Side is a popular Turkish resort on the Mediterranean Sea. The first hotels appeared here in the 80s of the last century. Before that, a small handful of fishermen lived here, going out to sea every day in the hope of a catch that would feed their families. Now former fishermen and their children are engaged in the tourist business. And the city itself has changed significantly since then, only its historical part, designed by the ancient Romans, has remained the same. It is there that tourists who are interested in where to go in Side are sent in the first place.
The resort is very well located: about 80 km separates it from the capital of the Turkish Riviera – the city of Antalya with an international airport. Side is ideal for family vacations and romantic vacations. There are many young people here, who are attracted by the lively nightlife and excellent conditions for practicing various sports, and older travelers who want to see the local attractions.
Side beaches
Side is a sea resort with long beaches, which are a kind of business card of this place.
There are two beaches within the city. The eastern beach is located further from the center, and therefore is quieter and calmer. As in many other resorts in Turkey, the coast in Side is divided among beach clubs. They charge about $2.50 for renting a sunbed, but if a tourist dines at a beach restaurant, the cost of renting a sunbed is included in the check. If the traveler is not attracted by beach clubs, then he can always find a municipal section of the beach, where he does not need to pay for his stay near the sea.
The West Beach of Side is longer than the East Beach. It is chosen for families with small children, as it is considered one of the best beaches for children on the southern coast of the country. There are also beach restaurants with private areas with sunbeds. A boardwalk is laid along the beach, which reaches the village of Kumkei . It is convenient for morning jogs.
In the neighborhood of Side, there are small resort villages, the beaches of which are also worth exploring. To the west of the city is the town of Cholakly , the beaches of which are covered with golden sand and are distinguished by a smooth descent into the sea. The entire coastal zone is built up with hotels focused on family vacations. If you are on vacation with a child, choose from Side for a day in Colakli.
On the eastern side, the village farthest from Side is Kyzylagach , surrounded by pine groves and shady gardens. Lovers of silence go here: there are no discos and night clubs here. Some areas on the coast are covered with fine sand. Pebble beaches can be seen nearby. There are sometimes large stones near the shore, which can be dangerous for small children.
Ancient sights of Side
The entire historic center of Side can be called an open-air museum. Almost all local attractions were created during the Roman Empire . These include:
- The commercial agora is one of the two ancient agoras, i.e. shopping areas, on the territory of Side. In the first two centuries AD, slaves were sold here. Only fragments of the ancient building have survived. In the center of the square, the foundation of the temple dedicated to the goddess Tyuhe survived , a little to the side you can see a building decorated with marble – a toilet designed for 24 people. Already in those days, sewerage was laid to it. The gate leading to the agora and part of the colonnade that surrounded it have also been preserved.
- The Roman amphitheater , which in the II century replaced a similar structure of the Greeks. The arena for gladiator fights was surrounded by 51 rows for spectators. Part of them was created on the slope of the hill, and part was raised above the ground and supported by special stone supports. The amphitheater served for two centuries, and then became a quarry for local residents.
- Temple of Apollo . Images of the remains of this building are reproduced on souvenir products. From the temple of Apollo, dated to the middle of the II century. to n. e., only five high columns standing on the seashore remained.
- City walls and Side was protected from the attack of pirates by a system of fortifications consisting of a ring of high walls and several gates through which you could enter the city. Only one gate (Eastern) and walls that surrounded the city from the east and north have been preserved to this day. Part of the defense system, which is called Hellenistic , dates back to the III-II centuries BC. The walls of Philip Atius (a rich citizen who sponsored the construction of the fortification) appeared in the IV century AD. is.
- Port baths , or rather, what is left of them, were built in the II century in the port and were intended for bathing all guests of the city. Thus, the authorities of Side tried to protect the city from epidemics. The inside of the monument is currently not allowed.
A trip outside the city
There are several interesting places in the vicinity of Side that are worth visiting on your own or as part of a tour. Among them is the Manavgat waterfall – not very high, falling from ledges of 2-3 meters, but quite picturesque. It appeared after the construction of a local dam. It looks especially beautiful from the water, from the side of the reservoir, behind which pleasure yachts slide. Manavgat Waterfall is a tourist attraction, for which a small fee is now charged. Cafes and restaurants are open near the observation decks, where you can relax before continuing your journey around the Side district. From the waterfall, you can reach the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Seleucia , located 15 km northeast of Side and 1 km from the village of Bukaksils. It was built on a hill. Part of the city, long ago destroyed by time, is located in a pine forest.
Currently, travelers can see the remains of a market square, a gate, a tomb, thermae, a necropolis and a couple of temples. Due to its remote location, Seleucia did not become the prey of local builders, so archaeologists managed to find here fragments of ancient columns and large stones used for flour production.
Fans of boating and rafting can visit the Green Canyon – a 14 km long reservoir fed by water from more than two dozen mountain sources. The most beautiful view of the narrow rushing river opens from the observation deck. The Green Canyon appeared in the Taurus Mountains after the construction of the dam in 1977 and has since become a favorite recreation spot for residents and guests of Side.
Entertainment for children in Side
Children who have already managed to explore all the surroundings of their hotels will be able to have a pleasant time in the water park “Ali Bey Club Park” . This water amusement park is built at the hotel under the same name and is open to everyone. Slides and attractions occupy an area of 25,000 square meters. m. For children, a separate shallow pool has been created, decorated with a huge model of a pirate brigantine, to which access is open. The little ones splash around in the pool with cute little fountains.
Many hotels have small pools with slides and other water activities. It is better to ask questions about their availability in advance, before booking a room.
On the territory of Side there is also a wonderful dinosaur park with life-size interactive figures of ancient foot-and-mouth disease. The figures can wag their tails and let out menacing roars. Here you can see several dinosaur skeletons. An exhibition of sand sculptures is located in front of the park.
Older children will be interested in visiting the Side Museum of Ancient Art . In the middle of the last century, Side became the center of attention of archaeologists all over the world: large-scale excavations took place here, as a result of which many amazing artifacts were discovered. It was decided to show them to the general public, for which a museum was urgently organized. The exposition was placed in the premises of the ancient thermal baths. In the museum you can see ancient dishes, coins, bulky sarcophagi, mosaics and much more. Remains of columns and decorative elements of ancient buildings are located in the courtyard of the museum.
Note to gourmets
In Side, there are enough places where you can have a delicious and inexpensive snack or even arrange a real feast for your stomach. Gourmets should definitely visit the “Ocakbasi” restaurant – according to some culinary critics, it is the best in the city. It is owned by two cheerful brothers who are always happy to receive their guests. You can dine in the fresh air under the shady trees next to the beautiful mosque. On summer evenings, noisy companies gather here, so if you don’t want to be in the middle of spontaneous fun, come here earlier – before 19:30. Try lamb dishes and baked vegetables. Stuffed peppers are also beyond praise!
The terrace of the excellent fish restaurant “Soundwaves Restaurant” , located at the “Beach House Hotel”, is ideal for romantic natures who prefer to taste wine with a view of the sea, into which the moon looks. More down-to-earth tourists order a cold beer, accompanied by swordfish kebabs.
There are also such public catering points in Side that only local residents and especially curious tourists know about. On the main street of Side, Liman Caddesi, there is a modest and unremarkable “Aspara Kebab House” , which serves chic kebabs. Here you can order a wonderful lunch for a reasonable price.
Across the street from the restaurant “Meşhur49 Pide Kebap Salonu” , which is famous for its large portions, low prices and the fact that it is mainly Turkish, there is a wonderful coffee shop “Petek Pastanesi Coffee House” . Here they serve strong tea, coffee, as well as delicious oriental sweets.
In the cosmopolitan bar-restaurant “Karma”, the emphasis is on meat dishes of international cuisine. You can settle down with a huge portion in a beautifully decorated garden.