Side Day Trips: A Guide to Day Trips and Tours from Side
A practical guide to Side day trips: half-day, sea day and canyon tour options, durations, who each suits and booking tips.
"Side day trips" is probably what you searched for, so you likely have two questions: how to spend a day in Side itself, and where you can go from Side? This article covers both. First, a half-day plan within Side, then two trips that fill a day for sea and nature, and finally what to check before booking.
An important note: most day trips around Side depart from neighbouring areas, namely Antalya and Alanya. The departure points for the tours below are stated in the catalogue. Be sure to confirm during booking whether pickup from your hotel in Side is included.
The logic of day trips from Side
Side sits on a small peninsula. The ancient ruins, harbour and beach are all within walking distance of each other. So for those staying in Side, the best arrangement usually works like this:
- One day, explore the peninsula on foot.
- One day, head out to sea.
- One day, go to the mountains or a canyon.
You don't have to do all three back to back. Depending on your holiday pace, inserting beach days in between is much more relaxing.
Half day: Side itself
The ancient city of Side, the columns of the Temple of Apollo on the seafront, the ancient theatre and the area around the harbour can comfortably be visited in half a day. Entrance fees and opening hours may change, so check before your visit. In mid-October the midday heat is milder than in summer, but a hat and water are still a good idea. Towards sunset the temple area is both cooler and more photogenic.
After walking, the most natural break is a hammam. Side: Kese Peeling, Foam Massage and Transfer Turkish Hamam [Side: Turkish Hamam with Kese Peeling, Foam Massage and Transfer](\/tour\/side-turkish-hamam-with-kese-peeling-foam-massage-and-transfer-107) lasts 1.5 hours and starts from 25 EUR. It is a classic hammam programme that begins with a sauna and continues with kese peeling and foam massage. Because transfer is included, the return to your hotel at the end of the day is also easier. It is ideal after a busy sightseeing day, or if there is no early start the next morning.
Sea day: Suluada
You're already on the coast in Side, but swimming in clear coves and jumping into the sea from a boat offers a different kind of day. Antalya: Suluada Island Boat Trip, Lunch and Hotel Transfer [Antalya: Suluada Island Cruise w\/Lunch & Hotel Transfer](\/tour\/antalya-suluada-island-cruise-w-lunch-hotel-transfer-103) lasts 7.5 hours and starts from 55 EUR. It includes swimming stops in turquoise coves, lunch on board and hotel pickup and drop-off.
Who is it for? Those who enjoy swimming and want a relaxed day, such as couples and families. As the day is long, consider the duration carefully for very young children. Pickup points are planned around Antalya hotels, so ask about transfer conditions if you are joining from Side. In October, the seasonal status of boat tours and sea conditions may change. Check before finalising your date.
Nature day: Sapadere Canyon
If you want to get away from the crowds and see the Taurus Mountains, Alanya: Sapadere Canyon Tour, Lunch and Cave Visit [Alanya: Sapadere Canyon Tour with Lunch and Cave Visit](\/tour\/alanya-sapadere-canyon-tour-with-lunch-and-cave-visit-108) is a good choice. The tour lasts 6 hours and starts from 30 EUR. The road passes between banana and avocado orchards. The first stop is a historic stone bridge and a traditional gözleme break. Then comes the canyon and cave visit.
This tour suits those who want to change the rhythm of a coastal holiday. Wear comfortable walking shoes. In October it can be cooler in the mountains in the morning and evening than on the coast, so bring a light top. The water inside the canyon is cool, so a spare set of clothes will come in handy. As it departs from Alanya, confirm the pickup point in advance if you are joining from Side.
Which trip suits whom?
- History and walking lovers: Explore the ancient city of Side in half a day and finish the evening with a hammam [Side: Turkish Hamam with Kese Peeling, Foam Massage and Transfer](\/tour\/side-turkish-hamam-with-kese-peeling-foam-massage-and-transfer-107).
- Those who want to swim and relax: The Suluada day [Antalya: Suluada Island Cruise w\/Lunch & Hotel Transfer](\/tour\/antalya-suluada-island-cruise-w-lunch-hotel-transfer-103).
- Those seeking nature and views: The Sapadere day [Alanya: Sapadere Canyon Tour with Lunch and Cave Visit](\/tour\/alanya-sapadere-canyon-tour-with-lunch-and-cave-visit-108).
- Short holidays: For three days, choose one main tour and leave the other days free in Side.
Manavgat Waterfall and river boat trips near Side are also popular local options for a short break. We do not offer a tour or fee for these. Check opening hours and conditions before you go.
Booking tips
- Ask about the pickup point: Each tour departs from a different area. If you're staying in Side, confirm by giving your hotel's name.
- Calculate the duration with travel time: The tour duration may not cover hotel pickup and the return journey. Leave a margin if you have an evening plan.
- Keep the number of days limited: On a three-day holiday, several long tours can be exhausting.
- Book in advance: Even in mid-October, places can fill up at weekends and during holiday periods.
- Take the season into account: In October days get shorter and evenings cool down. On boat and canyon days, bring a light top, sun cream and a spare set of clothes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest day trip from Side?
Side's own ancient city and its surroundings can be explored on foot without needing transport. A half-day hammam programme such as [Side: Turkish Hamam with Kese Peeling, Foam Massage and Transfer](\/tour\/side-turkish-hamam-with-kese-peeling-foam-massage-and-transfer-107) is also practical for those who want to stay in the same area.
How long do day trips last?
In the catalogue examples, durations range from 1.5 hours for [Side: Turkish Hamam with Kese Peeling, Foam Massage and Transfer](\/tour\/side-turkish-hamam-with-kese-peeling-foam-massage-and-transfer-107) up to 7.5 hours for [Antalya: Suluada Island Cruise w\/Lunch & Hotel Transfer](\/tour\/antalya-suluada-island-cruise-w-lunch-hotel-transfer-103). The Sapadere tour lasts 6 hours [Alanya: Sapadere Canyon Tour with Lunch and Cave Visit](\/tour\/alanya-sapadere-canyon-tour-with-lunch-and-cave-visit-108). Hotel transfer times may vary separately from these.
Which trip is suitable with children?
The sea day [Antalya: Suluada Island Cruise w\/Lunch & Hotel Transfer](\/tour\/antalya-suluada-island-cruise-w-lunch-hotel-transfer-103) may suit families. As it is long, decide according to your child's age. The canyon tour may involve walking and wet ground. Check the age and condition information on the tour page.
How do I book?
You can choose a date and book from the tour page on TurB2C. Tours are run by licensed local agencies in Türkiye. Confirm details such as the pickup point and time during booking.
