The Temple of Apollo: Side's Crown by the Sea
Perched on the very tip of the Side peninsula, the Temple of Apollo is the postcard image of the town. Built in the 2nd century AD, this Roman sanctuary once honoured Apollo, the god of light, music and the sun. Today, a graceful row of re-erected white Corinthian columns rises straight from the rocky shore, framing the Mediterranean in a view that has become the signature of Side. It is open-air, free to wander, and unforgettable at golden hour.
A Glimpse into Ancient Side
Side was a thriving port city in antiquity, and the Temple of Apollo stood as one of its most visible landmarks, greeting sailors as they approached the harbour. Though earthquakes and the passing centuries toppled much of the structure, careful restoration raised five of its slender columns again, joined by a section of curved architrave carved with the head of Medusa, a protective motif.
The neighbouring Temple of Athena
Just steps away lie the quieter remains of the smaller Temple of Athena, the goddess of wisdom. Together the two sanctuaries crowned the peninsula, and exploring both gives you a fuller sense of how sacred this seaside spot once was.
Highlights: What to See and Do
- Sunset photography: the columns glow amber and rose as the sun dips toward the sea — the single best moment to visit.
- The Medusa relief: look up at the restored architrave to spot the carved Gorgon's head said to guard the temple.
- Temple of Athena: wander the adjacent ruins for a calmer, less crowded experience.
- Old Town stroll: the temple sits at the end of Side's charming pedestrian streets, full of cafes, shops and ancient stonework.
- Sea views: the surrounding rocks and shoreline offer sweeping panoramas of the Mediterranean.
Pro tip: Arrive about an hour before sunset to claim a good viewpoint, then linger after dark — the columns are softly illuminated and far less crowded once the day-trippers leave.
Getting There and Planning Your Visit
The Temple of Apollo lies at the seaward tip of Side's Old Town, roughly 65 km east of Antalya Airport (around an hour to an hour and a half by car). Side is an easy day trip from Antalya, Belek, Alanya and the resorts along the coast. There is no entrance fee for the temple, and the site is open-air, so wear comfortable shoes for the cobbled streets and bring water in the warmer months. Allow about an hour to combine the temple, the Athena ruins and a wander through the surrounding lanes.
Ready to stand where the ancients worshipped the sun god? Explore Seven Tours' Side and Manavgat excursions to pair the Temple of Apollo with the region's ancient theatre, river cruises and Mediterranean highlights — and let us handle the journey while you soak up the views.
