The 6 Best Full-Day Tours In Side

Side is a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding region—whether it’s ancient castles, natural wonders, or lively boat trips. What makes these full-day tours particularly appealing is their mix of cultural sights, scenic landscapes, and fun experiences. From touring Alanya’s fortress and swimming at Cleopatra Beach to cruising on yachts with foam parties, there’s a memorable adventure for every type of traveler. We’ve handpicked the best options to help you make the most of your time, whether you’re after history, nature, or just a day of relaxing on the water.

One thing most of these tours have in common is a focus on authentic, local experiences—like trying Turkish cuisine, shopping in vibrant markets, or visiting caves and waterfalls. If you’re staying in Side and want to venture further afield, these tours offer a variety of ways to see the region’s highlights while enjoying a hassle-free day. Read on for detailed descriptions and insights into each of our top picks.

1. Side: Full-Day Alanya City Tour & Cleopatra Beach Visit

This tour offers an engaging mix of history, scenic views, and leisure, making it ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded day. Starting with a cable car ride up to Alanya Castle, you’ll enjoy 270-degree views of the city and the sea—an absolute favorite for panoramic photos. Afterward, the tour includes a boat ride with plenty of swimming opportunities at Cleopatra Beach, famous for its fine sand and clear waters.

A visit to the Red Tower provides insight into the maritime history of the region, followed by a tour inside the Damlataş Cave, where stalactites and stalagmites create a cool, mysterious atmosphere. The tour features a local Turkish lunch at a restaurant, giving you a taste of authentic cuisine, and ample time for shopping and wandering Alanya’s busy streets.

Rated 4.3 out of 5 by 59 reviews, travelers praise the smooth organization and stunning views, though some mention the challenge of timed activities. The tour is 8 hours long and offers a comprehensive day out, especially if you’re interested in combining sightseeing with relaxation.

Bottom line: A top pick for those wanting a full experience of Alanya’s highlights, with a good balance of history, scenery, and beach time.

2. Full-Day Antalya Old City Tour: Kaleiçi, Waterfalls & Boat

For travelers who want to explore Antalya’s historic old town and natural scenery, this tour is a solid choice. It includes a guided walk through Kaleiçi, with its quaint streets, Ottoman architecture, and lively markets. The boat trip to the Düden Waterfalls offers a refreshing break, with plenty of photo ops of cascading waters set against lush greenery.

This tour is shorter—around 6 to 8 hours—and allows for free time to shop or relax. It’s especially suited for those who want a taste of culture and nature in one day, but don’t want a full 10-hour adventure. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off makes it convenient, and the price of $41 per person offers good value for a combination of guided sightseeing and leisure.

Reviews are limited but positive, emphasizing the well-organized itinerary and enjoyable mix of activities. If you’re interested in Antalya’s history and waterfalls, this tour covers the essentials efficiently.

Bottom line: Best suited for those who want a manageable day with a focus on historical and natural highlights without feeling rushed.

3. Full Day All Inclusive Boat Ride and Foam Party

This lively boat trip combines beach relaxation, entertainment, and social fun. Starting with a pickup from your hotel, you’ll board a deluxe yacht with three floors—including a bar, showers, and comfortable seating. The main event is an all-inclusive boat cruise along the coast, featuring unlimited food and drinks, with plenty of time for swimming in crystal-clear waters.

What sets this tour apart is the foam party, where you can dance, splash, and let loose on the deck—an experience that appeals especially to younger travelers or those young at heart. The boat stops three times to swim, and the day ends with a lively party atmosphere on board. Rated 4.5 from 9 reviews, people rave about the fun atmosphere and the inclusive nature of the trip.

This tour is perfect if you’re looking for a full day of beach fun and lively entertainment. While it’s more about the experience than cultural sightseeing, it offers excellent value for a party-filled day.

Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a relaxed, fun-filled day with plenty of swimming, dancing, and socializing on the water.

4. Full-Day Antalya City Tour & Duden Waterfall from Side

This tour combines cultural exploration with natural beauty, starting with hotel pickup in Side and a scenic drive to Antalya. It includes a visit to Kaleiçi, with its narrow streets and historic sites, plus free time for shopping and wandering. The highlight is the Düden Waterfalls, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk and photos of the tumbling water.

Optional upgrades allow you to ride the cable car or enjoy a traditional local lunch. The tour’s itinerary also features visits to Kursunlu Waterfalls and Karpuzkaldıran Waterfall, making it a good choice for nature lovers. With reviews noting the driver’s friendliness and a well-organized schedule, this 8-hour tour is a practical way to see Antalya’s highlights without overstretching your day.

It’s especially suited for travelers interested in combining city sights with waterfalls and scenic views, with flexible options to tailor the experience.

Bottom line: Best for those who want a balanced mix of culture and nature, with options to customize the day.

5. Dolphin Island Full-Day Boat Trip from Side, Turkey

For a more relaxed and scenic day, this boat trip focuses on exploring the Taurus Mountains and includes visits to Ormana and Sarıhacılar villages. Known for their historical significance, these villages offer a glimpse into traditional Turkish life. The boat cruise includes stops at A ltınbeşik Cave, Turkey’s largest underground lake cave, which is a highlight for adventurers.

The day also features a refreshing peeling and foam massage onboard, helping you unwind as you take in the mountain scenery. Rated 3.5 out of 5, reviews mention the trip’s scenic landscape and relaxing activities, although some note the limited reviews. It’s an excellent choice if you prefer a combination of nature, cultural sights, and wellness treatments over a party atmosphere.

This tour is best suited for travelers seeking a peaceful day in nature with some cultural stops and spa-like experiences.

Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a calm, scenic day with unique cave visits and wellness treatments.

6. Side: Full Day Alanya City Tour With Boat Tour & Cable Car

Rounding out our list, this comprehensive tour combines Alanya’s top attractions in one full day. It includes a cable car ride to Alanya Castle, giving you sweeping views, a swim at Cleopatra Beach, and a boat tour along the coast. The visit to Damlataş Cave adds a touch of cool exploration, while a visit to the Alanya Bazaar offers a chance to shop for local crafts.

Rated a high 4.7 out of 5, this tour is popular for its well-organized schedule and variety. It’s ideal for travelers who want a full immersion in Alanya’s sights, with options for a detailed city tour, beach time, and scenic boat rides, all in one day.

The tour’s length of 9 hours makes it suited for active travelers who want to squeeze in as much as possible, while the inclusive boat and cable car rides make it great value.

Bottom line: An excellent choice for those who want to see the best of Alanya with a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and shopping.

How to Choose Your Perfect Full-Day Tour in Side

When selecting among these tours, consider your interests and travel style. If you love history and panoramic views, the Side: Full-Day Alanya City Tour & Cleopatra Beach Visit offers a rich experience. For a cultural and natural blend, the Full-Day Antalya Old City Tour: Kaleiçi, Waterfalls & Boat is ideal.

If you’re looking for a fun, social day with lots of swimming and dancing, the Full Day All Inclusive Boat Ride and Foam Party packs in entertainment. For a calmer, scenic escape, the Dolphin Island Full-Day Boat Trip offers mountain views and cave visits. And if you want the full Alanya experience, the Side: Full Day Alanya City Tour With Boat Tour & Cable Car covers everything.

Think about your budget, how much activity you want, and whether you prefer cultural sights, beaches, or scenic nature. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure your spot.

Final Thoughts

Side offers a great variety of full-day tours, whether you want to learn about history, relax on the beach, or enjoy lively boat parties. For a well-rounded day that includes panoramic views and cultural highlights, the Alanya full-day tour with castle and Cleopatra Beach is a top choice. If you prefer combining city exploration with waterfalls, the Antalya tour provides natural beauty and a taste of local life.

Travelers who want a fun, social day will love the foam party cruise, while those seeking peace and quiet may prefer the mountain cave and village trips. No matter your preference, booking your tour in advance helps ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re an active explorer or in need of a relaxing escape, Side’s full-day tours deliver memorable moments and plenty of stories to tell.