On the shores of the Mediterranean, a pristine white marble monument dedicated to the god of light, blending seamlessly with the most romantic sunset.
Rising against the deep blue sea at the coastal tip of the ancient city of Side, the Temple of Apollo takes its name from the ancient god of light, music and the arts. Built in the 2nd century AD, it is one of the most impressive landmarks to carry the architectural elegance of the Roman period into the present day. Its Corinthian columns and finely worked marble friezes reveal the aesthetic sense of the ancient world.
For guests staying in Belek, the Temple of Apollo is one of the best ways to add an evening full of history to a holiday of sea and golf. Below you will find where the temple is, its history, the spots not to miss, places to visit nearby and how to get there from Belek.
The Temple of Apollo in Antalya is located in Side, in the Manavgat district, at the very tip of the ancient city's peninsula stretching into the sea. The temple stands by the sea, right next to the remains of the old harbour, and is easy to reach on foot from Side's historic centre.
For directions, simply enter "Side Temple of Apollo" in your navigation app. As the streets inside the ancient city are largely pedestrianised, the easiest option is to leave your car at the parking areas at the entrance to Side and walk to the temple.
The history of the Temple of Apollo goes back to the golden age of ancient Side. Built in Side, an important harbour and trading city in the Roman period, the temple symbolises the city's bond with the sea and its wealth. Right next to it are the remains of another temple dedicated to Athena; the two deities held an important place in the city's religious life.
The story of the Temple of Apollo is intertwined with the identity of Apollo in mythology. Dedicated to Apollo, known as the god of light, music, poetry and prophecy, the temple rises on the western shore where the sun sets into the sea, which makes it even more meaningful for visitors. Part of the structure, which collapsed over the centuries, has been raised again through restoration work.
This temple is often confused with the Temple of Apollo Lairbenos. The Temple of Apollo Lairbenos is a different ancient sanctuary near Denizli, while the Temple of Apollo in Side is this seaside monument on the Antalya coast.
Although the temple area is small, every detail deserves attention. During your visit, we recommend taking a closer look at the following.
The best-known part of the temple is its marble columns with Corinthian capitals, raised again through restoration. The capitals decorated with acanthus leaves and the frieze pieces above the columns let you see the finesse of Roman stonework up close. While some columns stand upright, other pieces lie scattered around the site, helping you imagine the original size of the building.
The Temple of Apollo is synonymous with sunset. The last rays of the sun filtering through the white marble columns and falling onto the sea make the temple one of the most photographed spots in the region. For the best shots, we recommend arriving some time before sunset.
The ancient fabric of Side makes it easy to turn your temple visit into a half-day history route. A walking route starting at the temple and covering the theatre, the museum and the harbour can comfortably be completed in a few hours.
One of the most impressive structures in Side, the ancient theatre is one of the great theatres of the Roman period. Its tiered seating and the remains of the stage building help you imagine the busy and lively life of the city in antiquity.
Housed in an ancient building, the Side Museum displays statues, sarcophagi and architectural pieces unearthed during excavations. Visiting the museum after the temple and the theatre helps you understand the city's history more fully.
Close to the temple, Side Harbour with its fishing boats and seaside cafés and restaurants is a lovely stop to unwind after the day. A walk around the harbour in the evening offers a pleasant end to the day after sunset.
Located near Side, the Manavgat Waterfall is ideal for anyone who wants to round off a history trip with nature. For more about the cool air and river views of the waterfall, see our Manavgat Waterfall page.
From Belek, you can reach the Temple of Apollo by following the Antalya–Alanya highway east towards Manavgat and turning off at the signs for Side. Hotel transfers, taxis and rental cars are the most practical options. As historic sites such as Aspendos are also along the route, you can plan your day to include more than one ancient city.
When planning your day in Side, we recommend bringing water, a hat and comfortable shoes, as you will walk a lot on the stone-paved paths of the ancient city. After watching the sunset at the temple, you can end the day with dinner around the harbour.
If you would like to combine your visit to the Temple of Apollo with a stay in Belek, you can browse many options, from family-friendly resorts to luxury hotels with spa and golf facilities, on our accommodation in Belek page. Spend the day in the ancient streets of Side and return to your hotel in Belek in the evening to enjoy history and comfort on the same holiday.
BETUYAB firmly supports awareness efforts to protect world-renowned historic monuments such as the Temple of Apollo, to closely follow restoration processes and to pass on this unique heritage to future generations with a sustainable tourism vision.
The temple is located in the open area of the ancient city of Side. As entry conditions and fees may change from season to season, we recommend checking the latest information before your visit.
The most popular time to see the Temple of Apollo is sunset, when the sun setting into the sea behind the columns creates a unique view. For a quieter visit, choose the early morning hours; in summer, we recommend avoiding the midday heat.
The temple also attracts visitors in the evening. As the status of the night lighting may vary from season to season, we recommend checking the latest information in advance if you are planning an evening visit.
