Side Sunset & Novamall Shopping Tour from Alanya & Side

If you’re considering a way to enjoy Turkey’s enchanting coast after sunset, this Side Sunset & Novamall Shopping Tour offers a balanced mix of history, scenic views, and local shopping. Designed for those who enjoy a little bit of everything—culture, landscape, and retail therapy—this experience promises a memorable evening without breaking the bank.

What we love about this tour is its blend of illuminated ancient monuments such as the Temple of Apollo and the chance to capture panoramic views of Manavgat from an elevated spot. Plus, the evening shopping stop at Novamall gives you a taste of local and international brands in a lively setting. The only consideration? It’s a somewhat structured, group-oriented experience, so if you’re looking for total independence, it might feel a little guided.

This tour suits travelers who want a convenient way to explore Side’s historic charm at sunset and enjoy some shopping. It’s also perfect if you appreciate guides who speak multiple languages and enjoy a lively, social atmosphere—whether you’re traveling solo or with family. But if you’re after a more relaxed, spontaneous evening, you might prefer to explore on your own. Still, for those who love a bit of guided sightseeing mixed with shopping and panoramic vistas, this tour hits the sweet spot.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines historical sights, sunset views, and shopping.
• Multilingual Guides: Conducted in Russian, English, and German.
• Flexible Timing: Duration around 4-5 hours with checkable starting times.
• Comfortable Transportation: Bus or minibus with pick-up from Alanya or Side.
• Unique Photo Opportunities: Capture Side’s illuminated monuments and panoramic views of Manavgat.
• Shopping & Food: Offers free time for browsing and optional food at Novamall (own expense).

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour Experience

This evening excursion is designed to give you a comprehensive look at some of the most photogenic and lively spots around Side and Manavgat. It’s a mix of sightseeing, shopping, and relaxing sunset moments—all bundled into a manageable 4-5 hours. The tour includes transfers, guides in multiple languages, and visits to iconic landmarks, with optional free time for shopping and photos.

The Journey Starts with Pickup

Depending on your location, you’ll be picked up either from your hotel in Alanya or Side, with the Alanya option only available for hotel guests there. The guides are known for being welcoming and well-informed, ensuring you feel comfortable from the start. They’ll meet you outside your hotel’s security booth, so arriving a little early is key to avoid delays.

Scenic Drive & Illuminated Side

Once on the road, the guide will take you in open-top convertibles or jeeps, depending on the group size and availability. Expect lively music, a cheerful atmosphere, and some great photo ops along the way. The highlight here is viewing Side’s ancient monuments such as the Temple of Apollo, which is especially stunning when lit up at night. We loved the way the tour combines a fun, energetic ride with historical sights—seeing ancient ruins glow against the night sky is truly a sight to behold.

Sunset & Night Views: Two Hours of Magic

The core of this experience is a 2-hour sunset and night tour around Side and Manavgat. The timing offers an ideal opportunity to see the landscape change from daylight to twilight, with the Sun setting over the coast creating perfect photo moments. We appreciated how the tour allowed us to capture the changing colors of the sky and the flickering lights of the town. The guide’s narration provides historical context about the sites, making the scenery even more meaningful.

More Great Tours Nearby

Shopping in Side Old Town & Novamall

After soaking in the sunset views, the tour provides free time to explore Side Old Town’s illuminated streets. Here, you can browse stalls and boutiques selling everything from souvenirs and local crafts to clothing. Many travelers, as one reviewer mentioned, enjoy grabbing a local drink such as pomegranate juice mixed with beer—a tasty way to refresh after sightseeing.

Plus, the visit to Novamall offers a chance to explore a popular shopping hub. While not officially affiliated with the mall, the stop allows for browsing international brands, visiting a Turkish restaurant, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere. The 45-minute shopping break is a great chance to pick up last-minute souvenirs or enjoy some local snacks.

Panoramic View of Manavgat

Before wrapping up, the guide will take you to a vantage point overlooking Manavgat. The panoramic views here are well worth the short stop, giving you a bird’s-eye perspective of the city and its river. It’s a favorite moment for many travelers to snap wide-angle photos and reflect on the day’s sights.

Return & Drop-off

After the evening’s adventures, the group is transported back to either Side or Alanya, depending on your initial pickup point. The whole experience typically lasts around 4 to 5 hours, making it a convenient option for a relaxed evening excursion.

What’s Included & What’s Not

This tour includes transfers, guides, insurance, and the sunset viewing experience. However, meals and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring some cash for snacks or drinks at Novamall. As one reviewer pointed out, the guides are happy to recommend local eateries and shopping tips—just ask.

Transportation & Comfort

Traveling in a bus or minibus, the ride is comfortable and efficient, especially since the tour is designed to maximize sightseeing without feeling rushed. The group sizes tend to be moderate, promoting a friendly atmosphere without overwhelming you.

Multilingual Guides & Flexibility

Guides speak Russian, German, and English, ensuring most travelers feel well-informed and engaged. The flexibility of booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure adds peace of mind, especially if your plans change suddenly.

Analyzing the Value

At a price point that seems reasonable for a half-day tour with transportation, sightseeing, and guiding included, this experience offers solid value. You’ll get iconic photo-worthy sights, sunset views, and shopping—all packed into a manageable time frame. For travelers wanting a guided overview of Side’s highlights combined with some retail therapy, it’s a good choice.

Authentic Experiences & Reviewer Insights

From the reviews, we see that guides make or break the experience. One reviewer praised their guide John for his warmth and informative commentary, highlighting how knowledgeable guides truly enhance the trip. The opportunity to capture stunning sunset photos and enjoy lively shopping in the old town is consistently appreciated.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for first-time visitors wanting a quick but meaningful snapshot of Side’s historic sites and scenic beauty. It’s also ideal for those with limited time but who still want to enjoy Turkey’s evening atmosphere. If you love historic landmarks illuminated at night, panoramic views, and lively markets, you’ll find this tour hits the spot.

Of course, shopping lovers and photo enthusiasts will especially value the stops at Novamall and the scenic lookouts. Conversely, if you prefer more independence or a relaxed pace, you might want to explore these sights on your own.

This Side Sunset & Novamall Shopping Tour offers a practical, engaging way to experience some of Turkey’s most picturesque sights in the evening. It’s a well-rounded experience combining history, scenery, and shopping, all delivered in a friendly, guided format. The combination of beautiful illuminated monuments, panoramic views, and lively markets makes it an excellent choice for travelers eager to see the best of Side after dark without the hassle of self-organizing.

For value-seeking explorers who enjoy guided storytelling, lively atmospheres, and scenic vistas, this tour delivers beyond expectations. It’s especially perfect for those who appreciate a good sunset, historic ambiance, and local shopping—a true taste of Turkey’s charm after hours.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours, including transfers, sightseeing, and shopping stops.

Where does the tour start?
It starts with pickups from hotels in Alanya or Side, depending on the option you choose. Please wait at the hotel’s external security booth.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is designed for a wide range of travelers, but young children should be comfortable with some walking and bus rides.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, cash for personal expenses, and a fully charged smartphone for photos.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included. You might want to bring some cash for snacks or drinks at Novamall.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance, giving flexibility if your plans change.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak Russian, German, and English, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.

Is this tour good for shopping?
Absolutely. You’ll have free time at Side Old Town and Novamall to browse and purchase souvenirs, with recommendations from your guide.

What is the main highlight?
The illuminated monuments, especially the Temple of Apollo and panoramic views of Manavgat, are the key visual treats.

Whether you’re a history buff, a sunset lover, or a shopping enthusiast, this tour packs a lot into a manageable evening—making it a memorable way to experience Turkey’s southern coast.

You can check availability for your dates here: