Your Complete Guide to Side & Antalya: Make the Most of Your Dental Holiday

Thousands of international patients combine world class dental care with a Mediterranean holiday in Side every year — and so can you. This guide covers everything you need to know before, during and after your trip: from ATMs and SIM cards to the best beaches, historical sites and restaurants within minutes of our clinic. Whether you're here for veneers, implants or a full smile makeover, we want your time in Antalya to be as enjoyable outside the dental chair as the results you'll take home.

Panoramic view of Side ancient harbour and Mediterranean coast

Explore the Area Around Our Clinic

Our clinic is centrally located on Kemer Boulevard in Side. Use the map below to find ATMs, pharmacies, beaches, restaurants and more — all within minutes of your appointments.

Select a category above to find nearby locations. Click “View larger map” inside the map to open full Google Maps with directions from your location.

Practical Information for Your Stay

ATMs, Currency & Payments

Turkey's currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Card payments are widely accepted across Side — restaurants, shops and even beach clubs take Visa, Mastercard and contactless. Still, carrying some cash is handy for smaller purchases, taxis and market stalls.

ATM tips: Halkbank and PTT ATMs do not charge withdrawal fees for foreign cards (as of 2026). When the ATM asks whether to charge you in lira or your home currency, always choose Turkish Lira — your own bank's exchange rate is almost always better than the ATM's dynamic conversion.

Best exchange rates: Avoid airport and hotel exchange desks. The exchange offices (döviz bürosu) in Manavgat town centre and Side's local shopping streets offer significantly better rates and usually charge no commission.

SIM Cards & Internet

Tourist SIM cards are available at the airport arrival hall from Turkcell, Vodafone and Türk Telekom kiosks — a 20 GB data package typically costs around €10-15 and lasts 30 days. If your phone supports eSIM, providers like Airalo or Holafly let you activate a Turkey data plan before you even board your flight. Most hotels, restaurants and cafés in Side offer free Wi-Fi.

Getting Around

Airport to Side: Antalya Airport (AYT) is approximately 65 km from Side (about 1 hour by car). We offer complimentary VIP airport transfers for our treatment patients — you'll be met at arrivals and driven directly to your hotel. Learn more about our dental holiday package

During your stay: Side's Old Town is compact and walkable. For trips to Manavgat (10 min) or further, local dolmuş minibuses run every 10-15 minutes along the coast road and cost just a few lira. Taxis are metered; agree on the fare before longer trips. Rental cars are available from €25/day at the airport or in town.

Treatment days: We provide free VIP transfers between your hotel and our clinic on every treatment day — you never need to worry about transport to your appointments.

Weather & What to Pack

Spring
Mar–May · 18-28°C
Ideal for sightseeing
Summer
Jun–Sep · 28-38°C
Beach + treatment combo
Autumn
Oct–Nov · 20-28°C
Quieter, great value
Winter
Dec–Feb · 10-18°C
Mild, shortest waits

Visa, Plugs & Tap Water

Most EU, UK and US citizens can enter Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days. Some nationalities need an e-Visa — easily obtained online at evisa.gov.tr before your trip. Turkey uses European-style Type C/F plugs (230V) — UK visitors need a simple two-pin adapter. Tap water in Antalya is safe but has a mineral taste; bottled water is inexpensive and widely available.

Need help planning your arrival? We arrange complimentary VIP airport transfers for all treatment patients.

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Where to Stay in Side

Side offers accommodation for every budget — from five-star all-inclusive resorts to charming boutique hotels in the Old Town. Our clinic is located on Kemer Boulevard, the main road connecting Side to Manavgat, making most hotels in the area easily accessible.

All-Inclusive Resorts

The Sorgun, Kümköy and Çolaklı coast is lined with large all-inclusive resorts — pool, beach, buffet and spa included. Our hotel partner Villa Side Hotels offers special rates for our patients, and depending on your treatment budget, accommodation may be complimentary.

Boutique & Apart Hotels

Side Old Town has dozens of small boutique hotels and apart-hotels within walking distance of the harbour, temples and restaurants. Ideal if you prefer independence and atmosphere over the resort experience. Prices start from around €30-50/night.

Budget-Friendly Options

Manavgat town (10 minutes from our clinic) offers excellent value: comfortable 3-star hotels and rental apartments from €20-30/night, plus access to the local market, supermarkets and authentic restaurants at local prices.

We arrange accommodation based on your treatment budget — in many cases, your hotel stay is on us.

Ask About Free Accommodation

Beaches & Nature

Side sits on a peninsula with over 10 kilometres of golden sand on either side. Between your dental appointments, these are the best spots to relax, swim and soak up the sun:

Golden sandy beach in Side with clear Mediterranean water

West Beach

The most popular stretch — a lively promenade with sunbeds, beach bars, water sports and restaurants. Perfect for a full day out between appointments. Just a 5-minute walk from the Old Town.

East Beach

Quieter and more natural with dunes and fewer facilities. Ideal for peaceful walks and swimming away from the crowds. The ancient city walls form a dramatic backdrop.

Sorgun & Kümköy

Blue Flag beaches backed by pine forests. Most are managed by nearby resorts but offer day-use options. The Sorgun pine forest walk is a cool escape on hot days.

Beyond the Beach

Manavgat Waterfall

A wide, photogenic cascade just 15 minutes from our clinic. Riverside restaurants serve fresh trout while you enjoy the mist. Easily visited in a half-day between appointments.

Oymapınar Dam & Green Canyon

Emerald-green water surrounded by mountains — stunning boat trips depart daily. About 30 minutes from Side. A full-day excursion perfect for a treatment-free day.

Köprülü Canyon

Turkey's top white-water rafting spot — 14 km of rapids through a spectacular canyon with ancient bridges. About 1 hour from Side. Note: best enjoyed after your dental treatment is complete!

Wondering how many days you'll need? Get your personalised treatment plan and know exactly how much holiday time you'll have.

Get Your Free Treatment Plan

Things to Do & See

Historical Sites

Side is one of the best-preserved ancient cities on the Turkish Mediterranean. Most ruins are within walking distance of the harbour and are free to visit:

Temple of Apollo

Side's iconic landmark at the tip of the peninsula. The five remaining columns are spectacular at sunset. Free to visit, 24/7.

Ancient Theatre

One of the largest Roman theatres in Anatolia, seating 15,000-20,000 spectators. Beautifully restored, with Mediterranean views from the top rows. Small entrance fee.

Side Museum

Housed in a restored 5th-century Roman bathhouse, displaying sculptures, sarcophagi and artefacts from the ancient city. A cool and fascinating visit on a hot day.

Day Trips: Aspendos & Perge

Two more stunning ancient sites within 45 minutes of Side. Aspendos has the best-preserved Roman theatre in the world (still used for concerts!). Perge features an impressive stadium and colonnaded streets. Both make a great half-day trip.

Activities & Excursions

Boat Trips

Daily boat tours depart from Side harbour along the coast with swimming stops. Half-day and full-day options from around €15-25. A relaxing way to spend a treatment-free day.

Shopping & Markets

Side Old Town is full of shops open late into the evening. For a local experience, visit the Manavgat Bazaar (Monday & Thursday) for spices, textiles, leather goods and souvenirs at local prices.

Diving & Water Sports

Parasailing, jet skis, banana boats at West Beach. Scuba diving centres offer beginner courses and guided dives to underwater ruins and marine life along the coast.

Food & Drink Guide

Side and Manavgat offer everything from fine-dining seafood restaurants on the harbour to authentic Turkish lokantas where locals eat. Here's what to expect:

Seafood & Harbour Dining

The Old Town harbour is lined with seafood restaurants where you can watch the sunset over the Temple of Apollo while enjoying fresh-caught fish, calamari and meze. A memorable dinner typically costs €15-25 per person.

Authentic Turkish Cuisine

For the real deal at local prices, head to Manavgat's lokantas (casual restaurants): slow-cooked stews, grilled kebabs, fresh pide (Turkish pizza) and lahmacun. A full meal for €5-8. Don't miss a traditional Turkish breakfast!

Cafés & Sweet Treats

Try Turkish coffee or fresh-squeezed orange juice at one of Side's many cafés. For dessert, look for künefe (warm cheese pastry with syrup) and dondurma (stretchy Turkish ice cream) — the street vendors are half the fun.

Eating After Dental Treatment

Worried about what you can eat after your procedure? Most treatments (veneers, whitening, bonding) let you eat normally the same day. After implant surgery, we recommend soft foods for the first 2-3 days — Side has plenty of excellent options: yoghurt-based dishes, soups, mashed vegetables, smoothies and the famous Turkish mercimek çorbası (red lentil soup) available at every restaurant. Our team will give you a personalised dietary guide based on your specific treatment.

What Our Patients Say About Their Stay

Don't just take our word for it. Hundreds of international patients have combined their dental treatment with a holiday in Side — and most say the experience exceeded their expectations. Watch their stories:

Watch all patient video testimonials  ·  See before & after transformations

Ready to start your own smile transformation journey in Side?

WhatsApp Us Get a Free Quote

Emergency & Useful Information

Emergency Numbers

112 — General emergency (ambulance, fire)
155 — Police
182 — Health hotline (English available)

Pharmacies & Hospitals

Pharmacies (eczane) are found throughout Side and Manavgat. A 24-hour duty pharmacy (nöbetçi eczane) rotates nightly. Manavgat State Hospital is 10 minutes from the clinic. For dental emergencies, we offer same-day urgent care.

Our Clinic Location

Inter Dental Turkey
Side, Kemer Blv. No:24/A
07330 Manavgat / Antalya
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Side safe for tourists?

Absolutely. Side and the wider Antalya region are among Turkey's safest tourist areas, welcoming millions of international visitors every year. The town is well-policed, tourist-friendly and accustomed to hosting guests from all over the world. Normal travel precautions apply as they would anywhere — keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.

How much spending money should I bring?

Turkey offers excellent value. A restaurant meal costs €5-15, a coffee €1-2, a taxi across town €3-5, and a beach sunbed €3-5 per day. For a comfortable week including dining out, activities and shopping, €300-500 on top of your accommodation is a reasonable budget. Your dental treatment is quoted separately and can be paid at the clinic by card or bank transfer.

Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?

Citizens of the UK, most EU countries, the US, Canada and many other nations can enter Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days. Some nationalities require an e-Visa, which can be obtained online at evisa.gov.tr in a few minutes before your trip. Check your country's specific requirements before travelling.

How much cheaper is dental treatment in Turkey?

Dental treatments in Turkey typically cost 60-70% less than in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands or Scandinavia — using the same premium materials (E-max ceramics, Straumann and Nobel Biocare implants) and digital technology. Even with flights and accommodation included, most patients save thousands. Send us your dental photos for a free, personalised quote with transparent pricing.

Is tipping expected in Turkey?

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is customary. For hotel staff and taxi drivers, a small tip of 10-20 TL is a nice gesture. At the clinic, tipping is neither expected nor necessary.

Can I swim during my dental treatment?

In most cases, yes! For cosmetic treatments like veneers, crowns and whitening, there are no restrictions on swimming. After implant surgery, we recommend avoiding the pool and sea for the first 24-48 hours as a precaution. Your dentist will give you specific guidance based on your procedure.

What language do you speak at the clinic?

Our multilingual team includes native and fluent speakers of English, German, Russian, Dutch, French, Danish, Polish, Arabic, Spanish and Czech. You'll always have someone who speaks your language throughout your entire treatment journey — from online consultation to your final appointment.

How do I get a personalised treatment plan and price?

Simply send us a few photos of your teeth via WhatsApp or our online form. Our clinical team will review them and send you a detailed treatment plan with transparent pricing — usually within the same day. It's completely free and comes with no obligation. From there, we help you plan your travel dates, accommodation and transfers.

Ready to Plan Your Dental Holiday in Side?

Send us a few photos of your teeth and get a personalised treatment plan with transparent pricing — completely free and with no obligation. We'll help you plan everything: treatment schedule, accommodation, transfers and holiday time.