Side & Alanya
Ancient ruins meet all-inclusive resorts — Roman temples on the beach, a clifftop Seljuk castle and lively family-friendly resorts
Explore Side & Alanya
Ancient ruins, clifftop castles and beautiful beaches along Turkey's eastern Mediterranean coast.
Things To Do in Side & Alanya
Roman temples, Seljuk castles, golden beaches and excellent all-inclusive resorts.
Temple of Apollo, Side
Side's Temple of Apollo is one of the most dramatic ancient sites in Turkey — five Corinthian columns standing on a promontory above the sea, with the Mediterranean as a backdrop. At sunset, the columns glow golden against the sky. Side itself is a remarkable place — a working resort town built directly on top of a Roman city, with ancient columns and ruins incorporated into the streets, restaurants and hotels.
Alanya Castle
Alanya's Seljuk castle sits on a dramatic rocky promontory 250 metres above the sea, with 6.5km of walls enclosing the entire headland. Built in the 13th century by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat, it's one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Turkey. The views from the top — over the bay, the beach and the Taurus Mountains — are extraordinary. The Red Tower (Kızıl Kule) at the base of the promontory is the symbol of Alanya.
Cleopatra's Beach
Cleopatra's Beach in Alanya is one of the most famous beaches in Turkey — a long stretch of fine golden sand (legend has it that Mark Antony had the sand shipped from Egypt as a gift for Cleopatra) with calm, warm water. The beach is backed by the dramatic castle promontory, making it one of the most photogenic settings in the Mediterranean.
All-Inclusive Resorts
Side and Alanya have an excellent range of all-inclusive resorts, particularly suited to families. The resorts here tend to be slightly more affordable than Belek while still offering excellent facilities — large pools, waterparks, kids' clubs and evening entertainment. The area is particularly popular with British and German families.
Boat Trips & Caves
Boat trips from both Side and Alanya are a highlight — typically visiting sea caves (including the Phosphorescent Cave and Pirates Cave near Alanya), snorkelling spots and secluded coves. The Damlataş Cave in Alanya has extraordinary stalactite formations and air that is said to be therapeutic for asthma sufferers.
Side Harbour Restaurants
Side's harbour area has some of the best restaurants in the region — fresh fish, meze and grilled meats served at tables overlooking the ancient harbour walls. The combination of excellent food, Roman ruins and a Mediterranean sunset makes dinner in Side one of the most atmospheric dining experiences in Turkey.
Side & Alanya Travel Guide
Side and Alanya offer something genuinely unique in the Mediterranean — the combination of excellent all-inclusive beach resorts with some of the most dramatic ancient ruins in Turkey, all within easy reach of each other.
Side is one of the most extraordinary places in Turkey. It's a working resort town — with hotels, restaurants and beach bars — built directly on top of a Roman city. Ancient columns and ruins are incorporated into the streets and buildings. The Temple of Apollo, standing on a promontory above the sea, is one of the most photographed ancient monuments in Turkey. The Roman theatre, which seated 15,000 people, is one of the largest in Anatolia.
Alanya, 65km east of Side, has a completely different character — a lively, modern resort town dominated by a dramatic Seljuk castle on a rocky promontory. Cleopatra's Beach is one of the finest in Turkey, and the castle is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in the country. The town has a lively nightlife scene and is particularly popular with families.
The all-inclusive resorts in the Side and Alanya area tend to be slightly more affordable than those in Belek, while still offering excellent facilities. This makes the area particularly good value for families who want the AI convenience without the top-end Belek price tag.
The Taurus Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to both resorts — jeep safaris into the mountains are a popular excursion, as are white-water rafting trips on the Köprülü Canyon river.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Side or Alanya better for families?
Both are excellent for families. Side has the advantage of the ancient ruins and a more atmospheric old town, while Alanya has the castle and Cleopatra's Beach. The all-inclusive resorts in both areas are well-suited to families with good kids' clubs and waterparks. Side tends to be slightly quieter and more upmarket; Alanya is livelier with more nightlife.
How far is Side from Antalya airport?
Side is approximately 65km east of Antalya airport — about 1 hour by transfer. Alanya is approximately 130km east of Antalya airport — about 1.5 to 2 hours. Both are well-served by our travel partners and Jet2 transfers.
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