Car Rental in Side and Manavgat: Why You Need Your Own Wheels
Side and Manavgat are among the most captivating destinations on the Turkish Riviera. With millennia of history embedded in their ruins, breathtaking natural landscapes, and some of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean, these twin destinations attract millions of visitors every year. But if you truly want to unlock everything this region has to offer, relying on public transport will only leave you frustrated.
Bus routes are limited, minibuses run on fixed schedules, and waiting at a roadside stop in 40°C summer heat is no one's idea of a holiday. This is where car rental in Side makes all the difference. With your own vehicle, you leave when you want, stop where you want, and spend as long as you like at each destination. Manavgat car hire gives you instant access to ancient cities, waterfalls, canyons, and hidden beaches — all on your own terms.
At Azra Rent a Car, we offer a wide range of vehicles from just €35–85 per day, covering everything from compact economy cars to spacious SUVs. Browse our fleet to find the right car for your itinerary and budget.
Top Historic Sites to Visit in Side
Side is one of the best-preserved ancient cities on the entire Mediterranean coastline. Founded in the 7th century BC, this remarkable town carries layers of Roman, Byzantine, and Seljuk history. With a Side car rental, you can explore these treasures entirely at your own pace — no tour bus required.
- Temple of Apollo: The iconic symbol of Side, this clifftop temple is most spectacular at sunset when the golden light catches the remaining Corinthian columns. The adjacent ruins of the Temple of Athena are equally worth exploring.
- Side Ancient Theatre: One of the finest Roman theatres in Anatolia, with a capacity of 15,000 spectators. The stage building's relief carvings and the orchestra area remain impressively intact after two thousand years.
- Side Museum (Agora Baths): A beautifully restored Roman bathhouse converted into a museum. It houses an important collection of statues and sarcophagi discovered in the surrounding region.
- Ancient Harbour and City Walls: Strolling along Side's ancient harbour, tracing the line of the old city walls, and watching the sea from the ruins is an experience in itself — one that no tour group can replicate.
The central ruins of Side are walkable, but reaching the wider region's highlights absolutely requires a vehicle. Learn more about the area on our Side page.
Natural Wonders Around Manavgat
With a Manavgat car hire, the region's natural attractions open up far beyond the famous waterfall. There are dozens of stunning destinations waiting to be discovered, and most of them are impossible to reach conveniently without your own transport.
- Manavgat Waterfall: Just 3 km from the town centre, this wide, rushing waterfall is surrounded by picnic areas and riverside tea gardens. It is equally popular with locals and international tourists and makes a wonderfully relaxed half-day outing.
- Köprülü Canyon National Park: Around 60 km from Manavgat, this dramatic gorge is the premier destination for white-water rafting, trekking, and nature walks in the region. The ancient Roman Oluk Bridge spanning the canyon is a sight not to be missed.
- Oymapınar Dam (Green Canyon): The turquoise reservoir carved into forested mountains offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the area. Boat tours, kayaking, and fishing are all popular here, and the road in is straightforward.
- Selge Ancient City: Hidden high in the mountains above Köprülü Canyon, Selge rewards the effort with near-total solitude. Its theatre and temple ruins sit in an extraordinarily dramatic setting.
Aspendos: The World's Best-Preserved Roman Theatre
Just 45 km from Side, Aspendos is one of those rare places that genuinely exceeds expectations. Its Roman theatre, built by the architect Zenon in the 2nd century AD and seating 12,000 spectators, is the most complete ancient theatre on earth — its stage wall still standing to its full original height. Remarkably, the acoustics remain so perfect that the venue still hosts the annual Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival in 2026.
Getting to Aspendos by public transport involves multiple connections and can consume the better part of a day. With a Side rent a car from Azra, you can be there in 35 minutes. On the same route, Perge Ancient City — with its colonnaded street, stadium, and Roman baths — makes an excellent second stop. The Kurşunlu Waterfall, nestled in a lush forest just off the main road, is a beautiful place to rest between sites.
Day Trip Routes from Side: Distances and Driving Times
The table below gives you a practical overview of the most popular day trips from Side, with approximate driving distances and times to help you plan your itinerary.
| Route | Distance | Driving Time | Recommended Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side → Manavgat Waterfall | 7 km | 10 minutes | Half day |
| Side → Aspendos Ancient Theatre | 45 km | 35 minutes | Half day |
| Side → Köprülü Canyon | 65 km | 1 hour | Full day |
| Side → Green Canyon (Oymapınar) | 35 km | 40 minutes | Full day |
| Side → Alanya | 65 km | 1 hour | Full day |
| Side → Antalya City Centre | 75 km | 1 hour 10 minutes | Full day |
| Side → Perge + Kurşunlu Waterfall | 55 km | 50 minutes | Half day |
| Side → Dim River (Alanya) | 80 km | 1 hour 15 minutes | Full day |
Driving from Side to Alanya and Antalya
Side sits in a strategically central position on the D-400 coastal highway between Antalya and Alanya, making both cities easily accessible for day trips.
The drive from Side to Alanya covers around 65 km along a scenic coastal road that passes through the charming resort towns of Kızılot and Avsallar. Allow about one hour. In Alanya, the medieval clifftop castle, the stalactite caves of Damlataş, and the famous Cleopatra Beach all make for a rewarding full day out — with plenty of time to return to Side for the evening.
The Side to Antalya run is approximately 75 km and takes between one hour and 90 minutes depending on traffic. Antalya's old city (Kaleiçi), the Düden Waterfalls, and the excellent Antalya Museum are the highlights. On the return journey, stopping at Aspendos adds barely 20 minutes to the drive and makes the route even more worthwhile.
Three Sample Day Itineraries by Car
Having a rental car means you can give each day of your holiday a different theme. Here are three fully planned itineraries that work perfectly with a hired vehicle.
Day 1 — Ancient Cities Tour (Full Day): Start early at Side's Ancient Theatre and Temple of Apollo before the crowds arrive. Drive to Aspendos to explore the theatre and the Roman aqueduct. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant en route. On the way back, visit Perge to walk the colonnaded street and see the Roman baths. End the day watching the sunset from Side's ancient harbour.
Day 2 — Nature and Adventure (Full Day): Begin the morning at Manavgat Waterfall. Continue to Green Canyon for a boat tour or a peaceful riverside picnic. In the afternoon, head up to Köprülü Canyon for a rafting session or a scenic walk along the gorge floor. Photograph the ancient Oluk Bridge and, if energy allows, hike up to Selge Ancient City.
Day 3 — Alanya Exploration (Full Day): Set out from Side along the D-400 and drive east to Alanya. Climb to the Alanya Castle and Inner Citadel for panoramic coastal views. Visit the Damlataş Cave, then spend the afternoon on Cleopatra Beach. On the way back, stop at the Dim River for a swim in cool mountain water and a meal of fresh trout at one of the riverside restaurants.
Why Rent a Car Instead of Using Public Transport?
Public transport options in the Side and Manavgat area are genuinely limited. Here is why renting a car makes such a significant difference to your holiday experience.
- Complete flexibility: No minibus timetables, no last-bus anxiety. You can watch the sunset over the Temple of Apollo and drive back whenever you choose — something impossible when relying on scheduled services.
- Time savings: The same journey to Aspendos that takes 35 minutes by car can take close to two hours by public transport, including connections and waiting time.
- Comfort in the heat: Summer temperatures in this region regularly exceed 40°C. Travelling in an air-conditioned car is incomparably more comfortable than standing at a roadside stop.
- Dispersed attractions: The sights are spread across a wide area. Seeing multiple places in a single day is only really practical with your own vehicle.
- Economy for groups: For a family or group of three or four people, renting a car is often cheaper than buying individual tour tickets. At €35–85 per day, the per-person cost can be remarkably low.
Practical Car Rental Guide for Side and Manavgat
A few tips to help you get the most out of your rental experience in this region:
- Book early: Demand is high between June and September. Early reservations give you a wider choice of vehicles and better prices.
- Match the car to your plans: An economy car is perfectly adequate for coastal sightseeing, but if you plan to drive into the mountains towards Köprülü Canyon, an SUV will be more comfortable on the rougher roads.
- Choose full insurance: When driving unfamiliar roads, comprehensive cover gives you genuine peace of mind. We strongly recommend it.
- Download offline maps: Signage to some ancient sites and natural areas can be sparse. Loading your route in advance on a mapping app is a sensible precaution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an international driving licence to rent a car in Side?
A valid national driving licence is sufficient for EU citizens. Visitors from outside the EU are advised to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence. Your licence must be at least one year old, and you will need to present a passport or national ID at collection.
How much does car rental cost in Side and Manavgat?
Prices vary by season and vehicle type, ranging from approximately €35 to €85 per day. Economy cars typically fall in the €35–45 range, mid-range vehicles €45–60, and SUVs or premium models €60–85. Discounts are available for longer rental periods.
Where do I collect and return the car?
Azra Rent a Car offers free delivery to hotels in Side, Manavgat, and the surrounding area. We bring the car to your hotel reception and collect it from the same address at the end of your rental. Contact us to arrange delivery.
Is it worth renting a car in winter?
Absolutely. The Side and Manavgat region in winter is wonderfully peaceful, and you can explore the ancient sites without crowds. Winter temperatures remain around 10–15°C — ideal for outdoor exploration. Rental prices are also significantly lower outside the summer season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan for a full day (8-10 hours) to see everything comfortably, or a half day if you focus on Side only.
Absolutely. It is only 30 minutes away and offers ancient ruins, great restaurants, and beautiful beaches. One of the most popular day trips in the region.
There is a large car park at the entrance to the old town. The centre itself is pedestrianised. Parking costs around 1-2 euros.
The large Manavgat bazaar takes place every Monday and Thursday. It is one of the biggest markets in the Antalya region.