A Honeymoon and Romantic Getaway Guide to Side, Turkey

There's something quietly magical about Side. A slim peninsula on Turkey's Turquoise Coast, its ancient stone streets open onto a harbor lined with cafés, and its ruins glow amber at sunset while the Mediterranean laps just beyond. For couples planning a honeymoon or a romantic escape, Side offers a rare mix: postcard beaches, centuries of history to wander through hand in hand, and a relaxed pace that makes it easy to simply slow down together. This guide walks through why Side works so well for romance, where to stay, what to do, and how to get there smoothly so your trip starts stress-free.

🌅 Why Side Is a Honeymoon Favorite

Side isn't just another resort town — its old town sits directly on the ruins of an ancient Greek and Roman port city, so every stroll through its cobbled lanes feels like a small adventure. Add to that soft sandy beaches on either side of the peninsula, warm turquoise water, and a sunset view over the Temple of Apollo that regularly makes lists of the most romantic sights on the Mediterranean, and it's easy to see the appeal. Compared to some of the busier resort belts nearby, Side's old town retains a genuinely charming, walkable character, which makes it ideal for couples who want both relaxation and a bit of romance-fueled exploration.

The region around Side also blends seamlessly with nearby areas like Manavgat and Kızılot, giving honeymooners easy access to waterfalls, boat trips, and quieter beaches without straying far from their base.

💛 Best Areas to Stay for Couples

Where you base yourselves in Side shapes the whole trip, so it's worth thinking about the vibe you want.

• Side Old Town 🏛️ — Stay within walking distance of the Temple of Apollo, harbor restaurants, and boutique shops. Perfect for couples who want atmosphere over resort amenities, with candlelit dinners just steps from your door.
• Side's beachfront resort strip — Many honeymoon-friendly hotels sit along the coast just outside the old town, offering private beach access, spa facilities, and often adults-only or couples-focused sections.
• Boğazkent and the wider Manavgat coastline — A little further along, this area offers quieter, more spread-out resorts with lush gardens, ideal if you want more seclusion. You can browse options via the Boğazkent hub for a sense of the area.
• Çolaklı and Titreyengöl — Slightly out of the main hustle but still close enough for evening trips into Side proper, these spots suit couples craving calm mornings and long, quiet beach walks.

Whichever base you choose, look for hotels advertising honeymoon suites, private balconies with sea views, or couples' spa packages — many properties in the region cater specifically to newlyweds with small touches like room decorations or complimentary breakfasts in bed.

💑 Romantic Things to Do in Side

Side rewards couples who mix beach time with a little exploration. Here are the experiences worth building your days around.

• Watch sunset at the Temple of Apollo 🌇 — This is the single most iconic romantic moment in Side. Arrive early to find a good spot along the harbor wall as the columns turn gold against the darkening sea.
• Wander the old town at night — Once the day-trippers thin out, Side's narrow streets take on a softer, quieter charm, perfect for an after-dinner walk past lantern-lit shopfronts.
• Take a sunset boat cruise — Many local operators run short evening cruises along the coastline, often with music and drinks, giving you uninterrupted views of the peninsula from the water.
• Visit Manavgat Waterfalls 🌊 — A short trip from Side, these wide, gentle falls make for a pretty afternoon outing and a nice change of scenery from the beach.
• Spend a day at Side's beaches — The east beach tends to be quieter and sandier, while the west beach offers dramatic ruin backdrops — both are lovely for a slow, together kind of day.
• Book a couples' spa treatment 💆 — Many hotels in the area offer Turkish bath (hammam) experiences designed for two, a relaxing and distinctly local way to unwind.
• Dine at a harborfront restaurant — Fresh seafood with a view of fishing boats bobbing in the harbor is about as romantic as dinner gets in Side.

🗺️ Day Trips Worth Considering

If you want to add variety to your honeymoon itinerary, Side's location on the Turkish Riviera makes several day trips easy. The lively resort area of Alanya is within reach for a change of pace, with its hilltop castle and dramatic coastal views offering another memorable sunset spot. Closer still, Manavgat town is worth a wander for its riverside market and boat trips. For couples who enjoy a bit of nature alongside their romance, the green belt around Belek and its golf-resort coastline (Belek) offers pine forests meeting the sea, a nice contrast to Side's historic stone streets.

These trips are easy to organize independently, but having reliable transport arranged in advance takes the guesswork out of moving between towns, especially if you'd rather spend your energy enjoying the views than negotiating logistics.

📍 Getting to Side

Side sits roughly along the coast from Antalya Airport, and for most honeymooners, arranging an airport transfer in advance is the easiest way to start the trip on a relaxed note. After a long flight, the last thing most couples want is to navigate public transport schedules or haggle over taxi fares while jet-lagged and hauling luggage. A pre-booked private transfer means a driver is waiting for you at arrivals, and you're on your way to your hotel without any detours or stress — ideal for beginning a honeymoon exactly the way it should start: calmly and together.

Antalya Shuttle offers direct transfers from Antalya Airport to hotels throughout Side and the surrounding coastline, including nearby Kızılağaç and Türkler, so wherever your resort is located, a smooth, private ride is easy to arrange ahead of time.

🧳 Practical Tips for a Smooth Romantic Trip

• Book accommodation early — Honeymoon-friendly rooms with sea views or private terraces get booked up quickly during peak season, so reserve well ahead if a specific room type matters to you.
• Pack for both beach and old-town exploring — Side's cobbled streets call for comfortable sandals alongside your beach essentials.
• Consider timing your sunset plans — The Temple of Apollo area gets busy at golden hour, so arriving a little earlier secures the best spot for photos and a quiet moment together.
• Arrange your airport transfer ahead of time 🚐 — This small step saves real hassle after a long journey and lets you begin your honeymoon relaxed rather than stressed about logistics.
• Learn a few Turkish phrases — Locals are generally warm and welcoming, and a simple