Side Ancient City Travel Guide: Where History Meets the Sea
Side ancient city stands on a narrow peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean in Manavgat district, Antalya province — making it one of Turkey's most spectacular archaeological sites. Founded in the 7th century BC, this ancient port city carries the layered imprints of Roman, Byzantine, and Seljuk civilisations. The list of Side attractions is remarkably rich: from the Temple of Apollo to the Roman Theatre, from the Roman Baths to the Agora, dozens of well-preserved structures continue to captivate millions of visitors every year. Side is an unmissable destination for both history enthusiasts and those drawn by the region's legendary sun, sand, and turquoise sea.
In this guide we've gathered everything you need to know about Side ancient city — its historic monuments, entrance fees, opening hours, directions, and practical tips. Driving from Belek or Antalya gives you both a time advantage and the freedom to build a flexible itinerary. Browse our vehicle fleet and pick the right car to explore Side and the surrounding area entirely on your own schedule.
Temple of Apollo: The Icon of Side
The Temple of Apollo is the most iconic structure in Side and sits right at the western tip of the peninsula, steps from the sea. Built in the 2nd century BC in honour of Apollo — god of light and the sun — the temple follows the Corinthian order and originally featured 6 x 11 columns. Five columns still stand today, forming a silhouette at sunset that has earned the site a place among the most photographed ancient monuments on earth.
Immediately beside it are the remains of the Temple of Athena. The two temples standing side by side illustrate that Side was a major religious centre in antiquity. The Apollo Temple occupies open ground and is free to visit. Sunset is the ideal time both for photographs and for soaking up the atmosphere. If you want to avoid summer crowds, early morning works just as well.
Side Ancient Theatre: The Largest Roman Theatre in Anatolia
The Side Ancient Theatre was built in the 2nd century BC and, with a capacity of roughly 15,000–20,000 spectators, ranks among the largest Roman-era theatres in all of Anatolia. Unlike Aspendos, which leans against a hillside, the Side theatre was constructed on flat ground using an arched substructure system — a feature that makes it architecturally unique.
The seating rows (cavea), orchestra area, and stage building (scaenae frons) are largely intact. Historical records indicate the theatre was also used for gladiatorial combat and water spectacles during the Roman period. Relief carvings on the stage building depict Dionysus and various mythological figures.
- Entrance fee: Müzekart (Turkish Museum Pass) is valid. Visitors without the pass can check the current price at the gate (2025 season: approximately 200 TL; 2026 pricing set at the start of the season).
- Opening hours: Summer season (April–October) 08:30–19:30 / Winter season (November–March) 08:30–17:30
- Suggested visit time: 45–60 minutes
Side Museum (Roman Baths): A Unique Collection
The Side Museum was created by restoring Roman Baths built in the 5th century AD and converting them into an exhibition space. It is one of the rare examples in Turkey of an ancient bathing complex repurposed as a museum — the building itself is an exhibit. The frigidarium (cold room), tepidarium (warm room), and caldarium (hot room) are still clearly distinguishable.
Inside, the museum displays statues, sarcophagi, reliefs, and inscriptions unearthed at Side and surrounding excavation sites. The Three Graces (Tres Gratiae) statue, the Hermes figure, and a collection of Roman-period sarcophagi are the most striking pieces. The museum garden also displays column capitals, architectural fragments, and inscription samples.
- Entrance fee: Müzekart is valid. A combined ticket with the Theatre is available.
- Opening hours: Same hours as the Theatre.
- Suggested visit time: 30–45 minutes
Quick Reference: Key Sites at a Glance
| Site | Period | Entry Fee | Suggested Duration | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temple of Apollo | 2nd century BC | Free | 30–45 min | Best at sunset |
| Ancient Theatre | 2nd century BC | Paid (Müzekart) | 45–60 min | Largest in Anatolia |
| Side Museum | 5th century AD (baths) | Paid (Müzekart) | 30–45 min | Three Graces statue |
| Agora | Roman period | Free | 20–30 min | Fortune Temple ruins |
| Colonnaded Street | Roman period | Free | 20 min walk | Main axis of the city |
| Nymphaeum (Monumental Fountain) | Roman period | Free | 10–15 min | Three-storey façade |
Agora, Roman Baths, and Other Historic Structures
The Side Agora was the commercial and social hub of the ancient city. This large square open space, surrounded by colonnaded galleries (stoa) on all sides, is a textbook example of a Roman-period marketplace. At its centre stand the ruins of the Temple of Fortuna (Tyche). The agora is also historically known as one of the sites where slave trading took place in antiquity.
The Large Roman Baths (City Baths), located north of the theatre, form one of Side's biggest bathing complexes. This five-section structure gives a clear picture of Roman engineering ingenuity — the hypocaust underfloor heating channels are still visible in the walls and beneath the floor.
Beyond these, the following Side attractions are also well worth visiting:
- City Walls and Monumental Fountain (Nymphaeum): The impressive three-storey fountain structure at the main city gate is one of the best-preserved in the region.
- Vespasian Fountain: A single-niche monumental fountain built in honour of Emperor Vespasian.
- Colonnaded Street: The ancient main thoroughfare running from the city gate to the Temple of Apollo, lined with columns on both sides.
- Byzantine Church and Bishop's Palace: Remains from the Christian period located near the temples area.
Distances and Driving Directions to Side
Getting to Side ancient city by car is straightforward and comfortable. The roads around Antalya are in good condition and well-signposted. The table below shows distances and estimated travel times from nearby districts and towns.
| Starting Point | Distance | Estimated Time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belek → Side | 40 km | 35–40 min | Via D-400 highway eastbound |
| Antalya City Centre → Side | 65 km | 55–65 min | D-400 or Antalya–Konya motorway |
| Antalya Airport → Side | 55 km | 50–60 min | Airport exit → D-400 east |
| Alanya → Side | 65 km | 60–70 min | D-400 westbound |
| Manavgat → Side | 7 km | 10–15 min | Side turnoff, signposted road |
| Kemer → Side | 100 km | 90–100 min | D-400 via Antalya |
From Belek, Side is just a 35–40 minute drive. With our Side car rental service you can have your vehicle delivered directly to your hotel and explore Side and the Manavgat area with complete independence. While public transport options exist, relying on minibus (dolmuş) schedules seriously limits your day. With your own car you can easily visit Manavgat Waterfall, Titreyengöl Lake, and Side all in a single day.
Parking and Practical Information
Paid car parks are available at the entrance to the Side peninsula. Arriving early in summer gives you a clear advantage in finding a good spot. Here is the essential practical information:
- Parking: Large open-air car parks are located near the main city gate. Fees are charged daily (approximately 80–120 TL).
- Best time to visit: April–June and September–October are ideal in terms of both temperature and crowd levels. In July–August temperatures can exceed 40°C; early morning or late afternoon visits are strongly recommended during those months.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are essential — the ancient city terrain is uneven and stony.
- Water and sun protection: Shaded areas are limited; always carry water, a hat, and sunscreen.
- Photography: Photography is allowed freely in all open-air areas. Flash-free photography is permitted inside the museum.
- Dining: Numerous restaurants and cafés line the ancient city perimeter and the entire peninsula. Fresh seafood with a sea view is an essential part of the Side experience.
When you rent a car from Belek to visit Side, you can easily add Manavgat Waterfall, Titreyengöl, and Sorgun Forest to your itinerary on the same day — giving you a single day packed with both history and nature.
Why Drive to Side Rather Than Take a Tour?
The best way to make the most of Side ancient city and its surroundings is to go in your own rental car. Here are the key advantages:
- Time independence: No minibus or tour-bus timetables to follow. You can be at the Temple of Apollo for sunset, then head to Manavgat for dinner at your own pace.
- Combine nearby attractions: Side + Manavgat Waterfall + Titreyengöl + Sorgun Forest — you can tick all of them off in a single day.
- Comfort and flexibility: If you are travelling with family, a child seat, boot space for equipment, and air conditioning make an enormous difference.
- Cost advantage: For a family of four, a private transfer or guided tour typically costs far more than a day's car rental.
- Discover hidden spots: Small coves, local markets, and coastal backroads that tours never visit are only accessible by private car.
Browse our fleet — from compact economy cars to SUVs — and enjoy hotel-delivery service in Belek included. Reserve online in advance to lock in your car and plan your holiday day to maximum effect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does it cost to enter Side ancient city?
Open-air areas including the Temple of Apollo and the Colonnaded Street are free. Entrance fees apply to the Ancient Theatre and the Side Museum; Müzekart holders enter free. Current fees are announced at the start of each season by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and displayed at the ticket offices.
How long does it take to tour Side ancient city?
A comprehensive visit covering the theatre, museum, Temple of Apollo, and other ruins takes approximately 2.5–3.5 hours. Photography enthusiasts and history lovers should budget 4 hours for a relaxed experience. Adding nearby restaurants and a walk along the seafront, half a day is the ideal allocation.
How do I get from Belek to Side?
The most practical way from Belek to Side is by car — the distance is approximately 40 km and the drive takes 35–40 minutes. Follow the D-400 highway east towards Manavgat, then take the Side turn-off to reach the peninsula. A dolmuş (shared minibus) connection via Manavgat exists as a public transport option, but services are infrequent and require a transfer.
Is there parking in Side? Can I drive onto the peninsula?
Large paid car parks are available at the entrance to the Side peninsula. Vehicle access to the interior of the peninsula is restricted; you will need to leave your car in the car park and explore the ancient city on foot. Parking fees are charged daily at approximately 80–120 TL. Arriving early makes finding a space much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Museum and theatre are paid, Temple of Apollo is free.
Plan for a full day.