Self-Drive Holidays to Side | Hotel Only Deals 2026

Side

Holidays in Side with Own Transport

Q: How long does the drive to the Antalya region take?

The drive from Sofia to the Antalya region takes between 14 to 18 hours, depending on your final destination. Reaching Kemer is the quickest (around 14-15 hours), while driving to Alanya can take up to 17-18 hours. An overnight stop is highly recommended.

Q: What is the main driving route to Antalya?

The main route is via the Kapitan Andreevo/Kapıkule border crossing, following motorways towards Istanbul, Ankara, and then south to Antalya. An alternative route is via Bursa, Afyonkarahisar, and Burdur. Once you reach Antalya city, you follow the coastal D400 highway to your chosen resort.

Q: How do I choose a resort in Antalya if I'm traveling by car?

Having a car gives you freedom in any resort! In Kemer, you can explore mountain roads and wild beaches. In Lara and Belek, a car is perfect for day trips to Perge and Aspendos. In Side, you can easily reach the ancient town. In Alanya, a car is a must to drive up to the castle and explore Cleopatra Beach.

Q: Is an HGS sticker required for the drive to Antalya?

Yes, an HGS sticker is absolutely mandatory, as the entire motorway route to Antalya is tolled. Purchase and load credit onto the sticker immediately after the border at a PTT (Turkish Post Office) branch or a designated gas station to avoid fines.

Q: Is it easy to drive on the D400 coastal highway?

The D400 highway, which connects all the resorts in Antalya, is in excellent condition, with two or three lanes in each direction. Traffic is well-organized, but it can get busy in the summer. Be mindful of speed cameras.

Q: What about fuel prices and parking in Antalya?

Fuel prices in Turkey are higher than in the Balkans – refuel before crossing the border. Most hotels offer free parking. In town centers like Alanya and Side, parking is mostly paid (otopark).

Q: Does it make sense to bring a car if my hotel is Ultra All-Inclusive?

Definitely! A car gives you the freedom to visit a local market, see a landmark for a few hours, dine at an authentic restaurant outside the hotel, or simply discover a neighboring beach. It turns your holiday into a real journey.

Q: Any tips for the long drive to Antalya?

Plan an overnight stop in a city like Bursa, Afyonkarahisar, or even Ankara. Take turns with another driver if possible. Take frequent breaks at the well-equipped roadside service areas. Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas.

The Freedom to Combine History, Beaches, and Family Fun

Enjoy complete flexibility with our deals for a holiday in Side with your own transport. You choose when to depart, and we've selected the best All Inclusive hotels to be your perfect base. Side is a unique destination for a family holiday, offering a charming old town, the magnificent Temple of Apollo, and wonderful, shallow sandy beaches perfect for children.

Explore our wide selection of hotels in Side suitable for self-drive travellers, and take advantage of our exclusive prices and discounts for early bookings for Summer 2026. Your journey, your rules!

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Payment Terms

	Payment Terms
💰	30% deposit for a new reservation
📅	Flexible cancellation terms
💳	Remaining amount to be paid 22 days prior to departure

Self-Drive Guide to Side | Megalo Travel

Driving to Side: Route, Tips & Ancient Treasures

Driving to Side is the perfect way to combine a family beach holiday with the freedom to explore thousands of years of history. We've prepared the most important tips for your journey.

🗺️ Route & Duration

Discover the fastest and most convenient route from Bulgaria to Side, along with the estimated travel time.

The Best Route from Bulgaria:

The recommended route is through the "Kapitan Andreevo" border crossing, then following the highway towards Istanbul, bypassing the city via the northern ring road (O-7), and continuing on the O-5 highway towards Bursa, then following signs to Afyonkarahisar and Antalya. From Antalya, continue east on the D400 road; the exit for Side is well-signposted.

Estimated Travel Time (without stops):

From Sofia: ~13-14 hours
From Plovdiv: ~12-13 hours
From Burgas: ~11-12 hours
We recommend adding at least 2-3 extra hours for rest stops and border crossing.

💳 Tolls & Documents

Learn everything about the HGS toll system in Turkey and what documents you need for your vehicle.

Required Vehicle Documents:

You must carry the vehicle's original registration document and a valid "Green Card" insurance that covers Turkey. If the car is not registered in your name, a notarized power of attorney is required.

Road Tolls (HGS):

Turkish highways use an automatic toll system called HGS (Hızlı Geçiş Sistemi). You can purchase an HGS sticker from a PTT (Turkish Post Office) branch after the border and load it with credit. For the entire route to Antalya and back, you will need approximately €30-40.

Modern service station with a restaurant in Turkey

☕ Overnight Stays & Rest Stops

A long drive requires rest. See our recommendations for convenient stops and cities for an overnight stay.

Recommendations for Rest Stops:

Turkish highways are equipped with modern service areas every 30-40 km, offering fuel stations, restaurants, and clean facilities. Brands like Shell, Opet, and BP provide high-quality services.

Overnight Stay Idea:

To break up the journey, we recommend an overnight stay in Bursa or Afyonkarahisar. Both cities are roughly halfway and offer a great selection of hotels. Afyonkarahisar is also famous for its thermal spa hotels, a fantastic way to relax before the final leg of your journey.

A car parked near the Temple of Apollo in Side

🏞️ Day Trips from Side

Your car is the key to the region's hidden treasures. Here are a few ideas for unforgettable excursions.

Day Trip Ideas by Car:

Aspendos Ancient Theatre (35 km): Visit one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, located just a short drive from Side.

Manavgat Waterfall (10 km): An ideal spot for a cool walk and lunch at the riverside restaurants, just a few minutes away from Side.

Alanya (65 km): Take a full-day trip to Alanya to explore its impressive castle, the Red Tower, and the famous Cleopatra Beach.

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Call us +359 887 175 000

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Frequently Asked Questions about Driving to Antalya

How long does the drive to the Antalya region take?

The drive from Sofia to the Antalya region takes between 14 to 18 hours, depending on your final destination. Reaching Kemer is the quickest (around 14-15 hours), while driving to Alanya can take up to 17-18 hours. An overnight stop is highly recommended.

What is the main driving route to Antalya?

The main route is via the Kapitan Andreevo/Kapıkule border crossing, following motorways towards Istanbul, Ankara, and then south to Antalya. An alternative route is via Bursa, Afyonkarahisar, and Burdur. Once you reach Antalya city, you follow the coastal D400 highway to your chosen resort.

How do I choose a resort in Antalya if I'm traveling by car?

Having a car gives you freedom in any resort! In Kemer, you can explore mountain roads and wild beaches. In Lara and Belek, a car is perfect for day trips to Perge and Aspendos. In Side, you can easily reach the ancient town. In Alanya, a car is a must to drive up to the castle and explore Cleopatra Beach.

Is an HGS sticker required for the drive to Antalya?

Yes, an HGS sticker is absolutely mandatory, as the entire motorway route to Antalya is tolled. Purchase and load credit onto the sticker immediately after the border at a PTT (Turkish Post Office) branch or a designated gas station to avoid fines.

What documents are required for the car and passengers?

For the car, you need the registration certificate (in the driver's name) and a valid 'Green Card' insurance policy. For passengers, valid international passports or national ID cards are required. Always check the latest entry requirements before traveling.

Is it easy to drive on the D400 coastal highway?

The D400 highway, which connects all the resorts in Antalya, is in excellent condition, with two or three lanes in each direction. Traffic is well-organized, but it can get busy in the summer. Be mindful of speed cameras.

What are the most popular excursions by car from the Antalya region?

With a car, you can access everything! The most popular destinations are the ancient cities of Perge and Aspendos, the Düden Waterfalls, rafting in the Köprülü Canyon, and The Land of Legends theme park. All are easily accessible from any resort.

What about fuel prices and parking in Antalya?

Fuel prices in Turkey are higher than in the Balkans – refuel before crossing the border. Most hotels offer free parking. In town centers like Alanya and Side, parking is mostly paid (otopark).

Does it make sense to bring a car if my hotel is Ultra All-Inclusive?

Definitely! A car gives you the freedom to visit a local market, see a landmark for a few hours, dine at an authentic restaurant outside the hotel, or simply discover a neighboring beach. It turns your holiday into a real journey.

Any tips for the long drive to Antalya?

Plan an overnight stop in a city like Bursa, Afyonkarahisar, or even Ankara. Take turns with another driver if possible. Take frequent breaks at the well-equipped roadside service areas. Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas.

Climate & Weather in Antalya: When is the Best Time to Visit?

Average Air Temperature

January14-16°C
February15-17°C
March17-20°C
April21-23°C
May25-28°C
June30-33°C
July33-35°C
August33-36°C
September30-32°C
October26-28°C
November20-22°C
December16-18°C

Average Sea Temperature

January18°C
February17°C
March18°C
April19°C
May22°C
June25°C
July28°C
August29°C
September28°C
October25°C
November22°C
December19°C

Data is averaged for the entire region and serves as a general guide. For a current forecast for a specific resort, you can check AccuWeather.

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