City Of Side:Turkish Bath with Traditional Turkish Tea

We’ve come across quite a few spa experiences in Turkey, but the Turkish bath with traditional Turkish tea in Side stands out for its authentic approach and affordability. While we haven’t personally tried this specific tour, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a convincing picture of a calming, culturally rich treatment that combines traditional rituals with modern comfort.

What we love about this experience is the value for money at just $17, the chance to enjoy a comprehensive 120-minute spa session that includes multiple cleansing and relaxing treatments, and the opportunity to unwind in a salt room, sauna, and steam – all topped off with a cup of traditional Turkish tea. A potential consideration is the lack of hotel transfers for those inside Side’s ancient city, which means you’ll need to be prepared to meet at a designated location.

This tour seems ideal for travelers who want a cultural, relaxing experience without breaking the bank, especially those who appreciate the ritualistic aspects of Turkish baths and enjoy a bit of pampering. It’s perfect if you’re looking to escape the day’s sightseeing and indulge in authentic relaxation.

Good To Know

• Authentic Ottoman Rituals: The experience includes a full-body scrub, foam massage, and oil massage, replicating traditional Turkish bath practices.
• Relaxing Facilities: Enjoy time in the sauna, steam room, and salt room, which help to detoxify and soothe muscles.
• Inclusive Comfort: The price covers both treatments and relaxation with Turkish tea, making it a great value.
• Guided Experience: The staff are friendly and guide you through each step, ensuring you get the most out of your visit.
• No Hotel Transfers Inside Side: You need to meet at the specified location unless you arrange an extra transfer.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, making it a low-risk option for spontaneous plans.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Turkish Bath Experience

What’s Included and How It Works

For just $17 per person, this Turkish bath experience offers an excellent way to unwind after days of exploring Side or nearby Antalya. The tour lasts between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and the availability of starting times. The key components—scrubbing, massages, sauna, and relaxation—are designed to replicate an authentic Ottoman ritual, but with a modern twist for comfort.

The beginning involves being picked up (if you’ve selected that option) and transported to the Turkish bath, where you’ll be welcomed into a warm, inviting atmosphere. The staff, fluent in English, German, and Russian, guide you through the process, ensuring you understand each step and feel comfortable.

The Ritual: Steam, Scrub, Foam, and Oil

Once inside, you’ll start with relaxing in the steam room. This part is vital because it softens the skin and opens pores, making the subsequent treatments more effective. Travelers have noted that although the steam adds a bit of odor due to the intense heat and hot air—something common in authentic hammams— it’s part of the experience, not a flaw.

Next comes the full-body scrub. Reviewers like Dominique mentioned that they appreciated this step for its rejuvenating effect but also noted that they were a little disappointed not to have walked on the literal “barrage” (a term possibly referring to the traditional marble or stone platform). Still, the scrub is thorough, removing dead skin cells and leaving your skin feeling fresh.

Following the scrub, you’ll enjoy a foam massage—a delightful, bubbly cleanse that invigorates the skin and relaxes muscles. This is often a favorite part, as the foam is applied generously and feels both fun and deeply cleansing.

Massage and Relaxation

After the cleansing, a calming aromatherapy oil massage helps loosen tight muscles and soothe the mind. Reviewers like Jonas rated this part highly, finding it “very relaxing” and good value for the price. The massage, though not described in minute detail, is likely tailored to leave you feeling rejuvenated and stress-free.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Unwinding with Turkish Tea and Facilities

After your various treatments, you’ll be invited to relax in the designated relaxation room, where a cup of traditional Turkish tea awaits. This pause allows you to savor the moment and reflect on your experience. The tea, a staple in Turkish culture, adds a welcoming and social element to the spa ritual.

You also have access to sauna and salt rooms, which serve as additional detoxification and relaxation zones. These spaces are highly valued by visitors, with some noting their calming effects and appreciation for the chance to unwind further.

Additional Details & Practical Tips

• Duration: Expect your experience to last between 1.5 to 3 hours, offering flexibility if you’re on a tight schedule.
• Price: The $17 fee includes the treatments, sauna, salt room, and Turkish tea, making it a standout value.
• Transportation: If you are outside Side’s city center, transfers are available; inside the city, you need to go directly to Side Wellness at the specified location.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or wheelchair users, so plan accordingly.
• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended for before and after your session.
• What’s Extra: Additional massage packages or health products (like creams) are not included and incur extra charges.

Real Experiences and What Travelers Say

Two reviews give us useful insights into what to expect. Dominique rated her experience 4 out of 5, noting that it was “very good” but slightly disappointed she couldn’t walk on the barrage—highlighting that the treatment is more about the ritual than the actual platform. She appreciated the organization but suggests that expectations should be aligned with a traditional bath experience, not an adventure.

Jonas, on the other hand, gave a perfect 5-star review, emphasizing excellent price-to-value ratio. He found the experience “very relaxing” and expressed eagerness to do it again, which indicates that the treatment genuinely offers a restful break.

These reviews suggest that while the experience is authentically Turkish and relaxing, expectations should be realistic—it’s about enjoying the treatments, facilities, and cultural atmosphere rather than elaborate extras.

Final Thoughts: Is This Turkish Bath Worth It?

This experience offers a combination of traditional Ottoman bathing rituals and modern comfort at a very reasonable price. The inclusion of scrub, foam, massage, sauna, salt room, and Turkish tea provides a comprehensive wellness package that suits travelers looking for a cultural, soothing escape from sightseeing.

The convenience of the guided experience with multilingual staff and the flexible cancellation policy add to its appeal. However, the need to meet at a designated location (if not arranged for pickup) and the lack of a hotel transfer inside Side’s ancient city might require some planning.

This tour is an excellent value for money and an ideal choice for those wanting to try an authentic Turkish bath without the high costs. It’s especially suited for travelers seeking relaxation, culture, and a bit of pampering in a friendly setting.

If you’re curious about Ottoman bathing rituals and want an affordable, authentic experience, this tour hits the right notes. It’s great for solo travelers, couples, or small groups looking for a calming break during their trip.

However, if you have mobility concerns, pregnancy, or prefer private, hotel-based treatments, this experience might not be suitable. Be prepared to meet at the specified location unless you book an additional transfer.

In essence, this Turkish bath tour offers a relaxing, culturally immersive experience that balances value and authenticity, making it a memorable part of any visit to Side or nearby Antalya Province.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Transport is optional. If you select transfer, you’ll be picked up from your hotel. Inside Side’s city center, you need to go directly to the specified location.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended for before and after your session.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this experience suitable for pregnant women?
No, it’s not recommended for pregnant women.

Are extra massages or products available?
Additional massage packages and health products like creams are available at extra cost.

How long does the experience last?
Between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on availability and pace.

Is the experience suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Will I enjoy this if I don’t like hot or steamy environments?
The experience includes steam, sauna, and salt rooms, which may be intense for some. If you’re sensitive to heat or odors, consider this before booking.

What languages are available for guides?
Guides speak English, German, and Russian.

How authentic is this Turkish bath?
It aims to replicate traditional Ottoman rituals, and the bath has valid licenses from Turkish health authorities, ensuring safety and authenticity.

This Turkish bath experience in Side offers a good balance of cultural tradition, wellness, and great value. Whether you’re after a relaxing break or a taste of Ottoman history, it’s a visit worth considering during your trip to Turkey.

You can check if your dates are available here: