⛱️ Beaches of Kumkoy and Colakli: quiet rest near ancient Side

Kumkoy and Colakli lie to the west of Side (on the map). These are two quiet resorts in Antalya Province. Both grew out of coastal villages and live at a measured pace, without crowds and nightclubs that stay open until morning.

You'll find a wide sandy beach, an inexpensive bazaar, and ancient ruins half an hour away. Let's look at how the two towns differ from each other and how to get there from Antalya Airport.

If you want a quiet beach close to history, both will work. Kumkoy is larger and livelier, Colakli is cheaper and quieter.

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Kumkoy: a quiet resort near Side

💡 In short:

Kumkoy suits those who want the beach, shops, and cafes within walking distance.
You can reach ancient Side on foot along the promenade or by dolmus in ten minutes (on the map).
Colakli is quieter and cheaper, and it has more dive centers.

Sunset over the sea off the Kumkoy coast

Kumkoy lies about 65 km from Antalya and 65 km from Alanya (on the map). It's a small town a couple of minutes from Side. The Taurus Mountains rise above it, and a sandy strip runs along the coast.

The resort lives quietly because there are no loud clubs here, but there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and water sports rentals. The same guests keep coming back, including from Germany.

Kumkoy doesn't empty out in winter either: the mild weather and mountain views attract those who come here for nature and unhurried walks.

Town life and shopping in Kumkoy

The center of Kumkoy is a pedestrian zone with narrow lanes. Along the main street there are small shops, souvenir stores, restaurants, and bars. New boutiques have opened next to the traditional market rows, so you can pick out gifts without rushing.

The center has its own attraction: a large fountain with a seal figure. Along the longest shopping street there are flower beds, benches, and small fountains. Parking and public toilets are right by the square, and the squares themselves have covered pavilions.

The cuisine in Kumkoy is international: national, regional, and familiar European dishes. At the end, try Turkish coffee made from finely ground beans. The crowd here is mixed: families with children, couples, older travelers, youth groups, and business travelers.

Kumkoy beach and Caretta caretta turtles

The beach in Kumkoy is wide with fine sand, and the entry into the sea is gentle, so it's almost an ideal option for families with children. There's enough room for beach volleyball, soccer, and long walks along the water.

Active recreation is also well covered here. Take a sailing trip, go surfing, ride a jet ski, or dive with an instructor. Underwater, a noticeably calmer world awaits you than on land at the height of the season.

Nearby there's a turtle beach where female Caretta caretta come ashore every summer and lay their eggs in the same place where they once hatched. A couple of months later, the hatchlings emerge from their shells and head to the sea by moonlight (according to DEKAMER, 09/2026). You can only watch this from designated areas.

What to see nearby: Side and ancient monuments

A promenade about 6 km long runs from the center of Kumkoy to Side (on the map). Walking along it is pleasant: shops on the right, the sea on the left, with cafes and viewpoints along the way.

People go to Side primarily for the old town and the ancient theater. The theater is open daily from 8:00 to 18:45, and in the evening a so-called night museum operates from 19:00 to 22:00 (verified on 12.09.2026 on the Side Museum website). The upper rows of the theater stand on vaults, and this is the only such example in Anatolia.

Nearby stand temples with tall columns, Roman city gates, and a Byzantine basilica. The Temple of Apollo on the very cape is especially beautiful. All these structures recall 2,500 years of Greek and Roman influence.

A walk along the shopping streets of Side moves at the same pace as viewing the ruins. At the bazaar you can bargain for jewelry, leather, clothing, and accessories, and in the evening discos, clubs, and restaurants open up. If you want quiet, guided tours in Side will take you to the lakes, caves, waterfalls, and national parks of the region.

Where to stay in Kumkoy and Colakli

There's accommodation here for every budget. Comfortable hotels of various categories line the coast, many within a couple of minutes of the sea. If a hotel doesn't suit you, look at apartments, bungalows, rental houses, and small pensions.

Some hotels focus on wellness and fitness, while others cater to guests with infants and small children. Some have their own tennis courts and entertainment programs for children and adults.

You can view hotels in Side and Kumkoy on Trip.com. A filter by distance to the beach will save you time: in Kumkoy people often walk to the sea, while Colakli has many beachfront hotels.

How to get there from Antalya Airport

The nearest airport is in Antalya. From there to Kumkoy it's about 65 km along the D400 highway, roughly an hour's drive (on the map). In summer there are traffic jams on the approach to Side, so allow extra time.

From there you continue by bus, taxi, or pre-booked transfer. Dolmuses run between neighboring towns, and you can rent a car right at the airport. For trips around the area, car rental is the most convenient option.

Tours and tickets in Side

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.

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If you're traveling with a large suitcase, check in advance whether the transfer is included in your hotel package. There is a toll road on the route, but it's not the only option.

Colakli: beach, bazaar, and diving

Colakli lies west of Kumkoy, four kilometers east of the village of Gundogdu (on the map). The town sits on the Mediterranean coast. People come here primarily for diving.

Local dive schools provide equipment, offer training, and lead groups with an instructor. Colakli's beach is about 8 km long, covered with fine sand (on the map), and suitable for families with children, with a promenade running between the hotels and the gently sloping shore.

Colakli became a resort only recently, and the sea here is often livelier and rougher than in Kumkoy, which adds character to the trip. Along the streets there are shops, restaurants, nightclubs, and a wellness center.

The bazaar in Colakli is smaller than in Kumkoy or Side, but prices here are lower. They mostly sell clothing, and a barber and a pharmacy operate nearby. To get acquainted with the local culture, stop by the small blue mosque.

There are many beachfront hotels in Colakli, so there's plenty to choose from. Both locals and guests from other countries vacation here.

Who it's for: families with children and divers.
The catch: the sea here is more often rough than in Kumkoy.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Kumkoy with small children?

Yes, the entry into the sea is gentle, the sand is fine and free of stones, and shallow water extends far from the shore. It's convenient for parents, but there's little shade on the open beach, so bring an umbrella. In the heat, take children swimming in the morning and after five in the evening.

How is Colakli different from Kumkoy?

Colakli is smaller and cheaper. The beach here is longer, and there are more dive centers than in neighboring Kumkoy. Kumkoy is closer to Side and larger in terms of shops and restaurants. If you need infrastructure at hand, choose Kumkoy. For quiet and low prices, go to Colakli.

When is the best time to go?

The swimming season lasts from May to October. July and August are hot, but the sea is at its warmest. May, June, September, and October offer mild weather and fewer people on the beach. In winter it's also quiet and green here, but swimming is no longer comfortable.

Do you need a car in Kumkoy and Colakli?

For the beach and shops you don't need a car: everything is within walking distance. A car is useful for trips to Side, the waterfalls, and national parks. Dolmuses between the towns run regularly, but on a schedule. It's most convenient to rent a car right at Antalya Airport.

Where can you see ancient ruins?

The main ruins are in Side: the ancient theater, the Temple of Apollo, the Roman gates, and the basilica. A promenade leads to them from Kumkoy, while from Colakli it's easier to get there by dolmus. The theater is open daily, and in the evening a night museum operates. There are enough monuments for a full day, so bring comfortable shoes.

In short: what's worth booking

Both resorts meet the same need, but in different ways. If you're a family with children and don't want to depend on a car, choose Kumkoy. If price, a long beach, and diving are the priority, look at Colakli.

If you only have a couple of days and want antiquity, stay closer to Side: the theater, the Temple of Apollo, and the old town will be nearby. For longer trips, rent a car, and the most convenient way to reach your hotel is by pre-booked transfer.

Choose a hotel in the Side region on Trip.com

Kumkoy or Colakli: which resort near Side to choose