Antalya Airport to Temple of Apollo, Side

The Temple of Apollo stands at the tip of the Side peninsula, its re-erected white columns rising directly above the sea. Built in the 2nd century AD, the temple is the emblem of Side and its most romantic spot — especially at sunset, when the marble glows gold above the harbour and the surrounding ancient town of bathhouses, agora and a great theatre comes alive in the evening.

Side is about 1 hour 10 minutes east of Antalya Airport along the coastal road through Serik and Manavgat. The temple sits within Side's pedestrianised old town where cars cannot enter, so a private transfer drops you at the edge of the peninsula; your driver waits while you walk the few minutes through the ruins to the seafront.

The temple itself is open to walk up to, free of charge, set among the wider Side ruins right by the water. The old-town lanes around it are cobbled and busy with shops and restaurants, so comfortable shoes help. There is little shade at the temple point — best enjoyed late afternoon into sunset. Combine it with the theatre and harbour; allow a couple of hours for the whole quarter.