Side has two very different coastlines meeting at the old-town peninsula, plus a string of resort beaches to the east and west. Knowing the difference saves you a hot, disappointing walk.
West Beach
The long sandy stretch west of the old town. Soft sand, gentle shelving entry, and the best sunsets in Side โ the Apollo Temple is silhouetted against the water. Lined with beach clubs and sunbed rentals. Busiest in the afternoon. Best for families and sunset photos.
East Beach
East of the peninsula, quieter and more open, with a mix of sand and fine shingle. The water gets deep a little faster, which suits stronger swimmers. Fewer clubs, more space. Good for a calmer day.
Sorgun
A few kilometres east, Sorgun is the upmarket hotel zone backed by a pine forest. Wide sandy beach, very clean, mostly attached to five-star resorts but with public access points. Shade from the pines is a real bonus in July and August.
Kumkoy (Colakli)
West of Side toward Antalya, Kumkoy is the budget-friendly resort strip โ long sandy beach, lively, packed with mid-range hotels, bars and water sports. Best for a sociable, value holiday.
Quick pick
- Sunset and families: West Beach
- Quiet swim: East Beach
- Clean, shaded, upmarket: Sorgun
- Lively and affordable: Kumkoy
Getting there
Most Side hotels are a short walk or a few minutes' drive from their nearest beach. If you are staying in Sorgun or Kumkoy and want to reach Side old town and its beaches, it is a 10โ15 minute hop. We run fixed-price transfers from Antalya Airport to any of these zones โ about 75 minutes โ with a Mercedes, flight tracking and a price agreed before you fly, so you arrive at the right beach without the airport-taxi haggle.