Where to go with a child. We are going on vacation in a seat with a child. Entertainment Side: a vibrant kaleidoscope of the southern resort

2.5. Museum of Ancient Art

The museum is open from 9.00 to 19.00 from April to October and from 8.00 to 17.00 from November to March every day except Monday. The entrance costs 10 liras.

2.6. Temples of Apollo and Athena

Another attraction of Side is the ancient temples of Apollo and Athena. The Temple of Apollo, with six rows of columns, made in the Corinthian style, delighted and amazed everyone who saw it. The people said that he was a symbol of the love of the commander Anthony for Queen Cleopatra.

Now the temple of Apollo looks like this:

3. Beaches of Side

Near Antique Side there are two beaches: east and west. Western beach well suited for families with children. There is a gentle entrance to the water, attractions, and in the hotels located on the first line there are excellent bars.

There are fewer people on the eastern beach, but the entrance to the water is not so shallow. The place is ideal for windsurfing, diving, and you can just meditate while looking at the waves.

Almost all the beaches of Side have soft and pleasant sand, but the water is not as clear as on the pebble beaches.

4. Neighborhoods of Side

4.1. Resorts

There are several resorts around Side: Kumkoy, Colakli, Sorgun, Titreyengal, Kyzylagach.

The closest resort to the city is the Kumkoy resort, which attracts tourists with children with its sandy beaches, gentle entrance to the water and comfortable hotel zones. 14 km from the city is modern resort Colakli with sandy beaches and four to five star hotels.

In the east, to Side, there is another popular resort Sorgun with spacious sandy and pebble beaches, hotel-clubs and pine forest... A little further is the democratic resort Titreyengal with sandy beaches and hotels for every taste and budget. The farthest resort is Kyzylagach with one of the most ecologically clean beaches on the coast.

How to get from Side: to all resorts there are regular buses and dolmushi. You can walk to Kumkoye if you like walking. The resort is located 3 km from Side.

4.2. Manavgat waterfall

To see how beautiful nature is in Turkey, you need to go to. Located in the delta of the river of the same name, the waterfall is popular place recreation. Along the coast, there are numerous restaurants where you can taste trout dishes, classic teahouses and souvenir shops.

How to get to the waterfall from Side: Buses and dolmushi go from Side bus station to. In the city, you need to change to a dolmush with a Şelale - Sarılar sign, which will take you directly to the entrance to the waterfall. The entrance fee to the waterfall is 5 liras.

You can also go to the waterfall with a guided tour. For example, a full day trip that includes a cruise on the Manavgat River, a visit to a waterfall, swimming, lunch and a visit to the bazaar will cost only $ 20. You can find such a tour both on the spot and in advance. Be sure to check the availability of a Russian-speaking guide if you need it!

5. What else to do in Side

Besides inspection historical monuments in Side, you can stroll along the embankment, sit in one of the cozy restaurants, and in the evening return to the city in order to find the ancient artifacts at the Temple of Apollo and meet the most memorable sunset.

The resort town of Side, located between Antalya and Alanya, on a small peninsula protruding into the sea, is on everyone's lips. And by the way, this is a city with very ancient history and the place is extremely interesting! After all, Side was once one of the ancient settlements and dates back to the seventh century BC. This is a separate story, because here we will talk about how Side is suitable for a family vacation. By the way, yes, Side is perfect for families with children , and that's why:

- Excellent family hotels ... Yes, Side is very good in this regard, there are a lot of 4 * and 5 * hotels (there are also three rubles, but they are more for budget vacation, and tm there is little good) with an * all inclusive * system, good animation for children and adults, swimming pools with slides, mini-water parks and other entertainments. Good hotels there are also in Side itself, as well as in the villages near Side - Cholokly, Kumkoy, Manavgat, Titreyengel, Sorgun and Kyzylaach. By the way, all of them also have good tourist infrastructure and are suitable for a quality rest.

-The beaches... The beaches of Side are sandy, and this is very cool, because many of Turkey's beaches are covered with pebbles, which is not very convenient, especially when families with children. The entrance to the sea is shallow almost everywhere, and it's just super. The western beach is notable for its shallow water (everything is walking and walking, but there is no depth. For children there is plenty of space. The bottom reminds of Anapa), and therefore many families choose a hotel in this part. The eastern beach is adored by sports youth and lovers of a secluded romantic getaway.

-Location... Side is not very far from Antalya airport (about 60 km), so the kid, tired of the flight, should endure this path normally.

-Entertainment for children and adults... Um, there is, but with a caveat. The nearest water parks are located in neighboring towns ("Troy" in Belek, "Aqualand" in Antalya and "Water planet" in Alanya). There are natural beauties that are also interesting to visit - Manavgat waterfall, Green Canyon. In general, Side is convenient because the ancient sights are located right within the city, and there is no need to go anywhere. For example, an alley of columns, passing along which you will come to triumphal arch... This is free and interesting for both adults and children.

-Beautiful nature... Yes, this region is slightly poorer in greenery and rocks than Kemer. But nevertheless, it is also very beautiful here.

-Tourist infrastructure... In principle, apart from the ruins of ancient buildings, Side is similar to other cities on the Antalya coast. Closer to the sea, you will find a promenade with many cafes where you can enjoy the whole family and eat seafood. Well, a bunch of shops where you can buy souvenirs for grandparents.

When to go to Side with children?

Warm August and early autumn months are perfect for families with children: sunbathe, swim, gain health, and eat fruit. True, July, for example, and almost all of August is very hot here, and even high humidity ... Moreover, there are long queues in restaurants, and there can be a big crowd and a shortage of sun loungers near the pool or on the beach. Of course, if the hotel is large, then such a problem will not arise, but if it is small ... On the other hand, in summer it is not so hot in comparison with other places in the area, most likely due to dense vegetation - pine and eucalyptus forests give some coolness, shade and freshness. And yet, hell is hell, so it is better for grandparents and grandchildren to postpone their rest until autumn. September and early October are very juicy, and the sea is warm (up to +25 ... + 30 degrees), but in the evenings it is already cool, so you should definitely take long-sleeved blouses. But walking is pleasant and hotel prices are much lower!

Where to go with children in Side?

Ancient city

As I noted above, you don't have to go far. The historical part of the city is, in principle, everything where tourists are taken in other parts of the country (there are many of these everywhere in Turkey): columns, arches, a dilapidated amphitheater.
By the way, it is very remarkable, and they are trying to complete it all the time. A mini-bus travels around the historical part of the city, although you can walk with the kids. Closer to the sea, you will find the ruined but once magnificent temple of Apollo: 5 columns with a top.
By the sea, you will also find the remains of ancient buildings. I think that your family definitely needs to go outside the hotel, because to be in this historical site and not to see all this, besides, it is completely free, just bad manners!

Green canyon

it paradise in a nature reserve 16 km from Side. The canyon stretching for 14 kilometers is located in the Taurus Mountains - it is part of a huge reservoir. By the way, it is considered one of the largest in Turkey, and 27 natural springs also flow here. The lake is almost 130 meters deep, and in some places even up to 240 meters. People swim in it, although the water here is stable at 12 degrees.
But if you have no particular desire to swim in the lake, you can buy a ticket for a wooden gulet or a catamaran and sail deep into the canyon - it is the most beautiful there. It is better to arrive before 10-11 o'clock, before the time when excursion groups come here. Well, the views are just super: greenish-turquoise waters, blue sky and rocks, forests, where you can even see the nests of eagles. Everyone is given life jackets- and since the lake is really deep, vests are highly recommended. You can go fishing with the boys (you can take all the tackle there). Or you can just relax in the reserve - there are hammocks, pretty picnic spots, a playground with swings, and a restaurant serving local cuisine.

Manavgat waterfall

The waterfall is located 4 km from Manavgat and 10 km from Side. The waterfall can be easily reached by local dolmus (sign “selale”) or taxi. A wonderful place to relax with the whole family.
The waterfall is not high (not the same as in Antalya) - only 2-3 meters in height. But it is stunning and wide (40 meters wide). It's especially cool to go there on hot days, because the water in the waterfall is cool, so it's just nice to sit next to the waterfall. If you are hungry, then you can look into one of the many cafes and restaurants where delicious fish dishes are prepared (I recommend trout). It's equally cool to have a picnic next to the waterfall - there are special places there.

Traveling abroad with children is, first of all, a desire to show the kids an amazing and diverse world. On our site you can find out and choose many attractions of Side.

Entertainment Side: a vibrant kaleidoscope of the southern resort

Turkey provides tourists with the opportunity to plunge into the exotic national reserves, get acquainted with the original oriental culture and experience vivid emotions from a huge variety of water activities. Side is one of the southern resorts of this tourist Mecca- was no exception either in the number of architectural delights of antiquity, or in the spectacular and rich colors of world famous natural parks, or in the dizzying attractions of water parks. Let's get to know the best places for families with children in Side!

First of all, within the limits of the resort itself there is ancient city Side, who was not spared by time. But the streets have survived, along which they walked many centuries ago and you can walk today, the central market Square, a huge amphitheater, the temples of Apollo and Athena. Not only vacationers at this resort come to see the ruins of the ancient city of Side, but, of course, tourists from the nearby resort towns. Another attraction of Side, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists, is the Green Canyon - nature reserve in the mountains. There is something to admire and keep the most enthusiastic memories of the richness and beauty of Turkey's nature.

If beach vacation you tend to alternate with visiting interesting places in Side, excursions are presented in a very wide range: you can get out to Alanya, Antalya, Belek and visit all kinds of water parks with the kids, ride the attractions of the Luna Park, admire the richest local fauna in the zoo and fantastic underwater world in aquarium.

You can find out all the details about these and other leisure options for vacationers in Side on our website: numerous photos, information about the cost and how to get there, children of what age will be interested in the excursion and other features of many interesting places will help you make the right choice. Side entertainment will harmoniously complement traditional beach visits and shopping, make family holiday rich impressions and will give you a lot of vivid photographs.

The Turkish resort of Side is often chosen by parents with children, because there is a well-developed children's entertainment infrastructure in hotels. Almost without going beyond hotel complex, you can swim in the pool, and have fun in the water park, and ride all kinds of carousels. An alternative to this view can only be a tour of the ruins. It is very interesting to inspect the remains of the ancient fortress wall, amphitheater, temples, but in search of new impressions you can visit neighboring resorts... We offer an overview of 5 interesting places that can be easily reached with a child from Side.

Sealanya Sea Park

Surprising: next to a busy highway there is a truly paradise. In 15 pools with azure water, the creators of the park settled the inhabitants of the seas. You can get acquainted with the outlandish creatures that inhabit the water depths simply by watching them from the shore. But those who wish can swim with dolphins or go on an underwater trip with a mask and snorkel. Here you can see bright tropical fish, stingrays and sharks. Good-natured dolphins put on a bright and cheerful performance twice a day, captivating all spectators, young and old.

Read more about it on the page of our website.


Water park "Troy"

This water park is located 40 minutes' drive from Side, within the Rixos Premium Belek Hotel. It seems to transport visitors to the time of the Trojan War: here and there are helmets and armor, and in the center of the park a huge wooden horse rises. True, here it is not for military tricks, but for downhill skiing.


Main part water attractions designed for adults and children over 10 years old. But kids are happy to play in a small pool, in which a slide boat is moored. Small children can also be taken on a swim on the "Lazy River". Extremists will also appreciate the Troy slides, as well as a special windsurfing pool. Next to the water park there is a dolphinarium, in which, in addition to dolphins, White whale and walrus. Having conquered the visitors with their performance, the animals are ready to take pictures, and the dolphins are also invited to swim together.

Read more about the Troy water park on the page of our website.


Köprülü canyon

The Köprülü Canyon National Reserve allows you to organize a vacation for every taste. You can go hiking or horseback riding for more photos wildlife... You can have a picnic in a shady corner. Or you can try to conquer the stormy Kepruchay River: even novice rafters can try their hand here. All that is needed is courage and reliable company, which is exactly what the family is.


Victory in the fight against the water element will be remembered for a long time in the family circle. Note that all conditions have been created for rafting on Kepruchai, specialists will give the necessary instructions and provide equipment.

Read more about it on the page of our website.


Manavgat waterfall

If your child enjoys noisy entertainment, seduce him with a trip to the waterfall, which can overwhelm even a crowd of children. The waterfall on the Manavgat River is not high, but it is striking in width - it reaches 40 meters. Coming off the ledge, dark water turns into white foam, and refreshing splashes reach those who admire this spectacle. The water in the river is cold even in summer, so it is nice to have a picnic on the shore near the waterfall, for this there are convenient places here. By the way, a local restaurant serves delicious trout caught in Manavgat.


Read more about it on the page of our website.

Boat trip on a yacht

A very entourage yacht, on which Vikings and pirates get along, offers a trip along the Manavgat River with access to the Mediterranean Sea. Animators will easily involve children in funny contests and costume games: whoever refuses to try on a pirate hat or weigh an old pistol in his hand. And in the course of the journey, everyone will land on the Pirate Island, search for treasure, swim in the open sea and prizes for brave sailors. It is important not to forget your hat and sun protection cream with you.


Kidpassage wishes you and your children a varied and exciting holiday in Side!

Having visited such cities of the Turkish coast as, this time we decided by all means to go to the resort with sandy beach... After reading reviews on the Internet, we concluded that there are two of them in Turkey - Belek and Side.

Both of these cities are equally close to the airport, only you need to go in different directions. After our trip to Alanya, the duration of the transfer was of great importance to us. Choosing to go to Belek or Side with a child, we stopped at Side - we were lured by its famous ruins and an amphitheater.

Turkish ice cream connoisseur!

I found myself in Side very nice beach, with sand, albeit a dirty dusty one. But the children really liked the sand, they built their castles and Easter cakes, and did not worry about the dusty hands at all - the sea is nearby, we will wash it!

The entrance to the sea in Side is just perfect for children: it is gentle, without a single pebble, there are no big waves, except from passing boats. Rest in Side with children is the best option!

Vanya liked the beach

We rested in May, at which time the weather in Side was not hot. During the day, of course, most often it was 28-30 degrees, but in the evening I wanted to dress up. The sea was a little cool in May. But we swam every day 2 times, most of all, of course, Vanya. He really enjoyed swimming in the open sea in oversleeves, and with us he swam quite far.

Attractions and excursions in Side

Where to buy excursions in Side? Yes, everywhere! There are so many travel agencies on the street that you just have to choose. There are both Russian-oriented and those in which it is easy to agree in elementary English. We bought a tour in an "English-speaking" travel agency, but our guide turned out to be purely Russian - a very pleasant woman who came from Russia and married a Turk. The cost of various excursions from Side will be given at the end of the article.

We lived in the most ancient Side, not far from seaport, amphitheater and other ancient ruins. Thanks to this, we saved on excursions, paying only for a ticket to the antique amphitheater of Side, which was much cheaper than a tour with a transfer. It's funny, but travel agencies near our hotel also offered an excursion to the amphitheater - for a fee, you could walk this route with a Turkish Russian-speaking guide. We went there ourselves - a 20-minute walk one way, given Vania's little legs.

We visited the very amphitheater of ancient Side, and also examined other ruins, admission to which is free.

Antique amphitheater in Side

The entrance was also free. to the Temple of Apollo- the very famous columns, which, along with the amphitheater, are depicted on all souvenirs and are the symbol of Side.

The territory of the Temple of Apollo is fenced off, the entrance there opens at 9 am. Excavations and restoration work are underway on the territory, so, most likely, soon the Temple of Apollo will be more or less restored, and the entrance to it will also be paid ...

Temple of Apollo stands right on the seashore, practically on a cliff. A beautiful view opens up from here.

Near the temple of Apollo


Side is a port city, so here, near the ruins, you can see a huge number of ships that come, sail, take away under the loud shouts of the animators of noisy tourists on excursions.


There are very beautiful ships in the port of Side

After we liked it, we decided to definitely go with Vanya for the best dance show of Turkey "Fires of Anatolia"... If you are planning excursions to Side with children, I strongly advise you not to miss this spectacle.

At the entrance to Aspendos

The show takes place in Aspendos, an ancient amphitheater under open air, just near Side. Also on other days there is another dance show - "Troy", which can also be visited with a child. According to reviews, some people like it even more than "Lights".

Since the action takes place in the open air, if you are going to go to the "Fires of Anatolia" with a child, you should take warm clothes and umbrellas, anything can happen. For example, we froze in blouses and wrapped ourselves in towels, which we took with us to sit on them. We read that before, visitors sat right on the stone steps and prepared to soften their lot. But upon arriving at the amphitheater, we were pleasantly surprised by the plastic seats. They are certainly not super comfortable, but anyway, better than stones.

This time we decided to go on one historical excursion - Since the excursion is rather tiring, we went without Vanya, fortunately my mother also went to Side with us - Vanya stayed with her. Before that, we had never gone on such excursions because of a small child, and were very pleased with the opportunity.

Kekova is an ancient city on a stone island, a vertical city. The streets there were not located in the usual horizontal way, but vertically - upward. There are still traces of ancient houses, wells and troughs for collecting drinking water.

View from the sea to the coastal village

V city ​​of Demre located church of St. Nicholas- it was in this place that he was buried. It was a revelation for us that Saint Nicholas, it turns out, was a native of these places. In Russia, he is somehow considered “his own”.

Church of St. Nicholas fortified

Inside the church of St. Nicholas there are beautiful mosaic floors, in some places ancient frescoes have been preserved.

Inside the Church of St. Nicholas

There are several sarcophagi of the ministers of the church in free access, and the "miraculous" sarcophagus of St. Nicholas itself is protected by glass from all sides.

Sarcophagi of clergy

Quite recently, this sarcophagus could also be touched, but for some reason people began to desecrate it, throwing it there or just rubbish. So now the relic was closed, but especially the “believers” found a way to touch the shrine. You can stick your hand into a crack in a stone slab under glass and even “consecrate” an icon purchased here, holding it by the sarcophagus.

Sarcophagus of St. Nicholas behind glass

The ancient city of the World. In fact, this is a mountain with crypts, but it looks very majestic.

There is an amphitheater not far from the mountain, very similar to the one in Side. It is interesting that the amphitheater was not built here by chance. All important city meetings were held here, and earlier it was believed that citizens, even after death, should be aware of everything that was happening. That's why the most important place it was decided to build a general collection not far from the graves.

Amphitheater of the city of Mira


Of course, everyone decides for himself which excursions are worth visiting while vacationing in Side. But it should be borne in mind that the road to them can be very long. For example, on an excursion to Pamukkale from Side, you need to go about 8 hours one way, including along a mountain serpentine. The excursion to Capaddokia from Side takes even longer. The child, unambiguously, will not stand such torment.

In conclusion, I will lay out the prices for excursions in the Turkish town of Side. I think they can be useful to those who are going to visit this wonderful town with or without a child.