Side, Turkey

Boats Awaiting Tourists

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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)