Staying at a resort in Side, Turkey is a fantastic way to relax and enjoy a hassle-free holiday. But for those who crave a bit of adventure there is ample opportunity for day trips from Side showcasing the best of Türkiye’s natural beauty, ancient history, and local culture. if you are looking for a touch of exploration and adventure on your holiday then read on for 5 amazing day trips from Side.
1. Explore Side
There is so much to do in Side Turkey, and with many of the resorts within waking distance of Side itself (if not then they are only a short bus or dolmuş ride away), so it is an easy option. From Side Star Elegance it was just over 30 minutes of walking along the coast, which in the spring is a very doable walk, with great views out to sea.
The town itself has a laid-back charm, with winding cobblestone streets lined with local cafes, shops, and authentic Turkish eateries. It is easy to spend a couple of hours strolling around the town, taking in all it has to offer.
Side, Turkey, is a treasure trove of ancient monuments that reveal a fascinating blend of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine influences. More information on visiting them can be found here, but many can be seen by just wandering the town. Below are 4 of the must see attractions
- Temple of Apollo and Athena
Perched on Side’s stunning waterfront, the Temple of Apollo is one of the most iconic landmarks. Dating back to the 2nd century AD, it’s believed to have been dedicated to Apollo, the Greek god of light and music, with a smaller temple nearby for Athena, goddess of wisdom. - Side Amphitheatre
Built in the 2nd century AD, this ancient amphitheatre was primarily used for gladiator fights, theatre performances, and public gatherings. - The Agora
The Agora was Side’s main marketplace and social hub. It iss surrounded by columns and arches and includes the remains of a circular temple thought to have been dedicated to the goddess Tyche. - Nymphaeum (Fountain Monument)
Located near the main gate, this monumental fountain was built to honour the water nymphs and served as a decorative water source for the ancient city.
2. Go on one of the multi-destination day trips from Side
There are a vast array of day trips available both bookable in advance, at the hotels or from the vendors along the beach front. Getyourguide is a great option if you want to book in advance
We used them to book the Green Lake mixed tour with Fam Tour. This is a fantastic tour which gives you a real feel of the area and culture. First stop was a mosque tour in Manavgat. An explanation is given on the significance of the building and then you have time to see the stunning inside of the building.
The tour then goes on to visit the ancient village of Seluikia. This was quite a climb up into the mountains, where you are rewarded with beautiful views and time to wander the remains of the ancient village. After a stop for a drink and asnack, we then headed up and over the Oymapinar Dam to see the Green canyon from a great viewpoint.
A local lunch was served at a restaurant before boarding a boat for an enjoyable trip around the green lake. This again offers great views. Next stop was an orange grove, followed by the beautiful waterfalls at Manavgat.
This was one of our best day trips from Side, because of the variety of visits, along with a friendly and helpful guide. Our trip was by open bus, but it is also possible to do it on a jeep safari.
One of the best trips from Side, you can take independently is to Manavgat Market. Manavgat is the large local town and is very easy to reach from the resorts using the local dolmuş. These are small mini buses that have fixed routes and they make regular stops to pick up passengers. On boarding the dolmuş you pass your money down the bus to the driver and the change comes back to you. It is a cheap way to travel.
On market days (Monday the are plenty of dolmuş heading market direction from the main resorts. The market is large and busy and of you are a bargain hunter, then this will be one of your favourite day trips from Side. Be prepared to barter!
Whilst you are in Manavgat there are other places to visit. You can take the scenic lift for views over the city. We then walked down and then strolled along the river, which was a pleasant afternoon. If one of your day trips from Side has not included Manavgat Waterfalls then you could easily add this to your day by catching another dolmuş.
4. Take an Evening Trip to Land of Legends.
The Land of Legends Theme Park in Antalya, Turkey, is a sprawling entertainment complex that combines thrilling rides, a luxury shopping , and a magical ambiance, and is often referred to as the “Turkish Disneyland”.
We did not visit in the day but there is an Adventure Park, featuring adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, a 5D cinema experience, and various thrill ride. A daytime visit would make an alternative to the suggested day trips from Side in this post.
The Land of Legends luxury Shopping Avenue, comes to life in the evening. The park hosts a vibrant Night Parade with dancers, illuminated floats, and musical performances on certain evenings, so check the calendar before you go. Every night the avenue it is lit up and there is a performance around the water fountain. For a price you can take a short boat ride on the water way. If you have already taken a number of day trips from side then this evening alternative makes a pleasant change.
5. Take a trip to Antalya and discover its Bazaars
Antalya is a great place to discover and there are a number of options for getting there. You can get a dolmuş to Manavgat and then take the bus. Alternatively, you can get a taxi. As we had had good experiences booking our day trips from Side through getyourguide, we again opted for a guided tour. The tour included included a stop at the Kursunlu waterfall, but other than that you would easily be able to explore Antalya by travelling on your own by bus or taxi.
In the heart of the Antalya, Kaleiçi (the Old Town) is worth a visit, with its narrow, cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era architecture, and charming shops. You can explore historical sites such as Hadrian’s Gate, the Hidirlik Tower, and the ancient Yivli Minaret.
Antalya’s bazaars are a treasure trove of culture and local charm. The bustling Old Bazaar in Kaleiçi is a must-visit, with its narrow winding streets lined with vibrant shops selling everything!
Antalya’s harbour, nestled below the old town is a lively spot where you can relax by the water, dine at cafes, and take in the stunning views. The harbour is lined with traditional wooden gulet boats where you can take a scenic day or part day cruises, to view and explore the stunning coast line
Turkey is a fascinating country with much to explore. Leave behind the resort for a day or two and discover one of the many day trips from Side! For more trip ideas click below.
If you would like any further information or ideas then please contact us