Side is a popular resort in Turkey on the Mediterranean Sea. The first hotels appeared here in the 80s of the last century. Before that, a small group of fishermen lived here, going out to sea every day in the hope of a catch that could feed their families. Now former fishermen and their children are engaged in the tourism business. And the city itself has changed significantly since then, only its historical part, designed by the ancient Romans, has remained the same. This is where tourists who are interested in where to go in Side are first sent.

The resort is very well located: about 80 km separate it from the capital of the Turkish Riviera – the city of Antalya with an international airport. Side is ideal for a family holiday and a romantic getaway. There are many young people here, attracted by the vibrant nightlife and excellent conditions for various sports, and older travelers who want to see the local attractions.

Side Beaches

Side is a seaside resort with long beaches, which are a kind of business cards of this place.

There are two beaches within the city limits. East 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 between beach clubs. They charge about $2.50 for renting a sunbed, but if a tourist has lunch at a beach restaurant, the cost of renting a sunbed is included in the check. If a traveler is not attracted by beach clubs, he can always find a municipal section of the beach where he does not need to pay for his stay by the sea.

West Beach Side is longer than East Beach. It is chosen for families with small children, as it is considered one of the best beaches for kids 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 Kumkoy village. It is convenient to go for morning runs.

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 Cholakli, whose beaches are covered with golden sand and are distinguished by a gentle descent into the sea. The entire coastal area is built up with hotels focused on family vacations. If you are vacationing with a child, choose from Side for a day in Colakli.

On the eastern side, the most remote village from Side is Kizilagac, surrounded by pine groves and shady gardens. Lovers of silence come here: there are no discos and nightclubs here. Some areas on the coast are covered with fine sand. Nearby you can also see pebble beaches. Large stones are sometimes found near the shore, which can be dangerous for small children.

Ancient monuments of Side

The entire historical center of Side can be called an open-air museum. Almost all local monuments were created during the Roman Empire. These include:

  • Commercial Agora – one of two ancient agoras, that is, trading areas, in the territory of Side. In the first two centuries AD, slaves were sold here. Only fragments of the ancient structure have survived. In the center of the square, the foundation of the temple dedicated to the goddess Tyche has survived, a little to the side you can see a structure decorated with marble – a toilet designed for 24 people. Already in those days, a sewage system was laid to it. The gates leading to the agora and part of the colonnade that surrounded it have also been preserved.
  • The Roman amphitheater, which replaced a similar structure of the Greeks in the 2nd century. The arena for gladiatorial fights was surrounded by 51 rows of spectators. Some of them were created on the hillside, and some were raised above the ground and supported by special stone supports. The amphitheater served for two centuries, and then became a quarry for local residents.
  • The Temple of Apollo. Images of the remains of this structure are reproduced on souvenir products. From the Temple of Apollo, dating back to the middle of the 2nd century BC, only five tall columns standing on the seashore remain.
  • City walls. Side was protected from pirate attacks by a system of fortifications consisting of a ring of high walls and several gates through which it was possible to enter the city. To this day, only one gate (Eastern) and the walls that surrounded the city from the east and north have survived. Part of the defense system, called Hellenistic, dates back to the 3rd-2nd centuries BC. e. The Walls of Philip Atius (this is a rich citizen who sponsored the construction of the fortification) appeared in the 4th century AD. e.
  • The Port Baths, or rather, what remains of them, were built in the 2nd century in the port and were intended for washing all guests of the city. Thus, the Side authorities tried to protect the city from epidemics. Currently, the monument is not allowed inside.

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. These include the Manavgat Waterfall – not very high, falling from 2-3 meter ledges, 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 glide. 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, it is within easy reach of the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Seleucia, located 15 km northeast of Side and 1 km from the village of Bukakşehir. 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, baths, a necropolis and a couple of temples. Due to its remote location, Seleucia did not become a prey to local builders, so archaeologists managed to find fragments of ancient columns and large stones used for flour production here.

Fans of boat and raft descents can visit the Green Canyon – a reservoir stretched for 14 km and fed by water from more than two dozen mountain springs. The most beautiful view of the narrow, turbulent river opens from the observation deck. The green canyon appeared in the Taurus Mountains after the construction of a dam in 1977 and has since become a favorite vacation spot for residents and guests of Side.

Entertainment for children in Side

Children who have already explored all the surroundings of their hotels will be able to have a good time in the Ali Bey Club Park water park. This water amusement park is built at the hotel of the same name and is open to everyone. The slides and attractions occupy an area of ​​25 thousand square meters. m. A separate shallow pool has been created for children, decorated with a huge model of a pirate brigantine, which is open to the public. The smallest ones will splash around in the pool with cute fountains.

Small pools with slides and other water activities are available in many hotels. It is better to ask about their availability in advance, before booking a room.

There is also a wonderful dinosaur park on the territory of Side with interactive life-size figures of ancient ungulates. The figures can wiggle their tails and emit menacing roars. Here you can also see several dinosaur skeletons. In front of the park is an exhibition of sand sculptures.

Older children will be interested in visiting the Museum of Ancient Art of Side. In the middle of the last century, Side was the focus of attention of archaeologists from all over the world: large-scale excavations were carried out 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 exhibition was placed in the premises of the ancient baths. In the museum you can see ancient dishes, coins, bulky sarcophagi, mosaics and much more. The remains of columns and decorative elements of ancient buildings are located in the inner courtyard of the museum.

A note for gourmets

In Side there are enough places where you can have a tasty and inexpensive snack or even arrange a real feast for the stomach. Gourmets should definitely visit Restaurant “Ocakbasi” – according to some culinary critics, the best in the city. It is owned by two cheerful brothers who are always happy to receive their guests. You can dine outdoors under shady trees next to a beautiful mosque. On summer evenings, noisy companies gather here, so if you don’t want to be in the center of spontaneous fun, come here earlier – until 7:30 p.m. Try lamb dishes and baked vegetables. Stuffed peppers are also beyond praise!

The terrace of the excellent Soundwaves Restaurant fish restaurant, located at the Beach House Hotel, is ideal for romantics who prefer to savor wine with a view of the sea, into which the moon is peering. More down-to-earth tourists order cold beer and swordfish kebabs with it.

There are also such catering establishments in Side that only locals and especially curious tourists know about. On the main street of Side, Liman Caddesi, there is a modest and inconspicuous Aspara Kebab House, which serves chic kebabs. Here you can order a wonderful lunch at a reasonable price.

Across the street from the Meşhur49 Pide Kebap Salonu restaurant, famous for its large portions, low prices and the fact that it is mainly visited by Turks, is the wonderful Petek Pastanesi Coffee House. It serves strong tea, coffee, and delicious oriental sweets.

The cosmopolitan Karma Bar-Restaurant focuses on international meat dishes. You can sit down with a huge portion in the beautifully decorated garden.

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