With its golden sand beaches, luxurious yachts dotting turquoise waters and beautiful mountains framing the horizon, Antalya is considered the gateway to the Turkish Riviera — as the number of day trips and tours to Antalya from Side can attest to.

But this bustling city is much more than a quick stop on the route to destinations like Manavgat, Koprulu Canyon or Alanya — with more and more travelers choosing to spend at least a day in the city. And with attractions like the Antalya Aquarium, Hadrian's Gate and the unmissable neighborhood of Kaleiçi it's easy to understand why.

Here's all you need to know about Antalya, one of the most exciting day trips from Side.

How to get to Antalya from Side?

Antalya is located on Turkey’s southern shore in a region that is known as the Turquoise Coast because of its sparkling azure waters.

From Side to Antalya by car

Renting a vehicle to explore the Turkish Riviera is a great idea as most of the area’s attractions are easily accessible by car. Traveling from Side to Antalya by car is no different and it’s a straightforward journey on the main road that connects the 2 cities — the D400.

The entire journey is approximately 75 kilometers long and will take just over an hour to complete.

Guided tour to Antalya from Side

If you don’t want to go through the hassle and paperwork of renting a car in Turkey, you should consider a guided tour. There are a number of Antalya day trips departing from Side, each with different itineraries and price tags — making it easy to find one to fit your needs.

Apart from not having to deal with the logistical aspect of the excursion, you’ll also have an experienced tour guide to show you the way.

What is the typical itinerary?

Your trip will usually start with an airconditioned vehicle picking you up from your hotel in Side. The number of companions on your day trip to Antalya — as well as the attractions visited along the way — depends on the type of tour you choose.

Larger group tours typically make fewer stops because of the time required to organize bigger groups — something to keep in mind when booking your excursion. Either way, your first stop will usually be the Kurşunlu Waterfall, an idyllic setting that feels like it’s been plucked from a Disney movie. Here you’ll spend some time stretching your legs and enjoying the fresh air before heading to Antalya’s oldest neighborhood — Kaleiçi.

Explore the winding avenues and beautiful Ottoman architecture of Antalya’s Old Town, while also checking out some of its most famous landmarks — like Hadrian’s Gate and Hidirlik Tower. Your tour guide will lead you to the most important attractions while also teaching you about the city’s impressive history.

If your tour includes entrance to Antalya Aquarium you’ll get to explore the wonders of the deep up close and personal. The aquarium is home to the world’s largest underwater tunnel display, offering amazing views that will stay with you for an entire lifetime.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Antalya?

There are a number of tours that you may choose from if you want to discover Antalya’s Turkish delights — with both large and small-group trips available.

Side to Antalya full-day guided group tour

A full-day guided group tour from Side to Antalya represents one of the best choices for solo travelers and people on a budget. That being said, the tour still kicks off in style with an air-conditioned vehicle picking you up at your hotel in Side.

From there, you’ll head to the Kurşunlu Waterfall, a welcome pitstop that showcases the Turkish Riviera’s natural beauty. After a quick dip in the sparkling waters, you’ll travel to your main destination — the city of Antalya.

Your guide will take you through the streets of the Old Town, providing you with a detailed layout of the must-see attractions. Following this, you’ll enjoy some free time to wander the streets and grab something to eat before heading back to Side.

Full-day small group tour to Antalya from Side

A small group tour to Antalya allows a more personal experience with the expedition being limited to 10 participants — a great option for people traveling as a couple, a small group of friends or a family.

Because there are fewer people on the tour, your guide will be able to pay more attention to you and your party — an aspect that is invaluable when exploring authentic Turkish sites like Antalya’s Bazaar and the city’s ancient ruins.

At the end of the day, you’ll head back to Side, content with the knowledge that you’ve explored all that Antalya has to offer.

Antalya full-day tour from Side with aquarium visit

If you want the best value for money as well as unbeatable convenience, look no further than this full-day tour with an Antalya Aquarium visit.

After a day spent exploring the city’s main attractions, you’ll head to the aquarium and enjoy a skip-the-line entrance into this watery wonderland — a perfect day out for both young and old. The aquarium remains one of Antalya’s best-kept secrets with it being home to the world’s largest underwater display tunnel.

Besides the fact that transport to and from Side is included, you’ll also be able to choose the time of your aquarium visit — making this the best option for families that need to keep their young ones entertained.

How much does a day trip to Antalya from Side cost?

The cost of a day trip to Antalya from Side usually costs between US$30 and US$70 per person — with the cost largely depending on the number of people on the tour.

A Side to Antalya full-day guided group tour will cost US$30 per person, making it the most affordable option to explore the Turkish Riviera. The lower price tag comes with a maximum of 30 participants, so keep this in mind when booking.

A full-day small group tour to Antalya from Side will cost US$40 per person, but the group will be limited to 10 people — providing great value for a minimal extra.

An Antalya full-day tour from Side with an aquarium visit will cost US$70 per person — and for this price, you’ll enjoy skip-the-queue access to the Antalya Aquarium.

What will you see and do?

Antalya’s Old Town

Kaleiçi, or Antalya’s Old Town, is the oldest part of the city and it’s also where you’ll find most of its famous landmarks and attractions. Winding avenues combine with stunning Ottoman architecture and authentic Turkish neighborhoods to create an unforgettable experience.

Antalya Aquarium

Antalya Aquarium is one of the city’s most impressive attractions — a distinction that’s hard to come by when you consider the city’s rich history. The main reason is the aquarium’s tunnel, the largest in the world at a length of 131 meters. The 3-meter wide submerged tunnel provides an incredible view of the marine life on display.

When is the best time to visit Antalya?

The best time to visit Antalya is usually from April to October. The weather is warm to hot and it's ideal for beach activities and sightseeing. In spring (April to June), the temperatures range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. This is a great time for visiting ancient ruins and hiking.

Summers are hot and dry with average temperatures between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius. This is the best time for hitting the beach, however, it can get crowded during these months.

In autumn (October and November), the temperature starts to cool down. The crowds reduce and it is still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors.

What other day trips can you do from Side?

Manavgat day trip from Side
Koprulu Canyon day trip from Side
Alanya day trip from Side
Green Lake day trip from Side
Taurus Mountains day trip from Side

Travel tips

Depending on the season, you'll want to bring suitable clothing. Summers can be very hot, so lightweight, breathable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must. During winter, bring a raincoat or umbrella as it can be rainy. Remember to bring swimwear if you plan on enjoying the beaches or pools.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking the ancient streets of the Old Town.
Especially during the hot summer months, make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Antalya has many markets and bazaars where bargaining is common. Don't be afraid to haggle to get a better price.

Antalya: Day Trips and Tours from Side