Side in Photos
Tours, hotels and attractions in Side, Turkey
Side
Side is located on a small peninsula in the Mediterranean region of Turkey, about 75 km east of Antalya and close to the towns of Manavgat and Alanya. The town combines a compact modern resort center with a large state-protected archaeological zone - this is what makes Side unique among other Turkish coastal resorts.
Side's history goes back to antiquity: the town was an important port of the province of Pamphylia in the Greco-Roman world, and its ruins preserve monuments from the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Today, excavations, colonnades and temple ruins turn the center into an open-air museum, attracting history and archaeology enthusiasts from around the world.
The resort infrastructure meets a wide range of tourist needs - from family holidays to active travel. Side has many hotels of various standards, spa complexes, aparthotels and dining establishments. Nightlife is concentrated in the old town and along the waterfront, where bars, taverns and souvenir markets operate.
Beaches stretch along the peninsula and further along the coast - the western side is closer to dense hotel development and is usually busier, while the eastern beach strip is calmer. Main coastal areas and beaches of the resort include Colakli, Kumkoy, Sorgun, Kizilagac and Kizilot, each offering its own pace and range of services.
Side is suitable for different types of tourism - beach, cultural and educational, family and active recreation: diving, boat trips, and day trips to natural attractions. The climate is Mediterranean - hot dry summers and mild rainy winters; the best time for sightseeing and walks is spring and autumn, and for beach holidays - the summer months.
The town's infrastructure is well developed: Side is easily reached via Antalya International Airport with a transfer of about 1-1.5 hours by car, there are regular bus and taxi connections with neighboring towns, and tourist companies organize excursions around the region.
Side, Mediterranean region - ancient ruins by the sea and sandy beaches.
Side - Temple of Apollo and Ancient Ruins
The main attractions of Side are concentrated in the archaeological park on the cape and around the old harbor. Here you can see the ruins of ancient temples, marble colonnades, a well-preserved ancient theatre and the remains of Roman baths. The Temple of Apollo, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, is particularly impressive at sunset when its columns are lit up.
In addition to architectural monuments, visitors are interested in the Side Archaeological Museum and the necropolis on the coastal slopes, where tombstones and reliefs have been preserved. Along the coast there are organized walking and sea programs - short cruises to bays, trips with opportunities for snorkeling and observing underwater remains of ancient structures.
Nature lovers and active travelers often take day trips to Manavgat Waterfall and Koprulu Canyon - popular spots for rafting, hiking and picnics. In coastal areas it is sometimes possible to observe sea turtle nesting, which makes some beaches especially protected and interesting for eco-tourism.
Tourists can choose cultural excursions to ancient monuments as well as more dynamic activities - diving, sailing, fishing and boat trips. The local cuisine relies on fresh seafood, vegetables and Mediterranean traditions with plenty of meze and grilled dishes.
The best time to visit the sights and for active outings is spring and autumn, when temperatures are comfortable for excursions and the sea is still warm enough for snorkeling and swimming.
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