About Side – Manavgat
Side is an ancient Pamphylian port built on a small peninsula east of Antalya, and its name is generally said to mean pomegranate in an old Anatolian language. The modern town lives among the ruins: lanes lined with shops lead from the Roman theater past the agora to the columns of the Temple of Apollo at the water's edge. Next door, Manavgat brings a cooler, greener side to the area with its river flowing down from the Taurus Mountains and its broad waterfall. The pine forests of Sorgun and the long beaches of Titreyengöl complete the picture.
Most Side tours start with a guided walk through the ancient city and then head to Manavgat. A Manavgat river boat trip combines the waterfall with the spot where the river meets the sea, while Green Canyon trips explore the cool waters of the Oymapınar Dam lake. Rafting in Köprülü Canyon, jeep safaris and visits to Aspendos are easy to arrange from here too. Explore the ruins early in the morning or toward sunset to beat the heat. TurTalebi brings tours from local firms in Side and Manavgat together so you can compare them and book securely by card.
Side – Manavgat Tours
Tours run by local firms in the area. Pick a date, see the price and book securely by card.
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All ToursTop Things to See
Temple of Apollo
Standing right at the water's edge, the five re-erected columns of this temple are the emblem of Side and look magical at sunset. The remains of the Temple of Athena lie beside it in the same sanctuary.
Ancient Theater of Side
One of the largest theaters in Pamphylia, it rises on a series of vaulted arches rather than resting against a hillside. Pair it with the nearby agora and the Side Museum, housed in a former Roman bathhouse.
Manavgat Waterfall
Here the Manavgat River spills over a wide, low ledge, impressive more for its breadth and cool spray than its height. Shaded viewing terraces and tea gardens make it a pleasant stop on a hot day.
Manavgat River Cruise
Boats from Manavgat town drift downstream to the mouth of the river, where a strip of sand separates the river from the Mediterranean. A swim with fresh water on one side and the sea on the other is the highlight.
Green Canyon
On the reservoir of the Oymapınar Dam, boats cruise between steep cliffs reflected in emerald water and pine-clad shores. With swimming stops and lunch by the lake, it makes a relaxing half or full day out.
Sorgun and Titreyengöl
East of Side, the Sorgun pine forest runs right down to the shore and offers shady walks. Neighboring Titreyengöl, with its long beach and small lake, suits travelers looking for a quiet seaside stay.
Plan Your Trip
When to Go
The beach season in Side and Manavgat runs from May to late October. April, May, September and October are the best months for exploring the ruins and taking waterfall and canyon trips. July and August are hot and the town is crowded, which makes river and lake outings a welcome way to cool off. Winters are mild and wet, and while many places close for the season, it is a peaceful time to see the ruins.
Getting There
Antalya Airport is the nearest airport, about an hour away by road, with Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport a little farther away. Frequent minibuses connect Manavgat bus station with Side, and the old town itself is largely pedestrianized. The coastal highway between Antalya and Alanya runs through Manavgat, making it easy to reach other resorts along this stretch of coast.
Practical Tips
- Head to the Temple of Apollo well before sunset, as the rocks in front of the columns fill up quickly.
- In summer, see the theater and agora early in the morning, since the stone paving heats up fast and there is little shade.
- Bring a swimsuit and towel on the river trip for the swim stop at the beach by the river mouth.