Two sandy beaches flank the Side peninsula with the Temple of Apollo providing a dramatic backdrop. The east beach stretches for kilometers of fine sand with resort hotels, while the west beach is quieter. Both offer warm clear waters.
Side is a small ancient peninsula town 75 kilometres east of Antalya in Manavgat District, and its two beaches flank the peninsula on either side with the ruins of the Temple of Apollo providing one of the Mediterranean's most dramatic coastal backdrops. The east beach (Doğu Plajı) and the west beach (Batı Plajı) differ significantly in character, width, and visitor profile.
The east beach is the longer and more developed of the two, stretching for several kilometres in a near-straight line along the open coast east of the peninsula. The beach surface is a mix of fine sand and small pebbles, and the water is warm, calm, and clear, turning a deep green-blue at greater depth. Sunbed and umbrella rental is extensive, and a long line of resort hotels occupies the seafront inland. The east beach caters primarily to the large all-inclusive hotel complexes that dominate Side's eastern outskirts. Wave exposure is moderate, with occasional surf on windy days.
The west beach is smaller, narrower, and more sheltered, sitting in the bay to the west of the peninsula directly in front of the old town. The ruins of the Temple of Apollo—two standing columns silhouetted above the sea cliff—are visible from the water here, making the west beach the more atmospheric of the two for photography, particularly in the late afternoon when sunset light falls on the temple. The beach is sandier and the water calmer, but space is more limited.
Both beaches hold Blue Flag certification. Lifeguard presence is maintained at the east beach throughout the season. Water sports including windsurfing, jet skiing, and parasailing operate primarily from the east beach. The old town of Side—largely pedestrianised and lined with ancient ruins, restaurants, and shops—sits at the tip of the peninsula between the two beaches and is easily reached on foot from either. Access from Antalya is by intercity bus to Manavgat (about one hour), then dolmuş to Side (15 minutes), or by car via the D400.
Amenities
- sunbed rental
- beach restaurants
- water sports
- showers
- lifeguards
Good to know
- Best for
- families, couples, photographers, swimmers, history-lovers
Highlights
- Two distinct beaches flanking the ancient Side peninsula with Temple of Apollo silhouetted above the sea
- Fine sand and calm, shallow water on the sheltered west beach directly in front of the old town
- Extensive east beach with full resort amenities, water sports, and Blue Flag certification
- Direct pedestrian access from both beaches to Side's ancient ruins, restaurants, and old town streets
- Sunset views of the Temple of Apollo from the west beach, one of Turkey's iconic coastal images
Tips for visiting
- The west beach offers the best view of the Temple of Apollo from the water; aim for late afternoon golden light
- Windsurfing conditions are best on the east beach in the morning when the offshore breeze is light and consistent
- Side old town is easily reached on foot from either beach for a combined swim-and-ruins day
- East beach sunbed rental runs around 150–250 TL per day; the far eastern end beyond the hotel zone is quieter and mostly free
- Dolmuş buses from Manavgat run frequently and drop passengers at the Side old town entrance, minutes from the west beach
When to visit
June through September for ideal swimming; June and September offer warm water with noticeably fewer crowds. Evening visits to the west beach for Temple of Apollo sunset views are rewarding throughout the season.
Accessibility
The west beach in front of Side old town has a paved promenade accessible to wheelchair users, with a flat approach from the town centre. The east beach has designated access points at some resort hotels. Neither beach has dedicated beach wheelchairs or adapted waterline ramps, but the flat sandy surface of the west beach is easier to navigate than pebble beaches in the region.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Side's east and west beach?
The east beach is longer, broader, and fully developed with resort hotels and extensive water sports. The west beach is smaller, sandier, and more sheltered, with better views of the Temple of Apollo but fewer amenities.
How do I get from Antalya to Side?
Take an intercity bus from Antalya otogar to Manavgat (approximately 1 hour), then a local dolmuş to Side (15 minutes). By car, Side is 75km east of Antalya on the D400 highway.
Can I see the Temple of Apollo from the beach?
Yes. The Temple of Apollo sits at the western tip of the Side peninsula and is clearly visible from the west beach and from the water when swimming there, particularly in the late afternoon light.
Are there water sports at Side beaches?
Yes. Jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, and banana boats are all available from operators on the east beach throughout the summer season.