Manavgat – Side Open-Air Markets Guide

The markets of Türkiye…
The moment you step in, all your senses awaken at once.
The shine of pomegranates, the magical scent of spices,
the cheerful voices of vendors… all inviting you into a world of discovery.

One stall offers fresh fruits bursting with flavor,
another displays handmade jewelry, carpets, and vibrant textiles.
Every corner whispers, “Explore me.”

And the best part?
Here, you don’t just shop—
you touch the soul of Türkiye.

The Manavgat–Side region on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast is home to some of the liveliest open-air markets in Antalya.
These markets are not only shopping spots but also places where local life and holiday atmosphere meet in the same streets.

Below you’ll find a three-part guide to the main weekly markets:

1. Manavgat Monday Market

2. Manavgat Thursday Market

3. Side Saturday Grand Bazaar

Each section explains where the market is, what you can buy, how to get there by dolmuş (minibus) and what to expect around the market in terms of food and rest stops.

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1. Manavgat Monday Market

Manavgat, on Antalya’s eastern coastline, hosts one of the region’s most established local market traditions.
The Monday Market is one of the liveliest days of the week for both locals and holidaymakers.
From the early morning hours, the streets on the eastern side of the town fill up with stalls; vegetables, fruit, souvenirs, textiles and much more come together in one big open-air bazaar.

Where is it held?

Check the exact location on the map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WFgf2J2rCJ2MoZW2A

The Monday Market is set up on the eastern bank of the Manavgat River, on the east side of the main bridge in the town centre.
Once you cross the bridge to the east, the market streets begin a few hundred metres inland.
The area includes the surroundings of Durkaya Hotel and The Sansa Hotel & Spa.

It is not directly on the riverfront; it is slightly inland, spread along flat inner streets.

Thanks to this location, the market is easily accessible from the town centre and the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Those arriving by car usually use nearby open parking areas or the parking places along the river.

Covered section: vegetables, fruit and village products

Part of the market is under a covered structure.
In this section, local producers bring goods directly from their own fields and gardens.
Tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, fresh herbs and citrus fruits from villages in the Manavgat plain are displayed on the stalls from early morning.

Prices are often written on signs, but if you buy larger quantities there is usually some room for negotiation.

The atmosphere in the covered area is different: the smell of fresh produce, the noise of people calling out, the early morning rush.
Local residents mostly shop here, while tourists are generally more interested in the textile and souvenir sections in the open area.

Open area: textiles, souvenirs and bags

The largest part of the Monday Market is in the open air.
Rows of stalls stretch along the streets and are covered with colourful tarpaulins.
These provide shade in summer and protection from rain in winter, so the market can be visited in any season.

Products on sale include, for example:

• T-shirts, dresses, shorts, pareos, tracksuit bottoms, children’s clothing
• Beach bags, backpacks, wallets, belts
• Towels, bedlinen, tablecloths and other home textiles
• Magnets, “evil eye” charms, handmade bracelets and necklaces
• Imitation branded bags and clothing
• Replica football shirts of major European clubs
• Bath and beach towels printed with club logos

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Some sellers speak German, English or Russian to communicate more easily with hotel guests.

Bargaining is completely normal here, especially for textiles and bags.
The first price is usually given with some room left for negotiation.
If you bargain calmly and with a smile, shopping becomes both fun and more advantageous.

Atmosphere and crowd

From around 8:00 am on Mondays, a steady flow of tourists arrives in Manavgat by dolmuş.
Visitors from coastal resorts such as Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Sorgun, Titreyengöl and others get off on the eastern side of town and head into the market streets.

Walking between the stalls, you’ll see locals and holidaymakers shopping side by side in the same crowded alleys.

The Monday Market is more than a typical local market.
It is one of the few places where Manavgat’s multicultural structure, local production and tourism are visibly intertwined.
Some visitors come mainly to shop, others just to experience this lively atmosphere.

How to get there

From the coastal hotels, the easiest way to reach the Monday Market is by dolmuş (shared minibus).

On the front of the minibuses you will usually see lines such as:

• Side – Manavgat
• Kumköy – Manavgat
• Çolaklı – Manavgat
• Kızılağaç – Manavgat
• Kızılot – Manavgat

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The fare is around 2 € per person.
Turkish Lira is also accepted; the driver calculates the amount according to the exchange rate that day.
Travel time depends on the distance of the hotel: generally between 10 and 25 minutes.

On Mondays, drivers often call out “Pazartesi Pazarı!” (Monday market!) as they approach the market area.
When you hear this announcement and get off, you are within very short walking distance of the market streets.

For the return journey, you simply take the same line you used to come – look for the dolmuş with your resort’s name written on the front.

Food and places to rest

The area around the Monday Market is not only good for shopping but also for eating and taking a break.
Because the market is close to the town centre, there are many local restaurants, pide (Turkish pizza) places and cafés nearby.

If you walk a few minutes towards the river, you’ll find restaurants popular with both locals and tourists.
Some offer home-style Turkish dishes, some specialise in kebab and döner, and some focus on quick snacks.

Typical options include:

• Small local restaurants with daily set menus
• Lahmacun and pide bakeries
• Stalls selling freshly squeezed juice and gözleme (Turkish filled flatbread)
• Restaurants by the river serving fish or köfte (meatballs)

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Tourists are often drawn to the open-air cafés along the river.
After shopping, it’s pleasant to sit in the shade with a cold drink, relax and watch the Manavgat River.

Many hotel guests combine their visit to the market with lunch in this area and then return to Side or Kumköy by dolmuş.
So the day becomes not only a shopping trip but also a small city excursion.

Overall

With its wide product range, easy access and surrounding facilities, the Manavgat Monday Market is one of the most attractive markets of the week.
For visitors who want to see local life up close, it offers a very authentic experience.

Going in the morning is ideal if you prefer fresher products and quieter streets.
Towards late afternoon, the crowd increases, but the energy of the market never really drops.

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2. Manavgat Thursday Market

Another key weekly market in Manavgat is the Thursday Market.
It is an important shopping stop for town residents and for tourists staying in the coastal resorts.
Although it is held in the middle of the week, it can be very busy, especially in the summer months.

Here you’ll find both everyday necessities and plenty of souvenirs in the same place, all within walking distance of the town centre.

Location

Check the exact location on the map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ha9s8nmdth6JHAGBA

The Thursday Market is set up in Manavgat town centre, in the market area that begins roughly 150–200 metres downhill after you turn right from the main street where the banks are located.

This is a large open marketplace that extends southwards from that banking street.
Before you reach the bridge, you turn right on this street and walk down for a few minutes; the market starts there.

The location is very central.
It’s easy to reach in terms of traffic and access; dolmuş passengers can get off on the street next to the market.
The ground is flat, which makes it comfortable to walk around even for older visitors or families with small children.

Layout of the market

The Thursday Market is a wide, well-organised market area.
It is set up with the same general layout every week and the rows of stalls are arranged in an orderly way.

In broad terms, the market has two main parts:

• Covered area: vegetables, fruit, village products and food.
• Open area: textiles, souvenirs, bags and day-to-day items.

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Covered area – vegetables, fruit and village products

The covered section is where local residents shop the most.
Producers from Manavgat and nearby villages set up their stalls early in the morning.

Here you’ll find:

• Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, lemons, oranges and other seasonal products
• Homemade olives, cheeses, honey, butter, jam and village bread
• Many items coming directly from the producer

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Because the goods are fresh and local, quality is usually high.
Prices tend to be more favourable in the morning hours.

The covered area reflects the older village market tradition of Manavgat.
In the past, markets were held mainly for vegetables, fruit and village products, and that structure still continues today.
Even now, many small producers sell their own harvest directly at these stalls.

Open area – textiles, souvenirs, bags and beach items

The open area is the busiest part of the market.
The stalls are covered with canopies; they provide shade in summer and protection from rain in winter.
Locals and tourists shop side by side here.

Main products include:

• T-shirts, dresses, skirts, shorts, leggings and tracksuit bottoms
• Beach bags, backpacks, wallets and belts
• Home textiles, bedlinen, beach towels, tablecloths
• Magnets, “evil eye” charms and small souvenirs
• Bracelets, necklaces and rings
• Replica football shirts of popular clubs
• Bath and beach towels printed with club logos

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This part of the market is particularly attractive to tourists because prices are usually much more affordable than in hotel shops.

Most sellers speak Turkish, but many also have basic German or English.
Bargaining over prices is normal here; if you talk calmly and respectfully, many sellers are open to giving a discount.

Atmosphere

From the early hours of Thursday, you can feel that the town is busier than usual.
Dolmuşes arrive constantly from the coastal resorts, and crowds build up around the market.

Between the stalls you hear the sounds of sellers calling out, locals doing their weekly shopping and tourists trying their hand at bargaining.
You’ll often hear German and English, and sometimes Russian, mixed in with Turkish.

The peak time for the Thursday Market is roughly 10:00–13:00.
During these hours, especially the textile area is packed.
Later in the afternoon, as the air gets cooler, the crowd thins out; this is a good time for those who prefer to walk around in a calmer atmosphere.

How to get there

From the coastal hotels, you reach the Thursday Market by dolmuş.
On the front of the minibuses you will typically see lines such as:

• “Side – Manavgat”
• “Kumköy – Manavgat”
• “Çolaklı – Manavgat”
• “Kızılağaç – Manavgat”
• “Kızılot – Manavgat”

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Any of these lines will take you to Manavgat town centre.
On Thursdays, as the dolmuş approaches the market area, the driver usually calls out “Perşembe Pazarı!” (Thursday market!).
You get off at that point, just a short walk from the entrance of the market.

The fare is around 2 € per person.
Turkish Lira is accepted, and the driver calculates the equivalent according to the day’s rate.

Visitors from Kızılağaç and Kızılot

Dolmuşes from Kızılağaç and Kızılot first arrive at the Manavgat dolmuş terminal.
The market area lies to the west of this terminal.

After getting off at the terminal, you simply follow the flow of people – most are walking in the direction of the market, so it’s very easy to find.
There are no special signboards, but the movement of the crowd naturally shows you the way.

For the return journey, you follow the same pattern:
First take the line from the market area or town centre back to the dolmuş terminal, then change to the dolmuş going to your own resort.

Food and drink options

The Thursday Market area is not only good for shopping; it also offers plenty of places to eat and drink.
In the side streets around the market, you’ll find local restaurants, gözleme stands, toast shops and juice stalls.

It’s very common to take a break during shopping for:

• Gözleme and ayran: gözleme (traditional Turkish flatbread, usually filled with cheese or spinach)
  ayran (cold salted yoghurt drink)
• Freshly squeezed pomegranate or orange juice
• A quick toast or sandwich

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Some small local restaurants in the area serve home-style Turkish dishes, grilled köfte, fish and pide.
Prices are reasonable and many tourists choose these places for lunch.

After finishing your market stroll, sitting down in the shade with a plate of food and watching the daily life of Manavgat is one of the most enjoyable parts of the day.

When to go

The Thursday Market is set up early in the morning and continues until it gets dark.

• Morning hours are cooler and quieter.
• Around midday it gets crowded and warmer.
• From about 17:00 onwards, stalls slowly start to close.

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It’s a good idea to bring cash, as some stalls don’t accept cards.
On hot days, carrying water and a hat, and going earlier in the day, can make the visit more comfortable.

Summary

The Manavgat Thursday Market hosts one of the busiest days of the week.
Local people with their natural products and tourists with their colourful shopping habits meet here in the same open-air space.

Turn right from the street with the banks, walk a few minutes, and you step into the real everyday life of Manavgat:
colourful stalls, bargaining voices, the smell of fresh vegetables and the smiles of local vendors.

If you are in Manavgat on a Thursday, leaving without seeing this market would mean missing the heart of the town.

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3. Side Saturday Grand Bazaar

The third major weekly market in the Manavgat region is held in Side on Saturdays.
Locals call it the “Side Cumartesi Pazarı” (Side Saturday Market) or simply the “Side Grand Bazaar”.

This market creates one of the liveliest days of the week for both tourists staying in Side and residents from the surrounding areas.
With its colourful stalls, wide open area and easy access, it has become an essential part of the Side holiday experience.

Location

Check the exact location on the map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EV5AhH5VsuUfWvFq6

The Side Saturday Grand Bazaar is not in the ancient peninsula; it is set up outside the old town, away from the ancient theatre and temples.

The market area is around:

• The Büyük Camii (Great Mosque) and
• The open space in front of the Gazi Paşa Hotel.

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This is the residential part of Side, where hotels and everyday life are concentrated.
The market is within walking distance of the ancient town but far enough from the core tourist crowds to allow relaxed browsing.

The ground is flat, and the bazaar is set up entirely in the open air.
Stalls are erected early in the morning and business continues until late afternoon.

Layout and products

The Side Saturday Market is 100% open-air.
There is no separate covered fruit-and-vegetable hall; all stalls are lined up along the streets, roofs covered with tarpaulins.
These provide shade from the sun and some shelter from light rain.

The product range is designed largely with tourists in mind:

• T-shirts, shorts, dresses, pareos, skirts and tracksuit bottoms
• Beach bags, backpacks, suitcases
• Sunglasses, straw hats, beach towels and pareos
• Souvenirs, magnets, “evil eye” charms, small ornaments
• Handmade jewellery, bracelets, necklaces and rings
• Turkish delight, spices, soap, lavender sachets and other packaged local products

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There are a few fruit and vegetable stalls, but compared to Manavgat’s markets this bazaar is clearly more textile and souvenir oriented.

Prices tend to be lower than in shop units inside hotels or directly on the beachfront.
Most sellers speak Turkish, but many also speak English and German, which makes communication easy for foreign visitors.

Bargaining is common here too – especially when you buy several items together, sellers are often willing to reduce the total price.

Atmosphere

On Saturday mornings, Side has a distinct energy.
From around 8:00 am the streets become busier.
As the stalls open, the area fills with holidaymakers, vendors, dolmuş passengers and local residents.

By midday, the open area of the market can get quite crowded and you may need to walk slowly between the stalls.
Throughout the day you will hear a mix of languages: Turkish, German, English and a little Russian.
Despite the Mediterranean heat in summer, the shade from the canopies makes walking around manageable.

Later in the afternoon, the crowd begins to thin out.
As stalls are gradually taken down, a calmer but still colourful atmosphere remains.
Many holidaymakers choose this market as the place for their last round of shopping before returning home: a few T-shirts, some magnets, maybe a bag and a handful of small gifts.

How to get there

Reaching the Side Saturday Market is straightforward.
Most visitors come from the coastal hotels by dolmuş.
However, the route depends on whether your hotel is on the western or eastern side of Side.

From western-side resorts (Kumköy, Çolaklı, Evrenseki)

From hotels in these areas, you take a dolmuş with “Side” written on the front.
As the dolmuş heads towards Side, it passes along the road very close to the market.

Tell the driver “Cumartesi pazarı” (Saturday market) and he will drop you on the road about 200 metres from the bazaar area.
From there it’s just a short walk to the street where the stalls are set up.

This is the easiest route for visitors coming from the western side; there is no need to go all the way into the town centre.

From eastern-side resorts (Titreyengöl, Sorgun)

Guests staying in Titreyengöl or Sorgun first need to travel to Manavgat, then change to a Side dolmuş.
There is no direct line from these resorts straight to the market.

From Manavgat, the Side dolmuş heads towards Side and passes close to the market area.
As it arrives, the driver will usually announce “Side pazarı” or “Cumartesi pazarı”.
You get off there and walk the short distance to the stalls.

For the return journey, you follow the same route in reverse:
Side back to Manavgat, then Manavgat to Titreyengöl or Sorgun by dolmuş.

From Kızılağaç and Kızılot

From these more easterly coastal areas, you first take a dolmuş to Manavgat town centre.
After getting off in Manavgat, you switch to a Side dolmuş.

The Side dolmuş passes along the road next to the market.
Again, you ask the driver for the Saturday market and get off at the closest stop.

The fare for these dolmuş lines is generally around 2 € per person.
Turkish Lira is widely used and payment is in cash.

Food and drink

Around the Side Saturday Market there are plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can rest during your shopping trip.
Near the Büyük Camii, you’ll find gözleme stands, toast shops, döner outlets and juice stalls.

There are also several small local eateries serving:

• Home-style Turkish dishes
• Pide (Turkish pizza)
• Köfte (meatballs)
• Grilled meats

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Taking a lunch break here, having a glass of freshly squeezed pomegranate juice or sitting down in the shade with a coffee is very common among visitors.

The market is within walking distance of the beach, so many tourists like to combine their day:

• Morning at the market,
• Afternoon by the sea.

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This combination is one of the most popular ways to spend a Saturday in Side.

Tips

• The market starts early; 08:00–09:00 is the most comfortable time to walk around.
• Around midday it becomes crowded and quite warm, especially in summer.
• Not all stalls accept cards, so carrying cash and small banknotes is recommended.
• On sunny days, bring a hat, water and sunscreen.

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Summary

The Side Saturday Grand Bazaar is ideal for anyone looking for both shopping and a cultural experience.
Set just outside the ancient town, this open-air market is one of the places where you can truly feel the spirit of the Manavgat–Side region.

Colourful stalls, busy streets, friendly sellers and the sound of bargaining all come together to create a very Mediterranean atmosphere.

A few hours here can turn an ordinary holiday day into a memorable experience.
Like many other visitors, you’ll probably leave the market with a couple of T-shirts, maybe a new bag, some magnets and a handful of local treats to remember your trip by.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Manavgat & Side Open-Air Markets

1) Which market is the biggest: Manavgat Monday, Manavgat Thursday, or Side Saturday?

In terms of variety and “classic bazaar feel,” Manavgat Monday Market is often seen as the largest and most diverse. Manavgat Thursday Market is also very big and well-organised, while Side Saturday Grand Bazaar is usually the most tourist-focused (textiles, souvenirs, beach items).

2) What time do the markets start and when is the best time to go?

Most stalls begin setting up early, and the best time to visit is 08:00–10:30 for cooler weather, easier walking, and better choice. The busiest period is typically 10:00–13:00, especially on Thursdays and Saturdays in high season.

3) Do these markets run all year round?

Yes, these weekly markets generally operate year-round, but the crowd size and number of stalls can change with the season. Summer is the busiest; winter is calmer.

4) Can I pay in Euros, or do I need Turkish Lira?

Many vendors accept Turkish Lira and some accept Euros, especially in tourist-heavy sections. However, it’s best to carry cash in Turkish Lira, plus small banknotes for easier bargaining and quick payments.

5) Are credit cards accepted at the stalls?

Some stalls may accept cards, but many do not. Assume cash is required—especially for smaller purchases (souvenirs, snacks, produce).

6) Is bargaining expected?

Yes—particularly for textiles, bags, shoes, souvenirs, and “branded” replicas. Bargaining is less common for fresh produce in the local producer sections, but discounts may still happen when buying more.

7) What can I buy at Manavgat Monday Market?

You’ll find a mix of:

• Fresh fruit and vegetables

• Local village products (honey, olives, cheese, jams, herbs)

• Clothing (T-shirts, dresses, sportswear, kids’ items)

• Bags, belts, wallets, home textiles

• Souvenirs (magnets, evil eye charms, small gifts)

8) What’s the difference between Manavgat Monday Market and Manavgat Thursday Market?

Both are big weekly markets, but:

• Monday Market feels more “traditional” and spread out on the east side of town.

• Thursday Market is more central and often feels more structured and organised, with a very clear covered/open layout.

9) Is Side Saturday Grand Bazaar in the ancient old town?

No. The Saturday bazaar is outside the ancient peninsula, in the residential area of Side—closer to everyday life, hotels, and local streets (not by the main ruins).

10) How do I get to the markets by dolmuş from Side?

For Manavgat Monday and Manavgat Thursday markets, take a dolmuş marked:

• “Side – Manavgat” (and similar coastal lines)

For Side Saturday Market, take a dolmuş marked:

• “Side” (from Kumköy/Çolaklı/Evrenseki), or

• via Manavgat if coming from Titreyengöl/Sorgun/Kızılağaç/Kızılot.

11) How much does the dolmuş cost?

Prices can vary by season and route, but it’s commonly around €2 per person on many local routes. If you pay in Turkish Lira, the driver calculates the equivalent.

12) What should I wear and bring with me?

Recommended:

• Comfortable shoes (you’ll walk a lot)

• Cash and small notes

• Water (especially in summer)

• Hat and sunscreen

• A reusable shopping bag

• A light layer in winter months

13) Are the markets suitable for children and strollers?

Yes, but at peak hours the lanes can be crowded. The Thursday Market is usually easier for strollers because the area is flat and well arranged, but midday crowds can still be tight.

14) Is it safe to carry cash and shop in crowded market streets?

Generally yes, but like in any busy market:

• Keep your wallet secure

• Use a cross-body bag

• Avoid keeping valuables in back pockets

• Stay aware in crowded lanes

15) Are there toilets near the markets?

Usually yes—either public facilities nearby or toilets in cafés/restaurants. If you sit for a drink or lunch, it’s normal to use the facilities there.

16) Can I eat and take a break near the markets?

Absolutely. Near both Manavgat markets and the Side Saturday bazaar you’ll find:

• Gözleme + ayran

• Pide and lahmacun

• Döner and köfte

• Fresh juice stands (pomegranate/orange)

• Small cafés for coffee and cold drinks

17) Will vendors speak English or German?

Many sellers—especially in textile/souvenir sections—can communicate in basic English and German (and sometimes Russian). In the fresh produce sections, Turkish is more common.

18) What are the best things to buy as souvenirs?

Popular choices include:

• Turkish delight and packaged spices

• Olive-oil soaps and lavender sachets

• Evil eye charms (nazar boncuğu)

• Small handmade bracelets or necklaces

• Beach towels, textiles, and small gifts

19) Can I combine the market visit with sightseeing?

Yes. Many visitors combine:

• Manavgat market + riverside lunch

• Side Saturday market + beach time

• Market day + a relaxed tour (boat trip, waterfall, Green Canyon)

20) Any quick tips to avoid common mistakes?

• Go early for comfort and better choice

• Don’t accept the first price for textiles/souvenirs

• Carry cash and small notes

• Drink water and take breaks

• If you’re buying multiple items, negotiate the total price together

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Some tours and excursions you might be interested in Side

If you would like to explore more around Side and Manavgat after visiting the local bazaars, these carefully selected experiences offer a relaxed and complementary way to enjoy the region:

Manavgat Waterfall & Bazaar Boat Trip

A scenic river cruise combined with a visit to Manavgat Waterfall and time at the local bazaar — a perfect match for travelers interested in local life and nature.
https://vigotours.com/side-turkey/manavgat-waterfall-bazaar-boat-trip

Sunset Boat Trip in Side

A calm evening cruise along the coast, ideal for unwinding after a day of sightseeing or shopping in Side.
https://vigotours.com/side-turkey/sunset-boat-trip-in-side

Green Canyon Boat Trip from Side

A peaceful boat trip through the emerald waters of Green Canyon, surrounded by mountains and forest scenery.
https://vigotours.com/side-turkey/green-canyon-boat-trip-from-side

Land of Legends Theme Park Tour from Side

A popular family-friendly option with water slides, shows, and entertainment for all ages.
https://vigotours.com/side-turkey/land-of-legends-theme-park-tour

Antalya City Tour from Side

Discover Antalya’s old town, waterfalls, and city highlights on a full-day sightseeing tour.
https://vigotours.com/side-turkey/antalya-city-tour-from-side