The ancient city of Side is called an open-air museum. This is one of the most beautiful places on the Turkish coast, on the territory of which many famous architectural monuments from antiquity are collected. Today Side is a popular resort with secluded clean beaches, a warm climate and picturesque surroundings. How many people know that it is also called a symbolic place for all lovers? More details about this, as well as about what can be seen in this amazing region, will be discussed further.
Side - the most beautiful resort in Turkey
The city of Side is located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, and therefore has long been a favorite destination among tourists. Connoisseurs of beach holidays will be interested in the fact that most of the resort’s beaches are awarded the Blue Flag. This means that from an environmental point of view, the water off the coast is clean and suitable for swimming.
The name of the city of Side is translated from the ancient local dialect as “pomegranate”. There is a version that the name of the area was given in honor of Artemis, the goddess of fertility. And the pomegranate fruit, as you know, symbolizes abundance and fertility.
Often, the resort of Side means not only the city itself, but also its surroundings. These are the town of Manavgat and the villages of Kumkoy, Sorgun, Kyzylot, Colakly, Kyzylagach. Manavgat does not have access to the sea, and the villages are famous for their beautiful and clean beaches.
Historical information about the city
Since ancient times, Side has attracted the attention of many generals and rulers who wanted to take possession of this picturesque place. Despite the fact that the city was a major port, it was easily conquered by Alexander the Great. After his death, Side came under the rule of the Ptolemies and later the Seleucids. In the 2nd century BC. the settlement belonged to the Roman Empire. During this period, the city actively developed and became a famous cultural and entertainment center throughout the Mediterranean. It was in Side that they went for the most beautiful slaves from all over the ancient world, since the city had the largest slave market.
At the beginning of our era, Turkish Side was burned by the Arabs, which is why local residents had to leave the city and go to neighboring Antalya. At the end of the 19th century, the place began to be revived thanks to Turkish settlers from the island of Crete.
Love story in Side
The well-known amazing story of selfless love between the Egyptian queen Cleopatra and the Roman commander Mark Antony also touched the city of Side. It was this picturesque place that the lovers chose for their dates. But this story ended tragically. Mark Antony fell by the sword, and Cleopatra, to avoid shame, committed suicide with the bite of a poisonous snake.
Where is Side
The city of Side is located on the Antalya coast of Turkey in the province of Antalya between the famous resorts of Antalya and Alanya. It is located close to many resort villages and the town of Manavgat. For example, 14 km from Side is the village of Colakli. Thanks to its convenient shallow beaches, it is perfect for a family holiday with children. Kizilagac, 15 km from the city, has many family hotels and souvenir markets. The village of Kumkoy with many nightclubs, discos and similar entertainment is an excellent place for youth recreation. It is located 3 km from the center of Side.
Side on the map
How to get to the city
The nearest airport from the city is in Antalya, 75 km from Side. From there you can get to the city using a transfer. However, it must be ordered in advance by leaving a request on the transfer company’s website.
Another way of travel can be a regular bus that runs from Antalya Bus Station to Side. The ticket price will cost about 20 - 30 Turkish lira. You can also take a taxi from the airport to the resort. This type of transport will cost much more – about 270 Turkish lira.
There are other ways to travel to the resort of Side - by bus or ferry, which also first run to Antalya. From there you can get there by regular bus or taxi. But in this case, the journey will be quite long and not as comfortable as by plane.
Climate of Side
The weather in Side allows tourists to visit the city at any time of the year. The only exception is the winter months, when the amount of precipitation increases significantly. The climate in the resort is Mediterranean with dry, hot summers and cool, wet winters.
The tourist season on Side is quite long - from April to October. For those who love sightseeing tours, a vacation in spring or autumn is suitable, when it is not so hot and it is more comfortable to walk around the city. The beach season opens in May, when the water temperature warms up above +20 degrees.
The hottest months of the year are July and August. The air temperature exceeds +30 degrees, and the water temperature in the sea is +26 - +27 degrees.
The velvet season in Side occurs from September to November. For those who can hardly stand the heat, this is the most suitable period for relaxation and tourism.
Beaches of Side resort
The vegetation in Side is quite sparse, so most of the attention of city guests is drawn to the beaches. They are distinguished in these parts by clean, transparent water and gently sloping sandy beaches. The beaches of Side are divided into western and eastern. The first of them is more suitable for swimming with children. The sand here is fine, and the entrance is smooth and comfortable. There is also a lot of active entertainment on the shore for both children and adults.
The second beach has a larger sandy surface and is deeper. There are always fewer people there. The eastern beach is popular among lovers of windsurfing, diving or fishing in the open sea.
The villages located near Side also have clean and beautiful beaches with golden sand. These are the resorts of Sorgun, Kizilagach or Titreyengol.
Resort attractions
The city of Side is home to the largest surviving amphitheater in Turkey. It can accommodate up to 20 thousand spectators. The construction dates back to the 2nd century AD. It hosted various theatrical performances, gladiator fights, battles with animals and other events. Today, entrance to the amphitheater is paid and amounts to about 20 Turkish liras.
On the shore of Side are the remains of the ancient temple of Apollo. Only five columns, made of white marble in the 2nd century BC, remain to this day. Then it was a temple of six rows of 11 columns, and it served as a place for worship. Now you can visit the monument absolutely free.
On the way to the Old Town there is another ancient monument - the Nymphaeum fountain. Today it is in a ruined state, but some parts of it have been preserved and are available for viewing by anyone.
On the main street of Old Side there is an arched gate built in honor of the Roman Emperor Vespasian.
Not far from the arch is the Side Antiquity Museum. It was built in the well-preserved basements of Roman baths, built in the 5th century. Entrance to the museum is paid and is about 10 Turkish lira.
Not so far from the museum there is another architectural and historical monument of the ancient period - the ruins of the Agora market. It was here that the slave trade took place in those days. Most of all, the colonnade and the foundation of the structure have been preserved.
Those who love exciting sightseeing tours will be interested in visiting the surrounding area of Side. Just 7 km from the resort is the town of Manavgat, which can be reached by bus from the local bus station. This is a very beautiful place, but it is especially famous for its waterfall on the Manavgat River. This is a popular holiday destination for both tourists and local residents. The waterfall reaches 2 meters in height and 40 meters in length. It impresses with its abundance of water and the nature surrounding it.
10 km from Manavgat is the largest reservoir on the Turkish coast - Green Canyon. This is one of the most picturesque places in the Taurus Mountains. The reservoir is artificial and remains from the construction of a dam and hydroelectric power station.
From Side there are excursions to the ancient ancient cities of Aspendos, Lirbe, Seleukia. They are also rich in many remains from buildings from ancient times.
A very popular excursion to a place with an amazing landscape is. However, it is worth taking into account that the trip will be quite long, so such tours take more than one day.
But the time spent is worth it to see such a miracle of nature.
Active holidays in the resort of Side
In the city of Side itself there is little active entertainment. However, in the nearest villages and towns of the resort, active recreation is provided for every taste. Water park lovers from Side will have to go to the nearest villages of Sorgun or Kyzylot.
The most popular are water sports and excursions along the sea and rivers. At the Green Canyon mentioned above, you can fish at a trout farm, and they also offer to do the same in the open sea.
For extreme sports enthusiasts, rafting on the Manavgat River in the city of the same name or the Kopruchay River near the Belek resort is suitable. To book a rafting tour, contact the Alpine Rafting center. There are also exciting jeep safaris in the vicinity of Manavgat. Fans of diving tours should contact the Dolphin Dive center.
Nightlife
The city of Side has established itself more as a resort for family holidays. However, you can also find interesting nightlife spots there. Famous nightclubs to visit are Club Light House, Athena Club, Club Alya and Oxyd Disco Club.
Shopping in Side
Shopping in Side is provided by small shops and souvenir shops. Popular purchases at the resort include leather and gold jewelry. And, of course, Side has many markets with spices and Turkish sweets. It is especially recommended to visit the shops with oriental sweets “Onen”.
In Side the prices are a little high. To buy things cheaper, it is better to go to neighboring Manavgat.
Transport at the resort
Dolmushi. Local transport in the city is represented by Turkish minibuses called dolmus. They are white and are marked with a sign with the name of the city Side. The fare is paid in person to the driver upon entering the bus. The cost of travel around the city and to nearby villages will cost from 2 to 4 Turkish lira.
Taxi. Taxis are available at the resort. They can be immediately recognized by the bright yellow color of the car with a checkered roof. You can take a taxi either by pre-order or by stopping on the street. The price depends on the distance - 4.5 Turkish liras per kilometer, and 3 liras are charged for landing.
Transport for rent
Bicycles. The resort of Side offers bicycles for rent. With their help it is very convenient to visit various historical places of the city. The cost of daily use of a bicycle varies from 15 to 60 Turkish lira. An additional 1 lira is paid for a helmet.
Cars. If you are going to travel around many of the surrounding areas of Side, then it would be better to rent a car. In the city you can rent a car directly from the hotel or from small companies in the city. The cost of the service will start from 60 Turkish lira.
It is better to rent a car from trusted transport companies. At Antalya Airport there are well-known international rental centers Avis, Bedget and others. The price of an economy class car is from 130 Turkish lira per day.
Where to stay in Side
Most places to stay at the resort are all-inclusive hotels. Guest houses and apartments for rent are available in some quantities. The cheapest room will cost you in a motel - from 50 liras per night. A simple hotel, not including meals, will cost from 60 to 130 Turkish lira. Three and four star hotels offer rooms on Side from 200 liras per night. In five-star “all inclusive” hotel complexes, prices range from 300 to 1000 liras per day for a double room.
- Ardisia De Luxe Resort - a five-star hotel on the second coastline;
- Club Nena - a five-star hotel on the first coastline, 18 km from the city of Side;
- Silence Beach Resort is a large five-star hotel in the village of Kyzylach.
Kitchen Side
The cuisine at the resort is replete with seafood caught from the Mediterranean Sea. However, the city also has many establishments serving European cuisine. Those who want to try various Turkish snacks are recommended to visit the restaurant located in an ancient building - “Ocakbasi”.
Goat's milk ice cream is popular among street vendors, as are Turkish snacks such as kebabs, lahmacun (pizza-like pastries), stuffed mussels and fish sandwiches.
Side is an amazing region with ancient history and incredibly picturesque terrain. Having visited this resort, you will plunge into the atmosphere of ancient times and pamper yourself with relaxation on the magnificent clean beaches. If you are looking for vivid impressions, then the Side resort is just for you. Have an unforgettable holiday!
The Turkish resort of Side, located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, is a small and cozy town with a rich history. It was founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC. The city passed from one conqueror to another, but most of all the Romans worked for its benefit. Today, tourists can admire the architectural sights of the Roman period throughout Side.
Thanks to the hot climate, long coastline, high-quality beaches and developed infrastructure, the resort has long gained popularity among travelers from different countries. There are large all-inclusive hotel complexes, small boutique hotels, apartments and villas - everyone can find accommodation to suit their taste.
The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.
from 500 rubles/day
What to see and where to go in Side?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.
The ancient temple of the Greek god Apollo is the main attraction of Side. It was built in the 2nd century. The structure stood for almost 800 years until the earthquake of the 10th century. Today, the once majestic building lies in ruins - only part of the facade with five columns has survived. The remains of the temple are located on the seashore, they harmoniously fit into the picturesque coastal landscape.
Presumably, the amphitheater was built during the era of Roman rule, when Side was part of a prosperous trading colony. The building has been preserved quite well to this day, despite its considerable age. The stone stands, which could accommodate up to 20 thousand spectators, the stage and the walls have survived many centuries of history. The Side Amphitheater is the best preserved structure of its type in Turkey.
A small archaeological museum with an interesting exhibition containing artifacts from the ancient era (Hellenistic and Roman periods) found during excavations. Archaeologists discovered most of the items in the 20th century. Statues, sarcophagi, reliefs, and elements of city buildings are exhibited here. The collection is housed in three rooms in what used to be Roman baths.
The city walls are the remains of defensive structures from the 2nd century BC. The fortifications are located on the mainland side. That part of them that was located on the side of the bay has not survived to this day. Over the centuries, the walls were destroyed and rebuilt many times, so today they look like a jumble of independent buildings from different eras, consisting of several levels.
The gate is located in the northern part of the city, through which you can enter the historical part of Side. The main street of the ancient colony begins from the arch. The structure was erected in the 1st century in honor of the Roman Emperor Vespasian. It was a grandiose structure, reaching 6 meters in length. Over time, the gate was greatly destroyed, but even now, from what remains of it, one can appreciate the monumentality of Roman architecture.
A three-story structure more than 5 meters high, it adorned the Roman city for many years. Once upon a time, streams of water flowed through the marble niches of the fountain, surrounded by Corinthian columns and ancient statues, shimmering brightly in the rays of the gentle Mediterranean sun. Today, the remnants of former luxury continue to impress viewers and make them plunge headlong into the atmosphere of an ancient era.
One of the important achievements of Roman civilization was a well-functioning water supply system, which ensured the delivery of water to cities using stone aqueducts. These structures stand throughout the Mediterranean, reminiscent of the greatness and progress of a bygone civilization. Side also has its own aqueduct. Its length was about 30 km, of which 13 km were built through tunnels.
A 13th-century bridge on the Köprüçay River, built on the site of an old Roman structure during the time of the Seljuk Turks. The length of the structure is 225 meters, width is 4.5 - 5.7 meters. It consists of five wide stone arches. From the outside, the bridge looks humpbacked, as over time its supports have moved from their original location. Aspendos is on the way to the amphitheater and is worth stopping here to admire the picturesque river banks.
The waterfall is located in the city of the same name, located nearby in Side. It stands in the very center, which suggests that this attraction is not of natural origin. Manavgat is a structure of several stairs and platforms made in the form of ancient ruins. At the very top there is an observation deck from where you can admire the surroundings of the town.
City beaches are divided into two sections: the western (public) zone, located along the promenade, and the eastern, which is distributed between hotels. The first has all the necessary accessible infrastructure, while the second service is provided by a specific hotel. All beaches are covered with coarse golden sand, have convenient access to the water and are perfectly equipped for a comfortable stay.
The city of Side in Turkey is one big attraction. Locals and tourists walk along the streets paved two thousand years ago, between ancient columns, arches and aqueducts... And everything is free! After all, modern Side fits perfectly into ancient Side, and they don’t charge money to enter the city. But even in this museum city there are special places. Let's highlight the main attractions of Side.
Sights of Side: photos, map, how to get there yourself
The main attractions of Side: contents of the article
The city of Side in Turkey: a brief historical background
Before describing the sights of Side, let's briefly talk about the rich history of this amazing place. The city on this narrow peninsula in the Mediterranean was founded by Greek settlers in the 7th century BC. True, before them there was a small village called Side, which means “pomegranate” in the Aboriginal dialect. Over time, Side became the most important port in the area, which did not prevent it from surrendering to Alexander the Great without a fight in 334 BC. e. Two hundred years later, Side became part of the Roman Empire and, as part of it, became a major center of entertainment and trade. Here was the largest slave market. Side later became part of Byzantium, but in the 7th century, due to devastating earthquakes and Arab raids, people left the city.
Only at the end of the 19th century did residents return to the streets of the city - it was settled by Turkish immigrants from Crete. Gradually, Side again became a center of entertainment - but in the modern sense of the word. I am sure many of you, dear readers, had the opportunity to relax in this wonderful open-air museum!
We also spent several days here and stayed in an excellent and inexpensive hotel Sayanora Park. But the generous gifts of the all-inclusive system did not prevent us from seeing and appreciating the main attractions of Side! Which we will tell you about now.
Side Amphitheater
Perhaps, The main attraction of Side is the ancient amphitheater. It is considered the largest surviving amphitheater in Turkey: at one time it could accommodate up to 20 thousand spectators. Built in the 2nd century AD. By the way, on the stage of the theater there were not only comedies and tragedies, but also gladiator fights, and also battles between people and animals. In Byzantine times, the theater building was also used as a city quarry.
Ticket price: 20 liras.
In ancient Rome, the theater began not with a hanger, but with a room under the stands. And only then the real hanging began!
Sights of Side: The local ancient theater is the largest surviving one in Turkey.
20 thousand spectators were placed on all tiers of the theater, including the top (entrance to it is now closed).
Since ancient times, a photo shoot at the ruins has been a favorite pastime for the residents of Side.
Ancient theater in Side: after several centuries of raids and earthquakes, the stage was poorly preserved.
However, some images, carvings and other details are clearly visible.
Fountain Nymphaeum
The Nymphaeum Fountain is located just on the way from the bus station or from many hotels to the Old Town of Side. Built in the 2nd century AD. It used to be three-story and very beautiful: marble, elegant statues, frescoes... Now there are only two floors left. Or rather, one and a half. But the building was still preserved relatively well.
By the way, the fragments with rather interesting carvings, piled up in front of the fountain, are its parts that broke off due to earthquakes.
Entry price: free.
Nymphaeum Fountain in Side: what it looks like now and what it was like almost two millennia ago.
Side attractions: the Nymphaeum fountain is the first thing that will greet you on the way from the hotel to the Old Town.
Gate of Vespasian
This triumphal arch impressed us even more than other attractions in Side. The tall (about 6 meters!) gate was built in the 1st century AD in honor of the Roman Emperor Vespasian. According to legend, the emperor gave the architects the task of creating the Arc de Triomphe with the expectation that in 2000 years a double-decker tourist bus would pass freely under it. So now tourists and cars scurry under it, seeming like ants against the backdrop of the gate. In the niches of the wall next to the gate there used to be statues of noble citizens and, in fact, the emperor (now the monument to Vespasian is kept in Berlin).
Entry price: free.
Sights of Side, Türkiye. Vespasian's Gate: front view...
...and the rear view.
Temple of Apollo
You will see photos of this particular Side attraction on most tourist brochures and advertising posters. However, all that remains of the majestic building of the Temple of Apollo in Side are five columns. Moreover, it seems that they appeared here not without the participation of modern technical means))) And in the 2nd century, when this temple was built, it was a large rectangular building surrounded by 34 columns nine meters high. The Temple of Apollo in Side was destroyed by an earthquake in the 10th century.
Entry price: free.
Sights of Side, Türkiye. The canonical photo of the Temple of Apollo, which is in the album of any tourist who has visited this city.
Take the time to return to the Temple of Apollo at sunset, like we did. You'll have to go through a gauntlet of annoying waiters, but you'll get this as a reward!
Side Ancient Art Museum
Not all Side attractions are open-air. Many interesting exhibits found during excavations in the city of Side are located in the local historical museum.
The Side Museum is located near the Vespasian Gate in a perfectly preserved 5th-century Roman bathhouse. The museum has several rooms divided by theme. And of course, a cozy courtyard with peacocks and the inevitable Turkish cats. By the way, you can take pictures in the museum freely.
Ticket price: 10 liras.
The entrance to the Side Museum is located at the very Vespasian Gate.
Side attractions on the city map
Popular hotels in Side
Many of Side's attractions are located close to the hotels. Therefore, the location of the hotel is not so important - the main thing is to pay attention that the reservation system shows you the hotel in Side, and not somewhere on the outskirts or in neighboring Manavgat, located far from the sea. Food in restaurants in Side is expensive, so we recommend staying in either all-inclusive hotels or self-catering apartments. You can book a hotel in Side using many booking systems:
Friends, what sights of Side do you remember? We are waiting for your feedback! And don’t forget: we send our readers only the most interesting things!
If you are traveling to Side, Antalya, Alanya or Kemer, we can recommend a trusted travel agency, whose services we ourselves use when we come to Turkey. They have good programs, low prices and excellent guides. We have already recommended this company to friends and readers and everyone was satisfied. If interested, write to us on WhatsApp/Viber +79166440605, we will send you contact information. The guys will help you make a vacation plan, send you a price list and answer your questions.
Side (Türkiye) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Side with descriptions, guides and maps.
Side city (Türkiye)
During the Roman period, Side reached its greatest prosperity. In the 1st century BC. The city was captured by pirates, who made it their base and center of the slave trade. In 67 BC. e. Roman troops under the command of Pompey dealt with the pirates. Although the slave market still remained.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Side became part of the Byzantine Empire. In the 7th century, the Arabs captured and burned the city. By the 8th century, Side was abandoned. In the 10th century, a strong earthquake significantly damaged the ancient buildings. Back in the first half of the 20th century there was a small fishing village here. Everything changed in the 60s of the 20th century, when ancient ruins were excavated. Side has become a popular holiday destination and an open-air museum.
How to get there
The nearest airport is located in Antalya. In order to get to Side by bus, you first need to get to the bus station in the city of Manavgat. Then you can take minibuses (dolmuş) from the center of Manavgat or bus 143T. Side is conveniently located 2 km from the main Turkish Mediterranean highway.
Shopping and purchases
In ancient Side, in addition to hotels and ruins, there are a huge number of shops offering souvenirs, sweets, traditional Turkish goods, and a huge selection of clothes and shoes. You definitely need to bargain, as the price of the goods is usually significantly inflated. Most traders are real polyglots and understand Russian. The cost of the product can be safely reduced by half at once in order to get a better price when bargaining. Euros and dollars are easily accepted for payment here.
Since Side is a popular resort, for bargain shopping it is better to visit the Manavgat market or shopping center.
Food and drink
Side is popular among tourists from Germany, England, and Scandinavia, so the cost of a check in a restaurant here is higher than the average in Antalya. For food, we recommend trying fish and seafood. If you move away from the ancient city you can save a lot.
Attractions
The main attraction of Side is the ancient city, which is pedestrian. Here, among the hotels and shops, the ruins of ancient fortifications, columns and buildings are scattered. The most famous buildings of ancient Side: the theater, the temple of Athena and Apollo, agora, Vespasian's gate.
The ancient city was surrounded by fortress walls. The construction of city fortifications began in the 2nd century BC. Most of them are preserved in the eastern part of Side. On the bay side, the defensive structures did not stand the test of time. Here in the sea and on the shore you can see fragments of ancient walls and columns.
The theater is a grandiose building of Antiquity, which was the largest among similar buildings in ancient Pamphylia. It accommodated more than 15,000 spectators and had 49 rows of seats. Reliefs on the walls have been preserved to this day. Although some of the columns have collapsed, the theater is a remarkable example of Roman architecture that is still in use today.
Temple of Apollo and Athena The Temple of Apollo and Athena is one of the symbols of Side. These ancient buildings were erected in the 2nd century AD and are located near the sea at the top of the peninsula. To this day, parts of the columns and facade remain from the temple. If you wander around the area, you can see several interesting ruins.
The Vespasian Gate is an arched gate in the northern part of the ancient city, built in the 1st century AD. in honor of the arrival of the Roman Emperor Vespasian. Unfortunately, the ancient building was quite destroyed, but even now it amazes with its monumentality.
The Agora is an impressive Roman complex that was the center of ancient Side. Here you can see the remains of a colonnaded street, ancient buildings and a fountain that decorated the Roman city. To the east are the city walls and early Christian Byzantine structures.
Not far from Side are the romantic ruins of ancient Seleucia. The remains of ancient buildings are scattered in a picturesque pine forest.
Interestingly, little is known about Seleucia. Some scientists believe that this is the city of Lyrba. During excavations, baths, a well-preserved agora with storage rooms and colonnades, and a Byzantine church were discovered here. On the way here you can see the Roman aqueduct that used to supply water to Side.
All the most interesting archaeological finds are kept in the local museum.
Side is a fairly popular and lively resort on the Mediterranean coast, which is comfortably located 75 km from Antalya. "Side" translated into Russian means "pomegranate". According to one version, the city received this name in honor of the goddess Artemis. Despite the considerable distance from major ports, the infrastructure is quite well developed in the Description of the resort, hotel prices and a lot of other useful information you can find out below.
Climate Features
This resort is characterized by a Mediterranean climate. Summers in the region are hot and fairly dry, while winters are mild, rainy and cool. The most significant amounts of precipitation occur in December and January. The temperature of the winter months is +14-16, rarely drops below +10. In summer, the air temperature reaches more than 30, while the water warms up to +25. The most comfortable time for a holiday in Side is from May to October; it is at this time that, as a rule, the weather is cloudless, hot and windless.
Side Resorts
Tourists have the opportunity to relax in the following tourist centers: Manavgat, Kumkey, Side, Sogun, Kyzylach, Cholakry, Titreyengel, Evrenseki. To explore this region in detail, you will need a resort map.
Local beaches
The nature of the resort is the majestic Taurus Mountains, which smoothly turn into sandy golden beaches. There is very little vegetation in this area, but from year to year Side becomes greener and more comfortable thanks to the efforts of volunteers who plant the city with trees and flowers.
The most famous natural attraction is considered to be. It reaches 2 meters in height and 40 m in width. A picturesque waterfall rapidly falls straight into the river.
The gentle Mediterranean Sea is what attracts Türkiye so much. You can see photos of the beaches that stretch along the old city below. During the high season, the coast is literally crowded with tourists. There are two main beaches in the city: western and eastern. They have been awarded the Blue Flag. The entrance to the sea here is quite gentle and comfortable. There are usually fewer people on the eastern beach, since the western beach offers a large number of water activities: sailing, diving, boat excursions, snorkeling. 3 km from the city there is a secluded bay with azure water and golden sand. Here you can retire from the huge flow of holidaymakers.
Historical landmarks
The resort of Side (Türkiye) is, without exaggeration, an open-air museum and the most important archaeological zone in the country. Here, for example, a market square has been preserved since antiquity, where not only various goods were sold, but also slaves.
The pearl of Side is the ancient amphitheater, which was founded in the 2nd century. In those days, the theater could accommodate up to 15 thousand people, and gladiator fights were often held here. During the period from the 5th to the 6th centuries, this building was used as a church. Nowadays, various festivals are periodically held there.
We continue to explore the amazing city of Side (Türkiye). The description of the resort would be incomplete if we did not remember the Temple of Apollo, which was built in the 2nd century. The temple had a rectangular shape, and on all sides it was surrounded by a colonnade in one row. True, only 5 columns survived, since the temple was severely damaged during an earthquake that occurred in the 10th century.
This resort is also famous because, according to legend, it was here that Cleopatra had a romantic date. Since then, Side has been very popular among couples in love.
Amazing places in the surrounding area
Not only the resort of Side in Turkey (the photos of which are simply mesmerizing), but also its surroundings can boast of unique architectural objects. You can visit the ancient ruins of Perge; in Budzhakshikhla there are the ruins of a mausoleum, theater, agora, church, Roman baths, and temple. The Altynbeshik Cave National Park, which is located north of Manavgat, is very popular.
Türkiye, Side resort: hotels
Ardisia De Luxe Resort 5*. This hotel is located on the second line, the hotel area is 50,000 sq. m. m. There are 219 standard rooms, 6 rooms for disabled people, 280 one-room, 215 two-room, 8 three-room and 8 luxury.
The rooms have everything you need: air conditioning, hairdryer, minibar, safe, telephone, etc. On the territory of Ardisia De Luxe there are 4 restaurants (Chinese, fish, Italian and Ottoman), 10 bars, a disco, a Turkish cafe, 6 outdoor swimming pools, 14 conference rooms, indoor pool, spa center, cinema, dry cleaning, hairdresser, 4 water slides, car rental, currency exchange.
For children, the complex has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a mini club, a nanny, and a children's buffet. There is plenty of entertainment on the territory of Ardisia De Luxe: gym, sauna, 2 tennis courts, aerobics, mini golf, bowling. The beach is 350 meters away and can be reached through an underground passage.
Club Nena 5*. It is located right on the seashore 18 km from Side. The hotel offers 9 two-story cottages (Block C) and 2 cottages (Block B) - a total of 336 rooms. There are also 5 rooms for disabled people.
The room has: air conditioning, coffee table, chairs, cot, minibar, bathroom, satellite TV, balcony, hairdryer, etc. There is a restaurant for 850 people, 7 bars, Turkish cafe, indoor pool, separate pool for children, water park with two slides.
Let's continue our tour of hotels in Side (Türkiye). The description of the resort can be supplemented with another hotel - Club Voyage Sorgun Select HV-1. It is located on the first line. The distance from the hotel to the center of Side is 3 km. Description: 58 two-story and 4 three-story cottages, a total of 366 rooms. The hotel was opened in 1986, in 2001 the hotel was completely renovated. Club Voyage is open from March to November.
The rooms have: sofa, balcony, safe (paid service), bathroom, telephone, hairdryer. On the territory there is a restaurant for 680 people, 5 bars, 3 outdoor swimming pools, a water park with one slide, 2 children's pools, and a disco. Italian and Turkish cuisines are available. There is also a buffet. The hotel has its own beach, its length is 500 meters.
Kaya Side 5*. There are 227 rooms in the main four-story building, and 108 rooms in the three-story cottages. The hotel has a restaurant for 408 people, 3 bars, an outdoor swimming pool with a jacuzzi, a swimming pool with slides, a fresh water swimming pool (indoor), a conference room for 300 people, a disco, a tennis court, an Internet cafe, a children's playground, table tennis, shopping center, etc. Has its own small pebble beach (350 m).
Silence Beach Resort 5*. The hotel consists of a main seven-story building (676 rooms) and two-story cottages (229 rooms). All conditions are provided for disabled people and non-smokers. The main building has 541 standard rooms with garden or sea views. The hotel has a restaurant for 1000 people, an outdoor fresh water pool, a pool with slides, heated pools, a water park, 8 conference rooms, etc. Meals: Italian and Turkish cuisines are offered. There is a buffet. The hotel has its own sandy beach.
Side - a resort for the whole family
Even the youngest tourists can go to this resort. All conditions are provided for children here. And sandy beaches with a convenient descent are also perfectly suited for swimming children. The following villages are perfect for spending quality time: Sogun, Kizilot, Kyzylach and Titreyengel.
When choosing a hotel, it is better to give preference to large hotels of well-known chains; here, the children's infrastructure is usually quite well developed. Many resorts in Side can offer such hotels. 5 stars, however, will not be cheap. Therefore, if you are on a limited budget, you can stay in economy class hotels. Among them there are also many decent options with good service.
Recreation for the young and energetic
If you take an interest in the reviews of tourists, you can be sure that young people in Side will also not be bored. The restaurants and nightclubs that dot this resort region await you from dusk to dawn. You also have the opportunity to visit local markets and buy something to remember your vacation in numerous souvenir shops.
Are you determined to go to Side (Türkiye)? The description of the resort most likely convinced many to give preference to this place. The city's rich history, magnificent azure sea water, and picturesque landscapes attract hundreds of tourists every year. Finally, let's talk a little about the financial side of the issue. Of course, it all depends on many factors: the class of the hotel, the season, etc., but with the most approximate calculations for a vacation, you will have to pay from 25,000 rubles per person.
Let's go on a trip
Türkiye is beautiful in its own way in any season. Photos of beaches, lush vegetation, and historical landmarks will undoubtedly interest you. Side gladly welcomes everyone and guarantees that your vacation will be very interesting and eventful.
