Side is one of the oldest cities on the Anatolian coast. It was founded by Greek colonists in the 7th century BC. e. As usual, at that time the main sources of the city’s income were piracy and slave trade. Relying on these simple, but extremely effective methods of economic development, the city quickly became rich. In the 5th century BC e. here they even started minting their own coin, and this was already a level. The heyday of the city dates back to the II century BC. e. – II century AD it is precisely the monuments of this historical period that have survived to our days. Among them: a beautiful ancient theater that can accommodate up to 20,000 spectators, the city wall, the Agora – the slave market, the ancient Roman baths turned into a museum, the ruins of the temple of the goddess Fortune. Until the 9th century Sideflourished However, during the heyday of the Arab Caliphate, it was plundered by Arab invaders and never again reached its former greatness. Side would have remained a small fishing village if the rapid development of tourism in Turkey had not begun in the 70s of the last century . It was he who turned this sleepy town into a popular resort. But even the development of tourism did not take the city center out of its Greek borders. Now, as many centuries ago, shops, fish restaurants and open-air cafes huddle around the ancient walls, wrapped in ivy and flowers. Side ‘s evening life has become livelier. There are many bars and discotheques in the city, the most famous of which is Oxid, which combines dancing and swimming in pools. Because ofSide is located in the steppe zone of Turkey, the air here is dry. There is no sharp temperature drop during the day, and a light breeze from the sea refreshes you even on hot days.
There are no hotels in the center of Side . All of them are located in the suburbs. Kumkei Bay , closest to the city, has become a favorite place for tourists with children . The entrance to the water here is gentle, the sand is flat and small. Further to the west, 14 km from Side , is the resort area of Cholakla , where solid modern 4-5 * hotels are located on the terracotta sandy beaches. To the east of Side is the resort area of Sorgun , beloved by tourists for its wonderful pine forest, which surrounds excellent hotel-clubs with large territories. The beaches here are spacious, sandy and pebbly. Further to the east, 7 km from the city, is the village of Titreengl, lively, cheerful and democratic, with a large bazaar. Large modern hotels are built both on the first line, and sometimes 500-700 m away from the sea, from where tourists are taken to the beach by buses. The beach here is sandy, surrounded by a pine forest.
Where to live in Side
If you are primarily interested in excursions to the historical monuments of the city, then you can consider many small cozy hotels and boarding houses in the old part of the resort. The price for accommodation is more than modest, and all the main attractions of Side will be within walking distance .
The outskirts of the city are known for luxurious five-star hotels with rich infrastructure, long sandy beaches and interesting architecture. If you plan to stay in the city for a long time, you can rent an apartment . In general, tourists have many options for accommodation: villas, mini-boutique hotels, large hotel complexes. Peak prices are in July and August.
The best hotels for holidays with children in Side
It is quite difficult to please a child. Especially if it concerns an exciting vacation at a famous resort in Turkey. In such cases, many problems arise with the selection of a good, inexpensive hotel, where children would feel free and have the opportunity to have fun.
Ali Bey Park Manavgat HV-1 is considered the most exciting hotel . This is a really unique place, although it is located about 17 km from the center of Side . The first thing that attracts the attention of visitors is a huge area planted with unique types of bushes, trees, and flowers. There are many fountains for small children, where you can splash, as well as cozy places with benches, where you can simply rest while the kids have fun.
A huge water park attracts the attention of children. Both adults and very young children can have an interesting time there. Adults can ride on the steepest and highest slide, play in children’s machines, go to the amusement park, swim in a huge pool. For small children, there are constantly working animators, equipped playgrounds, special attractions and miniature slides. In the middle of the entertainment area is a real pirate ship, where your pets can feel like pirates.
The owners took care of comfortable rest for children and built a children’s tennis club. It is the largest in the country. There are special playgrounds for children where they can train. The hotel has its own beach, which is always clean and cozy. But you should be careful when swimming, because the sea there is quite deep. Delicious food will delight little tourists. Local chefs prepare special dietary and children’s tables. Yes, the choice will be huge.
The five-star hotel Ali Bey Resort Side will be another place for an exciting vacation for children . It is located near Side , occupies a very large area, on which pine trees grow, flowers of incredible beauty bloom. There are rooms made by designers for children’s rest (a sophisticated bed in the form of a car or a princess’s house).
The entire territory is divided into recreation areas. On one, the tiny children themselves have fun, there is a small pool, a sand pond with toys, small slides and swings. For adult vacationers, there are water cannons, unusual tunnels and structures. The water park and children’s club with animators will appeal to your children the most. Food is also designed for children, they will like the huge selection of the most delicious ice cream the most.
A few kilometers from the city, the Blue Waters Club and Resort HV-1 is located . You can rent a modest room there, or you can stay in small houses. Nature on the territory of the hotel also delights with its beauty and incredible pine aroma. Paths are laid out along the entire perimeter of the hotel and special rest areas are arranged. For children there are several large pools, water slides, attractions and swings. Even on the beach there is a playground covered with a canopy. You can be calm, the scorching sun will not interfere with your rest. Animators involve children in joint sports. There is also a small zoo where chickens, peacocks, sheep, and rabbits live. They are allowed to feed and touch them. The menu for feeding a child is diverse. If necessary, the hotel staff can provide high chairs, pots, and bathtubs.
Beaches
The resort town of Side offers vacationers two huge beaches occupying the eastern and western parts of the cape. Resting on them differs in a number of features, but both have extensive shallow water, which makes them safe for children’s swimming. Both beaches have all the necessary infrastructure for tourists: deck chairs, sun umbrellas, cafes, bars, rentals, entertainment.
The western beaches of Side are a noisy, cheerful, crowded place for recreation for young people, families with children, people who love water activities and sports. Here you can have fun on various water attractions, go parasailing, windsurfing, go water skiing or on a yacht. This resort area of Side is distinguished by a more developed infrastructure, as well as the fact that numerous hotels are concentrated here. The beach of the western zone covers a very small snow-white sand. The entrance to the water is gentle, it is flat without pits and stones. In the evening, bars, casinos, clubs, restaurants and discotheques operate directly on the beach, and the most popular of them is “Oxyde” , there is a huge pool where young people who are passionate about dancing love to jump.
The eastern beaches of Side are quieter, secluded and calm, family tourists love to relax on them. The beach here is also covered with white sand, the entrance to the water is gentle and uneven. A huge advantage of vacationing on the beaches of Eastern Cape Side is that the sandy strip is surrounded by charming citrus orchards and cotton fields. Behind you will be mountains, the slopes of which are covered with pine trees. There are many good hotels with green areas along the coast, and many ancient ruins are also concentrated here.
The best restaurants in Side
Restaurant “Chilis Original Mexican” (Side)
The Chilis Original Mexican restaurant is located on the embankment in the resort town of Side . Visitors to the establishment have the opportunity to try the famous dishes of Mexican cuisine, to taste national specialties.
The restaurant is ideal for celebrating birthdays and corporate parties. A picturesque panoramic view, high-class service and exquisite dishes will not leave indifferent even the most hardened critic.
Restaurant “Flora Garden Beach” (Side)
The “Flora Garden Beach” restaurant is located in the city of Side among lush vegetation, which provides coolness to its visitors even on the hottest summer day. The restaurant’s menu includes dishes from Turkish and European cuisine. The wine list consists of a wide range of strong and cold drinks.
Restaurant “AtlAntik” (Side)
Restaurant “AtlAntik” is located in a picturesque place of the city of Side on the promenade of the resort. The restaurant has two areas: a closed hall and an open terrace with a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea.
The menu of the institution is presented exclusively with Turkish cuisine.
Restaurant “Ottoman” (Side)
Restaurant “Ottoman” is an ideal place for a quiet family dinner. The restaurant is famous for its Mexican and Turkish cuisine.
The restaurant has 40 seats. The interior of the institution is made in a modern style with the use of national decorative elements.
Restaurant “Koreli” (Side)
Restaurant “Koreli” is located in the resort part of the city of Side . The establishment offers its visitors to taste the best dishes of Turkish cuisine, as well as freshly brewed coffee and oriental sweets.
An entertainment show program with the participation of local stars is held every evening for the guests of the institution.
Restaurant “Moonlight” (Side)
Moonlight Restaurant is the perfect place for a romantic evening by candlelight. The interior is made in an elegant oriental style with the addition of local flavor.
The restaurant’s menu consists of European and Turkish cuisine, as well as a large selection of cold and strong drinks.
Restaurant “Soundwaves” (Side)
Restaurant “Soundwaves” is located on the embankment of the resort town of Side . The facility offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea. The restaurant menu is represented by a wide range of cuisines: vegetarian, Turkish, Mediterranean and European.
The restaurant has 40 seats. The interior is made in a tropical style. Wireless internet is available in the restaurant for the convenience of visitors.
Restaurant “Sultan Ay Restaurant” (Side)
Restaurant “Sultan Ay Restaurant” is located in the resort part of the resort city of Side . The menu of the institution is represented by Mediterranean cuisine.
The restaurant is ideal for family vacations and romantic meetings. Every visitor to the establishment can try to perform their favorite song in the restaurant’s karaoke. Entertainment programs are held in the restaurant every day.
The menu is not diverse, but in principle there is everything you could wish for: snacks, meat dishes, seafood dishes, a large selection of sweets and drinks. Prices are low, many vacationers can quite afford dinner in such a restaurant. The service is tolerable, although the waiters practically do not speak foreign languages.
Restaurant “Aphrodite” (Side)
Restaurant “Aphrodite” is located in the central part of the resort town of Side . The menu of the institution is represented by a large assortment of meat and fish dishes, snacks and locally produced alcoholic beverages.
The establishment respects every client, so only professionals work here. Calm background music plays inside the restaurant, which is a good addition to a romantic evening.
Bar “Surf” (Side)
Bar “Surf” is located in the coastal area of Side . The walls of the bar combine both a small cafe with excellent cuisine and a fun night bar where more young people gather. Visitors can taste natural Turkish coffee, dishes of national cuisine and excellent hookah.
Bar “Surf” has at its disposal a closed hall and an open terrace located on the roof of the establishment. Wireless internet is available in the bar for the convenience of visitors.
Sights of Side
A large number of historical, architectural and natural monuments are concentrated in the resort town of Side and its surroundings. Many years ago, Side received the unofficial name “open-air museum”. In the perimeter of the city are the ruins of ancient cities, which arouse the interest of many tourists and vacationers.
Temple of Apollo in Side
The Temple of Apollo is located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in the resort town of Side . The building was erected in the 2nd century AD. Since ancient times, Apollo was considered the patron of science, medicine, all travelers and seafarers, he possessed the power that could cleanse people who had committed great sins.
The temple of Apollo is located opposite the temple of Artemis . The ancient building is a rectangle, the dimensions of which were 30×17 meters. The perimeter of the temple building was surrounded by columns, the height of which reached 8.9 meters. At the top of the columns were parapets built in the ancient Greek style. The entire building was finished in white marble.
Currently, tourists can see only a part of the surviving columns, which have been restored to their original appearance. Thousands of tourists visit the Temple of Apollo every year. The temple acquires its most beautiful appearance during the sunset, when the last rays of the sun touch the white columns of the temple.
Roman Theater in Side
Ancient Roman Theater – This huge, even compared to other similar structures, amphitheater was built in Side in the Roman style in the second century AD and was designed to accommodate twenty thousand spectators. The theater was built on a leveled site, and its seats, encircling the building in an inner circle, were installed on arches attached to the foundation of the building. Entrance was through the galleries, then visitors went up the stairs to their seats. The theater stage, as well as the vault, were decorated with antique statues and elegant tiles. Of course, the decor from those times has practically not been preserved, now we can see only the remains of the former grandeur and luxury: masks that represent Tragedy and Comedy , Medusa-Gorgon heads, which lie in chaotic order on the ancient scene. The Romans, who loved to visit exciting spectacles, regularly went to this amphitheater to taste the bloody fights of gladiators with large predators, as well as to watch amazing sea battles, for the sake of which the stage was filled with water. And so that the audience of the theater felt safe, the stage was surrounded by a one and a half meter wall. From the fifth century, this ancient theater became a Christian temple.
Temple of Artemis in Side
The Temple of Artemis is located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, not far from the Temple of Apollo in the resort town of Side . The ancient building was built in the second century. The Temple of Artemis is larger than the Temple of Apollo, its dimensions are 30×20 meters. The building was built in the Corinthian style, where the walls and floor were decorated with white marble.
The ancient Greek goddess Artemis has long been considered the patroness of all living things on the planet. It was believed that she possessed great power, which helped women in childbirth, protected children, and also eased people’s agonies of death. Artemis personified the Moon, she was worshiped by many residents of Anatolia.
Currently, only a few fragments of the white stone temple have survived, which can be seen by tourists who visit this attraction. The Temple of Artemis has the most impressive view in the west, when the last rays of the sun beautifully reflect the white stone of the structure.
Manavgat waterfall in Side
The beautiful Manavgat Waterfall is one of the most frequented places to visit the Manavgat River – a symbol of Turkey’s fertility. The waterfall itself is located only three kilometers from Side , and every tourist vacationing here is simply obliged to visit this wonderful creation of nature. It is noteworthy that in 2012 the waterfall was visited by about a million foreign tourists.
Manavgat waterfall falls from a height of up to 5 meters. This indicator is not higher than that of another famous Turkish waterfall – Duden, but this does not make Manavgat less popular and respected. It is interesting that the image of this natural wonder can be found on ancient Turkish paper bills of the twentieth century.
Turks like to visit this place no less than tourists. This is connected, firstly, with the unusual beauty and virginity of the local nature, and, secondly, with the extraordinary peace and true pleasure that the Manavgat Waterfall provides. The ringing and rhythmic murmur of water gives joy, peace, and inner strength at the same time.
For tourists who decide to visit this waterfall, a list of fish restaurants on the river bank is provided. The menu includes classic Turkish teahouses, as well as the most sophisticated dishes from the main Turkish product – trout.
Ancient Side
Ancient Side is an ancient settlement located on the small Selimiye peninsula, which is separated from the mainland by a stone wall and a small moat.
On the peninsula you can see a wide street, framed by dilapidated columns, which stretch to the building of the bathhouse. Currently, valuable collections of the archaeological museum are stored in the premises of the Roman baths. All exhibits were discovered during scheduled archaeological excavations. Here you can see ancient sarcophagi, friezes, and frescoes.
Behind the bathhouses begins the main shopping area, which borders the ancient theater, which for centuries was the venue for gladiator fights and performances. Not far from the Roman theater, there are two temples, or rather surviving fragments of once majestic buildings.
Due to the surviving numerous buildings, the resort of Side received the status of a city-museum under the strict protection of the state.
Basilica and Palace of the Bishop of Side
Basilica and Palace of the Bishop of Side– this landmark of the resort town is a vivid example of Byzantine architecture, and is the oldest building of its kind in Turkey. The basilica and the palace date back to the sixth century BC. The basilica is a square building with an altar and seats for worshipers, as well as a baptistery and marble basins in it. Next to the basilica stood the bishop’s palace with vaulted roofs, and between them was the tomb – “martrion”. A small episcopal chapel bordered the palace. This huge complex once surrounded a beautiful garden with an area of almost ten thousand square meters. Of course, the years have taken their toll on this magnificent architectural complex, and now it has practically turned into ruins, however, lovers of culture and art must visit this oldest landmark of the resort Side.
Arched main gate of Side
The arched main gate – it is this gate that leads visitors to the historical part of the city of Side , and the road starting from it is the central street of the ancient settlement. The gate itself, six meters high, was built in the distant seventy-first year BC, in honor of the emperor Vespasian , who ruled here for seven decades. Although today they are dilapidated, it is not difficult to imagine how powerful and convincing the gate looked in those years. Towers stood on both sides of the gate, and from them went walls pierced with arched niches, where statues of important representatives of the city nobility and the emperor himself were placed at the head.
The ancient Alarahan fortress in Side
The ancient Alarahan fortress was located on the outskirts of the city of Side , on top of a mountain. The fortress structure performed a defensive function, protecting the city’s settlements from enemy invasions.
The place for the construction of the Alarakhan fortress was not chosen by chance, it was located on the Great Silk Road. Also, the fortress was a transshipment point for many merchants traveling with their goods. With the decline of trade, Alarahan fortress lost its original strategic role.
The ancient Alarakhan fortress attracts hundreds of tourists not only with its ruins and remaining fragments of individual buildings, but also with the picturesque view that opens from the rocky top of the mountain.
Port bath
Port Bath – ancient baths were built near the port in the third century. The order for their construction was given by the city authorities, because there was a tradition in Side : all guests who arrived in the city by sea, for the purpose of disinfection, were first sent to the bathhouse to wash and only then were they allowed into the city. The ancient port baths are now only fragmentarily preserved as ruins, but it used to be a large structure sixty by forty meters, with four halls and three small rooms, decorated in marble and covered with mosaic tiles. A heating system was hidden under the floor. Years later, two halls were added to the bath, where you could do gymnastic exercises. This attraction is Sidehas a huge historical and archaeological value, that is why these ruins are regularly visited by many tourists.
Monumental fountain Nymphaeum in Side
The monumental stone fountain Nymphaeum decorates the old part of the resort town of Side . Built many centuries ago, around the second century, it was the main monumental decoration seen by people entering through the Central Gate. The stone structure was erected in honor of the great emperor Vespasian and his heir.
The Nymphaeum fountain was a three-story structure, the height of which reached five, and the width was 30 meters. The building was beautifully decorated with marble and statues. Streams of water flowed behind the niches, which flowed to the fountain from the Manavgat River through a special structure – an aqueduct.
Tourists who visited this attraction can see only the surviving two floors of the fountain, columns and some other preserved decorative elements. The most valuable statues and decor elements were moved to the city museum for safekeeping. From the individual fragments that have survived to the present time, you can imagine how large-scale and magnificent this ancient building was. Today, the ancient Nymphaeum fountain is the property of the state and is under its protection.
Columned streets of Side
Colonnade Street is located in the historical part of the resort town of Side . Colonnade Avenue stretches for 250 meters, connecting the Main Gate and the shopping area.
The ancient avenue is decorated with numerous stone columns on both sides. The main path of the road is paved with stone blocks, and a small section of cobblestones is paved with a beautiful mosaic. The avenue begins near the theater, then stretches to the small village of Selimiye, and then leads to the majestic temple of the Moon God – Menu .
Colonnaded streets are a historical monument of the state and are under its protection. A rather unusual architectural solution reminds of the former greatness and power of the Turkish state.
Currently, there are large shops and souvenir shops along the entire length of the colonnaded avenue, which offer high-quality goods at affordable prices.
Fortress walls of Side
The fortress walls of Side, a rich city on the Mediterranean coast, have long attracted pirates here, who like to make a fortune at someone else’s expense. That is why in the second century BC, the city authorities surrounded the whole of Side with a huge fortress wall with observation and defense towers. This wall is well preserved and now, it is true, it is a little worse from the sea, but still it is just strange for such an ancient structure, which has been repeatedly disturbed by earthquakes. The wall extended from the main city gate for six kilometers and covered the peninsula. In some places, the walls are three meters thick and ten meters high. For more effective defense, they are equipped with many loopholes and towers.
Agora in Side
Agora is located in the resort city of Side next to the city museum. Since ancient times, the agora performed the function of a trading area, divided into sectors, each of which offered certain types of goods. A certain place was allocated for the slave market, where the main commodity was young slaves.
There were two agoras in Side , one of which was located near the Roman Theater . The entire perimeter of the agora was surrounded by stone columns, which were placed on a pedestal, the structure was crowned by a wooden roof, on the corners of which stood statues. The territory of the agora could be entered through two gates, which were closed by a wall.
The place for the construction of the agora was not chosen by chance. The building was erected next to the theater by order of the local architect Vitruvius , so that the spectators of the performances could quickly hide from the weather. The two city agoras were connected by a paved road, on each side of which there were shops. Unfortunately, numerous benches were destroyed during the construction of the wall of Philippus Atius .
The central place on the square was given to the temple of the goddess of luck, who was the patron of the city of Side . The temple was surrounded by stone columns on all sides.
Currently, the agora, built in the 2nd century, is almost completely destroyed, only minor fragments have survived, which can be seen by tourists who visited this attraction in the city – the resort of Side .
Side Museum of Ancient Art
Side Museum of Ancient Art – all important archaeological finds that were ever excavated in the territory of the resort city of Side were sent to the city museum of ancient art. Most of the exhibits presented here were collected in the period from 1947 to 1967. Each museum hall is dedicated to one or another time period. There is a lot of interesting things here: ancient bas-reliefs, altars, sarcophagi, torsos, portraits, statues, however, they are almost all without heads, because this is how the Christians came to the city with a rich historical and cultural heritage, trying to fight the idolatry of Rome.
The ancient city of Seleucia (Side)
The ancient city of Seleucia was located in the northwestern part of Manavgat. Initially, the city performed a defensive function, protecting local residents from enemy attacks, both from the mainland and from the sea. The city lost its main function during the reign of Paxaroman.
The city of Seleucia was surrounded by a ten-meter wall, the thickness of the walls reached three meters. Behind the main city gate was the city Agora, where the slave market was located. Not far from the market square was the temple of Apollo. Baths were located in the western part of Seleucia, which were richly decorated with mosaics.
The ruins of the ancient city of Seleucia attract hundreds of tourists vacationing in Side and nearby resorts.
Dinosaur Discovery Park in Side
Dinosaur Discovery Park is a Side attraction worth visiting for tourists who come on vacation with children. On the territory of the park, you will meet forty mechanized individuals of dinosaurs that can growl and move, which looks quite natural. There are also terrariums, aquariums, an amusement park and a zoo. There is a cafe and a souvenir shop at the amusement park.
Side: tours and activities
Several interesting excursion routes run through the territory of the city of Side and its surroundings, which are visited by hundreds of tourists every year.
The most popular is an excursion to the ancient city of Side , where tourists can see the ruins of many buildings built in the 2nd century: the temple of Apollo, the Roman theater, the city Agora, the ruins of the Nymphaeum fountain, Columned streets and other tourist attractions. The duration of the program is 3 hours, the average cost is $20 per person.
Every interested tourist can purchase an excursion to the ancient city-state of Aspendos . The tourist object is located outside the resort. During this excursion, tourists will have the opportunity to see the surviving fragments of the ancient city that once belonged to the Lycians. Until now, the ruins of the theater, several tombs, a temple, and a fortress wall have been preserved. Even from these insignificant fragments, you can make a general picture of the city. The guide will tell about its history and the way of life of the local population. On the way back, there is a stop at the Manavgat waterfall. An excursion to Aspendos is one-day, the average cost is $40-50.
Those wishing to combine shopping and sightseeing are recommended to visit Antalya. The tour includes a tour of the Old Town, the Aspendos Amphitheater and the Roman Bridge. Then tourists are given a few hours of free time to make the desired purchases.
Taking into account the diverse interests of the guests, we offer a list of diverse excursions. Many of them can be visited together with a child.
Keyf city hammam
An ideal place for those who like to rest their body. You can spend a day, or even two, on recovery in this paradise.
The large complex offers the following services:
- two swimming pools (on the terrace and in the building);
- steam rooms;
- massage rooms;
- salt cave;
- bar etc.
Visiting the hammam, steam room, sauna, scrub treatments and foam massage for twenty minutes will cost adults approximately 20 euros, and young customers aged seven to twelve will be charged 10 euros, children under six are free of charge.
It is necessary to get to Belek Square.
Rest on Green Lake
Such pastime will delight nature lovers. A good option for family vacations.
The excursion includes interesting entertainment:
- fishing;
- boating;
- swimming in the lake;
- Buffet.
Guests are placed in a boat that floats on the lake, then turns around and goes to the platform (the walk takes about 50 minutes). A stop is usually made there. Everyone is invited to take a bath. For fun, you can ride a banana.
This is followed by shore fishing.
At this time, mothers with children can meet a local rabbit and a donkey, ride on an unusual swing (wheel on a rope) or canoe.
At sunset, visitors are invited to dinner, where they serve wild boar and fish caught the day before, prepared according to local recipes. There is an opportunity to try lamb on a spit, delicious salads and strong vodka.
The excursion ends with a big bonfire, around which everyone gathers and has fun listening to music.
This tour will cost 44 euros for adults, 22 euros for children aged 7-12, and free for preschoolers.
The trip to the lake will not take much time, because it is only twenty kilometers from Side . Entrance to the territory of the reserve is paid – about one euro.
Rafting
Great one-day tours for active people, during which customers manage:
- go rafting on a mountain river;
- roll along the serpentine;
- to catch trout;
- visit a protected area;
- get pleasure from the view of ancient architectural objects;
- immerse yourself in the atmosphere of carefreeness;
- get a lot of adrenaline.
This sport is safe at this resort, so it is suitable even for those who do not know how to swim. Everyone is equipped with a vest and helmet. The shared boat is usually driven by a guide. It is almost impossible to overturn a ship on rapids.
However, even professionals will not have time to get bored. Fun and mischief awaits them. You can share your hobby with friends who will never join you on higher category routes.
Adults will need to pay 30 euros for rafting, children from 7 to 12 years old are charged half the price.
Take with you:
- large bottles of drinking water (so as not to fall out of the boat),
- sunglasses,
- comfortable clothes
Pamukkale and Hierapolis
This is a tour for one or two days. During this time you will have time to see:
- ancient amphitheater
- necropolis,
- Baths of Cleopatra with thermal waters.
By the way, tourists are allowed to swim in the famous baths.
The excursion includes a visit to a Turkish family to get to know their daily life and cultural features.
The trip costs 30 euros per person.
Excursion Demre-Mira-Kekova
Excursion Demre-Mira-Kekov – a one-day pilgrimage to the Church of St. Nicholas of Myrlikia , as well as an introduction to the Lycian rock tombs . Guides talk about the local belief that if an unmarried girl touches the tomb of St. Nicholas, whose relics were kept here until they were transported to Bari, Italy, then she will definitely get married by the end of the year. It is very interesting to visit the city of Kekova, sunk during the earthquake, on a boat with a transparent bottom. There in the depths, under your feet is a big city with all kinds of public buildings and private houses. But you can’t swim here, because it is a protected archaeological zone.
Excursion to Cappadocia
An excursion to Cappadocia is a two-day trip through various Turkish provinces of Asia Minor, which have long been united by the name, which translates as “Land of beautiful horses”. The route takes a couple of days, but it is worth the time spent, because you have to see the mysterious underground cities of Turkey – the real lost worlds of Derinkuyu and Kaymakla, which are under the protection of UNESCO, and also visit the majestic Goreme Park , where there are unusual stone formations in the form mushrooms At dusk, a Turkish night celebration awaits you with national dishes, songs and dances.
Excursion to the ancient city of Lirbe
Excursion to the ancient city of Lirbe – this settlement is hidden twenty kilometers from Side among the pine forest. It was born in the three hundredth year BC, but scientists began to study and conduct excavations here only in the seventies of the last century, and during this time they discovered many wonderful examples of ancient art, which are now in the Historical Museum . In the city itself, you can walk along the well-preserved cobblestone streets of Lirbe, which have been cleaned of layers of sand and earth, look at the ruins of public buildings, squares and fragments of architectural decor that once decorated them.
Side: entertainment and active recreation
Side is a small Turkish resort that attracts a mass flow of tourists not only for its sandy beaches and warm sea, but also for its historical sights and rich leisure program.
Tourists who prefer active recreation can go rafting on mountain rivers. While rafting down the river, you can get the desired dose of adrenaline and admire the beautiful nature of these places.
The whole family can take part in Jeep Safari , the routes of which pass along the picturesque corners of the Turkish coast. This entertainment is completely safe, the trip is accompanied by experienced instructors.
Lovers of the underwater world can buy a diving tour and dive a few meters with a scuba diver to see marine life and underwater sights. This type of entertainment is available to both professionals and beginners.
Children and adults will be interested in visiting “Discovery Park”, where you can see full-sized dinosaurs that move and make sounds. There is a small zoo and an amusement park in the park.
For young people who prefer an active night life, there are several large nightclubs in Side : Oxid , Disco Sammy , Apollo Club , which play modern music, famous DJs perform and an entertaining show-program is held.
You can get to know the culture of local residents with the help of various festivals and holidays. It is a small city, so most of the celebrations are related to state and religious dates. But there is one event that is held only here – the ” Festival of Culture and Art “, which starts at the beginning of September. Sponsors of this bright, fun, lively event are luxurious shops, resorts and restaurants of the coast. It is accompanied by many different concerts, performances by jazz bands and symphony orchestras.
In June-July, vacationers can visit the ” International Festival of Opera and Ballet “, which takes place 25 km from Side – in the ancient city of Aspendos.
Shopping in Side
It is better to choose another city for shopping. There are few outlets here, the assortment is small, and the prices are inadequate. Prices are 2-3 times lower in Manavgat. If you decide to shop here, go to the embankment, Atatürk Boulevard or Column Street. You will see elongated tent cities filled with tourist souvenirs. Oriental trinkets are bought here: rugs, hookahs, talismans, tea, silk and spices.
There are shopping centers of a traditional profile for Asia Minor – jewelry, leather and fur. True, in the summer, buying a fur coat can be even more expensive than in both capitals. It is profitable to buy in autumn and spring, when sales are in progress due to a lack of buying demand. There are a number of respectable boutiques, but the prices there are sky-high. However, the quality of the products and the level of service correspond to them.
Some retailers even deliver the customer from the hotel to the store and back for free. It is useless to bargain with the distributors, you can only with the owner, although he will not make significant concessions.
The souvenir products of the resort town of Side are rich and varied. The first thing that visiting tourists pay attention to is the “Eye of Fatima” amulet , which is located on buildings, cars, and clothes of local residents. In any souvenir shop, amulets against the evil eye are sold in abundance, of different sizes and colors.
A good souvenir brought from Side can be Turkish carpets and silks, which are famous for their high quality and beauty. Handkerchiefs, stoles, and capes of different sizes, colors, and patterns are made from local silk. Turkish carpets are quite an expensive souvenir, most carpets are exclusively handmade. The average cost of a carpet ranges from $100 to $5,000.
Ceramic and porcelain dishes can be found in any souvenir shop. Kitchen utensils, decorative sets, and souvenir items: caskets and figurines are made from this material. Each such object has a traditional ornament and a unique pattern.
A hookah can be a good memorable souvenir brought back from vacation. The choice of hookahs in Turkey is large. Their cost varies greatly, depending on the size and cost of materials. The starting price for the most modest hookah starts at $20.