Side Holiday Resorts – What Side Is and How the Region Works

Side is one of the most established holiday destinations on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. It is located within the Manavgat district of Antalya and is built around an ancient peninsula that forms the historical heart of the region.

What many visitors call “Side” is not only the ancient town itself. In reality, Side is the center of a long coastal holiday zone that stretches both west and east, consisting of several well-known resort areas.

What Is Side?

Side is an ancient harbor city dating back to antiquity. Today, the Side Ancient Peninsula is home to landmarks such as the Temple of Apollo, the ancient theatre, agora, and Roman streets. These ruins exist side by side with beaches, restaurants, cafés, and walking promenades.

Because of this unique mix of history and seaside life, Side attracts travelers who want more than just a hotel-based holiday.

Holiday Resorts Around Side

The Side holiday region extends along the coastline. Distances below are calculated from Side Ancient Peninsula and represent average driving distances.

Western Side Resort Areas

Gündoğdu lies to the west of Side and is known for wide, sandy beaches and large resort hotels. It is especially popular with families.
Distance to Side Ancient Peninsula: approximately 15 km.

Çolaklı follows after Gündoğdu and offers spacious beaches and well-established all-inclusive resorts.
Distance to Side Ancient Peninsula: approximately 12 km.

Evrenseki is a modern resort area with high-quality beaches and comfortable hotels, frequently chosen by European visitors.
Distance to Side Ancient Peninsula: approximately 9 km.

Kumköy is one of the closest resort areas to Side town. It is ideal for guests who want to stay near the ancient city.
Distance to Side Ancient Peninsula: approximately 5 km.

Side Town Center

Side town center surrounds the ancient peninsula itself. Accommodation here consists mainly of boutique hotels and smaller properties. The area is known for evening walks, sunset views, and dining among ancient ruins.
Distance to Side Ancient Peninsula: 0 km.

Eastern Side Resort Areas

Sorgun is located east of Side and is surrounded by pine forests. It offers a quieter and greener holiday atmosphere.
Distance to Side Ancient Peninsula: approximately 3 km.

Titreyengöl lies close to the Manavgat River and lake area. It combines nature with resort-style accommodation.
Distance to Side Ancient Peninsula: approximately 7 km.

Kızılağaç features large hotel complexes and a more open, less crowded coastline, suitable for long stays.
Distance to Side Ancient Peninsula: approximately 15 km.

Kızılot is one of the easternmost parts of the Side holiday region. It is quieter and more natural, preferred by travelers seeking tranquility.
Distance to Side Ancient Peninsula: approximately 25 km.

What Does Manavgat Mean for Side?

Manavgat is the main district center behind Side. While Side represents the touristic and historical face of the region, Manavgat functions as the local, commercial, and everyday-life hub.

For visitors staying in Side, Manavgat is important because it offers local markets, shopping areas, the famous Manavgat Waterfall, river cruises, and access to local Turkish daily life.

Essential Information for a Side Holiday

Nearest Airport: Antalya Airport, approximately 65 km from Side. Average transfer time is 1 to 1.5 hours.

Beaches and Sea: Most beaches in the Side region are sandy with shallow water, making them suitable for families and non-swimmers.

Shopping: Side town offers touristic shops, while Manavgat provides larger local markets and shopping areas.

Things to Do in Side

Side is not limited to beach holidays. Visitors can join boat trips, nature and canyon tours, cultural excursions, and family-friendly activities.

A full overview of daily tours and activities in Side can be found on the VigoTours Side activities page .

Frequently Asked Questions About Side

Where exactly is Side located?
Side is located on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, within the Manavgat district of Antalya, built around a historic ancient peninsula.

Is Side only the ancient town?
No. Side refers both to the ancient peninsula and to a wider holiday region that includes many resort areas to the west and east.

Which areas are considered part of the Side holiday region?
Gündoğdu, Çolaklı, Evrenseki, Kumköy, Side town center, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Kızılağaç, and Kızılot are all part of the Side holiday zone.

How far are the resorts from Side Ancient Peninsula?
Distances range from 3 km (Sorgun) to about 25 km (Kızılot), depending on the area. Most resorts are within a short drive.

Is Side suitable for first-time visitors to Turkey?
Yes. Side is easy to navigate, well-organized, and popular with international visitors, making it ideal for first-time travelers.

What kind of beaches does Side have?
Most beaches in Side are sandy with shallow water, which is especially suitable for families and relaxed swimming.

What is the difference between Side and Manavgat?
Side is the touristic and historical center, while Manavgat is the local district hub with markets, shopping areas, and daily life.

Can I easily travel between Side and Manavgat?
Yes. Local minibuses (dolmuş) and taxis connect Side and Manavgat frequently and affordably.

Is it better to stay in Side center or in nearby resorts?
Side center is ideal for history, walking, and atmosphere. Resort areas are better for large hotels, beaches, and all-inclusive stays.

What kind of activities can I do besides the beach?
Visitors can enjoy boat trips, nature tours, cultural excursions, and family-friendly activities available throughout the region.

Where can I find daily tours and activities in Side?
A full list of available experiences can be found on the VigoTours Side activities page .