Temple of Apollo Side Transfer: How to Get There by Car

The Temple of Apollo is the best-known image of Side, the ancient port city east of Antalya. Built in the Roman period, it stood at the very end of the peninsula, beside the harbour. Today a row of re-erected marble columns with part of their decorated frieze stands against the open sea, next to the remains of a temple attributed to Athena.

The temple sits at the end of Side's old town, where modern streets of shops and restaurants run among ancient walls, the great theatre and other ruins. In the evening, when the sun goes down behind the columns, the spot is one of the most photographed places on the whole coast.

The nearest airport is Antalya Airport (AYT). From there it is about 65 km, roughly 85 minutes by road on the main coastal highway east via Serik and Manavgat, then into Side. Traffic around Side can be slower in high season.

Side old town is largely closed to normal traffic, so cars cannot drive up to the temple. Your driver drops you at the nearest accessible point at the edge of the old town, and from there you walk through the streets to the tip of the peninsula. From hotels in Side, Sorgun, Kumköy, Çolaklı or Manavgat the drive is short; from Belek, Evrenseki or Titreyengöl it is also an easy trip.

In summer the stones and streets get hot in the middle of the day, so early morning or the late afternoon is the best time. Many visitors plan to arrive in the evening and watch the sunset at the temple, then have dinner in the old town. Wear comfortable shoes for uneven ancient paving, and bring a hat, sun cream and water.

The walk from the drop-off point passes other well-known sights: the large ancient theatre, sections of the city walls and the colonnaded street. Side also combines easily with the Manavgat Waterfall or the Manavgat River just inland.

For an evening in Side or a day linking the temple with other places, book a private car with driver. Tell us your plan, we tell you what is possible — the time and place of your pick-up back to your hotel are agreed when you book. The price is fixed per vehicle, not per person, with no night surcharge and no luggage fee.

• Minivan (VW Caravelle class) for 1–6 passengers
• VIP Mercedes-Benz Vito with leather seats for 1–7
• Mercedes Sprinter for groups of 8–16

Child seats are free on request, so families can travel safely with small children.

Most visitors stay in or near Side. From Antalya Airport, your driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign, and we track your flight, so waiting is free if it lands late. Send us your flight number, hotel and number of passengers via WhatsApp or the booking form at any time; you receive a fixed-price quote within 1 minute. No prepayment, free cancellation, and you pay in the vehicle in cash, or by card if agreed.

On the return day, plan to be at Antalya Airport 2–3 hours before an international flight — check your airline's advice — and allow for summer traffic on the coastal highway.