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Side and the Antalya coast: stays and flights from Ireland

Side, Belek and the Antalya coast for Irish families and couples: year-round flights from Dublin and Belfast, best months and where to stay.

Updated Saturday 17 October 2026

Why go

The Antalya coast, often called the Turkish Riviera, is one of Turkey’s main beach holiday areas. It has long beaches, large resort hotels and a hot, dry summer.

Side is one of the best bases. It is a small resort built around Roman ruins, including a large theatre and the Temple of Apollo on the tip of the peninsula. You get history, a harbour and beaches in one place, which suits both families and couples.

Getting there from Ireland

SunExpress flies direct from Dublin to Antalya all year. Jet2.com and easyJet fly from Belfast International, also all year. Cork, Shannon, Knock and Kerry have no direct flights.

The flight takes about 4 hours 45 minutes from Dublin or Belfast.

Antalya Airport is about 13 km from Antalya city. Side is about 78 km east of Antalya, so allow over an hour by transfer. Belek sits between Antalya and Side, so its transfer is shorter.

Before you go

Irish citizens need a passport with at least 150 days’ validity to enter Türkiye. No visa is needed for tourist stays of up to 90 days in any 180 days. Passport cards are not accepted. Check the Department of Foreign Affairs travel advice before you travel.

When to go

Average daily highs at Antalya:

  • April and May: 22°C to 26°C. The sea warms from about 18°C to 21°C.
  • June to August: 32°C to 35°C. Very hot, with the sea at 25°C to 29°C.
  • September and October: 32°C falling to 27°C. The sea stays at 25°C to 27°C.
  • November to March: 15°C to 22°C. Mild, but the beach season is over for most visitors.

October is a good fit for the Irish midterm. Highs are still around 27°C and the sea is close to 25°C.

Air and sea temperatures come from the Antalya climate tables on Wikipedia, which draw on the Turkish State Meteorological Service and Weather Atlas.

Where to stay

  • Side: Roman ruins, a small old town and beaches on both sides of the peninsula.
  • Belek: large four and five star hotels and golf courses, with shorter transfers from the airport.
  • Kumköy: a lively coastal village near Side, in the same Manavgat district.
  • Antalya city: the Kaleiçi old town and the Konyaaltı and Lara beaches, good for couples who want a city too.

Good for

  • Families who want an all-inclusive hotel with pools and activities.
  • Golfers, since Belek has hosted major golf events.
  • Couples who want ruins, a harbour and beach time in one trip.
  • Sun outside the summer, since Dublin flights run all year.

Late deal tip

Compare like with like on board basis. Many hotels on this coast sell all-inclusive, so a cheaper room only deal may not save you money once you add meals and drinks. Price both before you book.

Sources

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