Overview of Side
Visiting Side in Antalya Province (Mediterranean Region) places you near Side Merkez Çarşısı & Historic Mosque, Side Kent Müzesi & Cultural Square, Antalya Regional Bazaar & Tea Gardens, with rail and airport connections via Antalya Intercity Otogar & Antray (61.8 km) · Antalya International Airport (AYT) (14 m elevation, pop. 24,000). Travelers stop in Side for morning simit and tulip-glass Rize tea (çay), traditional esnaf lokantası lunches, regional specialties from Mediterranean Region, and scenic walks across Antalya.
Key Local Landmarks in Side: Side Merkez Çarşısı & Historic Mosque · Side Kent Müzesi & Cultural Square · Antalya Regional Bazaar & Tea Gardens · Side Panoramic Viewpoint & Park.
Neighborhoods & Quarters (Mahalleler): Side Merkez (Old Quarter), Cumhuriyet Meydanı & Bazaar District, Yeni Mahalle & Promenade.
Getting to Side & Regional Transit
Direct domestic and European flights into Antalya (AYT), Dalaman (DLM), and Çukurova/Adana (COV), plus scenic D400 Turquoise Coast highway coaches and coastal dolmuş shuttles. Because Side is a district center of 24,000 residents in Antalya, travelers typically connect via Antalya Intercity Otogar & Antray (61.8 km) · Antalya International Airport (AYT) or Antalya Airport (AYT), Dalaman Airport (DLM), Çukurova Airport (COV) & AntRay Tram and complete the final leg by intercity coach (otogar), regional dolmuş minibus, or HGS-equipped rental car.
What to See & Do Around Side
- Side Merkez Çarşısı & Historic Mosque: Historic landmark and visitor highlight in Side (Antalya).
- Side Kent Müzesi & Cultural Square: Historic landmark and visitor highlight in Side (Antalya).
- Antalya Regional Bazaar & Tea Gardens: Historic landmark and visitor highlight in Side (Antalya).
- Side Panoramic Viewpoint & Park: Historic landmark and visitor highlight in Side (Antalya).
- Merkez Çarşısı & Historic Quarter of Side: Walk the central bazaar, historic mosque courtyard, and traditional tea gardens (çay bahçesi) in the late afternoon.
- Natural Landscapes & Viewpoints (Antalya): Explore scenic trails, coastal promenades, or highland viewpoints surrounding Side (14 m).
- Regional Day-Trip Highlights Across Mediterranean Region: Pair a visit to Side with wider Mediterranean Region landmarks including Antalya Kaleiçi Old Harbor, Aspendos & Perge, Fethiye Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon & Kayaköy, Kaş & Kalkan Lycian Way, Patara Beach, Side Temple of Apollo, and Adana/Hatay..
What to Eat in Side — Traditional Antalya & Regional Turkish Cuisine
Side shares the culinary traditions of Mediterranean Region (Adana Kebap & Antalya Tahinli Piyaz) and Antalya. Look for these signature dishes, beverages, and dining customs when visiting Side:
- Adana Kebap & Antalya Tahinli Piyaz: Hand-minced zırh lamb kebab grilled over oak charcoal, and Antalya white bean salad dressed in rich sesame tahini.
- Hatay Künefe & Tepsi Kebabı: Crisp shredded kadayıf pastry filled with stretchy Antakya cheese soaked in light blossom syrup.
- Mersin Tantuni & Mediterranean Lagos — paired with Şalgam Suyu (fermented purple carrot drink) and Fresh Finike Orange & Pomegranate Juice.
- Regional Wine, Rakı & Tea Pairing: Şalgam Suyu (fermented purple carrot drink) · Fresh Finike Orange & Pomegranate Juice · Yayık Ayranı · Taurus Mountain Wild Thyme Tea (Kekik Çayı)
- Local Dining Custom & Market Tip: Explore the central çarşı (market quarter) of Side alongside regional culinary landmarks including Antalya Kaleiçi & Doğu Garajı Bazaar, Adana Kazancılar Çarşısı, Antakya Uzun Çarşı for local cheeses, olives, spices, and freshly baked simit and pide.
Nearby Turkish Districts & Towns from Side (Komşu İlçeler)
Combine a stop in Side with these closest neighboring districts and towns across Antalya and Mediterranean Region:
Best Time to Visit Side
Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov. Browse all districts and towns in Mediterranean Region or search the complete directory of 1,006 Turkish districts and towns.