Where is the best place to relax while sitting? Side city in Turkey

– this is one of the most popular vacation spots on the shore Mediterranean Sea for tourists who prefer this optimal combination like excellent sandy beaches and the proximity of a large number of historical attractions. Moreover, Side delights its guests with 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, with 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 in the region, should come in early spring or late 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 successfully located settlement on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea with a large 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 Greek island Crete to establish your 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 seashore, in Side you can get acquainted with his 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 the resort areas and villages closest to it, 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 - beautiful waterfall Manavgat. 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 one perfect 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 minuses, 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 the excellent local beach, covered with yellow sand and a flat entrance to the sea, as well as prolonged 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 there are sometimes 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. Both beaches have all needed by tourists infrastructure: sun loungers, sun umbrellas, cafes, bars, rentals, entertainment.

– a noisy, cheerful, crowded place for recreation of young people, families with children, people who adore water activities and types of sports. Here you can have fun on various 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. There are many good hotels with green areas along the coast, and there are also many ancient ruins 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 five-star range, despite the colorful descriptions of some of them, when studying reviews from tourists, you can find many complaints about this, both trivial and quite significant. After analyzing reviews from dozens of tourists, we made a selection of the most best hotels the city of Side has four and five stars, where the service, food, cleanliness and fullness of the territory, the 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: Sueno Hotels 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*".

Resort Side - the Turkish “museum city under open air", famous for dozens of historical architectural monuments of 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 a large street that 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 only see 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 has marble walls, mosaic floors, twenty-four seats, and under the seats, carved in stone, there was a sewage system, which made it possible 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 Mediterranean coast has long attracted pirates here - 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 is now, however, a little worse from the sea, but still this is simply amazing for such an ancient structure, which has been disturbed more than once 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 as ruins, but they used to be large building 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 was once surrounded by a beautiful garden, covering 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 mountain peak in order to protect the settlement from attacks by enemies from land and sea. It was also a major transit point for traders traveling along the Silk Road, which passed through antique city 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

Tourists relaxing by the sea in the resort town of Side are offered 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 tour, 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 the ancient majestic city of 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 an acquaintance with the Lycian rock 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, there is a large 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 has been perfectly preserved to this day.

- this settlement is hidden twenty kilometers from Side among 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 specimens ancient art, which are now in Historical Museum. In the city itself, you can stroll along the well-preserved cobbled streets of Lirbe, cleared of layers of sand and earth, and look at the ruins of public buildings, squares and fragments of architectural decor that once adorned them.

The ancient city of Side is called an open-air museum. This is one of the most beautiful places on the Turkish coast, on the territory of which many famous architectural monuments from antiquity are collected. Today Side is a popular resort with secluded clean beaches, a warm climate and picturesque surroundings. How many people know that it is also called a symbolic place for all lovers? More details about this, as well as about what can be seen in this amazing region, will be discussed further.

Side - the most beautiful resort in Turkey

The city of Side is located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, so it has long been favorite place from tourists. For connoisseurs beach holiday It will be interesting to note that most of the resort’s beaches are awarded the Blue Flag. This means that from an environmental point of view, the water off the coast is clean and suitable for swimming.

The name of the city of Side is translated from the ancient local dialect as “pomegranate”. There is a version that the name of the area was given in honor of Artemis, the goddess of fertility. And the pomegranate fruit, as you know, symbolizes abundance and fertility.

Often, the resort of Side means not only the city itself, but also its surroundings. These are the town of Manavgat and the villages of Kumkoy, Sorgun, Kyzylot, Colakly, Kyzylagach. Manavgat does not have access to the sea, and the villages are famous for their beautiful and clean beaches.

Historical information about the city

Since ancient times, Side has attracted the attention of many generals and rulers who wanted to take possession of this picturesque place. Despite the fact that the city was a major port, it was easily conquered by Alexander the Great. After his death, Side came under the rule of the Ptolemies and later the Seleucids. In the 2nd century BC. the settlement belonged to the Roman Empire. During this period, the city actively developed and became a famous cultural and entertainment center throughout the Mediterranean. It was in Side that they went for the most beautiful slaves from all over the ancient world, since the city had the largest slave market.

At the beginning of our era, Turkish Side was burned by the Arabs, which is why local residents I had to leave the city and go to neighboring Antalya. At the end of the 19th century, the place began to be revived thanks to Turkish settlers from the island of Crete.

Love story in Side

The well-known amazing story of selfless love between the Egyptian queen Cleopatra and the Roman commander Mark Antony also affected the city of Side. It was this picturesque place that the lovers chose for their dates. But this story ended tragically. Mark Antony fell by the sword, and Cleopatra, to avoid shame, committed suicide with the bite of a poisonous snake.

Where is Side

The city of Side is located on the Antalya coast of Turkey in the Antalya province between famous resorts Antalya and Alanya. It is close to many resort villages and the town of Manavgat. For example, 14 km from Side is the village of Colakli. Thanks to its convenient shallow beaches, it is perfect for family vacation with kids. Kizilagac, 15 km from the city, has many family hotels and souvenir markets. The village of Kumkoy with many nightclubs, discos and similar entertainment - perfect place for youth recreation. It is located 3 km from the center of Side.

Side on the map

How to get to the city

The nearest airport from the city is in Antalya, 75 km from Side. From there you can get to the city using a transfer. However, it must be ordered in advance by leaving a request on the transfer company’s website.

Another way to travel is by regular bus, which runs from Antalya Bus Station to Side. The ticket price will cost about 20 – 30 Turkish lira. It is also possible to resort place take a taxi near the airport. This type of transport will cost much more – about 270 Turkish lira.

There are other ways to travel to the resort of Side - by bus or ferry, which also first run to Antalya. From there they get regular buses or by taxi. But in this case, the journey will be quite long and not as comfortable as by plane.

Climate of Side

The weather in Side allows tourists to visit the city at any time of the year. The only exception is the winter months, when the amount of precipitation increases significantly. The climate in the resort is Mediterranean with dry, hot summers and cool, wet winters.

The tourist season on Side is quite long - from April to October. For those who love sightseeing tours, a holiday in spring or autumn is suitable, when it is not so hot and it is more comfortable to walk around the city. Beach season opens in May, when the water temperature warms up above +20 degrees.

The hottest months of the year are July and August. The air temperature exceeds +30 degrees, and the water temperature in the sea is +26 - +27 degrees.

The velvet season in Side occurs from September to November. For those who can hardly stand the heat, this is the most suitable period for relaxation and tourism.

Beaches of Side resort

The vegetation in Side is quite sparse, so most of the attention of city guests is drawn to the beaches. They are distinguished by cleanliness in these parts clear water and gently sloping sandy beaches. The beaches of Side are divided into western and eastern. The first of them is more suitable for swimming with children. The sand here is fine, and the entrance is smooth and comfortable. Also on the shore there are many active entertainment both for children and adults.

The second beach has a larger sandy surface and is deeper. There are always fewer people there. The eastern beach is popular among lovers of windsurfing, diving or fishing in the open sea.

The villages located near Side also have clean and beautiful beaches with golden sand. These are the resorts of Sorgun, Kizilagach or Titreyengol.

Resort attractions

The city of Side is home to the largest surviving amphitheater in Turkey. It can accommodate up to 20 thousand spectators. The construction dates back to the 2nd century AD. It hosted various theatrical performances, gladiator fights, battles with animals and other events. Today, entrance to the amphitheater is paid and amounts to about 20 Turkish lira.

On the shore of Side are the remains of the ancient temple of Apollo. Only five columns, made of white marble in the 2nd century BC, remain to this day. Then it was a temple of six rows of 11 columns, and it served as a place for worship. Now you can visit the monument absolutely free.

On the way to Old city There is another ancient monument - the Nymphaeum fountain. Today it is in a ruined state, but some parts of it have been preserved and are available for viewing by anyone.

On main street Old Side has an arched gate built in honor of the Roman Emperor Vespasian.

Not far from the arch is the Side Antiquity Museum. It was built in the well-preserved basements of Roman baths, built in the 5th century. Entrance to the museum is paid and is about 10 Turkish lira.

Not so far from the museum there is another architectural and historical monument of the ancient period - the ruins of the Agora market. It was here that the slave trade took place in those days. Most of all, the colonnade and the foundation of the structure have been preserved.

Those who love exciting sightseeing tours will be interested in visiting the surrounding area of ​​Side. Just 7 km from the resort is the town of Manavgat, which can be reached by bus from the local bus station. This is a very beautiful place, but it is especially famous for its waterfall on the Manavgat River. This is a popular holiday destination for both tourists and local residents. The waterfall reaches 2 meters in height and 40 meters in length. It impresses with its abundance of water and the nature surrounding it.

10 km from Manavgat is the largest reservoir on the Turkish coast - Green Canyon. This is one of the most picturesque places in the Taurus Mountains. The reservoir is artificial and remains from the construction of a dam and hydroelectric power station.

From Side there are excursions to the ancient ancient cities of Aspendos, Lirbe, Seleukia. They are also rich in many remains from buildings from ancient times.

A very popular excursion to a place with an amazing landscape is. However, it is worth taking into account that the trip will be quite long, so such tours take more than one day.

But the time spent is worth it to see such a miracle of nature.

Active holidays in the resort of Side

In the city of Side itself there is little active entertainment. However, in the nearest villages and towns of the resort, active recreation is provided for every taste. Water park lovers from Side will have to go to the nearest villages of Sorgun or Kyzylot.

The most popular are water sports and excursions along the sea and rivers. At the Green Canyon mentioned above, you can fish at a trout farm, and they also offer to do the same in the open sea.

For extreme sports enthusiasts, rafting on the Manavgat River in the city of the same name or the Kopruchay River near the Belek resort is suitable. To book a rafting tour, contact the Alpine Rafting center. There are also exciting jeep safaris in the vicinity of Manavgat. Fans of diving tours should contact the Dolphin Dive center.

Nightlife

The city of Side has established itself more as a resort for family holidays. However, you can also find interesting nightlife spots there. Famous nightclubs to visit are Club Light House, Athena Club, Club Alya and Oxyd Disco Club.

Shopping in Side

Shopping in Side is provided by small shops and souvenir shops. Popular purchases at the resort include leather and gold jewelry. And, of course, Side has many markets with spices and Turkish sweets. It is especially recommended to visit the shops with oriental sweets “Onen”.

In Side the prices are a little high. To buy things cheaper, it is better to go to neighboring Manavgat.

Transport at the resort

Dolmushi. Local transport in the city is represented by Turkish minibuses Dolmus. They are white and are marked with a sign with the name of the city Side. The fare is paid in person to the driver upon entering the bus. The cost of travel around the city and to nearby villages will cost from 2 to 4 Turkish lira.

Taxi. Taxis are available at the resort. They can be immediately recognized by the bright yellow color of the car with a checkered roof. You can take a taxi either by pre-order or by stopping on the street. The price depends on the distance - 4.5 Turkish liras per kilometer, and 3 liras are charged for landing.

Transport for rent

Bicycles. The resort of Side offers bicycles for rent. With their help it is very convenient to visit various historical places cities. The cost of daily use of a bicycle varies from 15 to 60 Turkish lira. An additional 1 lira is paid for a helmet.

Cars. If you are going to travel around many of the surrounding areas of Side, then it would be better to rent a car. In the city you can rent a car directly from the hotel or from small companies in the city. The cost of the service will start from 60 Turkish lira.

It is better to rent a car from trusted ones transport companies. At Antalya Airport there are well-known international rental centers Avis, Bedget and others. The price of an economy class car is from 130 Turkish lira per day.

Where to stay in Side

Most places to stay at the resort are all-inclusive hotels. Available in some quantities guest houses and apartments for rent. The cheapest room will cost you in a motel - from 50 liras per night. A simple hotel, not including meals, will cost from 60 to 130 Turkish lira. Three and four star hotels offer rooms on Side from 200 liras per night. In five-star hotel complexes " all inclusive» prices range from 300 to 1000 liras per day for a double room.

• Ardisia De Luxe Resort - a five-star hotel on the second coastline;
• Club Nena - a five-star hotel on the first coastline, 18 km from the city of Side;
• Silence Beach Resort is a large five-star hotel in the village of Kyzylach.

Kitchen Side

The cuisine at the resort is replete with seafood caught from the Mediterranean Sea. However, the city also has many establishments serving European cuisine. Those who want to try various Turkish snacks are recommended to visit the restaurant located in an ancient building - “Ocakbasi”.

Goat's milk ice cream is popular among street vendors, as are Turkish snacks such as kebabs, lahmacun (pizza-like pastries), stuffed mussels and fish sandwiches.

Side is an amazing land with ancient history and incredibly picturesque surroundings. Having visited this resort, you will plunge into the atmosphere of ancient times and pamper yourself with a holiday on the magnificent clean beaches. If you are looking for vivid impressions, then the Side resort is just for you. Have an unforgettable holiday!

This sunny Turkish city is located near Side and is considered the third largest, second only to Antalya and Alanya. The city is divided by the Manavgat River, which is considered one of its important attractions. Manavgat was not always called that way; during the Seljuk times, in 1329, it was given the name “Molasses”.

Modern Manavgat is famous for its ancient city, waterfall, Köprülü Canyon National Park, Titreyengol Lake, Oymapinar Reservoir and Seleukeia ruins. The city was famous for its shopping arcades, which still persist today. There is a huge bazaar here where you can find anything you want.

About 80 thousand people live in Manavgat.

Coordinates: 36.79128900,31.44153100

Manavgat Waterfall

Manavgat Waterfall is a waterfall on the river of the same name in the province of Antalya. It is located near the resort town of Side. The word "Manavgat" is translated as "Mother Goddess". Manavgat Falls was featured on Turkish 5 lira banknotes issued from 1968 to 1983.

This small picturesque waterfall is surrounded by cafeterias, restaurants, and souvenir shops. At the market near the waterfall you can buy various souvenirs, gifts and oriental sweets. 12 km. From the waterfall there is the Oymapinar dam.

Coordinates: 36.81345100,31.45443700

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Antique Side

The many ancient monuments preserved here have turned Side into a museum city. Ruin ancient city are located on the Selimiye Peninsula. It is separated from the mainland by a wall and a ditch. You can enter the territory of the ancient city by passing through the well-preserved gates of the Hellenic period.

The old street with the remains of columns on the sides will lead you directly to the Roman baths. They now house an exhibition archaeological museum. Everything that was found during the excavations of Side can be seen here: marble sarcophagi, frescoes, steles and fragments of wall friezes. Immediately behind the baths there was a city market square (agora), where the round foundation of the temple of the goddess Tyche, the goddess of fate and chance, is clearly visible. Next you will see the ruins of an ancient theater that could accommodate more than seventeen thousand spectators. Gladiator fights were held in its arena. From the temple of Apollo and the temple of Athena, only small fragments of the platforms in front of the entrance to the temple and fragments of columns remained.

Coordinates: 36.76805900,31.39064300

IN picturesque nature The ancient temple of Apollo fits perfectly into the Side peninsula. For the city, Apollo was considered the main god, personifying the sun. IN Ancient Greece, the god Apollo was considered the patron saint of teachers and muses, travelers and sailors, art and science.

The temple is a rectangle with equal length and width (30 and 17 meters, respectively). The six rows with columns looked especially grandiose, each containing 11 columns that previously decorated the temple. The columns rose high into the sky, as their height reached 8.9 meters. As for the parapets, they were built in the Corinthian style. Currently, only a few columns remain, but they have been carefully restored and display their original appearance.

The Temple of Apollo was built of white marble, dating back to the second century BC. It served as a place of worship. For lovers beautiful photos It is recommended to photograph the temple at sunset, because the glare of the setting sun looks good on the old marble columns. Next to the Temple of Apollo is the Temple of Artemis, the goddess of the Moon.

Coordinates: 36.76426900,31.38655400

Green Canyon

Green Canyon is the largest canyon reservoir in Turkey. It is located 10 km. from Manavgat.

The reservoir is located in the Taurus mountains, at an altitude of 350 meters above sea level, so it is always quite cool here. This place was formed as a result of the creation of a hydroelectric power station. The depth of the reservoir is about 100 meters. 27 natural springs flow here and constantly replenish it.

Green Canyon - most beautiful place for tourists to relax. Turquoise water, lush vegetation and magnificent mountains create a stunning landscape. Here you can take a boat ride, swim, fish or just admire fabulous beauty canyon.

Coordinates: 36.91641100,31.54200600

Beaches of Side

The Side resort is located on a green peninsula in one of the most attractive parts of our planet. The modern resort organically fits into the historical landscape here. Two beautiful beaches are located on the eastern and western sides of the cape. Each of them has its own advantages and features. Both beaches are shallow and therefore safe. The beach area is equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers.

But West Beach is more crowded and fun. Lots of entertainment for every taste and age: water rides, parasailing, water skiing, windsurfing, yachting. In the evening, numerous discos and bars open their doors to vacationers, where music will be played until dawn. And in the Oxyde disco you will be happy to combine dancing with swimming in the pool.

The beaches in the eastern part are less crowded. It's much quieter and calmer here. Beautiful sandy beaches and modern tourist complexes with vast green areas coexist with the ruins of one of the oldest and most impressive settlements in Turkey. Cotton fields and orange groves border closely beach strip. You can calmly wander through the sand dunes and see ancient ruins.

Coordinates: 36.76199100,31.41128500

Roman theater

The Roman Theater, approximately 100 meters in size, is the oldest ancient theater in Side, dating back to the 2nd century AD. The theater was built on the site of an even more ancient Hellenistic theater.

Entrance to the theater was via staircases and covered galleries. The theater was built to accommodate up to 18 thousand spectators on its territory. Such indicators make it possible to safely say that the theater was the largest in the entire province of Pamphylia. The rows of the theater are formed in the form of a semicircle with a diameter of 120 meters, and they are divided into even parts by a horizontal passage. The stage was previously decorated with friezes about Dionysus.

The Antique Museum is located next to the theater and baths. Today, from the theater props, the remains of the heads of Medusa and masks of Tragedy and Comedy, which were used in ancient times for theatrical performances, have been preserved.

Coordinates: 36.76808600,31.39080700

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Manavgat River

From the peaks of the Western Taurus flows the cold and mighty Managwat River. The river flows through canyons and plains, after which it enters the warm and salty Mediterranean Sea. Cold and warm waters mix with each other, creating a “layer cake” effect. Since ancient times, people have used this confluence of waters for rejuvenating and tonic purposes.

You can go on a short yacht cruise along the Managwat River. There are several types of excursions: some will offer to visit a small waterfall, others will go fishing (spotted trout are found in the river). The Managwat River is also popular among lovers aquatic species sports

One of the most interesting places on the Managwat River is the Altinbesik cave, rich in picturesque lakes and stalactites and stalagmites of extraordinary beauty.

Coordinates: 36.74741300,31.47195300

The most popular attractions in Side with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places Side on our website.

One of the most busy resorts south of Turkey - Side is located on a peninsula 75 km from Antalya. This city is an open-air museum and is the main archaeological site of Turkey. In Side there are hotels for every taste and budget: from comfortable high-level complexes to modest but cozy apart-hotels.

Not far from the old town of Side there are 2 main beaches: western and eastern. If you come on holiday to Side with children, then this is more suitable for you west beach, since the sea in this place is shallow with convenient descent. Here you can go sailing, diving and fishing, water skiing, and go on boat excursions.

If you prefer peace and quiet, then we recommend using Turtle Beach, which is also considered one of the most beautiful in the entire Mediterranean.

Tours in Side will appeal to lovers of archeology and historical sights. To the territory archaeological complex You can enter through the main gate of the Hellenistic period, from which there is a street with a colonnade - along it you can walk to the public baths, where the museum is currently located. Behind the baths you will see the ruins of the Temple of Tyche and Fortuna (2nd century BC). In its center there is a round room with twelve columns, which was later used by pirates for the slave trade.

Here you can also see the remains of a theater that accommodated up to 20 thousand spectators, where gladiator fights took place, and a monumental gate dating back to the 2nd century.

Not far from the theater is the Roman Temple of Dionysus, the entrance to which is decorated with a restored fountain. Remains are visible on the left Byzantine basilica. Also in Side there are ancient remains of three temples, an aqueduct and a fountain, which was a grotto with a spring, which was dedicated to beautiful nymphs.

To the right of the theater is a museum with tombs, columns, pedestals and various architectural details dating from the Hellenistic and Roman periods. This museum is truly unique; its collection of exhibits is housed in ancient Roman baths.

Vacation packages to Side are also popular among young people. This resort has many excellent discos, open all night long until dawn. Among the most famous are the Oxyde discotheque, where you can not only dance, but also swim in the pool, as well as the Nympheon with a pleasant atmosphere.

Location

Side is located 68 kilometers east of Antalya.

Entertainment

Fish restaurants, nightclubs, entertainment centers, souvenir shops and retail shops will warmly welcome resort guests. Modern comfortable hotels, discos and cafes located among the ancient columns have not diminished the charm of the city.

Excursions

Side is a city in which lovers of antiquity will find many interesting monuments that have survived despite a number of earthquakes. During your walk, be sure to explore the agora - a market where the slave trade once flourished. Directly behind it is an amphitheater for 16 thousand spectators, where the inhabitants of ancient Side once enjoyed the spectacles. Others are very interesting monuments- the temple of the goddess Fortuna and the statue of Vespasian, one of the “Twelve Caesars” described by Suetonius. It is also worth seeing the Apollo Theater, located near the sea, a fountain and a necropolis. The museum, housed in Roman-era baths, showcases one of Turkey's most interesting archaeological collections. In addition to visiting historical monuments, Side offers tourists the entire range of excursions typical of the Anatolian Mediterranean coast. This includes visiting ancient cities, and trips to Pamukkale, the eighth wonder of the world, and jeep safari in the surrounding mountains, and rafting along a mountain river. Do not deny yourself the pleasure of participating in one or more routes - wonderful memories of active recreation in Turkey will stay with you forever. And those who like to explore the surrounding area on their own can do so by renting a car from a rental agency.

Side – seaside resort, a suburb of Turkish Manavgat with a population of about 80 thousand inhabitants. It is located 76 kilometers from administrative center its province - Antalya along the coast towards Alanya.

The name of the settlement was given by the polis of the same name, founded by the ancient Greeks. The ruins of ancient sites attract tourists and archaeologists here. On a small patch, traces of ancient civilization have been preserved in the form of a well-preserved amphitheater, market square, pagan sanctuaries and other buildings.

On the map of Turkey

The city is small in size, but thanks to its hotels and beaches it is well known in Europe. At least in the eastern one. It has also become famous for its original seafood cuisine: local chefs love to experiment with the menu, creating original fish dishes.

This is where the city is located if you look at a map of the country.

Weather: air and water temperature

Planning a trip? That way!

We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help you save money while preparing for your trip.

There is no winter in the usual Russian sense; autumn gradually turns into spring. It's rainy at this time. A comfortable off-season is best suited for excursions: December and December, when the air temperature during the day is +16°C, at night – 6-7°C; and the water temperature is 18-19°C. You can't swim yet, but it's not too cold anymore.

Airport and transport

Nearest Harbour Air- Antalya. Air service connects it with the cities of the Urals, Western Siberia, the Don, Kuban, not to mention St. Petersburg and Moscow.

The journey from the airport takes about an hour. For arrivals there are dolmushi minibuses and taxis (payment at the entrance). Dolmushi is on line from early morning until night; There are enough routes, so getting from the center to any point in the surrounding area is relatively easy.

There is a municipal taxi of a classic yellow color with checkered roofs, which is usually ordered at the hotel reception. Taxi prices are fixed, cars have a meter. However, after landing, it doesn’t hurt to remind the driver that it must be turned on.

Some hotels have a bicycle rental office. You can get to the nearest settlements:

• Colakli is famous for its safe children's beaches.
• Kizilagach is a bazaar with a rich assortment of souvenirs and family hotels.
• Kumka is a youth party.

What beaches and sea

Resort area stretches for 20 miles around a neat cape, the center of local civilization. It contains the main attractions. For those who like to combine excursion and sea ​​holiday It's better to settle here. And for those who want an economy format, it is better to choose housing in the old center.

• To the west of the cape, the tourism sector has settled. Most The area is occupied by the beach. Nearby there are hotels with tourist complexes on the first coastline.
• In the east the picture is the same. The beach here is less crowded, so this corner is chosen by supporters of a quiet vacation.

The beaches here are luxurious. This also applies to two central city beaches operating under the Blue Flag. They lie next to each other, but are different.

The first one is considered safe. The depth there is shallow, so you won’t be able to push through the hot water. Physical education and gaming services are provided centrally. Training is offered in sailing, water skiing, diving, fishing. Interesting view leisure activities – boat excursions. The coolest entertainment here is parasailing.

The second one, with rare sandbanks at depth, is suitable for those who like to dive in open spaces.

There is a nuance with the beaches. Some attractive coastal spots are privately owned. If the shore belongs to a hotel, then only its guests are allowed there. Sometimes the beach area is rented by the nearest bar. In this case, you should make a reservation to enjoy your holiday in peace.

Diving

The underwater world of Turkey is inferior in beauty to the magical Red Sea, but picturesque Coral reefs. The local depths are home to colorful fish, starfish, skates, stingrays and turtles.

You can dive from the age of 10. There are simpler programs, with diving near the shore. And there are serious tours with boat trips to remote harbors and bays. Experienced amateurs are allowed to dive at night, and supporters of river diving are allowed to explore sunken objects. The dive will cost 150-300 Turkish liras, and the training course will cost 500-1000 liras.

Sights and excursions

Side in particular, and Antalya province in general - best option to combine relaxation with extensive excursion support. You will find yourself in an open-air museum that will be the envy of others European capitals. Some historical objects are more than 2 thousand years old. What to see nearby on your own?

The first Greek colony in Side arose in the 7th century BC. e.

First of all, go to old center. Previously, there was continuous construction here. Now, two thousand years and several earthquakes later, majestic ruins remain. We recommend finding the following locations among them:

• Agora - the main city square;
• Pre-modern public toilet;
• Ruins of the sanctuary of the goddess Tyukhe;
• The Basilica is the oldest stone structure in Turkey. It looks monumental even in a dilapidated state. The architectural ensemble united with the temple is the chapel and the bishop's palace, which appeared later.
• Fragments of ancient walls.
• Columns with stucco, belonging to the Temple of Apollo;
• The old amphitheater, where performances and gladiator battles took place.
• II century, which supplied water to the city from the Manavgat River. Its length was 30 kilometers.

And this is what the ancient city looked like almost two thousand years ago.

Vacation with children

There are as many family hotels in Side as in Kemer. In such hotels there is a real children's kingdom. With animators, swimming pools and play areas. It is worth noting that the town is inferior to Alanya and Antalya in this indicator.

The spectacular Green Canyon is located a dozen kilometers from the city, and children and their parents will enjoy a boat ride on the lake. The former will then frolic on the sports ground, ride on the carousel swings, and the latter will take part in a meaningful picnic or swim in the waters of the lake.

You will find the water park half an hour’s drive from Managavt towards Alanya. It is called categorically, without pretense of originality - Waterplanet. Its buildings were located directly by the sea. It is considered one of the largest water parks in the Mediterranean. There are 16 adult rides and 8 children's slides.

Shopping

It is better to choose another city for shopping. There are few retail outlets here, the range is small, and the prices are inadequate. In Manavgat, prices are 2-3 times lower. If you decide to shop here, then go to the embankment, Ataturk 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.

The word Side means "pomegranate" in the Anatolian dialect.

Eat shopping centers profiles traditional for Asia Minor - jewelry, leather and fur. True, in the summer, purchasing a fur coat can be even more expensive than in both capitals. It is profitable to buy in autumn and spring, when there are sales due to lack of consumer demand. There are a number of respectable boutiques, but the prices are prohibitive. But the quality of the products and the level of service correspond to them.

Some retailers even transport customers from the hotel to the store and back for free. It is useless to bargain with sellers; you can only bargain with the owner, although he will not make significant concessions.

Real prices

Establishments

Night clubs:

• Light House;
• Karma;
• The Castle.

Clubs are open from 10 pm to 3-4 am. Entrance fee is $10-15. Drinks from $5.

Bars:

• Surf Bar Restaurant;
• Kayı's Bar & Restaurant;
• Old Town Pub & Bistro.

The establishments are open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Decent kitchen. Alcohol from $5.

• Be sure to wear a Panama hat and smear yourself sunscreen– You can’t joke with the sun!
• Visit the municipal museum in a reconstructed Roman baths from the 5th-6th centuries.
• Don't miss the annual Aspendos World Music Festival (late summer - early autumn).
• Visit the picturesque Manavgat waterfall.

• Travelata, Level.Travel, OnlineTours - look for the hottest tours here.
• Aviasales - save up to 30% on purchasing air tickets.
• Hotellook - book hotels with discounts up to 60%.
• Numbeo - look at the price order in the host country.
• Cherehapa - take reliable insurance so as not to worry on the road.
• AirBnb - rent an apartment from locals.