Antalya or Side: Where Should You Stay?
Antalya city and Side are both excellent bases about an hour apart, but they feel different. Antalya is a real city with an old town, museums and year-round life; Side is a smaller resort town where ancient ruins sit right among sandy beaches and restaurants.
Choose Antalya if…
You want a city break with an old town (Kaleiçi), museums, varied dining, an airport on the doorstep and easy transport to trips in every direction.
Choose Side if…
You want a relaxed beach resort where you can wander Greco-Roman ruins on foot, watch sunset at the Temple of Apollo and reach the Manavgat River and Waterfall quickly.
Beaches
Side has long sandy beaches right in town; Antalya's best beaches (Lara's sand, Konyaaltı's pebbles) are a short ride from the centre.
Day trips
Both reach Aspendos, Perge and Köprülü Canyon easily; Antalya is better placed for Pamukkale and the western coast, Side for the Manavgat area and Alanya.
Frequently asked questions
Is Side better than Antalya?
Neither is strictly better — Side suits a beach-and-ruins resort holiday, while Antalya suits a city break with more dining, culture and transport options.
How far is Side from Antalya?
About 65 km, a 50–60 minute drive east along the coast.