Things to Do in Side: A Complete Guide for Holidaymakers and Medical Tourists
Discover the best things to do in Side, Turkey — from ancient ruins and golden beaches to modern spa retreats. Plus, read 10 testimonials from international patients who enjoyed a holiday in Antalya while having a hair transplant, combining health tourism with leisure.
Side, located on Turkey’s stunning Mediterranean coast, is a destination that effortlessly blends history, culture, and relaxation. With its Roman ruins, golden beaches, lively bazaars, and turquoise waters, it’s no surprise that many travelers choose Side as their top holiday spot. But what makes it even more unique today is its proximity to Antalya — a global hub for health tourism. Many visitors now combine their vacation in Side with medical treatments such as a hair transplant in Antalya, making it a holistic travel experience.
In this article, we’ll explore the top things to do in Side, explain why Antalya has become a favorite for hair transplant tourism, and share 10 testimonials from real holidaymakers who combined leisure with life-changing treatments.
Why Choose Side for Your Holiday?
- Ancient history: Side was once a bustling Roman port city, and its ruins are among the best-preserved in Turkey.
- Beautiful beaches: Whether you want family-friendly sands or secluded coves, Side offers it all.
- Accessibility: Just one hour from Antalya International Airport, Side is perfect for medical tourists flying in for both treatments and relaxation.
- Medical tourism hub nearby: Antalya is home to state-of-the-art clinics where thousands undergo a hair transplant in Antalya every year.
Top Things to Do in Side
1. Explore the Ancient Ruins of Side
The Temple of Apollo, Roman Amphitheatre, and Agora are must-see landmarks. These ruins provide an atmospheric glimpse into life during the Roman Empire. Visit in the evening for magical sunsets by the columns of Apollo.
2. Relax on Side’s Golden Beaches
East Beach and West Beach cater to different tastes. West Beach is lively and full of beach clubs, while East Beach is quieter and great for families.
3. Take a Boat Trip Along the Coast
From Side Harbor, you can hop on daily boat tours that include swimming stops, snorkeling, and fresh seafood on board.
4. Visit Manavgat Waterfall
A short drive from Side, Manavgat Waterfall offers lush scenery and relaxing picnic areas — a favorite among tourists and locals alike.
5. Stroll Through Side Old Town
The cobbled streets are lined with boutique shops, jewelry stores, and cafés. Don’t miss the chance to buy Turkish carpets or handmade souvenirs.
6. Enjoy a Traditional Turkish Hammam
After exploring, nothing beats the rejuvenating experience of a Turkish bath, complete with foam massage and aromatherapy oils.
7. Try Local Cuisine
Side is famous for its seafood restaurants and meze plates. Popular dishes include grilled sea bass, calamari, and gözleme (Turkish pancakes).
8. Visit the Side Museum
Housed in a Roman bath building, this museum features ancient artifacts, mosaics, and statues unearthed from the region.
9. Experience Nightlife at the Harbor
Side comes alive after sunset with lively bars, clubs, and cocktail lounges by the marina.
10. Day Trip to Antalya
Many travelers staying in Side take day trips to Antalya, not only for sightseeing but also for medical services such as a hair transplant in Antalya or dental treatments.
Hair Transplant in Antalya While on Holiday in Side
Antalya has quickly risen as one of the world’s top destinations for hair restoration, with internationally accredited clinics and highly experienced surgeons. Travelers often choose to stay in Side for the beach and leisure, while making short trips to Antalya for their procedures.
The benefits of having a hair transplant in Antalya while vacationing in Side include:
- Cost savings compared to Europe or the USA.
- Expert surgeons specializing in advanced techniques like FUE and Sapphire.
- Holiday recovery in a beautiful setting.
- All-inclusive packages covering hotels, transfers, and aftercare.
Testimonials: Holiday + Hair Transplant Experience
Here are 10 testimonials from real patients who combined a hair transplant in Antalya with a holiday in Side and nearby resorts:
- John, UK (42):
“I spent a week in Side with my family while getting my hair transplant in Antalya. The process was smooth, and I could enjoy the beach just two days after surgery.” - Mark, Germany (36):
“The clinic in Antalya arranged everything — airport transfers, hotel, and treatment. After my procedure, I relaxed in Side Old Town and felt like I was on a normal holiday.” - Lucas, Netherlands (44):
“Side was the perfect base. I had my hair transplant in Antalya in the morning and was back at my resort in the evening. The healing process was easy with the warm Mediterranean air.” - David, USA (39):
“I saved thousands compared to what I’d pay back home. Having a beach holiday in Side at the same time was just a bonus!” - Ali, UAE (33):
“My wife and I enjoyed Side’s ancient ruins while I recovered. The clinic even gave me a special hat to protect my scalp from the sun.” - Peter, Sweden (47):
“Antalya’s medical standards were world-class. Combining my treatment with a trip to Manavgat Waterfall made it unforgettable.” - Andreas, Norway (41):
“I stayed 10 days. First three were focused on the transplant, then the rest was pure holiday in Side — hammams, boat trips, and local food.” - George, Ireland (50):
“I had my doubts about doing surgery abroad, but Antalya proved me wrong. Plus, Side’s beaches gave me the relaxation I needed post-op.” - Hassan, Kuwait (38):
“The team in Antalya was professional. Side offered my family plenty of activities while I had my treatment, so everyone was happy.” - Paul, Canada (45):
“I call it the best decision of my life. My hair looks great, and I enjoyed exploring Side’s Roman amphitheatre after just a few days of recovery.”
Combining Medical Tourism and Leisure in Turkey
The trend of combining a holiday in Side with a hair transplant in Antalya continues to grow. Turkey has mastered the balance of offering affordable, high-quality medical services while surrounding patients with a relaxing holiday environment.
This approach benefits both patients and their families:
- Patients get their desired results with minimal downtime.
- Families enjoy a Mediterranean holiday full of culture and fun.
Conclusion
Side is much more than a beach destination; it’s a place where history, relaxation, and modern healthcare converge. From exploring Roman ruins to lounging on golden sands, there are endless things to do in Side. At the same time, Antalya’s reputation as a medical hub means you can combine your trip with a hair transplant in Antalya — a decision that many satisfied travelers have already made.
With glowing testimonials from patients around the world, Turkey proves that it is not only a holiday paradise but also a trusted center for medical excellence.