Side, Turkey
Modern Tourist Destination Meets Ancient Times In The Mediterranean
By Slowtravelguide
Are you looking for a lot of different things in a holiday resort? Do you like to experience the cultural atmosphere, the charm of the old town, and the fashionable wine and delicacies at a romantic seaside dinner? If this sounds like your happy place, go to Side, Turkey!
In this tourist resort, you will stroll through ancient ruins entangled in the old city, dotted with charming restaurants and cafes surrounded by ruins, and enjoy the sea view. The unique thing about Side is that you can go shopping while travelling between a cultural site with more than 2,000 years of history.
Boats Awaiting Tourists
The Story Behind Side
It was a logical thing Side would become one of the most critical cities in Pamphylia. The history of this harbour city can be traced back to the Bronze Age when the locals referred to it as Sidetan. A language developed from Luvi, which was spoken by the population of southwest Anatolia during the Bronze Age. The Side Museum displays some inscriptions dating back to that era. Side means pomegranate in Luvian. We can imagine that the plains where many all-encompassing resorts are now are the old pomegranate fields.
In 540 BC, the Persians, Alexander the Great, Macedonians, Ptolemies, and Seleucids ruled Side successively and did not enter Roman rule until 67 BC. During this period, the city flourished and became the region’s capital and a Roman naval base. The town continued to expand during the early Byzantine period, declined from the 7th century AD, declined during the Arab attacks, and was abandoned after being taken over by the Seljuks in the 13th century. It was not until the end of the 19th century that people started to settle in Side again and slowly developed into the tourist attraction it is today.
The Nymphaeum
Side: A Perfect Combination Of Experiece
Side is a popular tourist destination in this day and age, and it is easy to understand why. The resort combines various attractions and activities and state-of-the-art facilities for the more discerning tourists. Inside the ancient city walls, you will find some well-preserved ruins from the heyday of the city, some charming Greek houses, and numerous shopping and entertainment venues. In short, Side allows you to experience everything without leaving town.
Ancient Ruins In Side
Most of the ancient ruins of Side can be entered for free, except for the theatre, where they ask for a small entrance fee (museum pass is valid).
The Nymphaeum, Is Now Part Of Today’s Street Life
The most famous buildings are Nymphaeum, State Agora, Commercial Agora, Theater, Roman Baths, Basilica and Temple of Apollo. If you want to visit the ruins, your best itinerary starts from Nymphaeum and the gate. Then follow the colonnade street to the Basilica and the Agora near the dunes.
The State Agora At Sunset
Inside The State Agora In Side
From there, follow the seaside route to the Temple of Apollo. This will also take you past the Roman Baths and another cathedral.
The Temple of Apollo Apollo, the Greek and Roman god of music, one of my favourite gods, sits at the seaside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The spot became a favourite place for Instagram addicts and ideal background for marriage photo shoots. If you choose your time of visit carefully and the place is not too busy you can enjoy the mesmerizing sunsets the god of Apollo displays for you on many evenings.
When The Sun Sets And The Moon Rises At The Apollo Temple In Side
The Colonnaded Street Of Side Ancient Site
From the Temple of Apollo, choose a beautiful street in the old city to take you back to the theatre and Vespasian monument. Don’t skip the Side Museum opposite the theatre!
The Roman Baths At The Side Museum
The Side Museum
Although you need to pay an entrance fee (museum pass is valid) to visit this place, our advice is to see. If you have a limited budget and need to choose, you can admire the theatre from the outside and spend your money visiting museums. The museum is next to the old cistern in the restored Roman bath complex. The exhibition includes some extraordinary Roman statues, minor artefacts, and sarcophagi and olive presses. This is a beautiful place, ignored by many people.
The Roman Baths Look Fabulous Inside The Side Museum
What To Expect
Location: You can easily reach the Side by car, but no vehicles are allowed in the old centre (check the map below).
Nearest Airport: Antalya Airport.
Parking: There is a parking spot near the theatre.
Terrain: Easy.
Stroller: Yes.
Income: Free except for Theatre and Museum (Museum Pass is valid).
Facilities: Everything, beaches, shops, restaurants.
Best Time To Visit: April, May Or September, October.
A Seaside Terrace In Side, Enjoy The View!
The Old Town Of Side Caters To Modern Tourists
The sea is everywhere in the old town of Side. This is a labyrinth of narrow streets with many restored Greek houses that have been converted into shops, bars and restaurants. European tourists do not have to worry about currency exchange because all prices are euros. Compared with many other resorts in Turkey, the peak tourist season in Side has been in full swing in mid-April.
Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Side, Antalya
A former small fishing village sits in a great location, about 75 kilometres east of Antalya. Old fortification walls and sandy beaches surround the small capes on either Side. The beaches to the west side of Side house a series of resorts and all-inclusive hotels. It forms a considerable contrast with the relatively unspoiled eastern beaches, dunes with part of the archaeological site. This is a place where you can easily combine the old, typical old town with fashionable food and wine. In different parts of the town, you will see a glass floor showing the remains of the antiques below.
The city centre cannot be reached by car, but ample parking spaces are provided. The Side has become very popular and becomes very crowded in summer. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to visit in April, May or October, you will find it to be the most enjoyable form; everything is open and not overwhelmed by tourists.
Side in Turkey is easy to reach by car or by public transportation.
If you are in the area, you can also consider visiting the ancient city of Perge. This is a charming place with many colonnade streets. The Aspendos Theatre is also within easy reach, another impressive building worth visiting. For those who like the beautiful old town, Kaleiçi in Antalya is a must!
Remember: The old town is a car-free zone, so please use dedicated parking spaces. Avoid the summer crowds and visit in April, May or October.
The atmosphere is lively and laid-back. If you like walking as we do, make sure to stroll along the promenade next to the old city wall. After the Temple of Apollo, this is the second-best choice for those beautiful sunset photos!
If you have any questions about a place, feel free to ask. You can send us a message through our contact page or leave a comment on our Instagram or Facebook pages.
You can also join to our group Turkey Travel Photography on Facebook to share your lovely photos or experiences about Turkey.
Places Nearby
Lyrbe, an amazing Agora in the Taurus Mountains (14 km)
Aspendos, the must-see theatre in Antalya?! (27 km)
Ormana, the revival of a beautiful village in Antalya (38 km)
Sarıhacılar Village, walking the ancient Silk Road (44 km)
Places We Recommend
Kalkan
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Iassos
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Kaunos
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