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Side holidays
Sitting on the southern Mediterranean, the Turkish resort of Side is perfect for those looking for a quieter holiday. Known for its long beaches and mixture of Greek and Roman ruins, the town blends the modern and old perfectly while remaining quieter than other nearby holiday locations.
- Flight Time
- 4h 35m
- From London
- Currency
- ₺
- Turkish Lira
- Time Zone
- GMT +3h
Getting to Side
Side is located on the southwestern coast of Turkey, on the Mediterranean coast. The nearest airport to Side is the International Antalya Airport (AYT), approximately an hour away from Side. The average flight time from London to Antalya is just over four hours. Speak to one of our lovely travel specialists for all flying options.
Average weather in Side
- Temperature (°C)*
- Rainfall (Inches)*
Holidays in Side
Side's nightlife is well established and varied, catering for all tastes. If you want a chilled, romantic feel then head for the restaurants and bars at the harbour promenade and beachfront; or, if you are at the opposite end of the spectrum and want a buzzing all night party vibe then the town centre and Western beach area is for you.
Some of our favourites include Kiss Bar in Old Town, great for people watching, and the hidden gem, Mehmet’s Bar, where laid back blues and reggae music is best enjoyed on its patio with stunning views of the town. If it’s a bit of fun and karaoke you are craving then we recommend Lush Restaurant and bar which will not disappoint, nor will The Castle Pub, which is also a great place to catch those all-important live sports.
For those seeking a party then it has to be the open-air Lighthouse Club Side, a little pricey, but with stunning views over the Apollo Temple and impressive DJ sets it is well worth the outlay.
Indulge your taste buds in Side, the ultimate haven for a culinary adventure. Whether you're into traditional Turkish meaty delights, gluten-free goodness, or mouthwatering vegan options, this place has it all. eafood lovers can't miss the Q Beach Restaurant and Bar at Evrenseki, where the open-air dining area complements the locally caught fish perfectly. For a more boutique vibe, hit up Old Town and its charming harbour. Our top picks are Side House Café & Bar and Karma, serving up a delightful mix of contemporary and traditional dishes. Karma is especially known for its mouthwatering châteaubriand steak. And let's not forget the locals' favourites – Dedem Kasap Cizbiz, a butcher’s shop with affordable meat dishes, and Tas Konak, famous for its delicious Turkish breakfasts. Your taste buds are in for a treat!
As Side's popularity has soared, so has its tourist scene, and that includes shopping. The options are endless – from locally crafted gems to fancy designer brands, you'll find it all. There are at least five big malls all strolling distance from each other, plus numerous markets and cute little boutique stalls. Since similar shops cosy up next to each other, hold off on buying from the first spot you hit. And here's the secret: never settle for the first price – haggling is the name of the game, and trust us, the seller won't be losing out. Just a heads-up, some goods might not be what they seem, and the knock-offs can be seriously good quality. So, it's all up to you and your comfort level. Throw on your poker face, hit the Side shops, snag some deals, and enjoy the ride!
Activities in Side
Southern Turkey's Side is a top pick for active holiday enthusiasts. Dive into a range of water-based adventures, from classic swims to snorkeling. Test your skills in diving or windsurfing, embark on a fishing escapade, or unwind on a leisurely boat trip. If you're feeling more land-bound, explore the ancient charm of this port town with its plethora of historic Greek and Roman sites. Side offers a dynamic blend of aquatic thrills and historical treasures, promising a holiday that caters to your every active whim.
Watersports
Diving in Side
Side is a great diving location for both experienced divers and those wishing to explore this underwater activity for the first time. All the best dive spots are nearby taking a maximum of fifteen minutes to reach. Many dive centres offer expert qualified tuition and also equipment hire and dive excursions range from all day trips on large boats to smaller parties aiming to take in one dive site at a time. Whatever your preference, the dive opportunities are superb. Swim down to the first underwater museum in Europe, where 110 statues have been placed in a series of displays on the ocean floor or dive a little deeper to a wreck sent 25m below the waves in 2008. Other alternatives include a reef and Camel Road, where life-size statues and horses share space with a vast array of natural marine life. Oh, and before we go, did we mention the chance to swim alongside the 300lbs caretta caretta turtles that live around the region? What’s not to like?
Surfing in Side
While Side boasts the generally calm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, it's not particularly renowned for surfing. However, if you're into some novice board activities, you can find some options. For a more robust surfing experience, your best bet is to head 25 km east to Alanya. There, you'll discover a couple of surf spots that cater to beginners, offering a more exciting experience for those seeking a surf-worthy adventure.
Windsurfing & kitesurfing in Side
Side itself does not have a strong windsurfing culture, as conditions tend to be too calm. However, several great destinations are close by that offer ideal mixtures of wind and choppy seas. Antalya is situated on the curve of a large bay and is sheltered from the main winds that are prevalent in the region, making it an ideal place to learn to windsurf and many schools provide equipment and tuition. For more experienced surfers the small seaside town of Patara is a must, with its 18 km of undeveloped beach and high waves. Further along the coast, Damlatas Beach and Fetiyhe are both cosmopolitan areas that boast good winds and great waves providing perfect conditions for enjoying this exhilarating sport.
Sailing in Side
With calm seas and a multitude of bays, hiring a catamaran or yacht and sailing into the sunset is a wonderful experience, but for us, the best opportunity to explore this beautiful region while also having fun is to opt for an organised boat trip. Dolphin Island Boat Trip will transport you to the mouth of the river Manavgat, visiting Dolphin Island and providing glimpses of river turtles and dolphins on the way. There are plenty of swimming stops, including the chance to swim in the shadow of the Temple of Apollo. Manavgat Boat Trip offers a similar experience but focuses more on the river, takes in the popular waterfall and provides a chance to shop at the local marketplace. Finally, we must mention the fun that is the Big Kral Boat Trip. This ship is spread out over three decks and can accommodate 400 passengers, all intent on having a good time in its foam party disco, luxury restaurants and copious bars. Big Kral has recently been joined by Last King, expanding the fun to four decks and hosting up to 1000 guests.
Fishing in Side
Side has a well-deserved reputation for some great fishing and is well served by many professional charter companies that will take you to the best spots and make sure that you won’t come back with an empty keep net. Whatever your level of skill, the thrill of outwitting a large fish, landing it on the boat and then serving it for dinner never goes away. Your day will typically begin with collection from your hotel and transport to the harbour to join your boat. All equipment will be explained and your experienced skipper will use the latest technology to guide you to the most populated areas ensuring that you should land something every twenty minutes or so. The trip will also include opportunities for sunbathing and swimming for those not fishing and also food and drinks will be served.
Canoeing & kayaking in Side
Fancy something a little different for the day? Try canoeing during your trip to Side. While not the most popular pastime in the area, several options allow you to explore this beautiful region from a different perspective. Join a sea kayaking tour, and you will be taken on a sedate coastal journey discovering hidden coves and caves, all under the guidance of an expert instructor. For something a little more thrilling, you can try white-water canoeing along the canyons and rivers of the nearby National Park. Whatever you choose, you will be guaranteed to have a great time, whilst also getting a little exercise.
Land activities
Golf in Side
Side itself doesn’t have any golfing opportunities, but a two-hour drive away is the golfing paradise of Belek with 11 international standard courses, all set within a complex of five-star hotels and fine dining experiences. Many of the courses have been designed by professional golfers, such as the Montgomerie Maxx Royal Golf Course or the Cornelia De Luxe Resort created by Nick Faldo. Some of the courses have been used for PGA championships, such as Antalya Golf Club, where you can swing your clubs on the same holes as famous players like Tiger Woods, Rory Mcllroy and Lee Westwood. Whatever course you choose rest assured that you will be playing golf in stunning surroundings, whilst experiencing first class facilities and levels of service.
Cycling & mountain biking in Side
The areas around Side are ideal for cycling with good roads, challenging climbs and outstanding views. Cycling is a perfect way to discover the delights of this part of Turkey at a leisurely and guilt free pace and with stunning routes along the Mediterranean coastline right on the doorstep, Side is the perfect base from which to start your two wheeled adventures. Cycling can be enjoyed all year round, but the Side area is particularly popular in the cooler months and many hotels remain open with very reasonable packages on offer. Turkey encourages cycling, with trail and route maps being available for free from most tourist information offices.
Walking & hiking in Side
The area around Side is filled with stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, mountains, lakes, canyons and national parks making it an ideal place to enjoy walking and hiking. Walk around the ancient city of Termessos at the foot of Mount Solymos to step in the footsteps of Alexander the Great or follow the route taken by ancient traders along the 560 km Lycian Way. Alternatively take a strenuous hike up Mount Olympus for impressive views or try a gentler stroll along the Mediterranean coast, stopping at picture perfect fishing villages where you can enjoy some well-earned refreshments in a local taverna.
