Car & Van Hire - Side

If you're thinking about visiting in the summer, clear some time in your schedule for the Side Cultural and Art Festival. This annual event spans from July and September, bringing together local writers, singers, and dancers. Many events take place outdoors, with popular staging grounds including the Side Amphitheatre and the Temple of Augustus.

This stretch of Turkey's southern Mediterranean coast was first settled in the 7th century BC. The ruins of the ancient city of Side are some of the oldest ever unearthed by archaeologists. Side's famous city walls are among some of the best-preserved in the world, while the nearby Roman aqueduct spans an impressive 30 km.

The legacy of Greek rule also dominates local architecture. The Temples of Athena and Apollo are only a pale shadow of what they once were, but these centuries-old ruins still provide the perfect backdrop for photo opportunities.

As a coastal city, you're never short on sun, sea and sand when visiting this part of Turkey. If you've booked a car hire in Side, the Turkish Riviera is yours to explore. East Beach and West Beach are only a short drive from the centre of town, offering golden sands and excellent surf conditions if you're thinking about giving water sports a try.

Looking to get away from it all? With car and van hire in Side, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head to Manavgat Waterfalls. Located just 13 km from the heart of Side, this enchanting natural wonder offers breathtaking views of the Taurus Mountains.

If you've forgotten your bathing suit or neglected to pack other travel essentials, there's no shortage of retail destinations in Side. If you're looking for familiar brands, head to Ottoman Shopping Centre, the Mall of Side or Selge Park. Searching for souvenirs? Side's Old Town is packed with local vendors selling everything from handmade jewellery to luxurious textiles.

Booking a car hire in Side for a family getaway? There's plenty to keep all ages entertained here. Head to nearby Koprulu Canyon and discover hiking trails and action-packed rafting adventures. Antalya Aquarium is another must-see attraction. With dozens of individual sealife exhibits, this kid-friendly venue also boasts the biggest tunnel aquarium on the planet.

If you want to experience everything that the Turkish Riviera has to offer, car hire in Side makes complete sense. This part of the country is served by the Turkish State Highway System, with convenient connections to nearby cities including Antalya and Manavgat, as well as smaller settlements like Sorgun, Kumkoy and Cholakly.

If you're flying into the region via Antalya Airport, the D400 provides easy connections to the centre of Side. What's more, this scenic route offers excellent views of the Mediterranean, letting you soak in your surroundings as you head from A to B. This highway spans more than 2,000 km, running all the way to the Iranian border.

First time driving in Turkey? Getting to grips with the Turkish Highway Code isn't particularly challenging, but it's worth remembering that you need to drive on the right here. You'll also need to keep an eye on your speedometer. Road signs are pretty consistent throughout the country, but you should look out for road signs all the same. In Turkey, road signs use the metric system.

With around 4,000 inhabitants, the population of Side is on the small side. However, you need to remember that this city is a resort destination. The local road network is easy to navigate, but it can become congested during busy periods. While relatively few people live here permanently, thousands more work in Side's hospitality sector. Traffic tends to peak in the mornings between 05:00 and 08:00, before tapering off later in the day.

In Side, you won't struggle to find suitable parking. Many hotels and resorts offer free parking for paying guests. However, it's worth checking this ahead of time as free parking spaces elsewhere in the city are limited. If you're heading out to explore the surrounding region, expect to pay a small parking fee at major attractions. Unlike other countries, Turkey doesn't offer metered parking. Instead, an attendant will approach you for payment once you've parked your vehicle.

Speed limits are enforced in and around Side. As with other urban areas, a 50 km/h speed limit is enforced when driving within Side itself. Outside of the city centre, speed limits rise to 90 km/h. If you're venturing much further afield and using the motorway network, speed limits rise to 120 km/h. Even if you're not going to drive at these speeds yourself, you'll need to be wary of other motorists who will be.