Side Ancient City is one of the most impressive places to visit in the wider Antalya region. Built across a narrow peninsula near Manavgat, Side was one of the most important port cities of ancient Pamphylia and later became a wealthy center during the Roman period.
Side is especially memorable because its archaeological remains are woven into a living coastal town. Visitors can walk beside ancient city walls, monumental fountains, colonnaded streets, an enormous theatre, Roman baths and Byzantine buildings before reaching the famous Temple of Apollo beside the sea.
See one of the largest and most architecturally distinctive ancient theatres in Anatolia.
Experience Side’s most iconic view where ancient columns rise beside the Mediterranean.
Explore gates, fountains, agoras, baths, temples, basilicas and colonnaded avenues.
Combine Side with Perge, Aspendos, Manavgat or other highlights of the Turkish Riviera.
Essential information for planning a visit to one of the most beautiful archaeological sites on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.
Located on the Side peninsula, around 7 km southwest of Manavgat and approximately 75 km east of Antalya.
An important ancient Pamphylian port city with major Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine remains.
Allow around 2 to 4 hours, or longer when combining the ruins, museum, old town and sunset.
Roman theatre, Temple of Apollo, Temple of Athena, Side Museum, Nymphaeum and colonnaded streets.
Discover the story of a powerful Mediterranean port that developed through local Anatolian, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine civilizations.
Side was established as an important settlement by the 7th century BC on a narrow peninsula extending into the Mediterranean. Its natural harbor and strategic coastal position helped it become one of the leading commercial centers of ancient Pamphylia. The name “Side” is traditionally connected with the word pomegranate in the local language.
The city passed through the control of several major powers, including Lydia, Persia and Alexander the Great. After Alexander’s death, Side moved between Hellenistic kingdoms before later coming under the influence of Pergamon, Rome and the Byzantine Empire. Despite these political changes, it often maintained a strong local identity and commercial importance.
Side reached its greatest prosperity during the Roman period. Wealth generated through maritime trade supported the construction of monumental public buildings, including the theatre, agoras, baths, temples, fountains, aqueducts and broad colonnaded streets. Much of the monumental architecture visible today belongs to this flourishing Roman phase.
During the Byzantine era, Side became an important religious center and received churches, basilicas and other Christian buildings. The city later declined following repeated instability, attacks and changing trade conditions. By the medieval period it had largely been abandoned, before Cretan Muslim families settled among the ruins in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and established the modern settlement known as Selimiye.
Explore Side’s most important monuments, from its vast Roman theatre to its famous seaside temples and archaeological museum.
Standing at the narrowest part of the peninsula, Side’s monumental theatre is the most dominant structure in the ancient city. Its plan follows Hellenistic traditions, while its construction techniques reflect Roman engineering.
The restored columns of the Temple of Apollo stand beside the ancient harbor and create the most recognizable image of Side. The temple was dedicated to Apollo and is especially beautiful in the warm light of sunset.
The Temple of Athena once stood beside the Temple of Apollo near the entrance to Side’s ancient harbor. Together, these sacred buildings represented the city’s principal deities and its strong relationship with maritime life.
Near the principal entrance to the ancient city, visitors encounter the remains of Side’s monumental gate and enormous public fountain. The Nymphaeum once welcomed arrivals with water, columns, statues and richly decorated architectural elements.
Side’s ancient streets reveal the scale of the Roman city. Column bases, paving stones, shops and public spaces help visitors imagine the movement of merchants, citizens and travelers through this once-busy Mediterranean port.
Side Museum occupies the restored Agora Bath, an ancient bathing complex whose earliest construction phase dates to the Roman period. The museum displays statues, sarcophagi, reliefs, inscriptions, coins and daily-life objects discovered during excavations in Side.
Side later became an important Christian center. Basilica remains, church structures and other Byzantine buildings show how the city’s religious identity changed after the Roman pagan period.
Beyond the headline monuments, Side contains extensive city walls, smaller bath complexes, water systems, residential areas, commercial spaces and architectural fragments spread across the peninsula.
Much of Side’s old town, harbor area and the surroundings of the Temple of Apollo can be explored while walking through the peninsula. The officially managed archaeological area and Side Museum operate with ticketed entry arrangements.
The official museum page currently lists an entrance fee of €7 per person for foreign visitors.
The official listing states that the Side archaeological-site ticket is also valid for entry to Side Museum.
MüzeKart is valid for eligible Turkish citizens. International museum-pass conditions should be confirmed before visiting.
Side Ancient Theatre is currently closed to interior visits because of restoration work, although it remains visible from outside.
Side’s archaeological area is open every day. The modern old town and waterfront remain active beyond museum hours, while ticketed areas follow the official visiting schedule.
Side Ancient City is one of the most rewarding historical places to visit in Antalya because it combines monumental archaeology, a living coastal town, Mediterranean scenery and one of Turkey’s most famous sunset views.
Few ancient cities allow visitors to move so naturally between Roman ruins, harbor views, beaches and a modern old town.
Side’s enormous theatre reveals the scale, wealth and architectural ambition of the Roman city.
The seafront columns of Apollo create one of the most photographed historical landscapes on the Turkish Riviera.
Side fits naturally into day trips that also include Perge, Aspendos, Manavgat and other Antalya-region attractions.
For travelers seeking a destination that feels historical, scenic, lively and distinctly Mediterranean, Side is one of the strongest choices in southern Turkey.
Side Ancient City is located on the coast near Manavgat and can be reached by car, taxi, public transport, private transfer or an organized Antalya day tour.
Side is approximately 75 km east of Antalya. Driving usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic and pickup location.
The ancient city is around 7 km southwest of Manavgat. Local minibuses and taxis regularly connect Manavgat with Side.
Follow the D400 coastal road toward Manavgat and Side. Visitor parking is available before the pedestrianized old-town peninsula.
A guided Perge, Aspendos and Side tour is one of the easiest ways to visit several major archaeological sites in a single day.
Side can become very hot and busy during summer afternoons. Early morning and late afternoon are much more comfortable.
The Temple of Apollo is at its most beautiful when the setting sun illuminates the columns beside the sea.
Ancient paving, uneven stones and exposed archaeological paths make supportive walking shoes the best choice.
Shade is limited across many of the ruins, so carry water, a hat and sunscreen during warmer months.
The ancient theatre is currently closed inside for restoration. Check official updates before planning your route.
Side Museum helps explain the outdoor ruins through statues, inscriptions, sarcophagi and objects discovered in the city.
Ideal for visitors who want to explore one of the most important ancient cities of Pamphylia.
Perfect for Mediterranean views, Roman architecture, ancient textures and sunset photography.
The combination of ruins, old-town streets, cafés, harbor scenery and beaches offers variety for different interests.
Side is an excellent full-day or half-day excursion from the main resort areas of the Antalya coast.
Side can be combined with several important historical and natural attractions in the eastern Antalya region. A private vehicle or organized tour makes it much easier to visit more than one location in the same day.
Visit one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, together with the remains of the ancient city and its remarkable aqueducts.
Explore monumental gates, Roman baths, a stadium, an agora and one of the most impressive colonnaded streets in ancient Pamphylia.
A popular natural stop north of Manavgat, known for its broad river, powerful flow and shaded riverside atmosphere.
A scenic national park offering river landscapes, rafting, outdoor activities and access to mountain heritage sites.
Side is famous for its monumental Roman theatre, ancient harbor, colonnaded streets, archaeological museum and the Temple of Apollo overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Side was established as an important settlement by the 7th century BC, although archaeological evidence and local history reach into earlier periods.
Most visitors need around 2 to 4 hours for the main ruins and museum. Allow more time when including the old town, harbor, cafés and sunset.
The harbor and temple surroundings are generally explored as part of the open old-town area. Ticketed access applies to the officially managed archaeological and museum sections.
The official museum listing currently states that Side Ancient Theatre is closed to interior visits because of restoration. The structure can still be viewed from outside while walking through the old town.
The official archaeological site is currently listed as open daily from 08:00 to 18:45. Night museum visits are listed from 19:00 to 22:00, with the night ticket office closing at 21:30.
Early morning is best for cooler temperatures and quieter ruins. Late afternoon is ideal when you want to finish your visit with sunset at the Temple of Apollo.
Side offers a rare combination of monumental ruins, Mediterranean light, old-town atmosphere and coastal scenery. The most rewarding photographs often come in the early morning or during the golden hour before sunset.
The classic Side composition, with ancient columns silhouetted against the evening sky and Mediterranean horizon.
The massive stone structure creates powerful architectural images even while interior access remains restricted.
Use the surviving niches, arches and stone textures to capture the scale of Side’s ceremonial entrance.
Long perspectives through columns and ancient paving stones create strong depth and historical atmosphere.
Statues, sarcophagi, columns and architectural fragments are displayed within the historic bath complex.
Combine fishing boats, sea views, temple remains and the old-town promenade for a more complete image of modern Side.
Side Ancient City can be visited throughout the year. Spring and autumn usually provide the best balance of comfortable temperatures, good light and pleasant walking conditions, while summer offers a lively coastal atmosphere but significantly stronger heat and crowds.
One of the best periods for archaeology, walking and photography before the strongest summer heat arrives.
Expect hot weather and larger crowds. Visit early or late, carry water and avoid long walks during midday.
An excellent season for warm coastal weather, softer light and comfortable combinations with other Antalya attractions.
A quieter time to explore the ruins, although rain, wind and shorter daylight hours should be considered.
April – June and September – October
Early morning for quiet ruins or late afternoon for the Temple of Apollo at sunset
Avoid the hottest midday hours and keep sun protection and water with you
Discover Side Ancient City together with the most important archaeological highlights of the Antalya region. Choose a shared day tour or a flexible private experience including Perge, Aspendos, Side and a refreshing natural stop.
A practical full-day route for travelers who want to see three major ancient sites with transportation, guiding and lunch included.
A classic Antalya archaeology tour combining Perge Ancient City, Aspendos Theatre, Side Ancient City and a scenic waterfall stop.
View TourIdeal for couples, families and private groups who prefer flexible timing, comfortable transport and personal guiding.
A private full-day journey through Antalya’s essential ancient cities with more flexibility, personal attention and comfortable planning.
View Tour