Side Tours

DATE 21/12/2025

Side Ancient City: A Timeless Journey Through Antalya’s Ancient Past

Where Is Side Ancient City Located?

Side Ancient City is located in Side, Manavgat, a coastal town on the Mediterranean coast of Antalya, Turkey.
It lies about 7 km from Manavgat center and 65 km from Antalya Airport.
Thanks to its seaside location and well-preserved ruins, Side is one of Turkey’s most popular destinations for both history lovers and holiday travelers.

The word Side means “pomegranate” in ancient Anatolian language – symbolizing fertility and abundance, reflecting the city’s historic prosperity as a trade hub.

The History of Side Ancient City

Side’s history dates back to the 7th century BC, originally founded by Greek settlers and later flourished under Roman rule.
It became an important port city where trade, art, and culture thrived.

The remains you see today — the ancient theater, the Temple of Apollo, the city walls, and Roman baths — all speak of Side’s glorious past.
Artifacts discovered during excavations, such as statues, mosaics, and columns, are exhibited at the Side Museum, located inside a restored Roman bath.

Top Places to See in Side Ancient City

If you’re planning a visit, here are the must-see highlights inside the ancient city:

• 🏛️ Temple of Apollo and Athena: Perfectly situated by the sea, especially stunning at sunset.

• 🎭 Ancient Theater: With a capacity of around 15,000 spectators, it’s one of the largest theaters in the region.

• 🏺 Side Museum: Showcases archaeological findings from the Pamphylia period inside a restored Roman bathhouse.

• ⚓ Ancient Harbor: Once a major port, now a scenic marina surrounded by cafes and tour boats.

How to Get to Side Ancient City

You can reach Side easily from Antalya or Manavgat by local minibuses (dolmuş) or private transfers.
If you’re driving, follow the D400 highway and look for signs directing to Side Antik Kenti.
The ancient city is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot.

Visiting Hours & Entrance Fee (Updated for 2025)

• ⏰ Opening Hours:

  • Summer: 08:00 – 19:00

  • Winter: 08:00 – 17:00

• 💰 Entrance Fee: Around ₺150 (Museum Card valid).

• 📸 Tip: Don’t miss the sunset view behind the Temple of Apollo — one of the most photographed spots in Antalya!

Side Ancient City Bonus Trip Experience

Many local tour agencies offer a Side Bonus Trip, combining the ancient city with other experiences like:

• 🎣 Side Fishing Tour

• 🚤 Side Boat Tour

• 🤿 Side Diving Tour

This way, you can enjoy both historical sightseeing and fun seaside adventures all in one unforgettable day.

Read more on our Side tours page.