15 Best Things to Do in Side, Turkey: Attractions, Beaches & Day Trips in 2026

Side is one of the most rewarding holiday destinations on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. Ancient Roman ruins sit beside sandy beaches, traditional Turkish experiences are only minutes from modern resorts, and some of Antalya's most impressive canyons, rivers and coastal landscapes can be reached on an easy day trip.

If you're wondering what to do in Side, Turkey, the answer depends on the kind of holiday you want. You can spend the morning exploring a 2,000-year-old ancient city, swim in the Mediterranean in the afternoon and watch the sunset beside the Temple of Apollo in the evening. On another day, you can cruise through Green Canyon, go rafting in Köprülü Canyon, dive around underwater sculptures or take the family to a theme park.

This local guide covers 15 of the best things to do in Side in 2026, including free attractions, family activities, adventure experiences and the most worthwhile day trips from Side.

You can also browse all available tours and activities in Side if you already know what kind of experience you are looking for.

Quick Answer: What Are the Best Things to Do in Side?

If you have limited time, start with these experiences:

For a first visit, the best combination is usually Side Old Town + a beach day + one nature or boat excursion.

1. Explore Side Ancient City and the Temple of Apollo

No list of the best things to do in Side can begin anywhere else.

Modern Side grew around the remains of an ancient Mediterranean city, which means archaeological ruins are not hidden far outside the resort. They are part of the town itself.

Walking toward Side Old Town, you encounter ancient streets, columns, monumental structures and the impressive Roman theatre before eventually reaching the harbor and the famous Temple of Apollo.

The Temple of Apollo is especially popular around sunset, when the remaining columns stand against the Mediterranean horizon.

Why visit?

Side Ancient City combines three things that rarely exist so close together:

• Ancient history
• Mediterranean views
• A lively old town with restaurants, shops and cafés

It is also one of the easiest Side attractions to combine with other activities because you can explore the old town before or after spending time at the nearby beach.

Best for: First-time visitors, couples, photographers and history lovers.

Local tip: Visit later in the afternoon and stay around the Temple of Apollo until sunset.

2. Spend a Day on Side's Sandy Beaches

Side is not just an archaeological destination. It is also one of the Antalya region's classic beach resorts.

Long stretches of sandy coastline extend on both sides of the historic peninsula, with everything from organized beach areas to quieter sections of coast.

Some of the most popular beach areas include:

• Side West Beach
• Side East Beach
• Kumköy
• Evrenseki
• Sorgun

Side West Beach is particularly convenient if you want to combine swimming with a visit to Side Old Town.

Kumköy and Evrenseki are popular around the larger resort areas, while Sorgun offers a greener atmosphere near pine-covered surroundings.

Which Side beach should you choose?

Choose West Beach for convenience and easy access to the old town.

Choose Kumköy or Evrenseki if you are staying in one of the western resort areas.

Choose Sorgun if you prefer a more natural atmosphere.

Best for: Families, couples and anyone looking for an easy Mediterranean beach day.

3. Cruise the Manavgat River and Visit the Waterfall & Bazaar

Manavgat is only a short distance from Side, making it one of the easiest places to combine with your holiday.

A popular way to experience the area is with a Manavgat River Cruise, Waterfall and Bazaar Tour from Side.

The experience brings together several very different sides of the region: river scenery, the Mediterranean coast, Manavgat Waterfall and local shopping.

It is a particularly useful choice for visitors who want to see more than one attraction without organizing separate transportation.

Why Manavgat is worth visiting

The Manavgat area gives you a completely different landscape from Side's beaches and ancient ruins.

The river is broad and calm, while the surrounding area combines agriculture, local neighborhoods, markets and nature.

Best for: Families, first-time visitors and travelers who want sightseeing without an extreme adventure.

4. Take a Boat Trip Through Green Canyon

Green Canyon is one of the most scenic nature escapes within reach of Side.

Located around the Oymapınar Dam area, the canyon is known for its deep green water, forested mountain scenery and peaceful atmosphere.

One of the most relaxing ways to experience it is on the Green Canyon Lake Cruise & Mountain Escape from Side.

Rather than spending the entire day on the coast, you travel inland into a completely different landscape.

Why choose Green Canyon?

Choose it if you enjoy:

• Mountain scenery
• Calm boat cruises
• Swimming
• Photography
• Nature
• A slower-paced day away from crowded resorts

For visitors searching for nature activities near Side, this is one of the strongest options.

Best for: Couples, families and nature lovers.

5. Explore Green Canyon by Jeep Safari

If a peaceful cruise sounds too relaxed, there is another way to explore the countryside around Side.

A Green Canyon Jeep Safari and Boat Tour combines the scenery of the Taurus foothills with a more adventurous road trip.

Jeep safaris are among the classic excursions from Side because they take visitors beyond the coastal hotel zone and into rural landscapes that many tourists would otherwise never see.

Expect the journey itself to be part of the experience.

Jeep safari or Green Canyon boat cruise?

Choose the boat cruise if relaxation and scenery are your priorities.

Choose the jeep safari if you prefer action, countryside roads and a more energetic day.

Best for: Groups, families with older children and adventure travelers.

6. Go Rafting in Köprülü Canyon

For one of the most exciting day trips from Side, head into Köprülü Canyon National Park.

The Köprüçay River and dramatic canyon landscape make this one of Antalya's best-known outdoor adventure areas.

You can join a Köprülü Canyon Wild River Rafting Tour from Side and swap the Mediterranean beach for mountain scenery and rushing water.

Rafting is particularly popular during the warmer months, when spending part of the day on a cool river feels very different from the hot coastal resorts.

Do you need rafting experience?

Many recreational rafting tours are designed for holidaymakers rather than professional athletes. However, always follow the operator's safety instructions and check age or participation requirements before booking.

Best for: Adventure seekers, groups, active couples and families with suitable-age children.

7. Dive at the Side Underwater Museum

One of the most unusual activities in Side is located beneath the Mediterranean rather than on land.

The Side Undersea Museum Diving Tour gives visitors the chance to explore underwater sculptures while experiencing scuba diving off the Side coastline.

The experience includes two dives, with the first around the Underwater Museum and another shallower dive later in the day. The tour is also suitable for beginners, with instructors and diving equipment provided.

Even if you have never tried scuba diving before, Side can therefore be an interesting place for your first underwater experience.

Why is it different?

Most visitors see Side's ancient heritage above the water.

Diving gives you an entirely different perspective, combining Mediterranean marine life with underwater art and sculptures.

Best for: Couples, adventurous travelers and first-time divers.

8. Experience a Traditional Turkish Bath

A Turkish bath — or hamam — is one of the classic cultural experiences to try during a holiday in Türkiye.

After several days of sun, swimming and excursions, a hammam day also provides a useful change of pace.

A Turkish Bath, Spa and Massage Experience in Side can combine traditional bathing rituals with wellness treatments and massage.

When should you visit a Turkish bath?

Many travelers prefer visiting near the beginning of their holiday rather than after spending several days tanning.

It can also work well as a recovery day between more active excursions such as rafting, jeep safari or diving.

Best for: Couples, adults, spa lovers and travelers looking for a relaxing cultural experience.

9. Ride a Buggy or Quad Through the Countryside

If you prefer dust to spa foam, a buggy or quad safari is one of the more energetic activities around Side.

The Side Buggy and Quad Safari Adventure takes the experience away from paved resort roads and into off-road surroundings.

The attraction here is less about reaching a famous monument and more about enjoying the drive itself.

Expect an outdoor experience where getting dusty is part of the fun.

What should you wear?

Comfortable clothes and closed shoes are generally more practical than your best holiday outfit.

Sunglasses and clothing you do not mind getting dusty can also be useful.

Best for: Friends, couples and adventure travelers.

10. Go Horse Riding Near Side

For an outdoor activity at a slower pace, horse riding offers a completely different experience.

The Side Horse Riding Experience with Pony Option is an alternative for travelers who want to spend time outdoors without joining a high-adrenaline excursion.

Horse riding around the Side area can combine forest paths, open scenery and coastal surroundings depending on the route.

A pony option also makes this activity particularly relevant to some families travelling with younger children.

Best for: Couples, families and animal lovers.

11. Visit The Land of Legends Theme Park

Families staying in Side often look beyond historical attractions and beaches for at least one full entertainment day.

The Land of Legends in Belek is one of the region's major theme park destinations.

Instead of arranging separate transport, visitors staying around Side can choose a Land of Legends Theme Park Tour with Entry and Transfer.

This is a very different kind of day from exploring Side Ancient City or Green Canyon, which is exactly why it works well on a longer family holiday.

Is Land of Legends worth visiting from Side?

It makes the most sense for:

• Families with children
• Teenagers
• Theme park fans
• Travelers looking for a full entertainment day

If you prefer evening entertainment rather than a full theme park visit, there are also Land of Legends night-show and shopping options from Side.

Best for: Families and theme park lovers.

12. Charter a Private Yacht and Watch the Sunset

Side's coastline looks completely different when viewed from the water.

While shared boat trips are excellent for social and budget-friendly days at sea, a private yacht offers more privacy and flexibility.

A Side Private Yacht Tour with Sunset Option is particularly suitable for couples, families, small private groups or special occasions.

The sunset option is worth considering if you want Mediterranean views without spending the entire day at sea.

When is a private yacht worth it?

Consider one for:

• Birthdays
• Anniversaries
• Proposals
• Family celebrations
• Private group days
• Couples wanting more privacy

Best for: Couples, celebrations and private groups.

13. Take the Kids on a Pirate Boat Cruise

Boat trips are one of the most popular activities around Side, but not every cruise is aimed at the same traveler.

Families with younger children may prefer something more playful than a standard sightseeing cruise.

The Side Pirate Ship Cruise with Pirate Certificate adds a themed element to the classic Mediterranean boat-day format.

That makes it easier to keep children entertained while parents still enjoy a day on the water.

Best for: Families with children.

14. Take a Day Trip from Side to Alanya

Side is a useful base for exploring more of the Turkish Riviera.

One of the most practical nearby day-trip destinations is Alanya, farther east along the Mediterranean coast.

The Alanya Castle, Dim River and Boat Day Tour from Side combines several different sides of Alanya into one excursion.

Alanya offers a different urban atmosphere from Side, along with its dramatic castle peninsula and coastal scenery.

Side or Alanya?

You do not necessarily have to choose.

Stay in Side for its ancient-city atmosphere and sandy beaches, then visit Alanya as a day trip for contrasting scenery.

Best for: Sightseers and travelers staying in Side for a week or longer.

15. Visit Pamukkale and Hierapolis

If you are willing to travel farther for one of Türkiye's most famous landscapes, Pamukkale is a major day-trip option.

Its white travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis create a combination of natural scenery and archaeology unlike anything around Side.

Travelers staying on the Antalya coast can join a Pamukkale and Hierapolis Day Tour from Side with Balloon Option.

It is a longer excursion than visiting Manavgat or Green Canyon, so it suits travelers who are comfortable dedicating a full day to the experience.

Best for: First-time visitors to Türkiye, photographers and history lovers.

Best Things to Do in Side for Families

If you are visiting Side with children, prioritize activities that combine entertainment with manageable travel.

Some of the best family-friendly choices include:

• Side's sandy beaches
• Manavgat River cruise
• Green Canyon boat trip
• Pirate boat cruise
• Land of Legends
• Horse riding or pony experiences

Older children and teenagers may also enjoy rafting, buggy safari and diving depending on the participation requirements of each activity.

Best Things to Do in Side for Couples

Side is particularly easy to enjoy as a couple because you can combine beach time, history and evening experiences without travelling far.

A good couples itinerary might include:

1. Morning at the beach
2. Side Ancient City in the late afternoon
3. Temple of Apollo at sunset
4. Dinner in Side Old Town

For a special day, add a private yacht cruise, Turkish bath or Green Canyon excursion.

Best Adventure Activities in Side

If lying beside the pool for seven days is not your idea of a holiday, Side has plenty of alternatives.

Top adventure choices include:

• Köprülü Canyon rafting
• Buggy and quad safari
• Side scuba diving
• Green Canyon jeep safari
• Horse riding

This variety is one reason Side works well for mixed groups: one traveler can spend a day at the spa while another goes rafting.

Best Free Things to Do in Side

You do not need to book an excursion every day.

Some of the best experiences in Side cost little or nothing:

Walk Around Side Old Town

Explore the streets, harbor area and ancient surroundings on foot.

Watch Sunset at the Temple of Apollo

One of Side's signature experiences is also one of its simplest.

Spend Time on the Beach

Public beach areas make it possible to enjoy the Mediterranean without planning a full excursion.

Walk Along the Coast

Early morning and sunset are particularly pleasant times for walking around the coastline.

How Many Days Do You Need in Side?

For most first-time visitors, four to seven days gives you enough time to enjoy Side without rushing.

A balanced five-day itinerary could look like this:

Day 1

Beach, Side Old Town and Temple of Apollo.

Day 2

Green Canyon or Manavgat River excursion.

Day 3

Relax at your hotel and visit a Turkish bath.

Day 4

Choose an adventure: rafting, jeep safari, buggy or diving.

Day 5

Take a longer day trip such as Alanya, Pamukkale or another destination on the Antalya coast.

If you're staying for a week, you can easily add a private boat trip, Land of Legends or another beach day.

What Is Side Best Known For?

Side is best known for combining ancient Roman ruins, sandy Mediterranean beaches and resort holidays in one compact destination.

The Temple of Apollo and ancient theatre are the town's best-known historical landmarks, while boat tours, Green Canyon, Manavgat, rafting, Turkish baths and jeep safaris are among the most popular experiences available around the wider Side region. Current traveler-interest categories also strongly feature day cruises, hammams, rafting, scuba diving, water tours and 4WD excursions.

This combination is what makes Side different from a pure beach resort.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Side

What are the top things to do in Side, Turkey?

For first-time visitors, the highlights are Side Ancient City, the Temple of Apollo, Side's beaches, a Manavgat or Green Canyon excursion and at least one Mediterranean boat trip.

Is Side worth visiting?

Yes. Side is particularly worthwhile for travelers who want beaches and resort facilities but also want historical attractions within walking distance.

What can you do in Side besides the beach?

Popular alternatives include ancient ruins, Turkish baths, boat trips, Green Canyon, Manavgat Waterfall, rafting, diving, jeep safari, buggy tours, horse riding and day trips to places such as Alanya and Pamukkale.

What is the best day trip from Side?

There is no single best choice for everyone. Green Canyon is excellent for nature and relaxation, Köprülü Canyon for rafting and adventure, Manavgat for an easy local excursion, and Pamukkale for travelers who want to see one of Türkiye's most famous

destinations.

Is Side good for families?

Yes. Sandy beaches, resort hotels, boat trips, family excursions and attractions such as Land of Legends make Side suitable for family holidays.

Is Side good for couples?

Yes. Side Old Town, the Temple of Apollo at sunset, private boat trips, beaches and spa experiences make it particularly suitable for couples.

Can you visit Side Ancient City without a tour?

The old-town and ancient-city area can be explored independently. Some individual archaeological attractions or museums may have their own entrance conditions or opening hours.

Are there boat trips from Side?

Yes. Options range from family-oriented pirate cruises and river cruises to shared Mediterranean boat tours and private yacht experiences.

Can you go rafting from Side?

Yes. Köprülü Canyon is one of the main rafting destinations accessible on a day trip from Side.

What should I book in advance in Side?

During busy travel periods, it is sensible to reserve limited-capacity activities such as private yachts, diving, rafting, theme park transfers and popular full-day excursions in advance.

Final Thoughts: What Should You Do in Side First?

If this is your first holiday in Side, do not try to fill every day with excursions.

Start with what makes Side unique: walk through the ancient city, see the Temple of Apollo, swim in the Mediterranean and enjoy the old-town atmosphere.

Then choose experiences according to your travel style.

For nature, head to Green Canyon or Manavgat.

For adventure, choose rafting, diving, jeep safari or buggy riding.

For families, consider Land of Legends or a pirate boat trip.

For couples, combine Side sunset, a Turkish bath and a private yacht cruise.

And if you want to explore beyond the immediate Side area, destinations such as Alanya and Pamukkale can turn your beach holiday into a much broader Turkish Riviera experience.

Explore the full selection of Side tours, activities and day trips with Alys Tours and choose the experiences that best match your holiday.