The ancient city of Side is the most beautiful place in Turkey. Side resort in Turkey What is the name of the sea in Side?
All about holidays in Side (Türkiye) in 2020. Useful reviews tourists and advice. Price overview and list best hotels. Is it worth going? Find out!
Due to the impressive number of exhibits from ancient times, the Turkish resort of Side is called a museum under open air. You can come to Turkey for a holiday in Side as early as April; the tourist season ends in October.
Last minute tours search on services and they will find best offers among different tour operators. Want to save money? Explore our.
Get a 2000 ₽ discount. Enter coupon UAFT2000make-trip when purchasing a tour to Turkey for an amount of 100,000 rubles or more, you will receive a discount.
When is the best time to visit Side?
Although the season officially begins in April, o beach holiday in Side in Turkey it is too early to say. This period is good for walks and active entertainment. During the day +20°C, at night +16°C, water temperature is not higher than +18°C. In the second half, the water and air warm up more strongly: during the day +25°C, at night +17°C, sea +20°C. The water is still invigorating, but some brave souls are already opening the season.
(Photo © booking.com / Trendy Verbena Beach Hotel)
Hotels for holidays in Side - 2020
Hotels for budget holiday in Side, as elsewhere in Turkey, they are most often located within the city limits. They are inferior to resort villages in terms of cleanliness and well-groomed coastlines and do not have their own beaches. However, the geography of recreation in Side is not limited to city hotels. In nearby villages there are good hotels with a decent level of service and comfort.
Best hotels to stay in Side in 2020, according to tourist reviews:
Holidays in Side in 5-star hotels offer the highest level of service. Most often they have own beaches, there are clubs, discos and SPA complexes on the territory.
The best all-inclusive and ultra-all-inclusive hotels Tourists named the following for a holiday in Side:
Prices for all-inclusive holidays in Side - 2020
Tour prices are for two people departing from Moscow during high season.
What is the price summer holiday in Side in 2020? So, an all-inclusive week in a 3* hotel costs from 50 thousand rubles for two. A tour lasting 11 days under the same conditions will cost 20 thousand more. A week of relaxation in Side in 5-star hotels with all-inclusive meals will cost 80 thousand rubles. An additional 4 days of rest will increase the price of the trip to 110 thousand.
(Photo © booking.com / Trendy Aspendos Beach Hotel)
Reviews of prices for holidays in Side - 2019-2020
Food. On vacation in Side, according to tourists, prices for services are moderate. Dinner on the embankment will cost 1,500-2,000 rubles; lunch in a cafe somewhere away from the center is 30% cheaper. Kebab costs 300-500 rubles per serving, a serving of grilled meat or fish - from 500 rubles. Seasonal fruits are cheap, you can buy them at markets or supermarkets.
Beaches. Municipal beaches are quite clean and decent. There are toilets, changing cabins and children's playgrounds with attractions, and there are rental points. Sunbeds are inexpensive, on some beaches you can just buy a drink in a cafe and enjoy it in peace. For hotel guests, sun loungers are freely available; this service is usually included in the price of the stay.
Entertainment. On vacation in Side, as in other resorts in Turkey, popular among tourists active entertainment- rafting, jeep safari, parachute flights over the sea, diving and yachting. Prices for all entertainment are different - from 1000 to 3000 rubles on average. Ladies will enjoy a visit to the Turkish bath with various types of massage and peeling - from 500 rubles per session.
(Photo © booking.com / Kamelya K Club & Aqua)
Prices for excursions
On average, the price of an excursion per person in Side in 2020 is 1,500 rubles; the more participants in the group, the cheaper. This is how much a trip to Pamukkale and the popular tour Demre - Mira - Kekova cost. For a nominal fee of 150 rubles, you can join any excursion group and see the ancient ruins of Side or walk around the city center on your own.
A children's party on a pirate schooner costs 1,000 rubles, an evening excursion on a boat costs 500 rubles. A flight to Istanbul will cost 15 thousand. It makes sense to combine such an event with shopping. Allow at least 3 days and 3,000 rubles per trip to visit Cappadocia.
(Photo © Trudi90 / pixabay.com)
The sights of Side in Turkey are what makes it worth coming to this ancient Turkish city. A relatively small area accommodates a dozen magnificent architectural monuments. Which ones, you ask? Read my review and find out where to go and what to see in Side and its immediate surroundings!
What to see in the city of Side itself
Side is a picturesque city 75 km west of Antalya. In ancient times it was surrounded by fortress walls, which are still preserved in good condition. Your holiday in Side will be rich and exciting if you prepare for the trip in advance. For example, find out where the main city attractions are located and how much money you need to set aside to visit them. So, where to go in Side itself?
If you want unconventional excursion programs from guides, then you can read my article about unusual ones that are organized for you local residents.
One of the city's main attractions is located in the historical district of Side. Date of construction: III century AD. Today, only a small part of the once large-scale structure has survived. Scientists are sure that the temple was previously divided into several equal parts. The main room had standard proportions, measuring 7 m by 17 m. It stood on a high podium.
A staircase of several steps led to the interior. The central entrance was decorated with tall columns, with red granite at the base. Look for the remains of a temple near Gavani Street. The Roman Theater is located nearby. Admission is free and open 24 hours a day.
Another interesting and ancient attraction is the Temple of Apollo. Built presumably in the 2nd century AD. It suffered greatly after the earthquake that hit the city in the 10th century. The temple is protected at the state level. According to the documents, the building had a rectangular shape.
It was surrounded on all sides by rows of columns. Today we can see only five intact columns, each reaching a height of almost 9 m. The upper part of the temple was decorated with bas-reliefs in the form of jellyfish heads and floral ornaments.
The Temple of Apollo is located on the shore Mediterranean Sea, in the southwestern part of Side. You can look at it at any time of the day or night and completely free. After sunset, beautiful lighting turns on here. Part of the attraction is fenced off.
Temple of Apollo in Side
An excellent example of Roman heritage, a “relative” of the immortal Colosseum, is the Turkish amphitheater in Side. For a long time it served as an arena for brutal gladiatorial fights involving wild animals. Construction began in the 2nd century BC. The building was designed for 16 thousand spectators.
The stage occupied two levels. It was decorated with beautiful statues, columns and bas-reliefs. Initially, they were going to show theatrical performances here, only later did the idea come to turn the arena into a place for fights between animals and people. In the 6th century, the building was used as a temple, then it was subjected to earthquakes and countless wars.
Today, the amphitheater hosts musical and theatrical performances and excursions. The rows, galleries, central entrance and stage are in good condition.
Entrance to the amphitheater costs 30 Turkish liras (about 330 rubles). Opening hours: from 8:00 to 17:30.
The monumental architectural structure was erected in honor of mythical creatures - Nymphs. Water was supplied to the fountain by an aqueduct built from the Manavgat River. They say that all the inhabitants of the city quenched their thirst from it.
Look for this attraction in the northeastern part of the city. Nearby is the central city gate. The fountain was built on 3 floors. Its height is 5 m, width – 35 m. Today, 2 floors have been preserved in good condition. The sides are decorated with marble and complex patterns. Some elements have been moved to the city museum.
Agora
In the ancient Greek period, the Agora was the name given to the central retail space. Not only was trade conducted on it, but important issues in the life of the city were also resolved. The Agora housed tents, temples, and craft workshops. It was surrounded by a fence along the perimeter and decorated with columns and pilasters.
In Side, a square built in the 2nd century BC is still preserved. It had a quadrangular shape, the total area was 90 m². There was a Tyukhe temple and a public toilet with 24 seats - laprina. The temple was erected in honor of the goddess of luck, the patroness of the city of Tyukhe.
Get to Agora by public transport inconvenient, but possible. The nearest bus stop is 3 km from the attraction. It's called SideOtogarı. Coming here regular bus No. 639. From the stop, go in a south-west direction. Entrance to the Agora territory is free and 24 hours a day.
The archaeological museum is located in the historical district of the city, near the amphitheater. It consists of 4 halls. The first contains rare bas-reliefs of the Hellenistic period, a collection of sundials, and sacrificial paraphernalia. The second room contains sculptures from the Roman period. The third is statues, inscriptions, torsos. In the fourth hall there are ancient Roman tombs, statues of gods, portraits of kings.
You can touch the exhibits with your hands and take pictures against their background. The museum itself is set up in ancient Roman baths. The guides begin their stories with an excursion about the importance of Roman baths for society. By the way, the excursions are educational and inexpensive. Entrance ticket is 10 liras (≈110 rubles). Opening hours: from 9:00 to 17:00.
What to see in the vicinity of Side
This Turkish city is often called an open-air museum. But there is also something to see in the vicinity of Side. We recommend renting a car and going on an exciting journey on your own. Car rental offices are located in the city center. Where should you go?
The first thing that is recommended to see in the vicinity of Cité is a picturesque waterfall. Exact address attractions: SarılarMahallesi, İstiklalcaddesi no:4, 07330 Manavgat/Antalya, Türkiye. It is 3 km northeast of Side.
Nearby is the city of the same name Manavgat. The waterfall is 40 m wide and 2 m high. This is an artificial structure that was created during the construction of a local reservoir. It often goes under water, especially in early spring, when there is a flood.
The waterfall is surrounded on all sides by food stalls, trade tents, and small restaurants, which, by the way, serve excellent fish dishes. But the prices are above average. Lots of greenery, coniferous trees, flowers. Entrance to the territory is paid - 6 liras (≈65 rubles). Photography is permitted.
This is an ancient and picturesque town 27 km from Side. According to the chronicles, Aspendos was founded immediately after the Trojan War. Magnificent geographical location, mild climate in a short time turned the city into a prosperous one shopping mall. Vineyards and olive groves were planted here, horses were bred, which were valued in all cities of the Ancient World.
Today, the tourism infrastructure here is poorly developed. Most visitors prefer a one-day holiday with a return to Side. There are no large ones in Aspendos entertainment centers, supermarkets, hotel complexes.
You need to come here for the beautiful Roman amphitheater - the main city attraction. At one time it could accommodate more than 1,000 people. There are 39 rows of steps leading to the arena. 1 km from the amphitheater there are a basilica and the ruins of an aqueduct that supplied the city with water for many years. By the way, it is still considered the largest in southern Turkey.
If you are going to Aspendos by car, you need the D400 highway. After the village of Serik there will be a sign for BelkisAspendos.
Seleucia (Pamphylia)
Another beautiful one ancient city– Seleucia (Pamphylia). The distance to Side is 15 km in a northerly direction. The city of Seleucia was founded in 321 BC. commander Seleucus Nikator. He named the place after himself. Today the area is a large ruin that is completely free to explore.
The ruins are scattered along the mountainside. Here you can examine the remains of the mausoleum, Roman baths, and temples. There is a pine forest around. Strategically the position is very advantageous. Seleucia was naturally protected from enemies. By the way, such remoteness helped save the ruins from being stolen away. You can leave your car at the entrance to the city.
Advice! Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water and food. There are almost no shops in Seleucia. Be careful, watch your step. The risk of tripping and getting injured is high. A wonderful panorama opens up from the ruins; it’s worth taking your camera with you.
Ruins of Perge
The city of Perge in ancient times was a prosperous center of Pamphylia. Founding date: 15th century BC. In the first half of our era, strong military structures were erected in the city, which have survived to this day. They are located at the entrance to the city. In addition to them, you can see the following architectural monuments:
The city of Perge is essentially an archaeological ruin. There is no infrastructure here. Come here early in the morning and return to Side after dusk.
Green Canyon
40 km from Side lies a beautiful oasis - a nature reserve in the Taurus Mountains. It stands near the Oymapinar reservoir. Total area reserve – 14 km. The clearest turquoise water, mountains, and dense vegetation create excellent conditions for a calm, contemplative holiday.
Green Canyon offers fishing, boating, diving and swimming. You can explore the area from observation deck. There are cafes and shops nearby, but it is not advisable to stay overnight in the Green Canyon. Entrance to the territory is free.
The waterfall is located in the Turkish waterfall of the same name. national park, in a pine-cedar forest. The grand opening took place in 1986. The name means "lead" due to the dark color of the falling water. The waterfall appeared with the help of tributaries of the Aksu River. Its height is 18 m.
The water falls into the purest blue lake, it turns out very beautiful. It is forbidden to swim in it, but you can walk a little and end up in one of the lagoons. Ducks and a lot of fish swim in them. They say that if you touch the water and make a wish, it will definitely come true.
Look for Kursunlu Waterfall near Antalya Airport. It is 75 km from Side. The path lies along the D685 highway.
Where to go with children in Side
The city is chosen as a holiday destination mainly by inquisitive tourists who are interested in ancient culture and religion. However, you can safely come to Side with your whole family. There is plenty to do here with your kids!
Sealanya Marine Amusement Park opened in 2008. It occupies an area of 5 thousand hectares, which houses 15 pools with sharks, stingrays, dolphins and other marine life. There is a tropical beach for sunbathing and an artificial river along which you can take a boat ride.
The park is open to the public daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Entrance ticket: adults – €50, children from 4 to 9 years – €40. Up to 4 years free. Diving with sharks will cost you €50. Master class with dolphins – €100.
How to get to Sealanya Sea Park? It is located between the villages of Avsalar and Konakli. Side is 44 km away. A shuttle service is organized from the city center that takes those interested to the amusement park.
Aquapark - Troy Aqua Park
The water park is located in the city of Belek, 42 km from Side. The territory is decorated in the style of the ancient city of Troy. There are a lot of people. The “calling card” of the place is a 100-meter slide in the shape of a Trojan horse. In addition to it, there are several swimming pools, dozens of attractions, cafes, souvenir shops, and a jacuzzi. There is also a dolphinarium on site, where performances are held twice a day in the summer. There are many animals: sea lions, seals, walruses.
Founded in the 7th century. BC e. people from Kima Aeolian. For several centuries, Side was an important port of Pamphylia, located on the Malaya Peninsula. Today the most popular Turkish beach resort Every year it receives thousands of tourists from different parts of the world who decide to spend their holidays on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Dozens of different hotels have been built in Side, restaurants with national cuisine, and local travel agencies have developed an extensive excursion program.
The climate in the Side beach area is Mediterranean with dry and fairly hot summers. The air temperature in the sea does not drop below +17°C even in winter, and in July-August the water warms up to +27°C. Swimming season starts on the resort beaches in early May and continues until mid-November.
Choosing a beach
Old center Side has two beach areas, each of which has its own characteristics:
- The western beach in the center of the resort is very popular among adherents of quiet family vacation. The entrance to the sea in this part of the beach is gentle, the water warms up faster, holes and dangerous currents doesn't happen. Western Beach is usually home to parents with children, for whom it is comfortable and safe holiday in priority. One of the disadvantages of the beach is its enormous popularity among tourists and, as a result, the problem of finding places if you like to sleep long in the morning.
- Those who like solitude and silence will prefer the Eastern Beach. The strip of sand here is shaded by coniferous or orange trees, and civilization in the form of jet ski rentals and parachutes for parasailing is very reluctant to reach the east.
If you prefer active recreation and take care of your physical fitness even during your vacation, a variety of entertainment awaits you on the seashore in Side. The resort's West Beach is home to a variety of water sports, from diving to fishing and from yachting to snorkeling. Equipment can be rented right on the shore.
The sea coast in Side is divided between hotels and there is free access to the beach expensive hotel They probably won't let you. And you can go to municipal beaches freely, and you only need cash to rent a sun lounger or umbrella.
Note to divers
The shores of Side are washed by the Mediterranean Sea, which is not one of the most beautiful on the planet in terms of the underwater world. And yet, divers come to the resort, and their main goal is sunken objects. Those keen on river diving in the vicinity of Side are invited to explore several sites that have considerable value in the ranking of such places.
The most popular dive site off the coast of Side is located near the old one. During the Second World War, a warship belonging to the French army sank here. In the coastal waters of the resort, an American plane that crashed in battle in the 40s rests in peace. last century.
Fans of colorful fish will enjoy an underwater trip to the coral reefs - modest compared to other dive sites on the planet, but very attractive for novice athletes.
Diving training centers have been opened in Side. Even ten-year-old children can take courses. Experienced instructors, some of whom are Russian-speaking, will teach you the basics of scuba diving and organize your first dive sessions.
Children's holiday in Side
Even the most ardent fans of seaside holidays can get bored with the monotony of the beach, and therefore the tourist infrastructure of Side provides for various active entertainment. Young tourists are invited to visit water parks and nature reserves.
The closest water park to the resort, Waterplanet, is built right on the seashore. One of the largest in the region, it has a wide range of attractions and entertainment. The water slides of the water park are thought out perfectly and are designed so that both kids and adults can enjoy the ride.
When choosing where to stay in Side, pay attention to hotels specializing in children's holidays. Many hotels have their own water parks and swimming pools on site. sea water. This makes it possible to relax and swim comfortably even if the weather deteriorates for a short time and the sea becomes unsafe.
Side (Türkiye) is 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 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, 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 goods can be safely reduced by half at once in order to get best price. Euros and dollars are easily accepted for payment here.
Since Side popular resort, then for profitable purchases It’s 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 antique 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 in ancient Pamphylia among similar buildings. 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, ancient building quite badly 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 were discovered here, a well-preserved agora with storage rooms and colonnades, Byzantine church. 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.
- this is one of the most popular holiday destinations on the Mediterranean coast for tourists who prefer such an optimal combination as excellent sandy beaches and intimacy large number historical attractions. Moreover, Side pleases its guests the clearest sea, pine forest and endless orange orchards.
Side resort is a small but extremely nice town, located between the noisy, expensive Antalya and affordable, in terms of prices, Manavgat. The resort town is located sixty-eight kilometers from Antalya Airport; the transfer usually takes from an hour to an hour and a half. The city of Side itself pleases the eyes of travelers with interesting sights in the form of ancient Greek ruins, Muslim mosques, as well as ancient streets with authentic houses, roads paved with cobblestones, beautiful yachts rocking on the waves of the turquoise sea, many restaurants and cafes serving delicious Turkish delicacies and simply unforgettable coffee.
Climate of Side
You can relax in Side all year round, because the summers are hot and the winters are mild and humid. Local residents say that tourists interested in the history of Side and its attractions, as well as those planning to make excursions from this city to other interesting places region, you should come at the beginning of spring or at the end of autumn, when the air temperature outside becomes more comfortable and does not exceed twenty-five degrees. But in the summer it is really hot here and in the sun the air temperature can reach forty-five degrees. But thanks to this, the water in the sea warms up to twenty-nine degrees in the summer months. You can come on holiday to Side as early as the beginning of May, when the water temperature is nineteen to twenty degrees, and by mid-May it reaches twenty-three degrees, which is also acceptable for holidays with children. At the end of October, the water in the sea still remains at around twenty-two degrees; many swim here at the beginning of November, but these days sometimes there are short rains.
History of Side
Side is an ancient ancient Greek settlement with a rich and turbulent history, officially beginning in the seventh century BC, when settlers from Kima Aeolian formed a small town here, however, they did this on the site of an earlier settlement, which, translated from a pre-existing dialect, was called "Pomegranate". The Greeks very quickly brought the town to prosperity, building the largest port on the peninsula and opening many places for entertainment. Such an increase in wealth naturally attracted Cilician pirates to Side, who set up their shipyard here and began bringing slaves to the city for sale. When the Persian invaders reconquered the area, they began minting coins and developing trade further. Since 334, Side was captured without any effort by the warriors of the famous commander Alexander the Great. This one is conveniently located on the Mediterranean Sea locality With major port could not help but attract various invaders of foreign territories, and soon Syria and Rhodes were already fighting for it, and a little later, the city came under the rule of the Romans. Then, in the second and third centuries AD, it became the main center of slave trade in the region, thanks to which it became incredibly rich. During this period, various public institutions and large villas of the rich began to be built in Side. From the fourth century in Side, local residents began to convert en masse to the Christian faith. But in the period from the seventh to the ninth centuries, Side was recaptured by Arab conquerors, and local Christians began to leave it en masse. It even got to the point that it practically died out, becoming a “dead” city. Only in 1895 did Side experience a new round of development, when settlers from the Greek island of Crete landed there to establish their community here. And the fame of the Turkish city of Side as a resort was assigned to this Mediterranean settlement in the seventies of the last century. With the construction of hotels, tourism began to actively develop here. A very attractive factor for travelers was that in addition to relaxing on the seashore, in Side you can get acquainted with its interesting history and look at the great many attractions remaining from the former owners of this territory. These same factors attract tourists to Side today. There really are a lot of ancient buildings, ruins of fortresses, city fortifications, however, they are partially flooded with water, which is why diving is incredibly popular in Side. Of interest is not only the settlement of Side itself, but also those closest to it. resort areas and villages, of which there are many. Previously, they were all part of this large ancient city, so some ancient sights can be found there too.
Resort villages and areas of Side
The Side resort includes the following areas, each of which is attractive in its own way: Titreyengel; Manavgat; Kumkey; Colakli; Gundogdu; Kizilot; Sorgun; Kizilagac.
This is a small area seven kilometers from the center of Side with excellent modern tourist infrastructure, numerous hotels and places for a comfortable stay, golden sandy beaches, and magnificent pine forests.
A pleasant town, with well-developed infrastructure, located ten kilometers from Side. Manavgat is famous for its gorgeous nature; it stands on the river of the same name with its banks indented with secret grottoes, fantastic caves, surrounded by pine forests and deep lakes. And here is one of the most attractive natural attractions of the region - the beautiful Manavgat waterfall. Travelers who like to do it actively come here on vacation, because there are amazing opportunities for rafting, horseback riding, and hiking.
This area is located three kilometers from the center of Side and is considered an ideal place for families with small children, thanks to its shallow bay. The entrance from the beach to the water is gentle and covered with small, clean sand. The settlement of Kumkey is very beautiful, there are many hotels with large and well-greened areas.
This is another ideal place to relax with children without noise in the evenings. The village is located fourteen kilometers from Side. There is also a beautiful sandy beach with a gentle entrance to the water. For children's entertainment, there is a zoo, a water park, hotels provide nanny services and excellent animators who will be happy to work with your child. Among the disadvantages, we can note the poor landscaping of the village, as well as the stones found on the beaches of some hotels, so when choosing accommodation, be sure to read the description of the hotel and reviews of people who have already vacationed there before.
Another tourist area near Side, where they prefer to relax with small children, thanks to excellent local beach, covered with yellow sand and a flat entrance to the sea, as well as long-lasting shallow water. There are many four and five star hotels, but Gundoglu is devoid of lush green vegetation and is more of a desert than an oasis.
The wonderful resort area of Side is surrounded by beautiful coniferous forests. Despite the fact that the village is only a couple of kilometers away from Side, it is very quiet and peaceful here, there is no noise from discos, but there are excellent hotel-clubs that own large and beautifully decorated areas. Basically, Sorgun beaches are sandy and pebble and very long; in places there are concrete platforms to enter the water.
A small seaside village thirteen kilometers from Side, eighty kilometers from Antalya airport and forty kilometers from. There are many wonderful hotel-clubs, wonderful sandy beaches, however, at the entrance to the water in some places there are strips of pebbles, so take swimming shoes with you. Among the natural beauties: a mountain river, a coniferous forest and the nearby Taurus Mountains. There are also historical attractions in Kyzylgach - ancient ancient ruins.
The resort town of Side offers vacationers two huge beaches, occupying the eastern and western parts of the cape. Holidays on them differ in a number of features, but both have long shallow waters, which makes them safe for children to swim in. Both beaches have all the infrastructure tourists need: sun loungers, sun umbrellas, cafes, bars, rentals, entertainment.
– 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 at different water attractions, go parasailing, windsurfing, 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 in the western zone is covered with very fine white sand. The entrance to the water is gentle, it is smooth without holes or stones. In the evening, there are bars, casinos, clubs, restaurants and discos right on the beach, and the most popular of them is Oxyde, which has a huge swimming pool where young people excited to dance love to jump.
- quieter, more secluded and calm, family tourists love to relax there. The beach here is also covered with white sand, the entrance to the water is gentle and without unevenness. A huge advantage of relaxing on the beaches of the eastern Cape of Side is that the sandy strip is framed by charming citrus orchards and cotton fields. Behind you will be mountains, the slopes of which are covered with pine trees. Along the coast there are many good hotels with green areas, and many ancient ruins are concentrated here.
Basically, hotels in Side delight tourists with four and five stars, as well as traditional Turkish hospitality and oriental courtesy of the staff. Five-star hotels are complexes of several five-story buildings on the territory, where there is everything necessary for a comfortable stay for guests: swimming pools, spa centers, beauty salons, fitness rooms, shops, tour desks, discos, saunas and hammams, as well as everything that needed for children: children's mini-water parks, swimming pools, playgrounds with swings, mini-clubs. Each hotel provides its own nanny and animator services.
It is worth saying that there are differences between hotels, even in the range of five stars, despite the colorful descriptions of some of them, studying the reviews of tourists, you can find many complaints about this, both trivial and quite significant. Having analyzed the reviews of dozens of tourists, we have made a selection of the best hotels in the city of Side, four and five stars, where service, food, cleanliness and fullness of the territory, beach and entertainment were excellent.
Side:"Alva Donna Beach Resort Comfort 5*"; "Barut Hemera 5*"; “Lake & River Side Hotel & Spa 5*”; "Otium Eco Club Side 5*"; "Seashell Resort & Spa 5*"; "Kaya Side 5*".
Colakli: hotels “Kamelya Fulya Hotel 5*”; "VONRESORT Elite 5*"; "Club Side Coast 5*"; "Kamelya Selin Hotel 5*".
Manavgat: hotels "Sueno Beach Side 5*"; "Selge Beach Resort & SPA 5*".
Kizilagac:"Starlight" Resort Hotel 5*"; "Washington Resort & SPA 5*"; "Club Hotel Turan Prince World 5*".
Sorgun:"Ali Bey Resort Sorgun 5*"; "TUI SENSATORI Resort Barut Sorgun 5*".
Kumkey:"Cesars Resort 5*".
Titreyengel:“Grand Prestige Hotel & Spa 5*”; "Splashworld Pegasos World 5*"; "Port River Hotel Spa 5*".
Kizilot:"Crystal Admiral Resort Suites & SPA 5*".
Side:"Holiday Point Hotel City 4*"; "Barut Acanthus & Cennet 4*"; " Diamond Beach 4*"; "Armas Bella Sun Hotel 4*"; "Sun Club Side 4*"
Evrenseki:"Barut B Suites 4*"; "Blue Paradise Hotel Side 4*".
Manavgat:"TUI SENSIMAR Barut Andiz 4*"; "PALOMA Paradise Beach 4*"; "Club Sidelya Holiday Village 4*".
Colakli:"Seher Sun Beach 4*"; "Orfeus Park 4*"; "Monachus Hotel & Spa 4*".
Titreyengel:"Serra Park Hotel 4*"; "Venus 4*".
Kizilagac:"TUI BLUE Palm Garden 4*".
Kumkey:"PrimaSol Hane Family Resort 4*"; "Merve Sun 4*".
The resort side of Side is a Turkish “open-air museum city”, famous for dozens of historical architectural monuments ancient times. A unique feature of Side, which sets it apart from the general sea, is that numerous interesting sights and ancient monuments harmoniously merge with the beautiful local nature and modern tourist infrastructure.
Sights of Side
Passing through the main gate of the city of Side, tourists find themselves on big street, which goes to the ancient Agora Square. Here, Column Avenue starts from the theater; it has a length of two hundred and fifty meters and stretches across the entire peninsula, including through the historical ancient village of Selimiye. The avenue is so called due to the countless columns on both sides, which give it significance and grandeur. The street was laid out in huge blocks, and the pavement itself was decorated with elegant mosaics. Today, on both sides of the avenue there are oriental restaurants and souvenir shops, and this solemn street ends with the Temple of Artemis, standing on the seashore.
This Greek huntress goddess was the personification of the Moon and the patroness of birth, marriage and death. A temple in her honor was built in Side in the second century from marble columns and Corinthian parapets. But today it is only ancient ruins of five columns; nevertheless, tourists definitely visit this attraction of Side and are happy to take pictures against its background.
An often photographed and visited attraction of the Side resort is the snow-white marble Temple of Apollo - the god symbolizing the Sun and the patron of the arts, science, healing and travelers; more precisely, now only ancient ruins in the form of a high colonnade remain from the building.
This graceful temple was built on the seashore in the second century BC. Initially, it was decorated with six rows of nine-meter columns, each of which had eleven pieces. The top of the column was covered with a carved Corinthian parapet. Today, only a few restored and restored columns have survived from the former majestic structure, but this does not make tourists any less interested in this interesting ancient structure of Side.
This huge amphitheater, even compared to other similar structures, was built in Side in the Roman style in the second century AD and was designed to accommodate twenty thousand spectators. The theater was erected on a leveled area, and its seats, ringing the structure in an inner circle, were installed on arches attached to the foundation of the building. Entry was made through the galleries, then visitors walked up the stairs to their seats. The theater stage, as well as the vaults, 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 remnants of its former grandeur and luxury: masks personifying Tragedy and Comedy, the heads of Medusa the Gorgon, which lie in a chaotic order on the ancient stage. The Romans, who loved to attend exciting spectacles, regularly went to this amphitheater to savor the bloody fights of gladiators with large predators, as well as to watch amazing sea battles, for the sake of imitation of which the stage was filled with water. And to make the theater audience feel safe, the stage was surrounded by a one and a half meter wall. Since the fifth century, this ancient theater has become a Christian temple.
In ancient times, in the city of Side there were two agoras, that is, “market squares,” but to this day only one has survived, the one near the theater. You can enter here through the main ceremonial entrance - “propylion”. The agora is surrounded by granite columns with classical elements: “atik-ions” and “corinths”. The agora has a wooden roof and statues in the corners. At one corner, the agora merges with the theater stage, and behind it there are ancient, beautifully decorated toilets - “latriums” - the oldest premises of this type in Turkish Anatolia. This room had marble walls, mosaic floors, twenty-four seats, and under the seats carved in stone, a sewage system flowed, allowing it to maintain a good level of sanitation for those times. During its operation, the agora was equipped with a pair of gates, behind which the spectators in the neighboring theater could take refuge here in the event of a sudden pirate attack, which was not such a rarity before. In the center of the Side market square, tourists to this day can see the ruins of the temple of Tyche, the goddess who personified good luck, that previously stood here.
It is these gates that lead visitors to the historical part of the city of Side, and the road starting from them is the central street of the ancient settlement. The gate itself, six meters high, was built back in the distant seventy-first year BC, in honor of Emperor Vespasian, who ruled here for seven decades. Although today they are dilapidated, it is not difficult to imagine how powerful and impressive the gates looked in those years. There were towers on both sides of the gate, and from them there were walls pierced by arched niches, where statues of important representatives of the city nobility and the emperor himself were installed at the head.
This once monumental water feature was built opposite the Great Arched Gate in the second century in honor of the Roman Emperor Vespasian and his son-heir Titus. The Nymphaeum fountain rose above a huge pool, which was filled by an aqueduct from the waters of the Manavgat River. Previously, the fountain had three floors, but today tourists see it as two-story. It was a very monumental structure, five meters high and thirty-five wide, with numerous marble niches through which water flowed, as well as columns, statues and frescoes. Of course, now it is difficult to imagine all the charm and scope of the ancient fountain; now this can only be done by using imagination and composing in your imagination the final version of the Nymphaeum from parts and decorative elements stored in the museum.
All important archaeological finds ever made in the resort city of Side were sent to the city Museum of Ancient Art. Most of the exhibits presented here were collected between 1947 and 1967. Each museum hall is dedicated to one or another era. 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 exactly what the Christians who came to the city did with the rich historical and cultural heritage, trying to overcome the idolatry of Rome.
This rich city on the Mediterranean coast has long attracted pirates - those who like to profit from goods at the expense of others. That is why, in the second century BC, the city authorities surrounded the whole of Side with a huge fortress wall with observation and defensive towers. This wall has been well preserved and now, however, it’s a little worse from the sea, but still it’s simply amazing for such a ancient building, more than once disturbed by earthquakes. The wall extended from the main city gate for six kilometers and covered the peninsula. The thickness of the walls in some places reaches three meters, and the height of ten meters. For more effective defense, they are equipped with many loopholes and towers.
The 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 arriving in the city by sea, for the purpose of disinfection, were first sent to the bathhouse to wash and only then were allowed into the city. The ancient port baths are now preserved only in fragments in the form of ruins, but previously it was a large structure sixty by forty meters, with four halls and three small rooms, decorated with marble and covered with mosaic floor tiles. The heating system was hidden under the floor. Years later, two halls were added to the bathhouse, where gymnastic exercises could be done. This Side attraction has enormous historical and archaeological value, which is why many tourists regularly visit these ruins.
This landmark of the resort town is a striking example of Byzantine architecture and is the oldest building of its kind in Turkey. The basilica and palace date from the sixth century BC. The basilica is a square structure with an altar and seats for clergy, as well as a baptismal room and marble pools in it. Next to the basilica stood the bishop's palace with vaulted roofs, and between them there was a tomb - a “martrion”.
Adjacent to the palace was a small bishop's chapel. This huge complex once surrounded by a beautiful garden with an area of almost ten thousand square meters. Of course, the years have taken their toll on this majestic architectural complex, and now it is practically turned into ruins, however, connoisseurs of culture and art are sure to visit this ancient landmark of the resort Side.
Walking around Side without a guide, it is very difficult to see behind the small fragments of ruins the once large and majestic Temple of Dionysus, built here in the third century BC in honor of the patron god of inspiration. Previously, the temple measured seven by seventeen meters and was decorated with tall columns resting on a granite base. This temple was adjacent to Column Avenue and the amphitheater.
This interesting Side citadel was built on a mountain peak to protect the settlement from attacks by enemies from land and sea. It was also a major transit point for traders traveling around Silk Road, which passed through the ancient city of Side. When trade ties weakened, the Alarakhan fortress lost its strategic importance. Over time, it began to crumble. And today it is Side’s calling card and its frequently photographed landmark. From here you can admire views of the ancient settlement and the sea surface for many miles.
This attraction of Side is worth a visit for tourists who come on holiday with children. In the park you will meet forty mechanized dinosaurs that can growl and move, which looks quite natural. There are also terrariums, aquariums, an amusement park and a zoo. The amusement park has a cafe and a souvenir shop.
This is another attractive attraction located near the ancient resort town of Side in the city of Belek, namely the Rixos Premium Belek Hotel. This one, one of the most, is famous for its authenticity and original design. It has been operating since 2005, and its main attraction is the Trojan Horse, which, according to the Turks, was filmed in the movie “Troy”.
Excursions to Side and neighboring areas
For tourists vacationing at sea in resort town Side offers interesting excursions both around the city itself and to more remote corners and cities of Turkey. Let's get acquainted with the most popular of them.
- . During this interesting bus excursion, which is possible for either one or two days, tourists visit the famous “Cotton Castle” - geothermal springs, the water from which accumulates in snow-white travertines, where you can swim. In addition, you can swim in the ancient “Baths of Cleopatra,” famous for the unique composition of the water, considered healing. And also, you will get acquainted with the ruins of an ancient majestic city Hierapolis with many buildings, which dates back to the second century BC, but was partially destroyed during a terrible earthquake.
– a one-day pilgrimage to the Church of St. Nicholas of Myra, as well as acquaintance with the rock formations Lycian tombs. Guides talk about the local belief that if an unmarried girl touches the tomb of St. Nicholas, whose relics were located here until they were transported to Bari, Italy, then she will certainly get married by the end of the year. It is very interesting to visit the city of Kekova, which sank during an earthquake, on a boat with a transparent bottom. There in the depths, under your feet is big city with a variety of public buildings and private houses. But you can’t swim here, because this is a protected archaeological zone.
A two-day journey through different Turkish provinces of Asia Minor, which have long been united by a name that means “Country of Beautiful Horses.” The route takes a couple of days, but it’s worth the time, because you get to see mysterious – real lost worlds Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, which are under UNESCO protection, and also visit the majestic Goreme Park, where there are unusual stone formations in the form of mushrooms. At dusk, a Turkish night celebration awaits you with national treats, songs and dances.
– you can easily visit this route on your own, because the symbol of the country is located near Side. The water from the waterfall flows into the sea and you will have an excellent opportunity to plunge into its cool streams, shooting from a two-meter height.
– the route will take you to ancient settlement in the Manavgat region, which was founded high on a mountain surrounded by forest thickets by the inhabitants of ancient Side in the fourth century BC. This settlement was a place where they could hide from danger during pirate attacks. For safety, Seleucia was surrounded by powerful nine-meter walls. There was only one gate here so that defense forces could be directed to only one point. This ancient city and is still perfectly preserved to this day.
- this settlement is hidden twenty kilometers from Side among a pine forest. It originated 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 a great many magnificent examples of ancient art, which are now in Historical Museum. In the city itself, you can walk along the well-preserved cobbled streets of Lirbe, cleared from under layers of sand and earth, and look at the ruins of public buildings, squares and fragments architectural decor, which once adorned them.
