Side East Beach

Side East Beach enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild wintersю

Climate Overview

Side experiences hot, muggy, and arid summers with clear skies, while winters are long, cold, wet, and partly cloudy. The temperature typically varies throughout the year, with summer being the hottest season.

• Summer (June to September): This is the warmest period, with average temperatures around 28°C (82°F), often reaching 30°C (86°F) during peak hours.
• Winter (December to February): Temperatures are cooler, with January being the coldest month at an average of 11°C (52°F).

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Side East Beach depends on your preferences, but generally, the period from late spring to early fall is considered the best:

1. May to September: This is the optimal time for warm, sunny weather and ideal beach conditions. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and you can enjoy outdoor activities comfortably.
2. September to November: This period is considered the "velvet season" and offers an excellent balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. The sea is still warm from the summer heat, and prices tend to be lower than during peak season.
3. April and May: Spring is a good time if you prefer cooler temperatures. The weather is pleasant, and there's not much rainfall. However, the sea might still be a bit cold for swimming early in the season.

Additional Considerations

• July is the hottest month, with the most daily sunshine hours (13 hours).
• January is the wettest month, with an average of 238mm of rain.
• The sea is warmest in August, with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F).

If you want to avoid the peak tourist season and high prices, consider visiting in May or late autumn. For those who enjoy water activities, the period from June to September offers the best conditions for swimming and water sports.

Remember that summer months (June-August) can be very crowded and prices are typically higher. If you prefer a quieter experience and don't mind slightly cooler temperatures, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall can be excellent choices for visiting Side East Beach.

How to Get There and Transportation Options

There are several ways to reach Side East Beach:

1. By car: Driving is a convenient option if you have access to a vehicle. The beach is approximately 69 km from Antalya Airport, which takes about 48 minutes by car.
2. Public transportation: You can take a bus from Manavgat bus station to Antalya bus station, then transfer to a tram to reach Antalya Airport. This journey takes about 2 hours and 43 minutes.
3. Taxi: A taxi ride from Side to Antalya Airport takes about 48 minutes and costs between €55 - €70.
4. Shuttle services: There are shuttle transfer services available in Side, such as Side Shuttle Transfer and SideTransferCar.

Parking Options

Parking is available near Side East Beach:

• There is a large paid parking lot at the west end of the old town.
• Some access roads leading further west to the beach offer free parking options.
• Overall, there is a mixture of free and paid parking available in proximity to the beach.

Accessibility for People with Disabilities

Unfortunately, the available sources do not provide specific information about accessibility features for people with disabilities at Side East Beach. This suggests that the beach may not have significant accommodations for visitors with mobility challenges.When planning a visit, it's advisable to:

1. Contact local tourism offices or beach management for the most up-to-date information on accessibility features.
2. Consider bringing any necessary mobility aids, as dedicated beach wheelchairs or accessible facilities are not mentioned in the sources.
3. Be prepared for potential challenges in accessing the beach or its facilities.

For visitors with disabilities, it may be helpful to research nearby beaches or attractions that might offer better accessibility options. Additionally, contacting local tour operators or transportation services in advance could help in arranging suitable accommodations for your visit to Side East Beach.

The notable sights and attractions near Side East Beach:

1. Temple of Apollo - This iconic ancient temple is located right on the coast near Side East Beach. Its columns standing against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea make for a picturesque view, especially at sunset.
2. Side Ancient City - The ruins of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Side are within walking distance of the beach. You can explore remains of city walls, an agora, baths, and other structures.
3. Side Museum - Housed in a restored Roman bath complex, this museum displays artifacts found in the ancient city, including statues, sarcophagi, and other antiquities.
4. Side Amphitheater - This well-preserved Roman theater could once seat up to 15,000 spectators. It's one of the largest ancient theaters in the region.
5. Manavgat Waterfall - Located about 8 km from Side, these scenic falls on the Manavgat River make for a popular day trip from the beach.
6. East Beach itself - The long stretch of sandy beach is an attraction in its own right, offering swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
7. Athena Temple - Near the Apollo Temple, you can see the remains of this temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.
8. Side Harbor - The picturesque harbor area has cafes and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy views of the sea.
9. Vespasian Monument - This Roman-era fountain structure is located in the ancient city area.
10. Tyche Temple - Ruins of this circular temple dedicated to the goddess of fortune can be found near the ancient agora.

These attractions combine historical sites from Side's ancient past with natural beauty, offering visitors a mix of cultural exploration and beach relaxation all within close proximity to Side East Beach.

Side East Beach offers a diverse range of dining options and culinary experiences. Here's an overview of the food, cuisine, and dining options available in the area.

Local Cuisine

The Side area, being part of the Antalya region, offers a rich variety of Turkish and Mediterranean dishes. Some local specialties you should try include:

1. Tahini Piyaz Salad: A dish unique to Antalya, made with white beans and tahini sauce.
2. Meatball Skewers: A classic Antalya dish of grilled meatballs alternating with onions and peppers.
3. Kulaklı Soup: A soup made with small meat-filled dumplings and chickpeas in tomato sauce.
4. Gülüklü Soup: A traditional wedding soup with tiny meatballs, chickpeas, and rice.

Popular Restaurants

Several highly-rated restaurants near Side East Beach offer a mix of local and international cuisines:

1. Serenade Restaurant & Bar: Rated 4.7/5, offering a variety of dishes including Mexican, steak, and seafood.
2. Sky Safran Restaurant Bar: With a perfect 5/5 rating, this moderately priced restaurant is a popular choice.
3. Alma Restaurant: Rated 4.7/5, this restaurant offers a local dining experience.
4. Elia Restaurant & Lounge: With a 4.6/5 rating, it provides a mix of cuisines at moderate prices.
5. Old Town Pub Bistro: Rated 4.5/5, this bistro offers a casual dining experience.

Dining Experiences

1. Beachfront Dining: Many restaurants, like Side Beach Club & Restaurant, offer dining with sea views.
2. Old Town Eateries: The historic part of Side hosts numerous restaurants in a charming setting.
3. Local Markets: For a more authentic experience, you can try local street food and fresh produce from markets.

International Cuisines

While Turkish cuisine dominates, you can also find restaurants offering international dishes:

1. Steakhouses: Old Town Steakhouse is popular among meat lovers.
2. Mexican Food: Some restaurants like Serenade offer Mexican dishes alongside local fare.
3. Seafood: Given the coastal location, many restaurants specialize in fresh seafood dishes.

Desserts and Beverages

Don't miss out on local sweets and drinks:

1. Arap Kadayıf: A dessert made of fried dough pockets filled with nuts and syrup.
2. Tahini Pumpkin Dessert: A unique local sweet dish.
3. Turkish Coffee and Tea: Essential parts of the Turkish dining experience.

Remember to make reservations, especially during peak tourist seasons, as popular restaurants can get busy. Also, many restaurants offer vegetarian options, but it's always good to check in advance if you have specific dietary requirements.

Hotels

1. Oz Hotels Side Premium: A 4.4-star rated hotel with 4,465 reviews, located in Evrenseki/Manavgat.
2. Sueno Hotels Beach Side: Another 4.4-star rated hotel with 4,650 reviews, situated in Side.
3. Water Side Resort & Spa: A 4.3-star rated resort with 3,163 reviews, located in Sorgun, Titreyengöl.
4. Side Prenses Resort Hotel & Spa: A 4.2-star rated resort with 2,698 reviews, situated in Side.
5. Sunwing Side East Beach: A 4-star hotel offering amenities like an outdoor heated pool, fitness room, and children's pool. It's about a 15-minute walk from the center of Side.

Apartments and Apart-hotels

1. Un Side Apart Hotel
2. Papaya
3. A Suite Side
4. Q Spa Resort
5. Irem Garden Hotel & Apartments
6. Yeni Astral Apart Hotel
7. Sun City

These apart-hotels offer more space and kitchen facilities, which can be ideal for longer stays or families.

Luxury Options

1. Ali Bey Resort Sorgun: A luxury resort located 2.2 km from the beach, offering airport shuttle service and various amenities.
2. Kirman Sidemarin Beach & Spa: A 5-star resort with features like a nightclub, summer terrace, and water slides.

Budget-Friendly Options

1. Linda Resort Hotel: Offers amenities like a nightclub and water slides, starting from $59 per night.
2. Hane Hotel: Located in Kumkoy district, starting from $75 per night.
3. Side All Inclusive Random Rooms By Lookbookholiday: Starting from $46 per night, offering all-inclusive options.

When choosing your accommodation, consider factors such as proximity to Side East Beach, amenities offered, and your budget. Many of these hotels and resorts offer all-inclusive options, which can be convenient for meals and activities. It's also worth noting that the area has a mix of family-friendly resorts and more intimate options suitable for couples, so you can choose based on your travel preferences.

Remember to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure the best rates and availability. Also, check recent reviews and ratings to ensure the quality of service meets your expectations.

Side East Beach offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do in the area:

Beach Activities

• Swimming and sunbathing on the golden sands
• Beach volleyball
• Leisurely walks along the shoreline
• Water sports such as parasailing and jet-skiing

Historical Attractions

• Apollon Temple: An iconic ancient temple located near the beach
• Side Ancient City: Explore the ruins of the Greco-Roman city
• Side Museum: Housed in a restored Roman bath complex, displaying local artifacts
• Side Amphitheater: A well-preserved Roman theater

Natural Attractions

• Manavgat Waterfall: A scenic waterfall about 8 km from Side, perfect for a day trip
• Köprülü Canyon: Offers opportunities for outdoor activities and nature exploration

Water Activities

• Various water sports are available, including parasailing and jet-skiing
• Boat tours and sailing excursions may be available from nearby harbors

Cultural Experiences

• Visit the Side Harbor area with its cafes and restaurants
• Explore the local markets and shops in the old town
• Take a cultural tour to learn about the area's rich history

Family-Friendly Options

• Water Planet Aquapark: For those traveling with children or seeking water-based fun

Relaxation

• Enjoy the beach bars and restaurants along the shore
• Sunbathe on the beach loungers available for rent

Remember that Side East Beach itself offers amenities such as parking, toilets, showers, and loungers for a comfortable beach experience. The combination of historical sites, natural beauty, and modern beach facilities makes Side East Beach an attractive destination for a variety of interests and activities.