Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King'S Palace, Side Crown Hotels Palace
Mediterranean Region, Turkey
There are 5 resorts along the beach. Lifeguards are on duty from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The beach has lifesaving facilities and handicapped access. Manavgat Municipality and the regional tourism association organize environmental education activities here. The beach is located in a Special Environmental…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King'S Palace, Side Crown Hotels Palace
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King'S Palace, Side Crown Hotels Palace?
The beach at Side, home to five integrated resort properties including Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King's Palace, and Side Crown Hotels Palace, sits along Turkey's Mediterranean coast near Manavgat. This stretch has maintained Blue Flag status since 2011, indicating consistent standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management. The beach faces east and benefits from the region's warm Mediterranean climate, with summer water temperatures reaching 26°C. Located 50km from Antalya International Airport, it serves as a primary swimming destination for the resort-based tourism that defines this part of the Turkish Riviera. Lifeguards patrol between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., and the area has been designated a Special Environmental Protection Area.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Mediterranean Region, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Turkey certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King'S Palace, Side Crown Hotels Palace faces E toward Mediterranean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in May, June. The beach's orientation determines when it catches direct sun — plan your visit around this to make the most of your time there.
Planning
When to Go — Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 10°C | 7°C | Low |
| Feb | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Mar | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| May | 22°C | 19°C | Med |
| Jun | 25°C | 22°C | High |
| Jul | 30°C | 27°C | High |
| Aug | 29°C | 26°C | High |
| Sep | 27°C | 24°C | Med |
| Oct | 22°C | 19°C | Low |
| Nov | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| Dec | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
The best time to visit Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King'S Palace, Side Crown Hotels Palace is May, June. Air temperatures peak around 29.6°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 26.6°C in July.
How crowded does Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King'S Palace, Side Crown Hotels Palace get?What kind of crowds use this beach? The answer depends entirely on the resort calendar. During peak summer months—July and August—expect maximum occupancy as the five hotels operate at full capacity. Guest numbers can reach several thousand across the integrated resort zone during peak weeks. Shoulder seasons (June, September) bring reduced but still substantial crowds as hotels maintain good occupancy rates. Winter months see minimal beach activity as most resorts operate at reduced capacity or close temporarily. Why does this matter for visitors? Unlike public beaches where crowd levels fluctuate with casual day-trippers, this beach's visitor composition remains predominantly hotel guests. The 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. lifeguard schedule concentrates swimming activity into defined hours. Early morning swimmers (before 9:30 a.m.) and evening visitors (after 5:30 p.m.) access the beach without formal supervision. The resort setting means organized activities—water sports, entertainment programs—concentrate people during specific times. Families tend to visit during school holidays, intensifying summer and Easter crowds. The Special Environmental Protection Area status and structured resort management maintain more regulated conditions than public beaches, though peak-season congestion at the waterline remains inevitable given five hotels sharing this stretch.
Is Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King'S Palace, Side Crown Hotels Palace open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (15-05 – 30-09). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King'S Palace, Side Crown Hotels Palace
Is Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King'S Palace, Side Crown Hotels Palace safe to swim?Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King'S Palace, Side Crown Hotels Palace is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season.
What is the water temperature at Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King'S Palace, Side Crown Hotels Palace?Peak water temperature at Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King'S Palace, Side Crown Hotels Palace reaches around <span class="inline-stat">26.6°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 10.1°C.
What is the beach like at Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King'S Palace, Side Crown Hotels Palace?What makes this beach different from other Mediterranean resorts? The defining feature is its resort-integrated structure—five hotels directly front the beach, creating a concentrated hospitality zone rather than a scattered beach community. This setup offers convenience for guests already staying at these properties but means the beach functions primarily as a resort amenity rather than a public recreational area. The sand and water conditions reflect standard Mediterranean beach characteristics for this latitude. Summer water temperatures peak at 26.6°C in July, creating genuinely swimmable conditions from June through September. Winter temperatures drop to 7.1°C in January, making cold-water swimming the only option outside the main season. The beach's east-facing orientation means morning sun exposure without the intense afternoon heat of westward-facing Turkish beaches. How accessible is this beach for different visitor types? Handicapped facilities are present, a practical consideration for guests with mobility limitations. The Special Environmental Protection Area designation means the beach operates under stricter environmental guidelines than unprotected stretches—waste management, construction limits, and habitat protection measures apply here. Lifeguard coverage runs from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during operational periods, providing supervised swimming hours that align with typical beach-going patterns. Environmental education activities organized by Manavgat Municipality and regional tourism associations occur here, though specific scheduling and content details aren't consistently documented. The beach profile and composition remain typical for Mediterranean resort areas—expect organized zones near hotels with standard amenities like showers and changing facilities. Underwater conditions and sea conditions vary seasonally, with calmer waters generally occurring in early summer and autumn.
Does Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King'S Palace, Side Crown Hotels Palace have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King'S Palace, Side Crown Hotels Palace meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.
Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King'S Palace, Side Crown Hotels Palace sits on the Mediterranean Sea — explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Mediterranean.
Planning a trip to Turkey? Blue Flag Beaches Turkey — our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
While You're Here
Beyond Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King'S Palace, Side Crown Hotels Palace
Manavgat, the nearest city 15km away, functions as the regional service hub. The city provides shopping, banking, healthcare facilities, and dining options beyond resort restaurants. Manavgat Waterfall, approximately 3km north of the city center, attracts day-trippers interested in freshwater natural features. The Manavgat River delta ecosystem supports bird-watching and nature observation activities. Side's historical center, roughly 5km east along the coast, contains Greco-Roman archaeological remains including temple structures and harbor ruins. The region's Mediterranean pine forests and scrubland interior offer hiking routes and nature trails for visitors seeking landscapes beyond the beach. Seasonal agricultural markets in Manavgat feature local produce, citrus, and regional products. Beach-adjacent restaurants and bars at the resort properties provide evening entertainment, though exploring beyond the five hotels requires independent transportation or organized excursions.
Manavgat, the nearest city 15km away, functions as the regional service hub. The city provides shopping, banking, healthcare facilities, and dining options beyond resort restaurants. Manavgat Waterfall, approximately 3km north of the city center, attracts day-trippers interested in freshwater natural features. The Manavgat River delta ecosystem supports bird-watching and nature observation activities. Side's historical center, roughly 5km east along the coast, contains Greco-Roman archaeological remains including temple structures and harbor ruins. The region's Mediterranean pine forests and scrubland interior offer hiking routes and nature trails for visitors seeking landscapes beyond the beach. Seasonal agricultural markets in Manavgat feature local produce, citrus, and regional products. Beach-adjacent restaurants and bars at the resort properties provide evening entertainment, though exploring beyond the five hotels requires independent transportation or organized excursions.
Transport
Getting to Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King'S Palace, Side Crown Hotels Palace
How do I get to Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King'S Palace, Side Crown Hotels Palace by car?Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King'S Palace, Side Crown Hotels Palace is approximately 8.65 km from Manavgat. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King'S Palace, Side Crown Hotels Palace?The nearest airport is Antalya International Airport (AYT) (AYT), approximately 49.7 km away. Antalya International Airport (AYT) is the primary air gateway, located 49.7km northwest of the beach. Direct flights connect AYT to major European cities and Turkish hubs. Ground transfers from the airport involve either hotel shuttle services (typically arranged pre-arrival), car rental, or taxi services. Journey time is approximately 45-60 minutes depending on traffic patterns and specific airport terminal used. The route follows the D400 coastal highway toward Manavgat. Most visitors arriving by air coordinate transfers directly with their resort property, which handles ground logistics.
Can I get to Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King'S Palace, Side Crown Hotels Palace by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Manavgat.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free — no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✓ On duty during official season |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✓ Available during season |
| Official Season | 15-05 – 30-09 |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 36.8040°N, 31.3459°E |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Turkey |
Frequently Asked Questions
Royal Taj Mahal Hotel, Royal Dragon Hotel, Port Side Resort Hotel, Aydinbey King'S Palace, Side Crown Hotels Palace FAQ
Is this beach worth visiting?
This beach merits consideration if you're staying at one of the five integrated resort hotels—convenience and Blue Flag standards justify a visit. For day-trippers or independent travelers not staying at these properties, the appeal diminishes because the beach functions primarily as a resort amenity. The east-facing orientation, consistent lifeguard coverage, and environmental protections offer practical benefits. Water temperatures support comfortable swimming June through September. If you're seeking an uncrowded, public beach experience, this resort-integrated setup may disappoint. The value calculation depends entirely on your accommodation choice.
How do I get to this beach?
Antalya International Airport (49.7km away) is the main arrival point. From the airport, arrange transfers through your hotel, hire a car, or use taxi services for the 45-60 minute journey following the D400 highway toward Manavgat. The beach is accessible directly from the five resort properties along the coast. If arriving from other Turkish cities, reaching Manavgat via intercity bus or other transport requires further coordination to the beach area. Most visitors coordinate arrival logistics with their hotel pre-arrival to ensure smooth ground transfers.
What's the best time to visit?
June through September offers the genuine swimming season with water temperatures ranging from 22.4°C (June) to 26.6°C (July). July and August peak at 26.3-26.6°C—optimal for comfortable swimming but accompanied by maximum crowds across the five hotels. June and September provide warmer water than spring months (14-18.5°C) while experiencing fewer visitors than peak summer. Air temperatures remain warm throughout the season, averaging 26.7-29.6°C. Winter months (December-February) drop to 7-10°C water temperature, unsuitable for casual swimmers. Spring (March-May) shows gradual warming but reaches only 14-18.5°C by May.
What facilities are available?
Lifeguard services operate 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, providing supervised swimming coverage. Handicapped facilities accommodate visitors with mobility needs. Standard resort amenities—changing rooms, showers, loungers—are provided by the five hotels. Environmental education activities organized by Manavgat Municipality and regional tourism associations occur periodically. The Special Environmental Protection Area designation means stricter waste management and environmental controls apply. Specific facility details like food vendors, water sports rentals, or specialized equipment availability require direct confirmation with individual resort properties, as these vary by hotel.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes, with specific qualifications. Handicapped facilities support families with accessibility needs. Lifeguard coverage between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. provides supervised swimming hours appropriate for children. The five integrated resorts typically offer family-oriented services, activity programs, and children's facilities. The Mediterranean setting and warm summer water temperatures (26°C peak) appeal to family beach routines. The resort-concentrated structure means families benefit from organized environments. However, families not staying at these hotels may find access limited or less convenient than public beaches. Peak summer crowds (July-August) can be intense, requiring early arrival for preferred beach positioning.
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