Discover how Side evolved from a small and peaceful seaside village in 1988 into one of Türkiye’s leading holiday destinations through personal memories, local insights and tourism experiences.
Side in the Late 1980s: A Small Seaside Village with Big Charm
We asked Mehmet, who has lived in Side for 35 years and works in the operations department of Vigo Tours, to write an article to help visitors planning a holiday in Side. You can read his story below.
I have been living in Side for 35 years. The first time I came here was in 1988, and I only planned to stay for two days. Back then, Side was a very small seaside village. There were only a handful of large hotels, while small hotels, converted guesthouses, and bungalow-style accommodations inside the ancient peninsula were enjoying their golden years. The number of tourists was very low compared to today, and the beaches remained peaceful throughout the day.
At night, however, the atmosphere in the Ancient Side Peninsula was incredibly lively. Both local and international visitors would spend their evenings eating, drinking, socializing, and enjoying the unique ambiance until the early hours of the morning.
There were water sports stations located at several points along the beaches of Side, particularly on the western beach and along the coastline toward Kumköy. Activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, and similar water sports attracted large numbers of tourists during the summer season. Jet skiing was especially popular because it was easy to learn, while parasailing offered breathtaking aerial views of the Mediterranean coast and became one of the most sought-after experiences.
During the 1990s, these water sports stations became an important part of Side’s tourism scene. Music could be heard across the beaches throughout the day as visitors lined up to take part in the activities. Although the range of water sports was far more limited than it is today, jet skiing and parasailing were among the most exciting attractions available.
Over time, the industry evolved significantly. Today, visitors can enjoy a much wider variety of activities, including flyboarding, wakeboarding, ringo rides, water skiing, speedboat excursions, and scuba diving. Side’s long sandy beaches and generally calm summer waters played a major role in the growth and success of these activities.
At that time, rafting tours in Köprülü Canyon had not yet begun. The main excursions offered to tourists were two-day trips to Pamukkale and boat tours departing from Side Harbour. Boat trips leaving from the eastern side of Manavgat were also extremely popular.
The boats used in those days were much smaller than the ones operating today. Built in small shipyards in Manavgat, these wooden vessels would pass beneath the bridge, continue toward the small waterfall, and then return to the wooden piers located near the river mouth. A significant part of the tour was spent during the stopover there. Interestingly, the large excursion boats operating in Manavgat today are still built in the same area.
Entertainment programs on those early boat tours were simple, spontaneous, and full of character. Tourism was still in its developmental stage, and much of the entertainment was improvised. One common example involved a male crew member wearing a headscarf and a skirt, stuffing oranges inside his shirt, and performing a humorous belly-dancing show. These performances always attracted attention and created memorable moments for tourists.
Most visitors joined boat tours primarily to enjoy the sea, the sunshine, and the experience of being out on the water, but they happily participated in the onboard entertainment as well. The real nightlife, however, took place in the bars of the Ancient Side Peninsula. The atmosphere was vibrant, friendly, and full of energy. Side was a small place, but its unique charm and warm character left visitors with unforgettable memories.
In addition to Pamukkale and boat excursions, Side also offered village tours and sightseeing trips to Antalya. Some hotel hammams welcomed outside guests for traditional Turkish baths, cleansing treatments, and wellness massages.
Without question, the most popular excursion of the period was the Pamukkale tour. In those days, visitors could walk freely on the travertine terraces and even sunbathe on them. During the summer months, Pamukkale attracted enormous numbers of tourists. The few large hotels in the area, along with the smaller hotels and motels located below the terraces, were almost always fully booked. Some tour companies even secured seasonal accommodation contracts to guarantee room availability throughout the year.
The Pamukkale excursion was often presented as a miniature Anatolian discovery tour. Along the route, guests would visit a Yörük nomad tent in the Taurus Mountains, stop in a village, and tour a local mosque. Information about Islam was shared with participants, and lunch was served near Lake Salda before continuing the journey.
During the return trip, visitors would stop at carpet factories in the Pamukkale region. Here, handwoven Turkish carpets were introduced and offered for sale. From a commercial perspective, it would not be an exaggeration to describe those years as tourism’s golden age. Almost every tourist purchased at least one handmade Turkish carpet before leaving Türkiye.
Side’s Rapid Growth and the Transformation of Tourism
When I look back today and compare those years with the present, I can clearly see how remarkable and dramatic the changes have been. Side and its surrounding areas experienced extraordinary growth. The small hotels and guesthouses within Side itself, once bustling with tourists, have largely lost their former prominence. Meanwhile, the tourism zone expanded westward for approximately 12 kilometers, reaching Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, and Gündoğdu.
The Cennetler district behind Ancient Side, as well as the eastern areas of Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Kızılağaç, and Kızılot, also underwent major development. Today, it would hardly be an exaggeration to say that hotels cover almost every part of the region.
The growth of Side was not limited to large hotels. Beginning around 2004, a property boom transformed the area as villas and residential complexes appeared at a rapid pace. Strong demand from buyers, particularly from the United Kingdom and Scandinavian countries, triggered an explosion in the real estate market. What began as increased demand for homes in older cooperative housing developments soon evolved into large-scale construction projects throughout the region.
Unfortunately, during this period some properties were sold at prices far above their true market value.
While Side expanded in this way, Manavgat followed a different path of development. The growing tourism industry increased the demand for housing among local residents and tourism employees, contributing significantly to the town’s expansion. A population of around 60,000 at that time has now grown to approximately 300,000. Today, the vast majority of hotel employees and tourism workers serving Side and its surrounding resorts live in Manavgat.
In the early 1990s, the internet was still around seven years away from becoming part of everyday life. People relied on television, radio, and newspapers for information. I personally bought a newspaper every day. Sometimes I would ride a small motorcycle two or three kilometers to a local market because newspapers were not available everywhere.
Homes and businesses used wired push-button telephones, and communication depended almost entirely on fixed lines. The mobile connectivity we take for granted today simply did not exist.
The first mobile phones appeared in the region in 1992 through the NMT system. These devices were usually installed in vehicles or carried in large portable units. The service was expensive and primarily used by businesspeople and professionals working in tourism.
Modern GSM mobile phones, as we know them today, began to spread in 1996. In the early years both the devices and the call charges were extremely costly. Nevertheless, they quickly became indispensable, especially for people working in tourism, and communication habits began to change rapidly.
Every evening, people flocked to the restaurants and bars of Side. Walking through the crowds along the main street of Ancient Side on the way to the harbour could be difficult because of the sheer number of visitors. At that time, the all-inclusive hotel concept had not yet arrived. As a result, the fish restaurants around Side Harbour enjoyed tremendous business. The bars were equally crowded, often packed to capacity every night.
Many of these bars were operated by young people from local Side families. Side was an incredibly beautiful and charming seaside village during those years.
Winters were naturally much quieter. However, restaurants and bars remained open. For business owners in Ancient Side, winter was both a time to rest and an opportunity to serve Turkish visitors arriving on day trips. Everyone patiently waited for the next tourist season to begin.
Credit card payment systems were also very different. Automated electronic payment systems did not yet exist in the way we know them today. Credit cards were placed into manual imprint machines, and the card details were transferred onto paper slips.
Most holidaymakers carried cash with them. If they ran out of money, they could either obtain a cash advance through their tour operator and repay it after returning home, or visit an organization in Side known as the Anadolu Credit Card Center to withdraw cash using their credit cards.
Türkiye was a very affordable destination for daily expenses, so tourists generally did not need to carry large amounts of money. However, for major purchases such as carpets, leather goods, and jewelry, credit cards were commonly used, and payments were processed using the manual slip system.
At Antalya Airport, domestic and international flights operated side by side within the same terminal building. Compared with today, the airport was very small. On days when numerous charter flights arrived and departed, especially during the peak tourism season, heavy crowds often caused significant delays.
The road connecting Side to Antalya Airport and extending toward Alanya consisted of a single lane in each direction. Despite this, traffic congestion was rarely a major problem. Tour operators typically concentrated their flight schedules on specific days of the week. Transfer operations began early in the morning according to flight arrivals and departures, continued throughout the day, and occasionally lasted until the following day.
During the 1990s, Side was also one of the favorite holiday destinations for Turkish vacationers. Prices were highly affordable compared with today. Tourism had not yet reached the industrial scale that would later reshape the destination. Side remained a picturesque seaside town that visitors instantly fell in love with and wanted to return to again and again. Its vibrant nightlife undoubtedly played a major role in that appeal.
Nightlife, New Attractions, and the Evolution of Side
In the 1990s, Side was home to four or five major nightlife venues that attracted both locals and tourists. The most famous of them was OXID Disco, which opened in 1993. Today, the site is occupied by Defne Defnem Hotel.
Other popular venues of the era included Miranda Bar on the eastern beach side of Side, Takıl Bar operated by Hasan Özen, and Mehmet’s Bar. Miranda Bar later closed, and its owner went on to open a new venue called Light House in Side Harbour, which became highly popular for many years.
On the side of the Apollon Temple, Stones Bar and Barracuda Bar were among the most frequented entertainment spots. Jungle Bar in the center of Side, Bonjour Bar operated by Yakup, and another well-known bar owned by the Güneş family in Jandarma Street were also familiar names of the period. During the summer season, these venues would fill with holidaymakers every night, often beyond capacity.
Another favorite gathering place was Deniz Atı, located on the western side of Side. It was a lively entertainment venue that attracted large crowds, particularly during the summer months.
No discussion of Side’s nightlife in the 1990s would be complete without mentioning the disco located beneath Caesar’s Hotel, which was also open to outside guests. At the far end of Küçük Plaj stood Nympheum Disco, another highly popular nightclub. In later years, however, it was forced to close, most likely because it was located within an area containing important ancient ruins.
In Titreyengöl, Grand Prestige Hotel operated a nightclub called Niagara, which was another well-known venue of the period. The restaurants and bars located along the canal and around the Clock Tower Square in Titreyengöl also attracted considerable attention, especially during the busy summer months.
Sammy Disco, which opened in Kumköy in the early 2000s and remained active for about a decade, also deserves to be remembered. It was one of the area's most popular nightlife venues, attracting both locals and holidaymakers for many years.
In Manavgat, Adana-style kebab restaurants along the eastern bank of the river were among the most popular dining spots. Both locals and visitors frequently chose these establishments for their traditional Turkish cuisine.
One venue that has successfully survived the passage of time is Apollonik Bar. Located in the harbour and preserving much of its historic character, it continues to operate in the same location today. With its waterfront setting and unique atmosphere, it remains one of Side’s most iconic establishments.
As Side expanded, a number of popular restaurants opened in the surrounding area. One of the most notable among them is Bistro 2000 Restaurant in Kumköy. Established in 2000, the restaurant continues to operate at the same location under the same management, maintaining its commitment to customer satisfaction.
The International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival began in 1993 at the magnificent ancient theatre of Aspendos. Around the same period, another important tourism development took place. Rafting tours in Köprülü Canyon were introduced in 1992 by Israeli entrepreneur Ran Barkan. Known for his long hair and passion for outdoor adventure, Barkan played a pioneering role in introducing rafting to the region.
He was later followed by Recep Eceer, who left his position at the Ministry of Tourism and established Trans Nature. Soon after, the rafting industry expanded rapidly, with many new companies entering the market.
I personally experienced rafting for the first time in 1992 with Scandinavian colleagues through an excursion organized by Ran Barkan. At the time, it felt like a completely new and exciting adventure. The full-day experience was both enjoyable and memorable.
When compared with those early years, the range of tours and activities available in Side today is vastly richer and more diverse. In the early 2000s, the famous Fire of Anatolia dance performances, produced by Mustafa Erdoğan, began being staged at the Aspendos Ancient Theatre. The show quickly gained international recognition and became one of Türkiye’s most celebrated cultural performances. Today, Fire of Anatolia continues to be performed on Tuesdays and Fridays.
The rise of Green Canyon boat tours on Oymapınar Dam also dates back to the early 2000s. Thanks to its breathtaking natural scenery and peaceful atmosphere, the excursion became extremely popular. Today, visitors not only from Side but also from Antalya, Belek, and Alanya regularly join these tours. Green Canyon excursions operate daily throughout the season.
One of the most popular excursions near Side is the Green Canyon boat tour, offering a relaxing day on the emerald waters of Oymapınar Dam surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Taurus Mountains.
Jeep safaris also started gaining popularity during the same period. In the early years, participants drove four-person jeeps themselves. Today, safari tours are generally conducted in larger vehicles carrying around ten passengers and are operated by professional drivers who possess all required licenses and local knowledge.
For those seeking adventure beyond the beach, the Side Jeep Safari Tour offers an exciting journey through the Taurus Mountains, combining breathtaking scenery, local culture, and off-road fun.
These excursions take place in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, combining adventure with stunning natural landscapes. Pickup and drop-off services are available from all hotels in the Side region.
Until 2009, Side functioned as an independent municipality with its own elected mayor. Every five years, local residents voted to choose their municipal leadership. At the time, Side had a population of around 8,000 people. Following an administrative restructuring in 2009, Side lost its municipal status and became a neighborhood within the municipality of Manavgat.
Around 2003 or 2004, traditional two-day Pamukkale tours gradually gave way to one-day excursions. The main reason was simple: tourists preferred to visit Pamukkale in a single day and gain an extra day to enjoy their holiday elsewhere. Although the day trip involved a long and tiring schedule, it eventually became one of the most popular excursions in the region.
During those same years, three-day Cappadocia tours from the Antalya region were introduced. Their greatest attraction was undoubtedly the opportunity to experience a hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia’s unique landscape.
From Pamukkale to Cappadocia: The Expanding World of Excursions
In later years, two-day Cappadocia tours with one overnight stay were added to the program, beginning in 2015.
These two-day tours became especially popular among Russian and Polish visitors. However, hot air balloon flights in Cappadocia take place only once per day, at sunrise, and are entirely dependent on weather conditions. If a flight is canceled due to unfavorable weather, there is no second opportunity on the same day. For this reason, the three-day Cappadocia tour is generally considered the more advantageous and highly recommended option, as it provides a greater chance of experiencing a balloon flight.
I joined Vigo Tours, which was founded in 2000, during its early years and have worked with the company ever since. Throughout this time, I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary transformation of Side between 1987 and 2026, along with the remarkable expansion of tours and activities available to visitors.
In the early 1990s, the number of excursions and activities could almost be counted on one hand. Today, that number has grown to nearly fifty.
At Vigo Tours, we offer all tours and activities available in Side through online booking, including hotel pickup and drop-off services from every accommodation in the region. These services are enjoyed by visitors arriving from many different countries around the world.
Vigo Tours is not limited to Side. Through cooperation with local partners, the company also offers a wide variety of tours and activities in Alanya, Belek, Antalya, Lara, Kemer, Kaş, Fethiye, Marmaris, Bodrum, Didim, Kuşadası, Istanbul, and Cappadocia.
To discover unforgettable experiences across Türkiye, explore the full range of tours, activities, and transfers offered by Vigo Tours.
Since 2000, I have been proud to be part of Vigo Tours. In addition to organizing daily excursions and sightseeing experiences, the company also provides private and shared airport transfer services between hotels and numerous airports across Türkiye.
All vehicles used for transfers possess the necessary licenses and legal permits. A significant portion of the fleet consists of modern VIP-style vehicles designed to provide maximum comfort for travelers.
On a personal level, birdwatching began as a hobby but gradually developed into a professional activity. With the support and encouragement of Vigo Tours, I have been working as a birdwatching guide since 2011.
By combining my knowledge of both migratory and resident bird species with the organizational experience of Vigo Tours, I continue to guide birdwatching excursions throughout the region.
Returning to the subject of tours and activities in Side, Vigo Tours offers a broad selection of experiences suitable for virtually every type of visitor. Whether someone is passionate about nature, looking for adventure, interested in history and culture, or traveling with family, there is an activity to match their interests.
These tours and excursions help transform a holiday in Türkiye into a far more memorable and enjoyable experience.
One of my first recommendations to anyone arriving in Side is to experience a traditional Turkish bath during the first days of their holiday. Beginning a vacation with a full-body cleansing treatment, exfoliating scrub, and relaxing massage is an excellent way to refresh both body and mind. For adult visitors in particular, it is a truly enjoyable and rejuvenating experience.
While staying in Side, joining city tours of Antalya and Alanya is also a wonderful opportunity to discover two of the Mediterranean region’s most popular destinations. These excursions are especially suitable for families traveling with children.
For nature lovers, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Ormana Button Houses and Taurus Mountains Tour, the Tazı Canyon and Selge Tour, the Alanya Sapadere Canyon Tour, as well as the Hidden Paradise and Green Lake excursions. These activities are ideal for visitors who enjoy spending time in nature and are equally suitable for families.
For those seeking a little more excitement, ATV Quad Safari and Buggy Safari tours remain among the most popular activities in Side. They are suitable for families, although not generally recommended for very young children. No driving license is required to operate the vehicles, and all tours take place on dedicated natural tracks away from regular traffic.
Scuba diving excursions are another highly popular choice for visitors wishing to explore the underwater world. The clear waters of Side and its marine life consistently impress participants. Diving programs also include a visit to the Side Underwater Museum.
These excursions are suitable even for first-time divers. However, according to current regulations in Türkiye, children under the age of fourteen are not permitted to participate in scuba diving activities.
Family members or friends accompanying divers can still join the excursion to swim, snorkel, or simply relax and sunbathe on the boat while enjoying a peaceful day at sea.
Family Activities, Adventure, and the Side Experience of Today
For holidaymakers staying in Side, dolphin shows and swimming with dolphins are among the most memorable experiences available. These activities are particularly popular with families traveling with children and often become one of the highlights of their vacation.
In addition, the Side Dolphin Boat Tour, organized every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, offers participants the opportunity to spot dolphins in their natural environment, creating a unique and unforgettable experience.
Tours to the large public market in Manavgat, held every Monday and Thursday, have also become increasingly popular over the years. These excursions include pickup and drop-off services from all hotels in the Side region. Guests enjoy a boat trip on the Manavgat River, a visit to the famous Manavgat Waterfall, and free time for shopping at the bustling local market, where almost every imaginable product can be found.
Rafting tours in Köprülü Canyon remain one of the best family-friendly activities in the region. The Köprüçay River is not an especially technical or dangerous rafting route. Its difficulty level is relatively low, making it suitable for a wide range of participants.
Rafting boats generally accommodate between ten and twelve people, and each boat is guided by an experienced rafting instructor who ensures the safety of all participants throughout the excursion.
Even children as young as six years old can join the activity alongside their parents, provided the guides consider conditions appropriate and place them safely in the center section of the raft. Every participant is provided with a life jacket and helmet. Transportation to and from the rafting area is available from all tourism regions, and lunch is served beside the Köprüçay River during the tour.
For those seeking additional adventure, canyoning experiences and visits to Tazı Canyon can be added to the rafting program.
The Side Sunset Boat Tour is another highly popular activity that includes both meals and drinks. Pickup and drop-off services are provided from all hotels in the Side area. The boat departs from Türkler Harbour, located on the road toward Alanya, at approximately 5:30 PM and returns around 10:00 PM.
Another favorite option is the Big Kral Pirate Boat Tour. Departing from the same harbour, this excursion features a pirate-themed entertainment concept and is particularly popular with families and children.
Half-day fishing trips departing from Side Harbour are also among the region’s most sought-after activities. For visitors looking for a more private experience, exclusive boat tours are available from both Side Harbour and the Manavgat River.
These private cruises offer opportunities for swimming and sunbathing along the coastline of Ancient Side and are especially popular with families and groups of friends seeking a more personalized day at sea.
In writing this article, I have tried to describe the warm, friendly, and charming Side of the past that helped shape the destination visitors see today. Understanding the present is difficult without first understanding the past.
I hope these memories and observations help you gain a deeper appreciation of both the history and modern character of Side, and that you enjoy reading about its remarkable journey.
This article has been written based on approximately thirty-five years of living in Side and my experiences within the tourism industry. Since it is enriched by personal memories and observations, there may be details that I have unintentionally overlooked or remembered imperfectly.
I would warmly welcome anyone who wishes to contribute additional information, share their views, or suggest corrections. Every constructive contribution is valuable in helping preserve and present the story of Side's past and present as accurately and comprehensively as possible.
Looking Back and Looking Ahead: Side’s Journey Through Time
When I first arrived in Side in 1988, I could never have imagined how dramatically the region would change over the following decades. What was once a small seaside village with a handful of hotels has evolved into one of Türkiye’s most important tourism destinations. Yet despite all the growth, development, and modernization, Side has managed to preserve much of the charm that made it special in the first place.
Today, visitors can choose from an extraordinary variety of tours and activities. Whether they are interested in history, culture, nature, adventure, family entertainment, or relaxation, there is something available for every taste and age group. The tourism industry has expanded far beyond what anyone could have imagined in the early years, creating opportunities for visitors to experience the region in countless different ways.
The development of tourism has also transformed the local economy and everyday life. New hotels, residential developments, infrastructure projects, and transportation improvements have reshaped the entire area. At the same time, thousands of people have found employment and built their lives around the tourism sector.
As someone who has spent most of his life in Side and worked in tourism for many years, I feel privileged to have witnessed this transformation firsthand. From the simple boat trips and village excursions of the early years to the wide range of professionally organized experiences available today, the journey has been truly remarkable.
What has remained unchanged, however, is the hospitality of the people, the beauty of the Mediterranean coastline, and the unique atmosphere created by Side’s combination of history and nature. The ancient ruins, the Temple of Apollo, the long sandy beaches, and the warm climate continue to attract visitors from around the world, just as they did decades ago.
For anyone planning a holiday in Side today, there is much more to discover than simply beaches and sunshine. The region offers opportunities to explore ancient civilizations, experience traditional Turkish culture, enjoy outdoor adventures, and create lasting memories with family and friends.
Whether you choose a relaxing boat trip, an exciting rafting adventure, a cultural excursion to Pamukkale or Cappadocia, a nature tour through the Taurus Mountains, or simply a peaceful evening walking through the streets of Ancient Side, you will become part of a story that has been unfolding for generations.
I hope this article has provided insight into both the history and the present-day character of Side. By understanding where Side came from, it becomes easier to appreciate what makes it such a special destination today.
Thank you for taking the time to read these memories and observations from my 35 years of life in Side and my long career in tourism. If you have additional information, memories, or corrections that could help enrich the story of Side, your contribution would be greatly appreciated. Every shared experience helps preserve the collective history of this remarkable place for future generations.
Side has changed enormously over the years, but its spirit remains the same. It continues to welcome visitors with open arms, offering unforgettable experiences and memories that often inspire people to return again and again. For me, that enduring appeal is what makes Side truly unique.
Visitors looking to make the most of their holiday can explore a wide variety of tours and activities in Side, from cultural excursions and boat trips to adventure-filled outdoor experiences.
