Turkish Bath, Massage and Sauna Side

A traditional Turkish bath in Side

The Turkish bath, known locally as the hamam, descends from the bathhouses of the Roman world and became a cornerstone of town life under the Seljuks and Ottomans. It was a place to cleanse the body, rest and meet friends, and the ritual has changed little over the centuries: heat, steam, a vigorous scrub, rich soap foam and a long rest afterwards.

Side itself was a major Roman port, and the remains of its ancient baths still stand among the ruins of the old town, so taking a hammam here connects you with a very long local tradition. The spa we use keeps the classic elements of warm marble, basins with running water and soft light, in a clean and welcoming setting. For many visitors this is the best Turkish bath in Side for a relaxed half-day.

Sauna, peeling and foam massage

Your session begins in the sauna, where the dry heat opens the pores and prepares the skin. You then move into the hammam to lie on the warm marble while an experienced attendant scrubs your whole body with a coarse kese mitt. This peeling removes dead skin and leaves you feeling remarkably light and smooth, followed by a rinse with warm water.

Next comes the foam massage. The attendant fills a cotton bag with traditional Turkish soap and water and squeezes out a thick, soft cloud of foam that covers you before a soothing massage. Traditional soaps and peeling products give the hammam a distinctive aroma; most guests love it, but anyone sensitive to scents should know it is quite strong.

Full-body massage and practical tips

The experience ends with a relaxing full-body massage in a private massage room, easing tension in the back, shoulders and legs. The whole programme at the spa lasts about two hours. You receive a towel and a safe box for your belongings, so you only need to bring swimwear and a change of clothes for the ride back.

Please note that this is a mixed hammam: men and women share the bath area, and there are no separate sections, while the massage rooms are private. Swimwear is worn throughout. Anyone asking about Side hammam opening hours will find start times every hour between 09:00 and 16:00, and we adjust your pickup to the slot you choose.

Side and the Manavgat coast

Side sits on a small peninsula on the Turkish Riviera, east of Antalya and next to the town of Manavgat. Its ancient city, founded more than two and a half thousand years ago, has columns from the Temple of Apollo standing by the sea, a large Roman theatre and long colonnaded streets, all within a short walk of the modern harbour and beaches.

A Turkish bath is the ideal way to end a day of exploring these ruins or relaxing on the sandy beaches of Side and Kumköy. Our transfers cover hotels across the Side area, so you can book a session for the afternoon and be back at your hotel, refreshed and relaxed, in time for dinner.