Side is a fantastic base for exploring Turkey’s famed Turkish Riviera. Its strategic location, surrounded by ancient ruins, scenic coastlines, and mountain villages, makes it a goldmine for city tours. Whether you’re into historical sites, lively boat trips, or natural adventures, Side offers something for every type of traveler. We especially like the Dolphin Island Boat Tour for its lively atmosphere and turquoise waters, and the Perge, Aspendos & Kurşunlu Waterfall trip for a perfect blend of ancient ruins and scenic nature. With so many options, you’ll find a tour that suits your pace and interests.
Quick Overview
The list below features a variety of city tours in Side, including boat cruises, archaeological excursions, natural canyon hikes, and city explorations. Some tours focus on cultural highlights, like ancient theatres and city streets, while others highlight natural beauty, such as waterfalls and caves. Every experience is designed to give you a deeper understanding of the region’s history and landscape. Now, let’s explore each of these top choices in more detail.
1. City of Side: Dolphin Island Boat Tour w/ Lunch & Drinks
At number 1, this 9-hour boat tour offers a lively day on the Turkish Riviera. Join a sailboat cruise with plenty of space to relax, swim, and dance. The highlight is swimming in the turquoise waters, but it’s the foam party and onboard music that make this trip stand out. A fresh lunch is included, with drinks available to keep everyone refreshed. Rated 4.3/5 from 570 reviews, travelers appreciate the fun atmosphere and the opportunity to meet fellow visitors.
This tour is perfect for those craving a fun-filled day at sea with opportunities to dance, swim, and socialize. The cost is just $15 per person, making it an affordable way to enjoy the Turkish coast. Keep in mind, it’s a long day, so good for active or social travelers who want a mix of sun, fun, and relaxation.
Bottom Line: An energetic, cost-effective boat trip ideal for travelers wanting fun and swimming in scenic waters.
2. From City of Side: Visit to Ormana Village & Altinbesik Cave
Rated 4.6/5 from 190 reviews, this 9-hour tour provides an authentic look at Turkey’s mountain villages and underground wonders. You’ll visit Ormana Village, famous for its traditional houses and peaceful atmosphere. Then, head to Altinbesik Cave, Turkey’s largest underground cave, where you can enjoy a boat ride on a subterranean lake—an unforgettable experience. The tour also includes a stop at the Golden Cradle Cavern.
Guests love the culture and slower pace, with “well-catered for both German and English speakers.” The trip is rich in local flavor, from traditional Turkish food in Ormana to exploring the underground lake. It’s a good choice for travelers interested in nature, culture, and authentic village life.
Bottom Line: An immersive day for those who want to see Turkish mountain life and marvel at underground caves.
3. From City of Side: Perge, Aspendos & Kurşunlu Waterfall Trip
This 8-hour guided day trip hits top archaeological and natural highlights, with a 4.8/5 rating from 112 reviews. The journey includes the Aspendos Amphitheater, famed for its superb acoustics, and Perge Ancient City, with its well-preserved ruins. The day ends with a visit to the Kursunlu Waterfall, where you can relax and take photos. The tour offers a mix of history, architecture, and nature, making it ideal for those wanting a full overview of the region.
Guests comment on the knowledge of the guide Murat and the well-paced itinerary. The tour is especially suitable for history buffs and outdoor lovers who want to combine sightseeing with a break in nature. The price isn’t listed but is generally considered excellent value given the extensive sites visited.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history enthusiasts wanting a comprehensive day exploring ancient sites and scenic waterfalls.
4. Alanya City, Cable Car & Sapadere Canyon Tour w/Lunch
Rated 5.0/5 from 46 reviews, this 8-hour tour from Side offers a mix of city, nature, and scenic views. Travel to Alanya, explore Sapadere Canyon—a lush area with waterfalls and hiking—and take a cable car ride up to Alanya Castle. The trip includes lunch, and the canyon walk is a highlight for lovers of nature and gentle adventure.
Guests praise the small group size and the beautiful scenery, noting that the walk through the canyon was “worth every second.” The tour is best suited for those who enjoy gentle hikes and city views combined with a relaxing day away from the coast. The tour offers a great blend of nature, history, and local scenery.
Bottom Line: An ideal trip for nature lovers and those wanting a mix of outdoor activity and city views.
5. City of Side: Sapadere Canyon & Alanya with Cable Car Option
Rated 4.2/5 from 383 reviews, this 9-hour excursion covers Alanya, Sapadere Canyon, and Goblin’s Cave. It’s for travelers who want a full-day adventure with hiking, sightseeing, and optional cable car rides. The tour includes a hike through the canyon, with opportunities to swim in mountain mineral waters, and a visit to Goblin’s Cave.
Guests mention the scenic landscape and the wide-ranging itinerary, making it a good choice for active travelers. The tour is priced at $36 per person—value considering the multiple sites and activities packed into one day. If you prefer more hiking and natural scenery, this tour hits the mark.
Bottom Line: A great pick for active travelers wanting a full-day outdoor adventure with scenic canyon hikes and city exploration.
6. City of Side: Antalya City Tour w/Boat Trip, Old Town & Waterfall
Rated 4.5/5 from 86 reviews, this 8-hour tour combines Antalya’s vibrant Old Town, a boat trip to the Duden Waterfalls, and city highlights. The Kaleiçi district offers charming streets, while the boat ride provides stunning scenery. The tour also includes a cable car ride with panoramic views, plus free time to explore.
Guests comment on the well-organized itinerary and the opportunity for free exploration. It’s perfect for travelers who want a mix of history, city culture, and natural beauty with the convenience of hotel pickup. The price is approximately $29, making it an affordable comprehensive option.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for those wanting a balanced day of city walking, boat scenery, and scenic viewpoints.
7. From Side/Alanya: Alanya City Tour w/Lunch, Boat & Cable Car
This 10-hour full-day tour captures the essence of Alanya, with visits to Alanya Castle, a boat cruise, and a cable car ride. It’s perfect for travelers wanting to experience the city’s maritime charm and mountain views. The itinerary includes a local lunch and opportunities to shop or wander.
Guests find the trip well-paced and appreciate the panoramic views from the cable car. The tour is ideal for those who want to combine maritime experiences with hilltop vistas and city walks. It’s slightly longer but offers a well-rounded day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers interested in sea views, castle exploration, and scenic cable car rides.
8. City of Side: Green Canyon, Waterfall, Ancient City Mix Tour
Rated 4.7/5 from 19 reviews, this 7-8 hour trip is perfect for nature lovers who want a boat ride on Green Lake and visit Oymapinar Dam. The tour also includes a lunch and stops at ancient ruins near the lake, combining natural beauty with archaeological interest.
Guests mention the serene boat ride and orange juice tasting, while some noted the trip starts slowly but improves as the day goes on. This tour suits travelers who want relaxing scenery with a touch of history.
Bottom Line: Great for a peaceful day of boats, waterfalls, and ancient ruins, especially if you enjoy water-based activities.
9. Side: Full-Day Alanya City Tour & Cleopatra Beach Visit
Rated 4.3/5 from 59 reviews, this tour offers a full day exploring Alanya’s highlights, including Alanya Castle, Damlataş Cave, and a swim at Cleopatra Beach. It’s perfect for travelers wanting beach time combined with cultural sights. The tour includes a lunch stop and optional shopping.
Guests praise the timed itinerary and the beautiful scenery. It’s suitable for those who want a balanced mix of history and relaxing beach time. Price details are not listed but are comparable to other full-day tours.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for families or anyone wanting a combination of beach and city sights.
10. City of Side: Sapadere Canyon & Alanya Tour with Lunch
This 9-hour tour revisits Sapadere Canyon with a focus on nature, hiking, and scenic views. It includes a lunch at Sapadere village, a pass by Cleopatra Beach, and Alanya harbor. The highlight is walking along wooden pathways through the canyon and enjoying the waterfalls.
Reviews are simple but positive, noting the punctuality and beautiful scenery. It’s a good choice for those who want to experience nature without strenuous activity.
Bottom Line: An accessible, scenic trip for nature lovers wanting a manageable day exploring mountains and coast.
11. Turkish Bath with Massage & VIP Package Option for City of Side
Rated 4.0/5 from 85 reviews, this 1.5-hour Hammam experience offers a relaxing cultural treat. Includes sauna, foam massage, peeling, and optional aromatherapy massage. It’s a perfect way to unwind after busy days of touring or beach lounging.
Reviews note the value for money and the friendly staff, though some mention language barriers. It’s ideal for travelers who want to experience authentic Turkish wellness rituals.
Bottom Line: A relaxing, cultural experience, especially suited for those seeking a break from sightseeing.
12. Full-Day Antalya Old City Tour: Kaleiçi, Waterfalls & Boat
This 6-8 hour tour offers a deep dive into Antalya’s historic core, including the picturesque Kaleiçi district, boat trip to Düden Waterfalls, and free time to explore or shop. It’s compact but covers the main sights with a focus on culture and nature.
Guests mention the well-organized nature of the day and the boat ride as a highlight. It’s best for those who want a shorter, focused experience of Antalya’s charms.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers with limited time who want a balanced taste of history and scenery.
13. From City of Side and Alanya: Legends and Pirates Yacht Tour
Rated 4.2/5 from 38 reviews, this 7-hour yacht cruise combines stories of pirates and legends with foam parties, lunch, and swimming. It’s family-friendly and includes a visit to Alanya Castle and the Cave of Lovers.
Guests enjoy the fun atmosphere and the opportunity to relax on a massive yacht. It’s perfect for travelers who want a storytelling element paired with sea fun and family-friendly activities.
Bottom Line: Great for families or those who want a story-rich sailing day with plenty of swimming and entertainment.
How to Choose Your Best City Tour in Side
When selecting the right tour, consider your interests, pace, and budget. For a relaxing day on the water, the Dolphin Island Boat Tour is hard to beat, while history buffs will love the Perge, Aspendos & Kurşunlu Waterfall trip. If you’re after outdoor adventure and scenic hikes, the Sapadere Canyon & Alanya offers a great mix.
For those wanting a luxury experience, the Turkish Bath or full-day Alanya tours provide comfort and culture. Budget travelers should look at the affordable boat trips or shorter city explorations. Book early, especially in high season, to secure your preferred dates and ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Side truly offers a diverse array of city tours—from scenic boat rides and archaeological visits to natural canyon walks and lively city explorations. If you’re looking for a fun day on the water, the Dolphin Island Boat Tour should be your pick. For those interested in history and ancient ruins, the Perge, Aspendos & Kurşunlu Waterfall trip offers a rundown.
Travelers wanting a combination of nature and cultural highlights will enjoy the Sapadere Canyon & Alanya or Green Canyon, Waterfalls & Ancient City. Meanwhile, those seeking relaxation and pampering** should consider the Turkish Bath.
Whatever your style, booking early is wise—these tours fill up fast in peak season. Use this list as your guide to pick a Side city tour that best fits your interests and pace, and enjoy everything this beautiful region has to offer.