Side Attractions and Places to Visit

Top Attractions in Side

Side combines ancient ruins, coastal walking areas, and natural locations within a short travel distance. The old town can be explored on foot, while places like Manavgat and Koprulu Canyon require transport. Most visitors combine independent walking with organized excursions to cover more locations in less time.

Temple of Apollo in Side

The Temple of Apollo is located at the edge of Side Old Town, directly facing the sea. It is mainly visited in the late afternoon and evening, when temperatures are lower and lighting conditions are better for photos.

The area is free to access and can be reached on foot from most central hotels. It is often combined with a harbor walk or seen from the sea during boat tours in Side, especially on routes passing along the coastline.

Manavgat Waterfall

Manavgat Waterfall is located about 10–15 minutes from Side by car and is usually visited as a short stop lasting 30–60 minutes. The area includes shaded paths, viewing platforms, and nearby cafés.

Due to limited public transport options, most visitors reach the waterfall through organized trips such as the Manavgat Bazaar, Waterfall and River Boat Tour from Side, which combines several locations in one route.

Koprulu Canyon National Park

Koprulu Canyon is located around 1.5 hours from Side and is one of the main outdoor activity areas in the region. The canyon is known for rafting routes, river landscapes, and mountain surroundings.

Independent access is limited, so most visitors join nature tours from Side, which include transfer, equipment, and guided activities such as rafting or combined adventure programs.

Side Old Town

Side Old Town is the central walking area with shops, restaurants, and access to historical remains. It can be visited at any time of the day, but evenings are more comfortable due to lower temperatures.

The harbor area connects the old town with excursion routes, including departures for Side, Aspendos and Manavgat tours and private options available through private tours in Side.

Green Canyon

Green Canyon is located inland near the Oymapinar Dam and offers calm water conditions compared to the open sea. The area is used for relaxed boat trips with swimming stops in freshwater.

Access is only possible by vehicle, so most visitors choose organized options such as the Green Canyon boat tour from Side, which includes transfer, lunch, and multiple stops.

What to See in Side in One Day

A practical one-day plan starts with a morning walk in Side Old Town, followed by a half-day or full-day excursion depending on distance. Nearby locations like Manavgat can be combined in a shorter program, while places such as Koprulu Canyon or Green Canyon require a full-day schedule.

Choosing an excursion from the Side tours main page allows visitors to cover multiple locations without arranging transport, tickets, or timing separately.

Best Places to Visit in Side

Best Places to Visit in Side are usually selected based on distance and type of activity rather than the attraction itself.

• For coastal routes and swimming stops: boat tours along the Side coastline
• For canyon and river areas: rafting and nature-based tours with transfer
• For historical locations and nearby stops: combined sightseeing tours
• For flexible routes: private tours and yacht options

Side Beaches

Side has two main beach areas with different conditions. West Beach is more developed, with hotels, sunbeds, and water sports, making it suitable for active recreation. East Beach is wider and less crowded, with fewer facilities and more open space.

Both beaches are easily accessible from the center, but they offer similar coastal views and limited variation. Visitors looking for different swimming locations or quieter water conditions often choose Adrasan boat trip from Side, which includes multiple stops along the coastline.