Drive from ancient ruins to mountain canyons along the Mediterranean coast
Side sits on a narrow peninsula between two beaches, 65 km east of Antalya and 65 km west of Alanya on the D400 coastal highway. The ancient theatre and Apollo temple stand alongside modern hotels in Evrenseki, Kumkoy and the town centre. A car opens routes north to Manavgat Waterfall 8 km away, Aspendos theatre 30 km west, Green Canyon 40 km inland and Koprulu Canyon 60 km for rafting. You need wheels to reach mountain villages, hidden bays and the castles scattered between Side and Alanya.
We deliver eligible vehicles to your hotel in Side town, Evrenseki or Kumkoy at a time you choose during booking. Select cars marked "no deposit" in the search results require no credit card - you pay the booking advance online when you reserve, then settle the balance with a debit card or cash when the local company brings the car to your hotel. The excess remains as a separate parameter: the amount is stated in your voucher and applies if damage occurs, independent of the deposit waiver. Each car shows its own payment rules in the listing.
The rental company delivers the car, walks through the condition report with you, and you sign the agreement on the spot. Your voucher contains the company contact details. Pick-up times match your arrival schedule. If you fly into Antalya Airport 65 km west, you can collect there and drive the D400 coast road in under an hour, or arrange delivery from the airport if the company offers it.
Optional extras - second driver, child seat, HGS toll transponder for motorways, cross-border permit for Greece or Georgia - are charged separately and added at booking. Cancellation is free according to the terms in your confirmation. For payment details and advance structure, see our payment and advance page.
Three main collection points serve Side and the surrounding hotel zones. Delivery to your accommodation is the most popular choice for visitors staying in the resort area.
The local company brings the car to your hotel lobby or entrance in Side town, Evrenseki or Kumkoy at the time you select when booking. The handover takes ten minutes: vehicle walk-around, sign the agreement, collect keys. Return works the same way - they collect from your hotel before you leave. No need to find an office or navigate unfamiliar streets on arrival day.
AYT airport sits 65 km west via the D400 highway. Many travellers collect on landing and drive straight to Side in 50-70 minutes depending on summer traffic. The airport desk operates daily from early morning to late evening. Returning the car at the airport before departure saves a hotel pick-up step and suits tight flight schedules.
A handful of offices operate close to the ancient theatre and harbour area. You walk or taxi to the office, complete paperwork and drive away. Paid parking zones surround the archaeological sites; the office will point you to the nearest free street parking. This suits travellers already in Side who decide mid-stay they want a car for day trips.
Side places you between coast and mountains. Ancient theatres, waterfalls and canyons all lie within an hour, while longer drives reach highland lakes and national parks.
Drive 8 km north on the Manavgat road to the low, wide waterfall where the Manavgat River tumbles over limestone ledges. Tea gardens and fish restaurants line the banks. The paved road continues upstream through farming villages. Any small car handles the route; parking is informal gravel beside the tea gardens. The trip takes thirty minutes each way, often combined with a loop through the Saturday market in Manavgat town centre 3 km downstream from the falls.
Head 30 km west on the D400 then turn inland 5 km to reach the best-preserved Roman theatre in Anatolia. The access road is paved and flat. A compact car is enough; the site car park is dusty gravel. Allow 45 minutes driving from Side. Combine with the Koprucay River aqueduct ruins 2 km further on the same road, where rafting trips launch in summer. The round trip fits a half-day with lunch in Serik village.
Take the Manavgat road 20 km north, then turn west onto narrower mountain roads climbing 20 km to the emerald reservoir behind Oymapinar dam. The final stretch has hairpin bends and no barriers; a car with confident handling helps. Boat tour operators run zip-lines and lunch cruises. Park on the gravel shoulder above the water. Total distance 40 km, about one hour each way. A Fiat Egea or Dacia Sandero Stepway manages the gradients and rough edges near the picnic areas.
Drive 40 km north from Side to Manavgat, then 20 km further inland on winding roads to the canyon where the Kopru River cuts through limestone cliffs. The park entrance lies 60 km total from Side. Rafting companies operate April through October; the Roman bridge and forest trails stay open year-round. The road is paved but steep in sections. A small crossover like the Fiat Egea Cross suits the route. Allow 90 minutes each way and pack water - fuel stations thin out beyond Manavgat.
Follow the D400 east toward Alanya; after 35 km a signed turn leads 2 km uphill to Alara Castle perched on a crag above the Alara River. The access track is rough gravel; a car with 15 cm clearance handles it, but avoid low city sedans. The castle walls and cisterns reward the climb with views over the coast. Continue east another 30 km to reach Alanya centre and its Seljuk fortress. The full Side-Alanya run is 65 km, about 70 minutes on the D400.
Drive west 65 km on the D400 to Antalya city. Kaleici old harbour, Hadrian's Gate and the archaeology museum fill a day. Stop at the lower Duden Waterfall where the stream drops into the sea 10 km before the city centre. Parking in Kaleici costs a fee; use the multi-storey near the clock tower. The highway is four lanes and fast; any car works. Budget 70 minutes each way, longer in July and August peak traffic.
The Side fleet spans compact city cars for beach-and-ruins touring to larger sedans and crossovers for mountain day trips. Model availability changes with season; summer peak sees higher turnover.
| Model | Category | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Renault Clio | Economy | Town driving, beach loops, solo or couple |
| Fiat Egea | Compact Sedan | Four adults, highway comfort, Aspendos and Alanya trips |
| Kia Rio | Economy | Fuel economy, parking in old town, short excursions |
| Opel Corsa | Economy | Narrow village streets, coast road, budget choice |
| Citroen C3 | Economy | City errands, Manavgat market runs, compact footprint |
| Renault Symbol | Economy Sedan | Extra boot space for luggage, four passengers |
| Hyundai i20 | Economy | Modern cabin, reliable, suits couples and small families |
| Fiat Egea Cross | Compact Crossover | Higher clearance for Green Canyon gravel, family comfort |
| Dacia Sandero Stepway | Compact Crossover | Rough park access roads, Koprulu Canyon, budget crossover |
| Honda City | Compact Sedan | Smooth ride, efficient, Antalya-Alanya highway cruising |
| Peugeot 301 | Compact Sedan | Larger boot, four adults plus luggage, solid build |
| Fiat Doblo | Mini MPV | Six-seven seats, extended family, equipment transport |
Each listing shows transmission type, fuel policy and luggage capacity. Air conditioning is standard in all summer-season cars. Manual gearboxes dominate the economy and compact range; automatics appear in select mid-size and crossover models. Filter by "no deposit" in the search widget if you want to avoid credit card requirements.
Side combines resort-town traffic, coastal highway speed and mountain back-roads. A few local patterns make navigation simpler.
Selected vehicles in the Side fleet carry a no-deposit flag, meaning the rental company does not block funds on your card as a security hold. This feature is independent of the excess, which remains in place and is stated in your voucher.
When you search for Side in the booking widget above, look for the "No deposit" badge on individual car listings. Each vehicle has its own terms; the badge confirms that this specific car does not require a deposit block and accepts debit card or cash payment for the balance. Payment methods allowed for each car are displayed in the listing and confirmed in your voucher. Not all cars qualify - availability depends on the model and the local company supplying it. Use the filter to show only no-deposit options if you want to narrow results.
You must hold a valid driving licence for at least one year and be above the minimum age stated for the car (usually 21 or 23 depending on category; some larger vehicles require 25). An International Driving Permit is recommended for stays longer than a tourist visa period. At delivery the company checks your licence, records your details and hands over keys. You pay the booking advance online when you reserve; the balance is due when you collect, by the method shown in your booking confirmation. For more on payment structure and methods, visit our dedicated payment methods page.
Common questions from travellers renting in Side and the Manavgat coast area.
Yes, for cars marked "no deposit" in the search results. You pay the booking advance online, then settle the balance with a debit card or cash when the company delivers the car to your hotel. Each listing states which payment methods it accepts; check the details before you book.
Yes, the local company brings the car to your hotel lobby or entrance in Side town, Evrenseki, Kumkoy or Colakli at the time you select during booking. The handover includes a walk-around inspection and signing the rental agreement. Return collection from your hotel is arranged the same way.
About 70 minutes covering 65 km on the D400 coastal highway. Traffic increases in summer, especially mid-morning and late afternoon. The road is four lanes and well-signed; any car handles it comfortably.
A compact sedan like the Fiat Egea manages the paved mountain roads to both canyons, but the final approach to Green Canyon has rough gravel sections where a crossover such as the Fiat Egea Cross or Dacia Sandero Stepway gives more confidence. Koprulu Canyon access is fully paved but steep; any car with decent power works.
Paid parking zones surround the theatre and Apollo temple; attendants collect fees on foot. Free street parking begins two blocks inland from the peninsula. Most hotels offer guest parking; confirm availability with reception before leaving your car overnight on public streets.
Yes, the distance is 65 km each way on the D400, taking about 70 minutes per direction. You will have time to visit Alanya castle, the harbour and lunch before returning. Consider stopping at Alara Castle 35 km from Side on the way for a mid-trip break and photos.
Fill up at Opet, Petrol Ofisi or Shell stations on the D400 or in Manavgat town centre before heading inland. Fuel stations disappear beyond the Manavgat dam; the nearest pump to Green Canyon or Koprulu Canyon is back in Manavgat. Most accept cards; smaller stations prefer cash.
Search now to compare cars available for your dates, filter by no-deposit options, and book in two minutes. Your voucher arrives by email with the local company contact, collection time and payment details. Free cancellation applies up to the terms in your confirmation. For questions, reach us at [email protected].