Sandy beaches of Side: 7 places for family holidays with children

The sand in Side is fine and the water is warm, but the beaches themselves vary a lot. The western stretch runs into hotels and nightclubs, the eastern stretch stays almost empty, and between them lie the quiet strips of Kumkoy and Sorgun. We've rounded up seven sandy beaches in Side and broken down which one to pick for a family vacation and which for peace and quiet. The swimming season and water temperature were checked in September 2026 using data from Seatemperature.

Ad: this article contains affiliate links, we earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.

How to choose a beach in Side

💡 In short:

• Fine sand and a gentle entry: West Beach, Kumkoy, Sorgun, Colakli.
• Quiet without crowds: East Beach and Kizilot.
• With kids, pick a beachfront hotel with its own beach.
• Swimming season and water temperature: 09/2026, checked on Seatemperature.

The Side coastline stretches west and east from the ancient center, and almost everything depends on the area: noise, depth, hotel prices, and even the shade of the sand. The western part is densely built up, the eastern part is nearly empty, and the towns of Kumkoy, Sorgun, and Colakli offer a gentle entry and family-friendly infrastructure. If you're traveling without kids, pay attention to the depth and how many bars and clubs are nearby.

© Dosseman · CC BY-SAPhoto: Dosseman, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

With kids, the sand matters less than the entry into the sea. On pebbly sections, little ones need special shoes to avoid cutting their feet, while on sand they can run barefoot. For a family, an all-inclusive hotel with its own sandy beach works best: you won't have to walk or ride to the beach with a child in the heat. Clean sand, warm shallow water, and shade on the shore cover almost everything parents need.

1. West Beach

West Beach starts right at the ancient center and runs west along the hotels. The sand here is fine and light, the water near the shore warms up quickly, but in summer the strip is always crowded. Bars, discos, and shops line the shore, making this the loudest and most youthful beach in Side. Near the shore the sea stays shallow for a long time, which is convenient for toddlers and for those who aren't confident swimmers.

© Anders Printz · CC BYPhoto: Anders Printz, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/), Flickr

• How to get there: on foot from the old town, about ten minutes along the promenade (per the map).
• Cost: entry is free, loungers and umbrellas are paid.
• Who it's for: those who want the sea, cafes, and nightlife all close by.
• The catch: in high season the strip is cramped and noisy.

2. East Beach

To the east of the cape, the shore is divided into two sections: Apollo Beach and No Name Beach. There are almost no shops or entertainment here, but there is shade, showers, changing cabins, and snack cafes. The beach is less developed than the western one: near the cape the shore turns rocky, while the water stays clear. Guests from hotels in the eastern part walk to the sand, while those from the western part are brought by buses and dolmuses.

• How to get there: on foot from hotels in the eastern part, from Side center by dolmus (per the map).
• Cost: entry is free, the infrastructure is maintained by hotels.
• Who it's for: a quiet vacation away from the crowds.
• The catch: near the cape the shore is rocky, which is inconvenient with kids.

3. Kumkoy

© Dosseman · CC BY-SAPhoto: Dosseman, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Kumkoy lies about three kilometers from Side and is considered one of the best sandy strips on the coast. The beach runs between the Side Royal Paradise and Nova Park hotels, and on the border with Colakli two mountain streams flow into the sea. The sand here is golden, the bottom is sandy, and the slope is gentle, which is why Kumkoy has many families with children. On the Side end, large boulders appear on the shore, but further along the strip is clean and wide. In the evening, discos, themed restaurants, and shops are open here.

• How to get there: by dolmus or taxi from Side, about five minutes (per the map).
• Cost: entry is free, loungers and umbrellas on hotel sections.
• Who it's for: parents with kids and shopping lovers: this area has the most shops and stalls.
• The catch: in season, the central sections get crowded.

4. Sorgun

© Gottfried Hoffmann -… · CC BYPhoto: Gottfried Hoffmann -…, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Sorgun sits two kilometers from Side, and its strip runs for about three kilometers between pine groves. The beach is sandy and pebbly: more pebbles at the edges, clean sand and a gradual increase in depth in the center. The air here blends sea and pine, which is why families with children often come to Sorgun. Wooden walkways are laid between the loungers, and piers are set up for divers. The season here runs roughly from May to November.

• How to get there: by dolmus or taxi from Side, about five minutes (per the map).
• Cost: entry is free, umbrellas and loungers at hotels.
• Who it's for: families with kids and those who want quiet among the pines.
• Not for: those who don't like pebbles underfoot.
• The catch: at the edges of the strip the shore is pebbly, which is uncomfortable barefoot.

5. Colakli

© Christian Reimer · CC BY-SAPhoto: Christian Reimer, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Colakli sits fourteen kilometers from Side and is one of the most kid-friendly towns on the coast. The sandy strip runs for about three kilometers, the entry into the sea is gentle along its entire length, and almost all hotels have mini water parks and animation. A promenade with palm trees, benches, and cafes runs along the shore. There are almost no trees, so the beach is covered with long canopies over the loungers, and in the evening families stroll here.

• How to get there: by bus or taxi from Side, about twenty minutes (per the map).
• Cost: entry is free, hotels provide all the essentials.
• Who it's for: families with kids and lovers of evening walks.
• The catch: there is no natural shade, only canopies and umbrellas.

6. Kizilot

© Rolf Dietrich Brecher from Germany · CC BY-SAPhoto: Rolf Dietrich Brecher from Germany, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Kyzylot was developed later than the other local resorts, so hotel prices here are lower and the infrastructure is more modest. The beach strip is not wide: sand in some places, pebbles in others. On the plus side, the water is clear, and at night turtles crawl out onto the sand. There is almost no entertainment, but there are also no crowds: pine-covered hills all around, quiet, and a sea view. Getting to excursions from here takes longer than from Side.

• How to get there: farther from Side, most convenient by car or transfer (see map).
• Cost: free entry, there are enough sun loungers for everyone.
• Who it's for: couples and those looking for peace away from civilization.
• The catch: no developed entertainment infrastructure or shops.

7. Kizilagac

Kizilagac is considered the most upscale of the local resorts, and every hotel here feels like its own little town. Almost all hotels are on the first line and have their own section of beach, and the strip stretches for about three kilometers. The sand is gray-yellow, in places transitioning into fine pebbles and shell fragments. Important: near the shore the sea is shallow, but after just a few meters the bottom drops off sharply, so keep an eye on children near the water.

• How to get there: by car or transfer, farther from Side (see map).
• Cost: free entry, hotels provide everything you need.
• Who it's for: families who want all-inclusive-level quiet.
• Not for: small children who are not strong swimmers.
• The catch: far from the center of Side, inconvenient without a car.

Hotels with their own sandy beach

Almost all hotels in Side on the first line have their own sandy beach, and for families this is the main argument when choosing. Walking or driving to a public beach with a child in the heat is inconvenient, and the way back is rarely pleasant. When the hotel stands right on the sand, you walk out of your room to the sea and don't depend on a shuttle.

When choosing, look at three things: whether the hotel has its own beach section, how gentle the entry into the sea is, and what they offer for children. Kids' clubs, water parks with slides, entertainment, and all-inclusive dining take away most of the hassle and give parents time to relax. Below are eight hotel complexes in Colakli, Sorgun, Kumkoy, and Kizilagac that have their own stretch of sand, a large property, and child-focused infrastructure. Check prices and available dates before booking.

These are large resort complexes: several pools, a water park with slides, a kids' club, and restaurants on site. Each has its own beach, so loungers and umbrellas are usually included in the room rate rather than rented separately. For a relaxed family vacation, these hotels work best.

Kamelya K Club & Aqua

Kamelya K Club occupies a huge property in Colakli and is designed primarily for families with children. For kids, there is a club with movies and board games, origami and arts and crafts classes, a separate restaurant, and an inflatable playground. For babies, they provide strollers, baby baths, and high chairs so you don't have to bring all of that with you.

Guests in reviews praise the rooms, daily delivery of water and fruit, and birthday treats. They also highlight the hotel's own sandy beach: there are enough loungers and umbrellas even at peak times, and beach discos are held every other day. The food is almost never criticized in reviews and is praised for consistent quality.

• Location: Colakli village, first line (according to the map).
• Who it's for: families with children of all ages.
• Prices: Kamelya K Club prices on Trip.com.

Vonresort Elite & Aqua

Vonresort Elite is about 12 km from the center and feels like a separate little town with all the infrastructure inside. There is an outdoor pool with a water park, an indoor pool, and a spa center, so you can spend many days without leaving the complex. The rooms are bright, the furniture is solid, and the grounds around the buildings are well maintained.

The beach is private, sandy, and well equipped, with a spacious pier and loungers right above the water. For children, there is a long entertainment program: contests, sports games, creative activities, and language classes. Reviews praise the attentive staff and abundant food, while the pushy offers of paid spa services are annoying.

• Location: about 12 km from the center of Side, first line (according to the map).
• Who it's for: families who want everything in one place.
• The catch: pushy offers of paid spa treatments.
• Prices: rooms at Vonresort Elite on Trip.com.

Vonresort Golden Coast & Aqua

Vonresort Golden Coast has a well-planned layout and a large water park with several pools and slides. In addition to the water park, there are outdoor pools and a spa with different types of baths. The beach is long and sandy, cleaned every morning, and the sea has a gentle slope and even bottom, which is convenient for children.

For kids, new activities are prepared every day: workshops, puzzle games, and cooking classes. Little ones can be left with a nanny, and the necessary care items are provided here. Reviews praise the fast service in the restaurant, the buffet breakfast, and the abundance of fruit.

• Location: first line, private sandy beach (according to the map).
• Who it's for: active families with children.
• Prices: available dates at Vonresort Golden Coast.

Sentido Turan Prince

© Sergey Melkonov · CC BYPhoto: Sergey Melkonov, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/), Flickr

Sentido Turan Prince is chosen by those who want to disconnect from daily life on vacation and enjoy the sea view. The grounds are well kept: palm trees, lawns, and flower beds, and the path to the beach is shaded by tree canopies. The beach is wide and sandy, with light canopies and loungers, and the rooms are finished in marble.

The programs for adults and children here are packed: a water park, entertainment, discos, and a club. In reviews, parents call the hotel a convenient place for a children's vacation, and the staff is praised for quickly solving problems. Some guests return here a second time and note that the service has not declined.

• Location: first line, private sandy beach (according to the map).
• Who it's for: families with children and couples.
• Prices: tour prices at Sentido Turan Prince.

Novum Garden Side Hotel

The Novum Garden Side property looks like a well-kept little town: pools on different levels, bridges, terraces, and lots of greenery. Panoramic windows in the bright rooms open onto views of the gardens, and the courtyard has quiet corners in the shade of palm and banana trees. The private beach is nearby, the sand is clean, and the water is warm.

Guests note that the elevators work well and the rooms are cleaned daily, and there are many German tourists among the guests who appreciate cleanliness. There are almost no complaints about the food: meat, fish, seafood, fruit, and vegetables, with water, coffee, and tea available at all times. Even at high occupancy, there is enough space for everyone and almost no lines.

• Location: first line, beach a couple of minutes from the buildings (according to the map).
• Who it's for: families who value greenery and quiet pools.
• Prices: prices at Novum Garden Side Hotel.

Nashira Resort & Aqua

Nashira Resort & Aqua stands in a green area that creates its own microclimate. The property resembles a water kingdom: dozens of outdoor pools, a water park with slides for adults and children, surrounded by mandarin and orange trees and flowering shrubs. There are many birds and Mediterranean flora here.

But the hotel also has weak spots. The entry into the sea is not gentle, there are boulders on the bottom, and waves are common, so the water is murkier. Some guests criticize room cleaning due to staff shortages, and the restaurant has lines and slow service. At the same time, almost everyone praises the natural surroundings and the number of pools.

• Location: green zone, first line (according to the map).
• Who it's for: those who value pools and greenery.
• Not for: families with toddlers: steep entry into the sea and waves.
• The catch: complaints about room cleaning and lines at the restaurant.
• Prices: rooms at Nashira Resort on Trip.com.

Kamelya Fulya Hotel & Aqua

Kamelya Fulya Hotel & Aqua is designed in an Eastern style: a snow-white building, canopied gazebos, terraces, and domed pavilions. Pomegranate, mandarin, and orange trees grow throughout the grounds, along with lawns and flower beds. The rooms are modern, and guests rarely complain about their condition.

For active recreation, there are several tennis courts, basketball and soccer fields, bowling, and a fitness center. There are pools and a water park with slides, and for kids there's a club, entertainers, and game rooms. Reviews praise the cleanliness and service, and the all-inclusive package and food get high marks.

• Location: beachfront, private sandy beach (according to the map).
• Who it's for: families with children and fans of active recreation.
• Prices: prices at Kamelya Fulya on Trip.com.

Side Royal Palace

Side Royal Palace was built as a grand palace complex: Ottoman architecture, huge terraces, and a series of pools connected by bridges. The water park with slides and a kids' pool looks festive, and the rooms are spacious, with large windows and sitting areas. The hotel also has its own private sandy beach.

But behind the outward beauty, there are problems. Guests complain about superficial cleaning, air fresheners, and unfinished bathrooms, as well as mosquitoes in the evening and ants in the rooms. The food is generally praised for variety and fruit, but according to reviews, there aren't many dishes for children.

• Location: beachfront, private sandy beach (according to the map).
• Who it's for: those who love striking architecture and large grounds.
• The catch: complaints about cleaning and insects in the rooms.
• Prices: find dates at Side Royal Palace.

Best time to visit

Swimming in Side is comfortable from June through October: the water warms up to +25...+29 °C, and the warmest month, August, stays around +29 °C (as of 09/2026, water temperature by month). In May the sea is also warm, around +21 °C, while the air is milder and the beach is less crowded.

You can sunbathe here starting in April, but early in the season few people swim: the water is cool. On the other hand, walking around the ancient center and going on excursions at this time is pleasant. In the height of summer the coast gets hot, and people with heart or respiratory conditions and small children are poorly suited to that time.

For families, the second half of September and October work best. The heat subsides, the sea stays warm, and prices for accommodation, fruit, and vegetables drop. The eucalyptus and pine forests nearby soften the heat, and you have time to both swim and see the surrounding area. If you are coming specifically for swimming, plan your trip before the end of October.

Sandy beaches of Side on the map

Below are all the sandy beaches of Side and its surroundings: from West Beach near the ancient center to Kızılot in the east. The town itself sits on a small cape about 78 km from Antalya (as of 09/2026, description of Side). Open the beach map in Google Maps.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Which beach in Side is best for children?

Beaches with a gentle entry and shallow water near the shore work well: West Beach, Kumköy, Sorgun, and Çolaklı. First-line hotels there have their own sandy sections, children's pools, and entertainment. On pebbly sections, little ones will need water shoes, and it is better to swim in the morning while the water is calm.

Are the sandy beaches in Side paid?

Entry to Side's public beaches is free; you only pay for sunbeds, umbrellas, and water activities. On hotel sections, loungers and umbrellas are usually included in the room rate, but the best spots get taken in the morning. If you are not staying on the first line, check in advance whether the hotel shuttles guests to the beach.

When is the best time to go swimming in Side?

The swimming season runs from June through October. The warmest water is in August, around +29 °C, and in September and October the sea remains comfortable (as of 09/2026, average water temperatures). For families with children, the second half of September works best: the heat subsides while the water is still warm.

How does the west side of Side differ from the east side?

West Beach is closer to the old town, with more hotels, bars, and entertainment, but it is always crowded. The east side is quieter: there are almost no shops or clubs, but there is shade, cafes, and open space. Near the cape itself the shore becomes rocky, so getting into the water there is less convenient.

Are there beaches in Side with pebbles?

Yes, part of the shore is pebbly. Sorgun Beach is sandy-pebbly, in Kızılot sand alternates with pebbles, and in Kızılağaç the gray-yellow sand transitions into fine pebbles and shell fragments. For comfortable swimming, bring water shoes: without them, walking into the water over stones is unpleasant.

In short: what to book

If you are traveling with children and want a shallow warm sea, book a first-line hotel in Kumköy, Sorgun, or Çolaklı. For quiet and couples, Kızılot and the east side are a good fit, and for nightlife and strolls choose the western part of Side. For exploring the ancient center, it is most convenient to stay near West Beach. See Side hotels on Trip.com.