From Alanya: city of Side Highlights Walking Tour

Exploring the Ancient City of Side: A Guided Walking Tour from Alanya

If you’re planning a day trip from Alanya to explore Turkey’s historic treasures, the City of Side Highlights Walking Tour offers an engaging glimpse into the region’s past. This 6-hour group experience takes you through iconic archaeological sites, ancient temples, and scenic vistas, all led by an expert local guide. While it’s a full-day venture, the combination of transportation, storytelling, and cultural insight makes it a compelling option for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

We love that this tour provides a balanced mix of history, walking, and scenic views—it’s a thoughtful way to see Side without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. The small group size promises intimacy and more personalized attention, and the inclusion of entrance fees for key sites means fewer surprises. But if you’re not keen on walking or prefer a more relaxed pace, this might feel a little brisk. Overall, it’s an ideal choice for those wanting an insightful, hassle-free day exploring Turkey’s ancient past.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Authentic archaeological experience with a knowledgeable local guide
• Convenient transportation from Alanya to Side included
• Visit the Temple of Apollo, Temple of Athena, and the Roman Theater
• Includes entrance fees to the Side Museum and the Theater
• The tour lasts around 6 hours, ideal for a day trip
• Best suited for history lovers, active travelers, and small-group enthusiasts

Detailed Review of the Side Highlights Walking Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The journey begins in Alanya, where you meet your guide at the Dolmus Bussiasema, conveniently located next to a fountain. From there, a short bus ride takes you along a scenic route with views of the bay, giving a taste of the Turkish coastline even before arriving at Side. This transportation arrangement is straightforward, especially for those staying in Alanya, and it ensures you arrive ready to explore without the stress of navigating yourself.

What’s Included and What to Expect

Once in Side, your guide—an expert familiar with the old city’s secrets—takes you on a walking route that uncovers the town’s archaeological highlights. The entrance fees to the Side Museum and the Roman Theater are already covered, enabling you to focus fully on absorbing the history and atmosphere.

The guided aspect is especially valuable, as the local guide adds stories and context that you wouldn’t get from a guidebook. For example, one reviewer appreciated how their guide, whose name was not specified, explained the significance of the standing columns of the Temple of Athena and pointed out architectural details that reveal much about Roman-era craftsmanship.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Ancient Roman Theater: A Stellar Viewpoint

A highlight of the tour is climbing the Roman Theater, where you can stand among ancient stone ruins and look out over the sea and Taurus Mountains. The theater dates back to Roman times and, with some imagination, you can picture the crowds who once gathered here for performances. Tour guides often share stories about the theater’s history, and many visitors comment on the impressive preservation and scale of this site.

Climbing to the top tiers offers panoramic views, which many found to be a breathtaking photo opportunity. One reviewer mentioned, “The view from the top of the theater is worth the walk—stunning scenery and a real sense of stepping back in time.”

The Temple of Apollo & Temple of Athena

Walking through the heart of Side, you’ll see the Temple of Apollo, renowned for its remaining standing columns and sea-facing location. It’s a perfect spot for photos and imagining the grandeur of ancient religious practices. Just a short walk away, the Temple of Athena also commands attention with its impressive columns overlooking the waterfront.

According to reviews, the standing columns of the Temple of Athena are particularly striking, with one visitor noting, “It’s incredible to see these ancient structures still standing, looking out to sea like they’re watching over the town.”

Side Museum and Other Ruins

The tour also includes a visit to the Side Museum, where artifacts and exhibits fill in the story of the city’s long history. The museum offers context for the ruins, helping visitors appreciate the significance of the structures around them.

Scenic and Cultural Highlights

Beyond the ruins, the tour’s route offers glimpses of Mediterranean beaches and coastal scenery, giving a well-rounded experience. While it’s primarily an archaeological tour, many travelers appreciate the opportunity to walk along the waterfront and absorb the tranquil seaside ambiance.

Practicalities and Value

The cost of $816 for a group up to 10 makes this an affordable way to access multiple sites, especially considering the entrance fees are included. The tour’s duration of six hours is a good balance—long enough to see multiple sites without feeling rushed, but not so lengthy that it becomes exhausting.

Transportation is provided by the reliable Domus bus company, which ensures comfort and punctuality. The tour’s small group format enhances interaction with your guide and allows for personalized questions and insights.

Who Would Benefit Most?

This tour is best suited for history buffs or cultural travelers eager to explore Side’s archaeological sites with expert narration. It’s ideal for those who enjoy walking and want to see key landmarks without the hassle of organizing transport and entry tickets. However, active travelers should note that there is some walking involved, and the pace might be brisk for those with mobility concerns.

Considerations and Possible Drawbacks

While the tour provides excellent value and a rundown of Side’s archaeological sites, it doesn’t include lunch or drinks, which you might want to budget for separately—roughly 25 TL (around 4 EUR) per person. Also, there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off included, so you’ll need to plan your arrival and departure at the meeting point.

Some reviews suggest that the walking pace can be a bit brisk, especially for travelers who prefer a more relaxed sightseeing experience. Wearing comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing is highly recommended, as much of the tour involves outdoor walking in the Turkish sun.

The Sum Up

The From Alanya: City of Side Highlights Walking Tour offers an engaging and convenient way to explore some of Turkey’s most famous archaeological sites without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s particularly well-suited for active travelers, history lovers, and those who enjoy guided experiences that provide context and storytelling.

You’ll love the way the tour combines scenic views, ancient ruins, and expert insights, making history come alive against the backdrop of the Mediterranean coast. The inclusion of entrance fees and transportation adds significant value, especially for budget-conscious travelers who want a comprehensive experience.

While it’s not a relaxation-focused tour, it delivers a rewarding glimpse into Side’s storied past in a manageable, well-organized package. For those with a curiosity for archaeology, ancient architecture, and Turkish culture, this tour is a worthwhile addition to any itinerary.

FAQs

Is transportation from Alanya included?
Yes, the tour includes transportation by the Domus bus from and back to Alanya, making it simple to reach Side without extra planning.

Where do I meet the guide?
You meet your guide at Dolmus Bussiasema in Alanya, right next to the fountain.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, allowing plenty of time to explore the main sites without feeling rushed.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, entrance fees to the Side Museum and the Roman Theater are included in the price.

Does the tour include lunch or drinks?
No, lunch and drinks are not included, but they are available for purchase at around 25 TL (roughly 4 EUR) per person.

Is this a private or group tour?
It’s a small group tour, designed for up to 10 people, providing a balance of intimacy and social atmosphere.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexible planning.

Is there any physical activity involved?
Yes, the tour involves walking around outdoor sites, including climbing to the top tiers of the Roman Theater.

Who is this tour best suited for?
Ideal for active travelers, history enthusiasts, and small-group lovers who want a guided, informative experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended for walking and outdoor exposure.

This guided walking tour offers an authentic, insightful, and hassle-free way to uncover Side’s archaeological gems. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, the experience delivers a meaningful connection to Turkey’s ancient past—all within a manageable day from Alanya.

You can check if your dates are available here: