Side, the pearl of Antalya, is one of the favourite stops of those who want to enjoy swimming in the Mediterranean, not only with its historical richness, but also with its clean beaches and clear sea. With its fine sandy beaches, blue-flagged bays and peaceful atmosphere, swimming in Side offers nature and comfort together. If you want to discover the most beautiful Side beaches for swimming during your summer holiday, this guide is for you. Now, let's discover the 10 cleanest, most enjoyable and most preferred beaches of Side with all the details.
Where to Swim in Side: Discover the Most Beautiful Beaches in Turkish Riviera
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1. Side Public Beach (Big Beach)
Cleanliness and Quality of the Sea:
Side Public Beach is a beach that attracts attention with its clean and clear sea and the sandy beach consists of fine golden yellow sand. The sea water meets the Blue Flag criteria and the beach is regularly cleaned by the municipality teams. The sea remains shallow for a long time and is very safe for children and non-swimmers.
Location and Transportation:
It is approximately 1.5 kilometres from the centre of Side. It is possible to reach on foot. It can also be easily reached by minibus, taxi and private car. Car parking is available in the immediate vicinity.
Fees and Facilities:
Entrance is free of charge. There are small businesses along the beach for those who want to rent sunbeds and umbrellas. Basic facilities such as toilets, showers, and changing cabins are provided by the municipality. There are also cafes and beach bars.
Swimming Experience:
There are almost no waves. There are no stones at the bottom of the sea; it is completely sandy ground. Therefore, swimming pleasure is at its maximum level. Morning hours are recommended as the sea is calmer and cleaner.
Activities
Free swimming
Beach volleyball
Making a sandcastle (for children)
Surface exploration with snorkelling
Nearby Attractions:
Temple of Apollo, 10-minute walk from the beach
Side Ancient Theatre
Side Archaeological Museum
Ancient harbour and Roman fortifications
Source: Tripventura
2. Kumkoy Beach
Cleanliness and Quality of the Sea:
Kumköy Beach is a public beach that is frequently preferred by both local and foreign tourists and stands out with its fine sand and shallow sea. The sea is crystal clear and waveless most of the time. You can stand even 50-60 metres off the shore. The beach is cleaned regularly.
Location and Transport:
It is about 4 kilometres from the centre of Side. ‘Kumkoy’ minibus line runs all day long. Parking areas are available for those who want to come by private car. It is possible to walk from most of the nearby hotels.
Fees and Facilities:
The beach entrance is free of charge. Sunbeds and umbrellas are charged, but many hotels also have a contracted beach area. There are public showers and WC areas. There are plenty of restaurants, buffets and cafes along the beach.
Swimming Experience:
Kumköy's water is warm and gradually deepens. It is quite safe for swimming. There are large sandy beach areas for sunbathing. Towards the evening hours, the sea may fluctuate slightly, but this does not prevent swimming pleasure.
Activities
Jet ski and pedal boat hire
Coastal walk
Sunset watching in beach bars
Playgrounds for children
Places to visit nearby:
Kumkoy bazaar
The ancient city of Side (10 minutes by public transport)
Boat trips organised to the Manavgat River
Source: Tekne Kiralama
3. Sorgun Public Beach
Cleanliness and Quality of the Sea:
Sorgun Beach is a Blue Flag beach, preserving its naturalness and surrounded by pine trees in places. The sea water is quite clear and the sea floor is a mixture of sand and gravel. Since it is not crowded, the water usually remains very clean.
Location and Transportation:
It is about 6-7 kilometres from the centre of Side. It can be easily reached by the “Sorgun” minibus line. Alternatively, taxis or bicycles can also be used. Ideal for those looking for tranquillity.
Fees and Facilities:
The use of the beach is free of charge. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented in some areas belonging to the municipality. Shower, toilet, changing cabin and cafe facilities are limited but sufficient. Some sections are completely natural and untouched.
Swimming Experience:
The water on Sorgun beach is mild and does not deepen quickly. Since the beach is not windy, it is very pleasant to swim in the morning and afternoon. It is possible to explore the coastline with underwater goggles.
Activities
Free swimming
Silent nature walk
Reading in shady pine forests
Nature photography
Nearby Attractions:
Sorgun Forests
Titreyengöl (5 minutes away)
Manavgat River bank
Side city centre (15 minutes)
Source: Beach Searcher
4. Colakli Public Beach
Cleanliness and Quality of the Sea:
Colakli is known as one of the calmest beaches of Side. It has a clean, wide beach and the sea bottom is covered with fine sand. It meets the Blue Flag criteria for water cleanliness. It has shallow and peaceful water.
Location and Transportation:
It is approximately 9 kilometres from the centre of Side. It is possible to reach by ‘Çolaklı’ minibuses or a private car. Those staying in the area usually reach the beach on foot.
Fees and Facilities:
Entrance is free of charge. Sunbed and umbrella rental service is available. There are public toilet and shower areas. Some hotels also have public beach sections. Small-scale restaurants and buffets serve all day long.
Swimming Experience:
It offers a calm swimming experience. There is no sudden deepening in the sea. The water temperature is quite suitable during daylight hours. Since the density is low, the swimming area is wide.
Activities
Swimming
Family picnics
Coastal walks
Meditation, yoga
Places to visit nearby:
Çolaklı market place
Manavgat Waterfall (20 minutes drive)
Side ancient city
Walk to Kumkoy beach
Source: Manavgat Belediyesi
5. Titreyengöl Beach
Cleanliness and Quality of the Sea:
Titreyengöl stands out with its nature and cleanliness intertwined with the lake from which it takes its name. The beach is Blue Flag certified. The sea is quite clear and shallow. It is surrounded by reeds, bird sounds and pine trees.
Location and Transportation:
It is approximately 7 kilometres from the centre of Side. ‘Titreyengöl’ can be reached by minibus line. If you come by car, there are free parking spaces around the lake.
Fees and Facilities:
Entrance is free of charge. Some hotels have beach facilities around the beach. There are infrastructure services such as a shower, a toilet, changing area. Cafeterias and restaurants are within walking distance.
Swimming Experience:
It offers a swimming experience on a beach with a lake view in a quiet, calm atmosphere. The sea is quite mild and the wind is sheltered. The water is calmer in the morning hours.
Activities
Nature walk
Bird watching
Photography by the lake
Canoeing and water biking
Nearby Attractions:
Titreyengöl Nature Park
Sorgun Forest
Manavgat River
Temple of Apollo (15-20 mins)
Source: Antalya Ekspres
6. Evrenseki Beach
Cleanliness and Quality of the Sea:
Evrenseki Beach is one of the most preferred swimming spots in Side with its long coastline, cleanliness and order. The beach is sandy and the seabed is mostly covered with fine sand and stone-free. It has a Blue Flag award.
Location and Transport:
It is possible to reach Evrenseki, which is about 8 kilometres from Side centre, by minibus and bus. There is also a parking area right next to the beach. It is within walking distance for those staying in the area where the hotels are located.
Fees and Facilities:
The beach is free of charge. However, sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented at affordable prices through private businesses supported by the municipality. Toilet, shower, changing cabin, buffet, children's playground and beach security points are available. Some sections have ramps suitable for disabled access.
Swimming Experience:
It has a very favourable structure for swimming. The sea is warm and sheltered against the wind. The wide beach structure does not affect the swimming area even if it is crowded.
Activities
Beach volleyball
Jet ski, banana boat
Fishing from the shore
Water bike
Nearby Attractions:
Side Ancient City (reachable in 15 minutes)
Manavgat Stream
Walking link to Kumkoy Beach
Evrenseki coastal walking path and cycling tracks
Source: Tekne Kiralama
7. Kizilagac Beach
Cleanliness and Quality of the Sea:
A little outside of Side, Kizilagac Beach, which preserves its natural structure, stands out with its calmness and clean nature. The sea is quite clean and generally shallow. The beach is a mixture of sand and gravel. Thanks to the natural wind circulation, the water always remains clean.
Location and Transport:
Kizilagac is about 15 kilometres from the centre of Side. It can be reached by Manavgat-Kızılağaç minibuses or a private car. The road is asphalt and comfortable. Hotels in the area provide direct access to the beach.
Fees and Facilities:
The public beach is free of charge, but outside entrance to the beaches of the hotels in the region may be charged. Sunbeds, umbrellas and other facilities are available, but the municipality's service is limited. There are several small kiosks on the beach.
Swimming Experience:
Since Kizilagac has a windy structure, waves may occur, especially in the afternoon. It is more enjoyable to swim in the morning. Thanks to the large and calm swimming areas, an experience intertwined with nature is experienced.
Activities
Morning walks
Free swimming
Meditation and yoga along the coast
Collecting seashells
Nearby Attractions:
Nature trails in the Kizilot region
Manavgat River
Bosphorus Beach (natural passage available)
Local fishing boats and the coastal market
Source: Neredekal.com
8. Bogaz Beach (Manavgat Strait)
Cleanliness and Quality of the Sea:
Located at the point where the Manavgat River meets the Mediterranean Sea, Bogaz Beach is a unique place with both sea and river shores. The water quality is natural; this region, where fresh and salt water meet, is known for its cleanliness. The beach is a mixture of sand and gravel.
Location and Transport:
It is approximately 12 kilometres from the centre of Side. You can reach the Bosphorus from Manavgat city centre by minibus. It is also possible to cross the river by boat tours. There are large parking spaces for those arriving by car.
Fees and Facilities:
The beach is open to the public and the entrance is free. There are several fish restaurants, cafes and fish sales points in the area. Sunbed and umbrella service is not very common; its naturalness is preserved. Toilet and shower facilities are provided inside some restaurants.
Swimming Experience:
Swimming at the junction of two different waters offers a different experience. The coolness created by the river and sea currents is ideal for those who want to cool off on hot summer days.
Activities
Swimming in mixed river and sea waters
Fishing
Transition to Manavgat with boat tours
Tasting fresh seafood in fish restaurants
Places to visit nearby:
Manavgat Waterfall
Boat trips on the Manavgat River
Titreyengöl
Oymapinar Dam
Source: Antalya Gezi Rehberi
9. Side Ancient Harbour Beach
Cleanliness and Quality of the Sea:
Located right next to the Temple of Apollo, the Ancient Harbour Beach is a unique spot offering swimming in the historical centre of Side. The sea is quite clear and has a stony structure. The water quality is high and clean at all hours of the day.
Location and Transportation:
Since it is located in the centre of Side, it can be reached on foot. It is at the end of the ancient city streets, overlooking the harbour. The centre car park can be used for those arriving by car.
Fees and Facilities:
It is a small public beach, free of charge. Sunbed and umbrella service is limited. You can get service from nearby cafes and restaurants. There is no construction in order not to damage the texture of the ancient city.
Swimming Experience:
Swimming right next to the historical city walls is a unique experience. The sea can deepen quickly, so it is suitable for those who know how to swim. Historical ruins can be observed with underwater goggles.
Activities
Swimming in a historical environment
Underwater observation
Sunrise and sunset viewing
Combining with an ancient city tour
Nearby Attractions:
Temple of Apollo
Side Ancient Theatre
Side Museum
Ancient Agora and Nymphaeum
Source: Milliyet
10. Kizilot Beach
Cleanliness and Quality of the Sea:
Kızılot Beach, located in the easternmost part of Side, attracts attention with its virginity and natural structure. It has a calm and clean sea away from the crowd. It is a mixture of sand and gravel. Although the clarity of sea water varies according to the region, it is generally clean.
Location and Transportation:
It is approximately 17 kilometres from the centre of Side. It can be reached by Kizilot minibuses or a private car. There are clear signposts and directions along the way.
Fees and Facilities:
The beach has the status of a public beach, entrance is free. Facilities are limited. Services such as sunbeds, showers, and WC are available in the areas belonging to some hostels. It is generally preferred by local people having picnics.
Swimming Experience:
Ideal for those looking for silence. Waves rarely occur. The sea can deepen fast. Morning and evening hours are the best times for swimming.
Activities
Fishing
Picnic and camping
Sunbathing
Nature walk
Places to visit nearby:
Kizilot Market
Kargıhan Canyon
Connection roads to Bosphorus Beach
Kizilagac beach
Source: Manavgat Belediyesi