The Best Beaches in and Around Side: A Complete Guide

Side is one of those rare corners of the Turkish Riviera where ancient ruins tumble right onto golden sand, and the beaches on either side of this old harbor town could not feel more different from one another. Whether you are staying in the heart of Side, in nearby Kumköy, or basing yourself in Manavgat or Çolaklı, you are never far from a stretch of coastline worth packing a towel for. Here is our guide to the best beaches in and around Side, plus some practical tips on getting to each one.

🏖️ East Beach (Kumköy Beach) - the long sandy favorite

Side's East Beach, often called Kumköy Beach because it stretches north toward the Kumköy district, is the region's classic long, wide sandy shoreline. This is the beach most resort guests picture when they think of Side: soft golden sand, shallow, gently sloping water that is great for families, and a seemingly endless row of beach bars, loungers, and water sports operators. It gets busy in high season, but the beach is long enough that you can usually find a quieter patch if you walk a little further from the main hotel clusters.

Because so many hotels line this stretch directly, many travelers staying here barely need to leave their resort to enjoy a full beach day. It is also a lovely spot to watch the sunrise if you are an early riser.

🌅 West Beach - Side's postcard sunset spot

On the opposite side of the Side peninsula sits West Beach, arguably the most photographed strip of sand in the area thanks to its unbeatable views of the Temple of Apollo columns silhouetted against the evening sky. The sand here is a little coarser than at East Beach in places, but the atmosphere more than makes up for it, with beach clubs, cafes, and restaurants that stay lively well after sunset.

If you only have time for one beach evening during your stay, make it West Beach. Arrive an hour or so before sunset, grab a table facing the water, and watch the sky turn orange behind those ancient columns.

🌊 Titreyengöl - a quieter, greener alternative

A short distance from central Side, Titreyengöl is known for its small lagoon and pine-backed beach that feels noticeably calmer than the busier stretches closer to town. It is a popular choice for travelers who want beach time without the crowds, and the surrounding pine forest gives it a fresher, shadier feel on hot afternoons. Several hotels sit right along this coast, and the shallow, calm water makes it another solid pick for families with younger kids.

🏝️ Çolaklı and Manavgat coastline

Heading a little further from central Side, the Çolaklı area offers a more laid-back, resort-lined beach experience with fewer day-trippers and a quieter pace overall. The sand and water quality here are generally excellent, and many all-inclusive properties in this stretch have their own private beach sections, so it is a great base if you are after a relaxed week without much need to move around.

Further inland along the Manavgat River, you will not find beaches in the traditional sense, but river-side spots and boat trips are worth combining with a beach day, especially if you fancy a change of scenery from sand and sea for an afternoon.

🐚 Incekum Beach - a worthwhile day trip

If you are willing to venture a bit further east toward Alanya, Incekum Beach is often mentioned as one of the prettiest beaches in the wider region, with fine golden sand, clear turquoise water, and small coves tucked between rocky outcrops. It makes for a great half-day or full-day excursion from Side if you want to explore beyond your immediate area, particularly for snorkeling or simply comparing it to the beaches closer to home.

📍 Getting to the beaches from Antalya Airport

Most of the beaches mentioned above sit along the coast between Antalya Airport and the Side-Manavgat area, which means your airport transfer route often runs right past several of them. Booking a private transfer means you can head straight from arrivals to your hotel's stretch of sand without worrying about connections, luggage on public buses, or negotiating taxi fares after a long flight. It also gives you flexibility if your flight lands late at night or very early in the morning, since a pre-booked transfer will be waiting regardless of the hour.

For beaches slightly further afield, like Titreyengöl, Çolaklı, or Incekum, a private transfer or a short local taxi ride from your hotel is usually the easiest option, since public transport connections between these smaller coastal areas can be limited, especially outside peak daytime hours.

Best time of day to visit

• 🌞 Early morning (before 10am) for the calmest water and fewer crowds
• 🌇 Late afternoon into sunset, especially at West Beach, for the best light and cooler temperatures
• 🍹 Midday is best reserved for shaded beach bars if you are visiting in July or August, when the sun is strongest

What to pack for a Side beach day

• Reef-safe sunscreen, since the Mediterranean sun is stronger than it looks
• Water shoes for some of the rockier coves near Titreyengöl and Incekum
• A light cover-up for wandering around the ancient ruins near West Beach afterward
• Cash in small denominations for beach bar loungers and drinks

🗺️ Planning your trip around the beaches

One of the nicest things about Side is how compact the whole area is, so it is entirely possible to try two or three different beaches during a single stay without spending your whole trip in transit. A common approach is to settle into your resort beach for most days, then arrange one or two short trips out to West Beach for sunset dinners, and perhaps a longer excursion out toward Incekum if you enjoy exploring further along the coast.

Wherever you end up, sorting your airport transfer in advance takes one thing off your plate before you have even landed, so you can spend your first afternoon on the sand instead of figuring out logistics.

🧳 Final thoughts

From the long golden sweep of East Beach to the atmospheric sunsets at West Beach and the quieter pine-lined shores of Titreyengöl, Side and its surroundings offer a genuinely varied beach scene for such a compact stretch of coastline. Take the time to explore a little beyond your hotel's own shoreline, and you will likely find a favorite spot of your own by the end of the trip.