Both popular Turkish resorts are in great demand among Russians. And when planning their next trip, many people think - which is better: Antalya or Side? There are similarities and differences between them. The similarities are expressed in the presence of a large number of excellent hotels, a high level of service, beaches marked with the "Blue Flag", a variety of excursion programs, and excellent shopping.
The differences lie in the climate, the quieter (Side) - or noisier (Antalya) atmosphere during the high season, and other nuances. For example, from Antalya you will get to the hotel in half an hour, which is important when you are resting with a child, the road to Side will take longer. Before making a final choice, it is worth learning more about each of the resorts.
Best time to travel
As a resort, Antalya has been developing since the end of the 20th century, but today it can offer tourists a lot - first of all, first-class hotels and a high level of service. Therefore, you can come here even in the low season, which lasts from the end of November to the first half of April.
You will be staying in great hotels at low prices, swimming in indoor pools, going on excursions, sightseeing, and relaxing in spas. You will take a break from the Russian frosts, gain impressions and at the same time save money.
In April and May, you can already sunbathe in the sun, but the sea is still cold, especially for children.
Summer months are traditionally the most popular, the disadvantages include scorching heat in the middle of the day, high prices and the fact that excursions in extreme heat are not very comfortable. The velvet season will offer the best price-quality ratio. The temperature of the air and water begins to drop, and so does the prices.
You can swim in Side for 6 months. If you want to save a lot - come in May or in the last month of autumn. From late November to April is a good time for excursions. The attitude towards the few tourists during this period is especially reverent, prices are reduced to a minimum (except for the New Year holidays).
Very crowded in summer. Be prepared for the air temperature to rise to + 35 ° C during the day, prices are very high. The ideal month is October, the velvet season. The sea water is warm, there is a lot of fruit, you will pay much less for hotel accommodation and excursions than in summer.
Climate and weather
The climate in Antalya is quite humid, so it is difficult to endure the heat here. Consider this if you are planning a summer vacation. In April, the air temperature is already more than + 20 ° С, and from mid-May it is quite possible to swim. But it can be pretty cool at night, so warm clothes do not hurt. These months are great for excursions.
In summer, the daytime temperature rises to + 38-39 ° С, and the sea water is warmed up to + 29-29 ° С. Walking is comfortable only after sunset. In September it is hot, almost like in summer, the "velvet season" begins in October, when the temperature drops below + 30 ° С. From November to April it is quite warm, during the day it can be up to + 17 ° С, but precipitation is a rather frequent phenomenon, rains sometimes make it difficult to go on an excursion.
See prices for tours to Anatlya
In Side, the climate is somewhat drier. During spring, the air temperature rises from + 18 ° С (in March) to + 25 ° С (in May). In the last month of spring, many are already swimming - the water is warmed up to + 21 ° C. It is hot and stuffy in summer, the average temperature is + 34 ° С, but it can reach + 39 ° С. During this time, beach activities are especially popular.
You can swim almost all autumn - until mid-November. It is warm enough during the day to wear light clothes, but in late fall you will almost certainly find it raining. In winter, it is usually + 16-17 ° С, cloudy, although the sun often peeps out. A very comfortable time for sightseeing.
Hotels
Both Turkish resorts offer tourists rest in comfortable hotels. It is best to stay in a 5 * hotel. In this case, you will not be disappointed with the food - there will be a large selection of quality dishes and drinks. The entertainment programs in the "five" are very rich, and the well-trained staff speaks Russian.
What options should you look out for?
Antalya:
Concorde De Luxe Resort 5 * - 1st coastline, luxurious rooms, a magnificent spa center. An abundance of sports activities, tennis courts and numerous swimming pools.
IC Green Palace 5 * - designed in Asian style, natural materials and wood are used in the design. Very green area with exotic plants.
Limak Lara De Luxe Hotel & Resort 5 * - located in the Lara microdistrict. Large selection of rooms, numerous restaurants offering cuisines from different countries of the world, swimming pools for adults and children.
Royal Seginus 5 * - different types of rooms, its own amusement park and water park, the hotel is suitable for business events.
Club Hotel Sera 5 * is an elegant complex with more than 500 rooms. Meals on the "ultra all inclusive" program. On the territory there are shops, hairdressers, beauty salons, entertainment centers.
Delphin Imperial Lara 5 * - memorable design, the most comfortable rest. Bowling, spa center, own water park and disco.
Lara Barut Collection 5 * is a boutique hotel with spacious rooms, lots of entertainment, its own cinema, live music.
Side:
Side Crown Palace 5 * is a very large and comfortable hotel, all-inclusive meals, restaurants, children's table for little guests.
LRS Port River & Spa 5 * - has its own beach, pools with water slides, a spa and a shopping center on site.
Side Star Elegance 5 * - its own section of the coastline, sports events, car rental, windsurfing.
Horus Paradise Luxury Resort 5 * - its own garden with citrus and olive trees, historical sights are nearby, and bazaars are also two steps away. Exceptionally comfortable rooms.
Alva Donna Beach Resort Comfort 5 * - many trees and shrubs on the territory, a beach equipped with everything you need, entertainment for adults and children.
Nashira Resort Hotel & Aqua-Spa 5 * - own water park, evening shows, tennis, entertainment programs for children.
Vacation prices
The price for tours depends on the category of the hotel, high or low season, the city from which you will fly. To save money, you can take part in the "Early booking" promotion or purchase a "hot tour". On average, you should be guided by such prices.
Antalya:
| Hotel | Price (in rubles) |
| Concorde De Luxe Resort 5 * | From 62 548 |
| IC Green Palace 5 * | From 59 739 |
| Limak Lara De Luxe Hotel & Resort 5 * | From 67 403 |
| Royal Seginus 5 * | From 71 189 |
| Club Hotel Sera 5 * | From 80 577 |
| Delphin Imperial Lara 5 * | From 81 120 |
| Lara Barut Collection 5 * | From 90 301 |
Side:
| Hotel | Price (in rubles) |
| Side Crown Palace 5 * | From 33 110 |
| LRS Port River & Spa 5 * | From 38 688 |
| Side Star Elegance 5 * | From 47 566 |
| Horus Paradise Luxury Resort 5 * | From 52 099 |
| Alva Donna Beach Resort Comfort 5 * | From 56 324 |
| Nashira Resort Hotel & Aqua Spa 5 * | From 69 406 |
The cost is indicated for 2 tourists, departure from Moscow. The price includes: flight, transfer, insurance and meals according to the "all inclusive" program.
Vacation with children
Beautiful and well-groomed Antalya has everything for parents with children to spend time comfortably. The beach season is long here. An important plus - the road from the airport to the hotel will take only about half an hour. Also, here you will find a large selection of entertainment programs, beaches - pebbly and sandy, many of which have been awarded the "Blue Flag". Teenagers will not get bored either - Antalya offers many interesting excursions.
At the service of parents - shops where you can buy everything you need for a child, pharmacies, cafes, focused on young tourists. In hotels, especially in the 5 * category, every little thing is thought out, and the service here is at a high level. Perhaps the only negative - if you go on vacation at the height of the season, and your child is very small - Antalya may seem too noisy, at this time it is difficult to find a quiet and peaceful corner.
Side has a very mild climate suitable for children. There is a clear sea, wonderful sandy beaches. You can choose a family hotel that offers a wide range of entertainment programs for children. Older children will be interested in the local architectural monuments.
Almost every hotel has a fairly spacious green area, where it is pleasant to walk with a child. The atmosphere at the resort is calm, it will be comfortable even with babies. In hotels, as a rule, there is a special menu for kids, which is both healthy and tasty. There is also a corner where mothers can prepare meals - everything you need for this is sold in local stores.
The downside is that it will take a long time to get from the airport to the hotel.
Beaches
The resorts have famous beaches.So, all tourists usually visit Konyaalti in Antalya, this sandy-pebble beach is wide and long, stretching for 8 km. The entrance to the sea is different here - there are shallow areas, which is convenient for children, there is a sharp increase in depth, and a rocky seabed, which is ideal for divers.
One part of the beach is intended for those who want to sunbathe "on a towel", in the other part the infrastructure is more developed - there are showers, sun loungers, and much more - for an additional fee, of course. The beach is clean and cleaned regularly. Awarded with the Blue Flag. Children will enjoy the playgrounds, adults - the prices for snacks and drinks at the bar.
Topcham attracts tourists with beautiful landscapes. Nearby is the Olympos National Park. The beach is removed from the city center. The coverage here is sandy and pebble, the infrastructure is well developed. It will be comfortable to relax here with children.
Beach Park will appeal to those who love not only bask in the sun, but also appreciate the opportunity to play sports - there are many opportunities for this. The cover is sandy, the length is about 1.5 km. Showers, changing rooms, sun loungers are available. There are many cafes and bars nearby, in the evenings there are discos on the shore.
Mermerli - the size is small, the depth grows quickly. Parents with children are unlikely to like it here, but if you do not want to move away from the city center and you like beautiful views, then this beach is for you.
Adalar is a beach on the platforms. You will have to pay for the rest here, but comfort awaits you. In the sea you have to go down the steps. This place will appeal to those who like a relaxing holiday.
Lara - Many hotels are located near this beach. There is sand on the shore, but it has a rather dark color. Part of the coastal zone belongs to hotels, but other tourists who have not settled in them will find a place to sunbathe. The beach is very clean as is the sea. But swimmers should be careful - near the shore, currents, both warm and cold, await them. Next to Lara is the Museum of Sand Sculptures.
Side will delight holidaymakers with a calm sea. There are rarely storms and waves of significant heights.
The western beach is considered municipal. You can sunbathe here for free. You only have to pay for a sun lounger and an umbrella. The infrastructure is developed, everything is available: from toilets and showers to cafes and sports entertainment. There are water attractions for children. You can go on a boat trip or scuba diving. At the same time, there are areas of shallow water on the beach where young children will like to splash. There are shops near the coastline; in the evenings, young people come to this area for discos.
The eastern beach is sandy and not crowded, the entrance to the water is rather shallow. On the shore there is sand of a beautiful golden color, but pebbles are also found. There are no shops or clubs here, but you can sit in a cafe. Sun loungers and parasols are available for a fee.
Kumkoy - located a few kilometers from the center. Young people like to gather here, and in the evenings it can be especially noisy and crowded. Bars, discos and nightclubs are waiting for you.
Sorgun is located in the village of the same name near Side. There are coniferous forests and palms, as well as citrus trees. Families with children like to come here - the rest turns out to be calm and comfortable.
Tours
The resorts will offer you a rich excursion program. You can see the sights located directly at these resorts, as well as in other regions of the country, book a group or individual excursion. Such a tour includes insurance, transport services, guide services and meals on the route.
Travel agencies are located at every turn, but the safest way to book excursions is at your hotel.
Where can you go from Antalya?
Pamukkale. This is a whole complex that all tourists who come to Turkey try to visit. You will see the ruins of the ancient city, but, most importantly, you will visit the thermal springs, admire the beautiful white terraces resembling mountains of cotton. You can even swim in the healing water. Keep in mind that the excursion takes a long time; in the heat, it is difficult for children and the elderly to be in the sun for so long.
Sightseeing tour.During this trip, the guide will acquaint tourists with the sights of the Old Town, and they will also climb the cable car to the top of one of the mountains, from where they can admire the panorama.
Rafting and safari. Suitable for those who like extreme entertainment. First, tourists will have to raft down the river, located in the national park, and then a mini-trip on ATVs.
Demre-Myra-Kekova. Includes sightseeing of historical sights. In the city of Mira, tourists will see tombs and an ancient theater. In Demre, they will go to the old church in honor of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, and during a boat trip they will see the remains of the sunken city. It was destroyed during an earthquake.
Jerusalem and Istanbul. During these excursions, you will be able to see famous cities and see their main attractions. Tourists will meet in one day - the cost includes air travel, excursion program, meals. Don't miss the opportunity to explore ancient Istanbul and swim in the Dead Sea.
An equally varied excursion program will be offered to you in Side.
From here you can also go to Pamukkale, take a tour on the Demre-Mira-Kekova route. What else awaits you?
Cappodocia. You will visit the valley where volcanoes erupted. The landscapes here are simply amazing. The journey will take 2 days. You will see the Goreme nature reserve, picturesque valleys, a rock fortress, the city of Saratly located underground and ancient temples.
Diving. Adults and adolescents over 14 years of age will be able to dive. It will be interesting for both beginners and experienced scuba divers. All necessary equipment is provided. An instructor will accompany you.
Tourists will get acquainted with the rich underwater world; they will also be able to see sunken ships and flooded caves.
Sapadere Canyon. Located near Alanya. The journey will take about half a day, you will enjoy the wonderful views, take a jeep ride, walk along the hiking trail, take a dip in the natural pool.
Walking on a yacht. It will take about 7 hours, you will admire the scenery, there is also a feast and a foam party. This walk is more suitable for young people.
Entertainment
The bustling, crowded Antalya is rich in entertainment. You can order rafting on the Kepruchay River, go to the beautiful oceanarium, visit the Dinosaur Park. The local zoo, where many animals and birds live, will be interesting for children and adults. The Upper Duden and Lower Duden waterfalls, as well as the Köprülü canyon, are very beautiful. Nature lovers will also love the trip to the trout farm.
In Side, guests will find Adventure park - an amusement park that will appeal to fans of extreme sports. Here they will find bungees, suspension bridges, and much more. You can go rafting, go for a walk on the sea or along the river. In many hotels there are mini-water parks, in the travel agency you will be offered safari, fishing. There is also no shortage of nightclubs and shops.
Service
In Antalya, you will definitely not have any language barriers. Almost every hotel of the 4 * -5 * category has Russian-speaking staff, and everyone who is involved in the tourism sector understands basic English. Be careful when choosing a hotel. If you are young, you will not like the hotel, where pensioners from Europe usually come to rest. And families with children will feel uncomfortable surrounded by noisy youth who love to hang out late at discos.
All-inclusive vacations are in great demand, the service is excellent, but some points are paid additionally. For example, hookah and certain types of alcohol. Spa and massage lovers will not be disappointed with their vacation in Antalya either.
In Side, 5 * hotels can provide their guests with a high level of comfort. There are private beaches, entertainment programs, all-inclusive meals. Add to this the magnificent beaches, Turkish baths, massage - and the rest will be wonderful.
Shopping
Prices in Antalya are quite high. Therefore, it is better to buy things and souvenirs either in large shopping centers (especially at sales), or in the market where you can bargain. What to buy - everyone chooses to his taste. From here they bring sweets and tea, spices and olive oil, furs, leather goods, ceramics. Shops close late, most are open until 9 pm, and some are open until late at night.
If you are planning expensive purchases - for example, you want to buy a mink coat, gold products or carpets - go to company stores, where all the goods are guaranteed of high quality.
Will delight with shopping and Side. From here they bring as gifts to friends ceramics with beautiful hand-painted, popular goods - carpets made of wool or silk (the cheaper option is synthetics). Tourists also buy cezves, and coffee with them. Clothes, textiles and leather goods will delight you too. Children can be brought Turkish delight and other Turkish sweets.
Reviews of tourists
Tourists have long appreciated Antalya, many fly here year after year. In their reviews, they note that the resort is focused on different categories of guests. Children, teenagers and young people will feel great here. A big plus is the presence of an airport nearby. The only drawback is the influx of tourists during the high season.
Side is preferred by those who like a more relaxing holiday. There are many 5 * hotels, where guests are provided with a high level of comfort. The territories of these hotels are so large that they resemble beautiful parks. But finding an economy option for living in Side, especially in summer, is quite difficult. The resort is aimed at wealthy tourists.
Conclusion
Both resorts are excellent choices for those planning to spend their holidays in Turkey. Side has a milder climate, it is quieter, calmer, more expensive hotels. You will not be bored in Antalya, hotels - for every taste and budget, shopping, excursions and nightclubs, discos on the shore and extreme entertainment - are waiting for you. Turkey welcomes tourists, and popular resorts welcome Russians with invariable hospitality.
