Side occupies a genuinely distinctive position among Turkey’s resort destinations. It is the only major Antalya coast resort with a well-preserved ancient town at its centre — Roman temples, a theatre and harbour walls dating back over two thousand years, all within walking distance of excellent beaches and a well-developed all inclusive hotel strip. For guests who want a proper Turkish beach holiday but also want some cultural interest built into their surroundings, Side is the most complete answer on the Antalya coast.
The resort area sits approximately 75 kilometres east of Antalya Airport — a transfer of around 60–70 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The town of Side itself is a narrow peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean, with beaches on both sides and the ruins of the Temple of Apollo at its very tip. The western beach — Side Beach — is long, sandy and lined with good hotels. The eastern beach is quieter and more sheltered. Both are clean, well-maintained and warm from May through October.
The all inclusive hotel offer in Side is strong and varied. The Sorgun area just east of Side town — a stretch of coastline through protected pine forest — is where some of the finest all inclusive resorts on the entire Antalya coast are located. Properties like Barut Hemera, Voyage Sorgun, Asteria Sorgun Resort and Throne Beach Resort sit directly on one of Turkey’s most beautiful stretches of beach, surrounded by ancient pine trees rather than development. This is a genuinely different environment from the large resort strips of Lara or Kundu — quieter, more natural and for many guests considerably more pleasant.
For families, Side works very well. The beaches are good for children, the all inclusive hotels have strong family facilities and the ancient town provides an accessible and genuinely interesting cultural experience for older children. The Temple of Apollo at sunset is one of those views that stays with guests long after they have returned home.
For couples, the quieter Sorgun area hotels offer a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere than the larger resort areas further west. The pine forest setting, the quality of the restaurants and the relative calm of this part of the coast make it one of Thomas’s personal recommendations for couples wanting a more peaceful Antalya experience without sacrificing hotel quality.
One honest note: Side is a longer transfer from Antalya Airport than Belek or Lara. At 60–70 minutes each way, the transfers add up over a week’s holiday. For guests who are visiting specifically for the ancient town, the Sorgun forest hotels or the eastern beaches, that distance is worth it. For guests who simply want the closest possible resort to the airport, Belek or Lara are more practical choices.
For all inclusive holidays in Side, luxury Side hotels or family holidays in Side — book through GotoBeach with full ATOL protection under licence #11211, low deposits from £30 per person and the honest advice of a team that knows this destination properly.
