side

Side and things to know about Side holidays

If you have any questions about Side that you can't find the answers to on this page, please let us know. We'll be happy to help you.

Are you looking for activities to enjoy while you're in Side, Turkey? From historical monuments and beaches to water sports and nature walks, Side has a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, this popular coastal town has something for everyone.

This is a long blog post. And we're constantly updating it and adding additional information. Our aim is to help foreign holidaymakers, especially those who are foreign, have an enjoyable (problem-free) holiday experience. Worth reading!

Is Side a beautiful and enjoyable place to holiday?

Yes, Side is a great holiday resort for everyone, and for families with children. However, Side is a holiday resort that offers great opportunities not only for families with children, but for all types of tourists. With its West and East, and its wonderful high-quality hotels to suit everyone, Side offers great holiday opportunities for everyone from 7 to 70.

Where is Side?

Side is located 45 km east of Antalya airport and a few km west of Manavgat town. It is 75 km away from Antalya city. Alanya is 65 km east of Side. The world famous Manavgat waterfall, which attracts nearly 2 million visitors every year, is 12 km away from Side.

What is the weather like in Side?

Side summers are quite hot and humid. The air temperature reaches 45 degrees in summer. High humidity in summer makes the heat felt more. However, it is not very cold in winter. Side has a typical Mediterranean climate. Side experiences its coldest days in December and January and a little bit in February. Side's winter weather is not harsh unless there is a northerly wind. Side's annual average air temperature is 18.7 degrees Celsius.

Which airport should you fly to to go to Side?

The closest airport to Side is Antalya Airport, which is 55 km away from Side. Also, Gazipaşa Airport, 100 km east of Side and 35 km from Alanya, is also suitable for Side. Antalya Airport is used for arrivals and departures with a rate of almost 100% for Side holidays.

What kind of place is Side?

The name Side comes from the ancient Side peninsula. The ancient Side peninsula is a settlement connected to the town of Manavgat. There are small hotels on the ancient Side peninsula. It is not even 1% of Side's touristic capacity. The main touristic capacity of Side is outside the ancient Side peninsula, on the west and east sides. The ancient Side peninsula is a cute village with small hotels, a small harbor, restaurants and bars, and many shops. With its small hotels and bungalows, this ancient peninsula is where the first tourism activities in the Side region began in the 80s.

There are long beaches to the east and west of Side. There are hundreds of large hotels along the long coastline on the east and west sides of Side.

How many regions is Side divided into?

On the west side of Side, along the coast, there are 4 touristic resorts as the main touristic capacity of Side: Kumköy (5 km from Side), Evrenseki (7 km from Side), Çolaklı (9 km from Side) and Gündoğdu (10 km from Side). 5 km east of Side are Sorgun and Titreyengöl resorts. Further east, on the Alanya road, on the coast are Kızılağaç and Kızılot resorts. The touristic bed capacity of Side with all its resorts is approximately 300 thousand people. In other words, the population of Side and its surroundings increases by approximately 300 thousand people in the summer.

How is transportation between the resorts in Side provided?

Transportation is provided by small local minibuses called "Dolmuş" in Side and its surroundings. Each region has its own minibus "Dolmuş" line. You can go to Side from each region by "Dolmuş". The name of the region it belongs to and the hotels are written on the windshield of each "Dolmuş". The "dolmuş" fare is approximately 1 Euro per person. Another transportation in Side is provided by taxis. Each district has its own taxi stands. You can pay for the "dolmuş" fare and many other small payments in Euro coins.

In the summer season, the Dolmuş operate more frequently during the day. They operate much more frequently on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays (market days). After 10 o'clock at night, the number of Dolmuş services decreases. In the winter season, the number of Dolmuş services is much less frequent, but on market days, the Dolmuş operates at somewhat frequent intervals in the morning and evening during the winter season.

Distances from Side

Side to Gündoğdu region: 12 km (by Minibus or taxi)

Side to Manavgat (market): 5 km (by Minibus or taxi)

Side to Kumköy: 4 km (by Minibus or taxi or walking from the beach)

Side to Evrenseki: 7 km (by Minibus or taxi or walking from the beach)

Side to Çolaklı: 11 km (by Minibus or taxi)

Side to Alanya: 70 km (by Minibus + Bus or taxi or car rental)

Side to Antalya: 75 km (by Minibus + Bus or taxi or car rental)

Side to Belek: 50 km (by Minibus + Car by bus or taxi or car rental)

Side to Kemer: 115 km (By Dolmus + Bus + Dolmus or taxi or car rental)

Where is Manavgat?

Manavgat town is located 5 km northeast of Side. Manavgat River passes through the middle of Manavgat town, and Manavgat waterfall is 7 km north of the town. Manavgat is the town to which Side is administratively affiliated. Side is affiliated to Manavgat, and Manavgat is affiliated to Antalya province. The population of Manavgat town is approximately 250 thousand. 25 years ago, the population was 70 thousand.

In Manavgat town, a large public bazaar is held on Mondays east of the river, and on Thursdays west of the river.

How to get from Side to Manavgat?

You can go to Manavgat from all touristic resorts of Side by "Dolmus" (local minibus). The fee is approximately 1 Euro per person. There are "Dolmuş" services from every region every 10 minutes.

Is tap water drunk in hotels in Side?

The vast majority of people living around Side drink tap water. Side's tap water is filtered from 20 meters below the Manavgat River and reaches Side. Most tourists do not drink tap water. The vast majority of people living in Manavgat also drink tap water.

What currency is used in Side?

Any currency can be used in Side. Many tourists come with Turkish Lira when they come. All currencies are valid except Russian rubles. Every store and restaurant accepts foreign currencies. Euro coins are also valid. It is possible to see TL, Euro and even Dollar prices everywhere. In many stores, you will only see Euro and Dollar prices. In order to pay TL, you need to calculate the daily exchange rate.

Are there ATM cash machines in Side?

Yes, it is possible to find ATMs everywhere in Side. There are ATMs in all towns and it is possible to withdraw foreign currency from many ATMs.

Are ATM cash machines safe in Side?

Yes, they are safe, but never accept help from people who come to you at an ATM with the appearance of helping you, and leave immediately! Most ATMs are in crowded places, but it is still useful to be careful when withdrawing money from an ATM.

Are the streets in Side safe?

Yes, the bazaars and streets in Side and all the surrounding tourist towns are safe to walk on. There are long bazaars around hotels almost everywhere.

Are the town of Manavgat and its bazaars safe?

Yes, it is quite safe. There has been almost no security problem with tourists to date. The people of Manavgat and the shopkeepers in the bazaars always help tourists.

Is there a large public bazaar in Side?

Yes, every Saturday, a large bazaar is set up in front of the large Side mosque, 1 km north of the Side peninsula, and it attracts great attention from tourists.

How to get to Manavgat Waterfall in Side?

There are 3 ways to go to Manavgat Waterfall from Side, from any touristic resort:

1- First go to Manavgat by "Dolmuş", And from inside Manavgat town, or from the large "dolmuş" station of Manavgat, you should get on the Manavgat Waterfall "Dolmuş". So, from Side, you can go to Manavgat Waterfall by changing 2 "Dolmuş". You can find a "Dolmuş" from everywhere, every 15-20 minutes. In low seasons, you can wait a little long at the "Dolmuş" stops.

2- You can go by taxi.

3- You can see the Manavgat waterfall by joining the "Manavgat Bazaar, Boat Tour on the Manavgat River and Manavgat Waterfall" tour organized on Mondays and Thursdays from excursionnest. If you choose from excursionnest, you will get 3 out of 1.

Is it safe to shop in Side and Manavgat?

Yes, but it is recommended to be a little careful about prices everywhere. Always, everywhere, calculate the prices and the total amount you will pay carefully. Also pay attention to the change you will receive. It is recommended to shop from places that seem clean.

Are there any dangerous sea creatures in the seas of Side? Are there sharks in the seas of Side?

No, such a thing has never been seen so far. Sometimes sharks get caught in the nets of fishermen in the open sea, far off the coast of Side, but sharks have never been seen on the shores of Side. There are no other harmful creatures that can harm people in the seas of Side.

Can we swim with dolphins in Side?

Yes, you can swim with dolphins in Side. Excursionnest organizes dolphin and sea lion shows and dolphin swimming tours 7 days a week. You can make your dolphin swimming dream come true by joining this tour.

Are there dolphins in the Side seas?

Yes, there are dolphins in the Side seas. If you join the "dolphin island boat tour" with Excursionnest, you can see dolphins circling around your boat in the sea. You can also see the caretta caretta sea turtles on the Side dolphin island boat tour.

How can we get from Side to Alanya?

There are 3 ways to do this:

1- Join the Alanya city tour from Excursionnest (Wednesday ba, Friday and Sunday)

2- Take a local Dolmuş from your hotel to Manavgat, then take the Alanya bus. It is possible to find a local bus to Alanya every 10 minutes.

3- By taxi (naturally, it is expensive)

Is paragliding done in Side?

No, there are no hills around Side high enough to paraglide. You need to go to Alanya for the nearest paragliding. excursionnest organizes paragliding tours from Side to Alanya.

Are there fishing tours in Side?

Yes, excursionnest organizes fishing tours by boat with all equipment and pick-up and drop-off from all hotels in Side and the surrounding area.

Is it possible to book a tour on the beaches of Side?

There are unauthorized people who book tours on the beaches, and it is illegal for these people to accept reservations. There is no insurance for tour reservations accepted by unauthorized people on the beaches. Some of these people make your tour reservation on the beach, take your money and then disappear. Water sports on the beaches are also not authorized to accept tour reservations.

Always make your tour reservations in Side and everywhere from legal and authorized tour offices.

Yellow taxis cannot make tours and excursions!

You may see a "tour program" sign at yellow taxi stands in Side. Yellow taxis can only pick you up from one place and take you to another (transfer), they cannot make tours and excursions. It is not legal for yellow taxis to make tours and excursions.

We are going to go on holiday in Side, can we make the tour reservation when we arrive in Side?

We do not recommend this. The earlier you make your tour reservation, the better it will be for you. Last minute options are not available for some tours. Secure your place by making an early reservation. In excursionnest, you will receive a full refund of the deposit you have paid for cancellations up to 48 hours.

How can I get from Antalya airport to Side?

There are 3 ways to do this:

1- By taxi (a bit expensive)

2- With the private airport transfer service provided by excursionnest (prices are very reasonable)

3- Take the 600 bus from Antalya Airport to Antalya bus station, and from there take the buses going to Side.

While walking on the road in Side, I suddenly had a health problem, what should I do?

The tradesmen and employees around you will support you immediately in this regard. The private hospital network in Side is quite good, and all private hospitals have cooperation agreements with European insurance companies. If you have valid insurance, you will receive high-level health services in Side without making any payments.

Can I use my credit card in stores in Side?

Yes, it is very safe. You can safely pay with your credit card in stores. However, pay attention to the prices, the amount you will pay, and the amount you pay on the payment receipt.

Which foreign language is spoken in Side?

Everyone in Side and its surroundings knows a little German and English. However, this is quite weak. If necessary, there is always someone who speaks German or English at your location, and they will support you immediately. However, many people will try to help you through the translation service of their mobile phone.

How are the Covid-19 measures in Side?

We cannot say very good, but we can say that it is sufficient. It is recommended that you always pay attention to cleanliness and hygiene everywhere. It would be very good to always wear a mask everywhere. And it is recommended that you wash your hands frequently and use 80-degree cologne liquid for disinfection. It is mandatory to have disinfectant liquid in every workplace.

What should I do if I have a problem in the Side and Manavgat bazaars?

First of all, you will not have such a problem easily. All workplaces always help tourists. If you still have a problem, the Manavgat municipality police will support you. Phone number: 153

Antalya Airport and Side

Antalya Airport is not the only airport in Antalya for a Side holiday. Another airport is Gazipaşa Airport, which is 35 km from Alanya and 100 km from Side. Gazipaşa Airport is too small to be compared to Antalya Airport, but it is open to international flights. Antalya Airport is used for 99% of the holidays in Side. This is the case for both tour operators and individual holidaymakers. The distance between Side and Antalya Airport is 65 km. The two-lane D400 road between Antalya Airport and Side offers a very good and comfortable journey. The same road also goes to Alanya. Transfer vehicles usually do not make a break between Antalya and Side. Only some transfer vehicles of tour operators make a short break on the way. When it comes to Side holiday destination, a little explanation is needed on this subject. Side takes its name from the historical peninsula. There are small hotels and guesthouses on this historical peninsula. The large hotels are outside this historical peninsula. On the west side of Side, in order of westward, there are Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı and Gündoğdu hotel regions. Side and Side's tastes The distances between the provincial regions are as follows:

Side to Kumköy 4km

Side to Evrenseki 6 - 7 km

Side to Çolaklı 11 km

Side to Gündoğdu 12 km

This means that the hotels in the Gündoğdu region are 55 km away from Antalya airport.

On the east side of Side, there are Sorgun and Titreyengöl hotels in pine forests. This is approximately 3 to 5 km from Side. This means that this holiday area is 70 km away from Antalya airport. Further east of this region, there are Kızılağaç and Kızılot holiday areas 12 km away from Side. The hotels in these regions are 85 km away from Antalya airport. In short, Side is not only Side but also a large area of ​​25 km with the surrounding holiday resorts.

How far away were the forest fires from Side hotels, did they cause any damage to the hotels, is it risky to vacation in Side?

The forest fires occurred in the mountainous areas of Side. The fire did not affect Side hotels in any way. The fire did not come close to Side hotels or holiday resorts. Forest fires do not pose a risk to holidays in Side. In addition, the forest fires have been extinguished. There are currently approximately 300 thousand people living in the Side and Manavgat region, including tourists from Germany, the Balkans and Russia.

Is natural gas used in Side?

No, Side is not yet included in the natural gas network. Large hotels have liquefied bulk gas tanks and bulk gas is used. These tanks are located far from the accommodation units in the hotels. Hotels use liquefied bulk gas for cooking and heating purposes.

How much is beer in Türkiye?

The price of a bottled beer (50 cl) in restaurants and bars in Side is approximately 3 - 3.5 euros. The price of a bottled beer is the same for a 50 cl beer as for a draft beer. Salty snacks are offered free of charge with beer in some restaurants and bars. Alcohol consumption is prohibited in parks and open areas in Türkiye, but this ban is not very much enforced. Legal action is taken against those who disturb people while drunk.

How far is Suluada from Side?

Suluada, known as the Maldives of Türkiye, is 169 km away from Side. Unfortunately, there is no Suluada tour from Side. Suluada tours are held every day from Antalya Lara, Kundu, Kaleici, city center and Konyaalti hotels.

How many km are Pamukkale and Cappadocia from Side?

Pamukkale is 310 km away from Side and is within the borders of Denizli province. Cappadocia (Göreme) is 471 km away from Side, and the Cappadocia region is within the borders of Nevşehir province. With excursionnest, daily tour reservations can be made from Side to Pamukkale. Excursionnest also organizes 2-day and 3-day tours from Side to Cappadocia.

Are there any public markets in Side or close to Side?

Side market is held every Saturday across from the largest mosque in Side. The minarets of this large mosque in Side can be seen from everywhere in Side and its surroundings. It is possible to reach Side market by Minibus from all parts of Side. There is a "Side" sign on the front window of the Minibus. Examples: Evrenseki - Side, Çolaklı - Side, Kumköy - Side. In addition to Side market, 2 large markets are held in Manavgat. On Mondays, on the east side of the Manavgat River and every Thursday, 2 large markets are held on the west side of the Manavgat River. Manavgat markets can be reached by Minibus from all parts of Side. There is a "Manavgat" sign on the front window of the Minibus. Examples: Kumköy - Manavgat, Evrenseki - Manavgat, Side - Manavgat - Çolaklı - Manavgat. When going to and returning from all markets by Minibus, be sure to wear your masks and have a small bottle of 80-degree cologne with you, and use it abundantly to disinfect your hands. Pay attention to your wallets and bags in the markets, and do not accept help from those who want to help you when withdrawing money from ATMs. Check the change you receive from vendors thoroughly. Do not exchange your money anywhere other than official currency exchange places. There are 4 official currency exchange offices on the Bankalar Street in Manavgat.

All markets open at 6 am and close at 7 pm. All Dolmus lines start operating at 6 am and continue operating until midnight. The number of Dolmus operating at night decreases.

6 Important warnings you should pay attention to during your vacation!

We are not happy to write this on behalf of our country, but human life is above everything, more valuable than anything. Here are the 6 important issues you should pay the most attention to during your vacation:

1- Bad traffic, bad drivers = be very careful everywhere! Do not cross the road without checking the road even if the green light is on.

2- Theft with the help of an ATM = Never accept help from anyone!

3- Counterfeit money = Be very careful with the banknote money given to you!

4- Withdrawing foreign currency with a credit card = If you absolutely need cash, withdraw only from ATMs, banks and official exchange offices. Unfortunately, there are no official exchange offices in the touristic areas of Side, except for the entrance to the ancient Side peninsula tour. ATMs and banks are safe. If someone comes to you and offers to help you while you are at an ATM, never accept it.

5- Never make a daily tour reservation on the beaches. Tour sellers on the beaches are illegal. Make your tour reservation online from websites or from tour offices.

6- Check Prices and Payments! Before making a purchase, be sure to double-check prices and payment amounts to avoid overcharging or unexpected expenses.

Which tours can be done in Side during the winter season?

The winter season starts in Side from November and continues until the end of March. During this period, the following tours can be made in Side:

Health and vitality massage in Turkish bath

Alanya city and panorama tour

Toros Mountains, Ormana village tour

Antalya city and panorama tour

Antalya Aquarium tour

Quad safari and Buggy safari tour

Daily Pamukkale tour

Demre Myra and Kekova tour

2-day and 3-day Cappadocia tour

Daily Istanbul tour

Are Turks problematic people as written in some European media?

Absolutely not! None of what is written in European media is true. Turks are hospitable and helpful people. Turks love, protect and help tourists no matter which country they are from. For Turks, tourists are guests and according to Turkish traditions, guests are very important to Turks. There are ill-intentioned people in every country. There are also in Türkiye, but Turks protect and help their guests everywhere. During your holiday in Turkey, go out of hotels without fear or hesitation and get to know Turkish people closely.

Beggars in Side

You can see people begging on the streets of Side and surrounding touristic towns. Most of them are women and they have small children or even babies with them. Their clothes are old, torn and dirty. We recommend that you do not help these people by being fooled by their appearance. They are not in need of help. These people do begging as a trade. Most of them have a lot of money. In addition, these people take the easy way out instead of going somewhere and working and exploiting people's feelings. Please do not give them money.

Water sports (Parasailing) in Side

It is possible to see water sports points almost everywhere on the beaches in Side, and it is possible to do water sports (parasailing) activities such as tandem parachute, jet ski, ringo, banana from these water sports (parasailing) points. There is no need to make a reservation in advance for parasailing. Do not accept an offer for daily tour sales at parasailing stations because water sports points are not tour agencies. Water sports points are only authorized to accept parasailing reservations, and for water sports activities, they are not authorized to accept daily tour reservations.

Taxi fares in Side

Not only in Side, but all over Türkiye, taxi drivers are required to turn on the taximeter and collect the fare written on the taximeter. Taxi drivers are not authorized to organize tours. Taxi drivers can only provide transfer services.

Recommended activity in Side - Side Tours and Side Trips

Remember to have an exciting fun and adventure on the rolling roads of the mountainside near Side with the Quad ATV safari tour in Side. Click to go to the information page.

Side tours offer an unforgettable experience! Discover the picturesque landscapes of Side and the surrounding areas on a guided tour. On this day trip, you will witness fascinating landscapes, learn about the city's cultural heritage and architecture, and visit some famous attractions. So book an exciting Side tour today and enjoy discovering this incredible city!

Planning a trip to Side? Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, this charming coastal town has something to offer everyone. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere while exploring ancient ruins, go scuba diving in crystal clear waters, relax on one of the beautiful beaches and enjoy an unforgettable taste of delicious Turkish cuisine! With so much to do and see, Side is sure to be a holiday destination you won’t soon forget.

Click here to find out what currency to use for your holiday in Turkey.

Find all the optional tours, activities and places to visit in Side here! excursionnest is a well-established tourism company with 25 years of experience, offering licensed and safe tours. Book with trusted organisers and you can find cheaper options than hotel prices.

Link: excursionnest – Side Tours and Activities

Water sports companies on the beaches are not authorised to sell tours – they can only organise water sports. For a safe and hassle-free experience, avoid unauthorised organisations and choose enjoyable and reliable services in Side!

Information written here It is a recommendation. The final decision regarding the advice and information herein will be yours.