre-booked hotel transfers are common in high season; licensed taxis and shared shuttles cover the same routes. Build buffer time if you arrive on a late evening flight in peak July–August traffic.
Beach character: Fine sand. Bring water shoes if the shore is pebbly; sandy entries are gentler for small children and older travellers.
Frequently asked questions about Side
Is Side good for families?
Side suits families. Expect fine sand, family hotels and easy day trips — a strong first choice with children planning a first holiday on Turkey’s Mediterranean or Aegean coast. Check the climate table on this page before you lock school-holiday dates.
When is the sea warmest in Side?
Sea temperature in Side peaks in July–August around 28 °C and stays swim-friendly into September (~27 °C). The most comfortable windows for heat-sensitive travellers are May–June and September–October, when daytime highs are milder than midsummer’s ~35 °C.
Is Side suitable if I have hypertension or asthma?
Side offers gentle entry into the sea — comfortable for older travellers and kids. Gentle sandy entries make Side comfortable for older travellers and children when heat is moderated. This is advisory only — consult your doctor before travelling with chronic conditions.
How do I get to Side?
Side is reached via Antalya Airport (AYT) — 1 hour. From the airport, most hotels arrange transfers; taxis and shared shuttles are widely available in season. Allow buffer time for July–August traffic on the coast road.
