Mid-rangecoupleshistory
Side Crown Charm Hotel
Side Old Town, Side
Boutique hotel steps from the temple of Apollo in Old Town — great for a cultural base.
Check availabilityWhere to stay in Side, Turkey 🏛️
Side.
Roman ruins on the beach — a resort town built inside a 2,000-year-old city.
Visited June 2026
Side is small and unusual — a former Greek-Roman port where you walk past ancient temples on the way to dinner. The Old Town peninsula is pedestrianized and romantic. West Side and East Side have the large all-inclusive resorts.
When to visit Side
When to visit
BestDecentSkipavg high °C — Turkish State Meteorological Service
Daily budget for Side
Budget
$30 ₺1.020
/ person / day
Mid-range
$70 ₺2.380
/ person / day
Luxury
$190 ₺6.460
/ person / day
Includes hotel, food, local transport, and one paid attraction. Excludes flights and tours. Calculate your full trip cost →
Why Side
Side is small and unusual — a former Greek-Roman port where you walk past ancient temples on the way to dinner.
The Old Town peninsula is pedestrianized and romantic. West Side and East Side have the large all-inclusive resorts..
At a glance
- Side Old Town — The pedestrianized Roman peninsula — temple columns at sunset, restaurants everywhere, harbor walks.
- West Side (Kumköy) — The long sandy beach strip west of Old Town — large 5-star all-inclusives.
- East Side (Sorgun) — Forested beach area east of the peninsula — quieter, upscale resorts.
Compare neighborhoods
| Area | Best for | Price range | Vibe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side Old Town Pick this for the singular experience of sleeping inside an ancient Roman city, but only if you can tolerate crowds and don't need a resort pool. | couples, first-timers | $80–$450 / night | Historic, romantic, walkable | Check |
| West Side (Kumköy) Pick this for a classic all-inclusive beach holiday with the Old Town a short walk away, but expect crowds in high season and little local character. | families, all-inclusive | $180–$800 / night | Resort, family, all-inclusive | Check |
| East Side (Sorgun) Pick this if you want a premium all-inclusive resort in a forested setting and don't mind being isolated from the Old Town. | luxury, families | $200–$1200 / night | Upscale resort, peaceful | Check |
Neighborhood breakdown
couplesfirst-timershistory
Side Old Town
The pedestrianized Roman peninsula — temple columns at sunset, restaurants everywhere, harbor walks.
Side Old Town occupies the entire peninsula that once was a Greek-Roman port. You enter through the Hellenistic gate near the museum, then walk narrow stone lanes past the second-century Temple of Apollo to the small harbor. Most hotels are converted Ottoman houses or small boutique properties tucked between souvenir shops and meyhanes. The main square, Cumhuriyet Meydanı, has a cluster of restaurants with sea views. This is not a place for a resort pool — you come here for the atmosphere, the ruins at sunset, and the ability to walk everywhere. Best for couples or history-minded travellers who want dinner steps from Roman columns.
Pick this for the singular experience of sleeping inside an ancient Roman city, but only if you can tolerate crowds and don't need a resort pool.
Good for
- Walk to Roman ruins
- Picturesque harbor
- Best restaurants in the area
- Small, charming boutique hotels
Watch out
- No real resort pool scene
- Crowded with day-trippers
- Limited large-family hotels
Top hotels in Side Old Town
Mid-rangecoupleswalkable
Beach House Hotel
Side Old Town, Side
Long-running adults-only hotel in the heart of Old Town with a seafront terrace.
Check availabilityfamiliesall-inclusivebeach
West Side (Kumköy)
The long sandy beach strip west of Old Town — large 5-star all-inclusives.
West Side, also called Kumköy, is the 4km stretch of sand running from the Old Town peninsula west toward the Side River. The beach here is wide and sandy, lined with large all-inclusive resorts like the Barut and the Side Star. Most hotels are 5-star blocks with multiple pools, buffets, and evening entertainment. The main road, Kumköy Caddesi, has a few independent restaurants and shops. You can walk to the Old Town in about 25 minutes along the beach or take the free hotel shuttle. This area suits families and all-inclusive seekers who want a reliable beach and easy access to the ruins without staying inside the tourist crush.
Pick this for a classic all-inclusive beach holiday with the Old Town a short walk away, but expect crowds in high season and little local character.
Good for
- Great beach
- Walkable to Old Town in ~25 min or free shuttle
- Big family resorts
Watch out
- Less local feel
- Crowded in July–August
Top hotels in West Side (Kumköy)
Luxurycouplesall-inclusive
Barut Hemera
West Side (Kumköy), Side
Adults-only Barut resort with excellent food, big pools, direct beach access — top-tier Turkish all-inclusive.
Check availabilityLuxuryfamiliesall-inclusive
Sueno Hotels Beach Side
West Side (Kumköy), Side
Huge family-friendly resort with waterpark, multiple restaurants, and long beach.
Check availabilityluxuryfamiliesall-inclusive
East Side (Sorgun)
Forested beach area east of the peninsula — quieter, upscale resorts.
East Side, known as Sorgun, runs east from the Old Town peninsula along a coast backed by pine forest. The beach is narrower here but the setting is greener and quieter. Resorts like the TUI Blue Side and the Sorgun Hotel are among the most upscale in the region, with larger rooms, better landscaping, and more attentive service. There is no real town centre — everything is inside the hotel grounds. You are about 3-4km from the Old Town, a 40-minute walk or a short dolmuş ride. This area is for travellers who prioritise a high-end resort experience over walkability and local culture.
Pick this if you want a premium all-inclusive resort in a forested setting and don't mind being isolated from the Old Town.
Good for
- Some of Turkey's best all-inclusives
- Pine-backed beaches
- Quieter and more green
Watch out
- Further from the Old Town walk
- Almost entirely resort-based
Top hotels in East Side (Sorgun)
Luxuryfamiliesall-inclusive
Ali Bey Resort
East Side (Sorgun), Side
Legendary family all-inclusive with tennis academy and vast kids' programs.
Check availabilityLuxuryfamiliesall-inclusive
Crystal Sunset Luxury Resort
East Side (Sorgun), Side
Well-reviewed family resort with a long private beach and excellent buffet.
Check availabilityPractical Side
Getting around
Side is walkable if you stay on the peninsula. The nearest airport is Antalya (AYT), 65km east — a taxi costs $50-70, or take the Havaş shuttle to Alanya and switch to a dolmuş. Dolmuşes run along the coast road to Manavgat (15 min, $1) and Antalya (90 min, $4). No metro or tram. Intercity buses from Side's otogar connect to Istanbul (12 hours) and Ankara (8 hours). Taxis within town are $5-10.
What to eat
Side's food scene leans heavily on fresh fish and meze, best enjoyed at the waterfront meyhanes near the Roman harbour. Try the local çipura (sea bream) grilled with olive oil and lemon, or a plate of lakerda (cured bonito). For a proper meal, head to any wood-fired ocakbaşı in the Old Town for pide and lahmacun straight from the oven. Don't miss the region's signature dessert: kabak tatlısı (pumpkin dessert with tahini and walnuts), served at the dessert shops along the main square (look for any tatlıcı with a fresh batch). The Antalya region is not UNESCO-listed for food, but the olive oil here is exceptional.
What's nearby
- Aspendos — 8 km east of Side, home to one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in Anatolia, still used for performances.
- Manavgat Waterfall — 10 km north, a broad cascade in a park setting; pleasant for a short walk and lunch at the riverside restaurants.
- Selge — 75 km north, a remote Pisidian city in the Taurus mountains with a well-preserved theatre and aqueducts.
- Alanya — 70 km east, a larger resort with a Seljuk castle, Red Tower, and a busy harborfront promenade.
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All featured hotels in Side
Luxurycouplesall-inclusive
Barut Hemera
West Side (Kumköy), Side
Adults-only Barut resort with excellent food, big pools, direct beach access — top-tier Turkish all-inclusive.
Check availabilityLuxuryfamiliesall-inclusive
Sueno Hotels Beach Side
West Side (Kumköy), Side
Huge family-friendly resort with waterpark, multiple restaurants, and long beach.
Check availabilityLuxuryfamiliesall-inclusive
Ali Bey Resort
East Side (Sorgun), Side
Legendary family all-inclusive with tennis academy and vast kids' programs.
Check availabilityLuxuryfamiliesall-inclusive
Crystal Sunset Luxury Resort
East Side (Sorgun), Side
Well-reviewed family resort with a long private beach and excellent buffet.
Check availabilityMid-rangecoupleshistory
Side Crown Charm Hotel
Side Old Town, Side
Boutique hotel steps from the temple of Apollo in Old Town — great for a cultural base.
Check availabilityMid-rangecoupleswalkable
Beach House Hotel
Side Old Town, Side
Long-running adults-only hotel in the heart of Old Town with a seafront terrace.
Check availabilityPrices shown are indicative — check live rates via the booking links. Always verify on Trip.com for real-time availability. Last verified: June 2026.
Looking for activities? See all tours in Side →
Experiences in Side
Skip-the-line tickets, food tours, day trips — book the big stuff before you arrive so it doesn't sell out.
Getting around Side
Pre-book your arrival. Public taxis at Turkish airports are a known tourist trap.
On the map
Questions about staying in Side
Should I stay in Side Old Town or a resort?
Old Town if you want to walk to dinner among Roman ruins. A resort if you want all-inclusive convenience. A smart combo: 2 nights boutique in Old Town, 4 nights in an East Side resort.
Is Side Old Town walkable from the resorts?
Not really. The Old Town is on a peninsula about 3km from the main resort strip on the West Side. You can walk along the beach path in 30-40 minutes, but most people take a taxi (50-70 TRY) or the minibus. The resorts are self-contained, so you might not need to leave at all — but if you want to see the ancient theatre or eat at a meyhane by the harbour, plan a separate trip.
What's the beach like in Side Old Town?
The Old Town has a small sandy beach just east of the harbour, but it's narrow and crowded with day-trippers. Better to walk 15 minutes west to the long public beach near the Apollo Temple ruins — wider sand, fewer loungers, and you can swim right next to the columns. The resort beaches are cleaner and have sunbeds included, but they lack character.
Can I visit Manavgat Waterfall from Side easily?
Yes, it's a 20-minute dolmuş ride (15 TRY) from the Side bus station. The waterfall is a 2m drop in a park — pretty but touristy, with rowboats and souvenir stalls. Go early (before 10am) to avoid crowds. The nearby Manavgat market on Thursdays is more interesting: local produce, textiles, and a chaotic energy that Side lacks.
Is Side good for a family with teenagers?
Depends. Teenagers bored by ruins will prefer the resort pools and water slides — the all-inclusive hotels on the West Side have multiple pools, evening shows, and jet-ski rentals. The Old Town offers little for teens except ice cream and the occasional arcade. If your kids like history, the amphitheatre is impressive, but budget 45 minutes max.
How far is Side from Antalya Airport?
Antalya Airport (AYT) is about 65 km east of Side, which translates to roughly 75 minutes by car or taxi. A pre-booked transfer costs around $40-60 USD one way. There's also a public bus (Havaş) to Alanya that stops at the Side turnoff, but you'll need a second dolmuş to reach the Old Town — not recommended with luggage.
Which side of Side has the best beach?
The beach directly in front of the Old Town is narrow, crowded, and backed by restaurants playing music. For actual swimming, head west to Kumköy or east to Sorgun — both have wider sandy stretches and fewer hawkers. Sorgun is quieter, with pine trees coming right up to the sand. The water is clearer there too.
Is Side worth visiting in winter?
Only if you want the ruins to yourself. From November to March, most hotels and restaurants in the Old Town shut down. The seaside promenade is desolate, and the wind off the Mediterranean is biting. The Side Museum and Apollo Temple are still open, but you'll eat at one of three surviving kebab shops. It's atmospheric but bleak.
Can I walk from Side Old Town to the Apollo Temple?
Yes, it's a 10-minute walk from the main square (near the Nymphaeum) along the waterfront path. The temple sits on a small peninsula at the southern tip of the Old Town. Go at sunset — the crowds thin out and the light on the marble columns is actually worth the cliché. No ticket needed to view from outside; the site closes at 7pm in summer.
How much does a night cost in Side?
Budget guesthouses in Side Old Town run $30-60/night in summer. Mid-range hotels near the beach go $80-150. The big all-inclusive resorts on West Side and East Side start around $120 and climb to $300+ for five-star. Winter rates drop 30-50%. Check our /planner/ for seasonal averages.
How much is a 5-star resort in Side?
Expect $150-350/night in high season for a five-star all-inclusive on West Side or East Side. The newer ones near Kumköy charge more. Book 2-3 months ahead for the best rates; last-minute summer deals are rare. Use our /planner/ to compare prices across Side's resort strips.
Are there budget hostels under $30 in Side?
Not many. Side has a handful of backpacker-friendly pensions in the Old Town for $25-40/night, but true hostels are scarce. The cheapest dorms are in Antalya city, 75km east. For Side, budget $35-50 for a basic private room. Check our /planner/ for affordable options.
How far ahead should I book Side hotels?
For summer (June-September), book 2-3 months ahead — especially for Old Town rooms and top all-inclusives. Spring and autumn: 3-4 weeks is fine. Winter: you can book a week out. Last-minute deals appear in shoulder seasons but rarely in July. Our /planner/ shows availability trends.
Are Side hotels wheelchair-accessible?
Hit or miss. Large resort chains on West Side and East Side usually have accessible rooms and ramps. The Old Town's narrow cobbled streets and historic buildings make wheelchair access difficult — few pensions have lifts or adapted bathrooms. Always call ahead and confirm, not just the booking site.
More general questions — pricing across regions, scams, accessibility, all-inclusive vs boutique — in our Turkey hotels FAQ. Looking for a day-by-day plan? Browse our 6 Turkey itineraries, or use the trip cost calculator for a real budget on your dates.
Geographic context
This city sits on Turkey's Mediterranean Coast — from marmaris east to mersin — turkey's longest coastline, dominated by antalya all-inclusives and roman ruins. The full seas-and-coasts overview places every Turkey coast side by side.
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