Side is unusual among Turkish coastal towns in that genuine 2nd-century Roman ruins are woven through the town itself - the city gate, the theatre, and the Temple of Apollo are all within walking distance of most old town accommodation. Staying in the old town gives immediate access to the ruins and the beach; the Kumköy area to the north is where the large all-inclusive resort hotels are concentrated, with a long sandy beach and separated from the ruins by 3km. Both options are viable depending on what you prioritise. Prices below are approximate high-season (July–August) rack rates as of 2026.
Budget pensions in the old town (under ₺1,500 / ~£38/night)
Several small family-run pensions operate within the old town walls. These are typically 6–15 rooms in older buildings, often with rooftop terraces and views toward the ruins. Budget pensions in the old town start from approximately ₺700–1,400 in peak season. Availability is limited; the best options book out weeks ahead for July and August.
Beach House Hotel (Side old town) Well-regarded guesthouse near the west beach with direct beach access, rated 9.5 by guests. Rooms from approximately ₺900–1,500. The west beach is calmer and less crowded than the main Side beach. One of the most recommended properties in the old town.
Mid-range hotels (₺1,500–5,000 / ~£38–125/night)
Beach Club Hotel Side ★★★★ Mid-range hotel directly on Side’s main beach with 75 rooms, a pool, and a restaurant. Rates from approximately ₺2,500–4,500. The beach position is excellent and the service is reliable. Better value in the shoulder season when rates drop significantly.
Asteria Side Hotel ★★★★ (Kumköy area) Large 4-star property on the Kumköy beach strip with all-inclusive options. 236 rooms from approximately ₺2,200–4,000 per person all-inclusive. Good for families wanting the beach resort experience with watersports facilities. The ruins are a 10-minute drive; a car or taxi is needed.
Side Crown Sunshine Hotel ★★★★ (Kumköy) Popular mid-range all-inclusive with a water park and multiple pools. Rates from approximately ₺2,500–5,000 per person all-inclusive. Consistently well-reviewed for family facilities. The ruins and old town require a short trip.
Side Sun Gate Hotel ★★★★ (Side old town edge) Forty-five rooms positioned at the edge of the old town - close enough to walk to the ruins but with a pool and more space than the smaller pensions. Rates from approximately ₺2,000–4,000. Good compromise between old town character and resort facilities.
Hotel Side Prenses ★★★ (Side old town) Boutique-style hotel in the old town with 20 rooms, a pool, and a restaurant. Rates from approximately ₺1,800–3,500. One of the better mid-range choices within the old town boundary.
Boutique hotels (₺4,000–8,000 / ~£100–200/night)
Rixos Premium Side ★★★★★ (Kumköy) The most upscale all-inclusive resort in the Side area - a large private beach, multiple pools, spa, and high-end food and beverage. Rates from approximately ₺6,000–12,000 per person per night all-inclusive in peak season. A very different experience from the old town - focused entirely on the resort. The ruins are accessible by taxi (₺50–80 return).
Side Garden Hotel (Side old town) Boutique property in the old town with 30 rooms built around a garden and pool. Rates from approximately ₺4,000–7,000 in peak season. One of the most atmospheric stays in Side - Roman stonework visible from some rooms, pool within 3 minutes of the Temple of Apollo. Consistently well-reviewed.
Kaya Side ★★★★★ (Kumköy area) Upscale resort hotel on the Kumköy beach with private beach access, multiple pools, and spa. Rates from approximately ₺5,000–10,000 all-inclusive. A well-reviewed luxury option for those who want full resort facilities close to Side’s ruins.
Comparison table
| Property | Location | Style | High-season rate (₺) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach House Hotel | Old town | Budget pension | ₺900–1,500 |
| Hotel Side Prenses | Old town | Mid-range | ₺1,800–3,500 |
| Sun Gate Hotel | Old town edge | Mid-range | ₺2,000–4,000 |
| Beach Club Hotel | Beach | Mid-range | ₺2,500–4,500 |
| Side Garden Hotel | Old town | Boutique | ₺4,000–7,000 |
| Rixos Premium Side | Kumköy | Full luxury | ₺6,000–12,000 |
Booking tips
Old town vs Kumköy decision: If Roman ruins and authentic atmosphere matter, book old town. If you want a long beach, children’s facilities, and watersports, book Kumköy. The two areas are 3km apart - manageable on a single-day excursion, but far enough to make a difference in daily experience.
Old town parking: Cars cannot enter most of the old town. If arriving by car, park in the main car park at the entrance to the peninsula (free or nominal charge) and walk in. This is not a problem for most visits but matters if you have heavy luggage or mobility considerations.
Entry to the ruins: The archaeological zone including the Temple of Apollo costs approximately ₺500 as of 2026 and is included in a single ticket. Many old town hotels are positioned so that guests walk through the ruins daily - this is part of the appeal.
Best time to visit: May, June, September, and October offer comfortable temperatures (25–30°C) and manageable crowds. July–August is extremely hot (35–40°C at peak) and the old town fills with day visitors by 10am.
For more on the Temple of Apollo, Side’s Roman theatre, and excursions to Aspendos, see our Side travel guide. Side is also well-placed for day trips to Antalya (75km west) - see our Antalya city guide.
Planning ahead: Flights to Turkey into Antalya Airport (AYT) connect from most European hubs. Airport transfers from Antalya to Side cost approximately ₺300–500 by taxi or €20–40 via shared transfer.