Side Excursions 2026: Old Town, Waterfalls, Safaris and Crystal Bays

Side is an excellent base for exploring the varied landscapes and culture of Antalya. Within a single holiday, you can walk through historic streets, stand beside a powerful waterfall, ride across pine-covered countryside, swim in emerald mountain waters, or spend a full day among crystal-clear Mediterranean bays. For 2026, the most rewarding approach is to choose excursions by atmosphere rather than trying to see everything in the same way.

The ideal cultural starting point is the Side: Antalya Old Town Walk & Waterfall Escape. This eight-hour daily tour combines Antalya’s preserved historic centre with a scenic nature stop and relaxed free time, making it a balanced choice for travellers who want more than a standard sightseeing itinerary.

Begin with Antalya’s history and relaxed city atmosphere

The focus tour begins with a journey from Side to Antalya and a guided visit to Kaleiçi, the city’s historic old town. Narrow streets, traditional houses and the calm atmosphere of this preserved district create a strong contrast with the modern city around it. Rather than rushing from one landmark to another, the itinerary leaves time to appreciate the character of the area at your own pace.

The day continues with a waterfall experience. Entry to Düden Waterfalls is included, while a photo stop offers a view of Kurşunlu Waterfall. These stops add flowing water, greenery and coastal scenery to the cultural part of the day. Later, free time in Antalya city centre gives you flexibility to browse, take photographs or simply enjoy the city’s everyday atmosphere. A professional licensed guide, travel insurance and the waterfall inclusions are part of the tour.

The next departures for this eight-hour excursion are 29 September, 1 October and 3 October 2026. It is particularly suitable for visitors who want history and nature in one carefully paced day.

Compare two ways to experience Antalya’s waterfalls

Travellers who prefer a fuller attraction-focused itinerary can consider the Side: Tunnel Aquarium, Waterfall and Wax Work Museum Tour. This nine-hour guided experience also includes the historic Kaleiçi district and Düden Waterfall, but adds the world’s largest tunnel aquarium and a wax museum. The agency describes the aquarium as having opened in 2012, and the tour includes an aquarium entrance ticket as well as two hours of free time.

This alternative is useful for visitors who enjoy combining natural scenery with indoor attractions. The guide also shares information about the region’s culture, geography, agriculture and history during the day. Departures are scheduled for 29 September, 1 October and 3 October 2026.

Choose a safari for a more active side of Side

If your ideal excursion involves movement, dust and rural scenery, the Side: Buggy & Quad Safari Adventure offers a completely different experience. This four-hour off-road activity follows countryside trails, with rugged terrain, pine forests, rocky tracks, river crossings and open landscapes forming part of the adventure. Participants can choose between a buggy or quad, while safety instructions, helmets, protective equipment and a professional guide are included.

The route is designed to be accessible for beginners while still providing an energetic escape from the beach and resort atmosphere. Short breaks are built into the experience, making it easier to enjoy the scenery as well as the drive. The next listed departures are 29 September, 30 September and 1 October 2026.

For a gentler mountain adventure, the Side: Green Canyon Jeep Safari & Boat Tour combines off-road travel with time beside the water. The seven- to eight-hour itinerary enters the Taurus Mountain foothills by open-top cabrio jeep, following pine forests, rocky routes and rural paths before reaching a hidden lake swimming stop. A lakeside lunch and soft drinks during the boat tour are included.

Finish with a full day among crystal bays

For a slower Mediterranean escape, the Side: Suluada Crystal Bays Boat Trip with Lunch travels from Adrasan Harbor toward Suluada, often called the Maldives of Türkiye for its white shores and turquoise water. The full-day boat trip includes a swimming stop at Suluada Beach, opportunities to visit sea caves and lunch served on board. An organic fruit plate, tea and biscuits are also included.

This excursion is best suited to travellers who want a day shaped by swimming, quiet coastal views and time on the water rather than a packed sightseeing schedule. Listed departures are 29 September, 30 September and 1 October 2026.

Planning your 2026 excursion days

For more ideas in the region, browse the wider Side tours and activities collection. When planning, leave space between full-day outings so that each experience feels distinct. The Antalya Old Town and Waterfall Escape is the strongest all-round choice for culture and scenery, while the aquarium tour adds major indoor attractions. Buggy and jeep safaris suit active travellers, and Suluada is the natural choice for a relaxed day of swimming and coastal beauty.