Side

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Side Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: May to September Read More

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"Ancient, Modern and Picturesque"

Side Tourism

Side is nestled in the Southern Mediterranean coast of Turkey, located 78 kms from Antalya. It encompasses the modern resort town and the ruins of the ancient city, making it a perfect blend of ancient and modern architecture. Backed by the blue sea, it is an ideal holiday destination for people who want to bathe in the sun, by a beach and explore the rich history of Greek mythology, owing to the ancient temples of Athena and Apollo housed in the town.

Side is a pedestrian-only town with almost 29 different structures to visit. The streets are lined with cafes, temples, an amphitheatre and various stores. Side has two beach Strips: West Beach, which is near the hotels and has fine sand and watersports, and East Beach, which is rockier and quieter. You can also find various archaeological ruins along the East Beach area. You can get between the two beaches by dolmus buses. The main bus station, Side Otogari, is within walking distance of the old town, where most attractions are located.

Full of natural marvels like the Manavgat waterfalls, Koprulu Canyon National Park and the golden beaches, Side is an ideal destination for beach lovers all across the globe. Watching the sun set around the magnificent Temple of Apollo is a unique experience here.

Must Know Before You Travel to Side

  • Small trains and private golf buggies are available at the entrance of the ancient city
  • Check out the Kumkoy area for luxury hotels. For budget stays, prefer the Sorgun or Colakli area.
  • Try authentic tea and pastries from local cafes and bakeries. Some popular cafes in Side are Doruk Pastanesi, Carre Cafe and Full Moon Beach Cafe.
  • Since most of the ancient structures are in the open, avoid visiting them during the noon in the harsh sun.

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Nightlife in Side

With vibrant bars and restaurants, Side enjoys a thrilling nightlife. For a relaxed night, head to the harbour promenade and beachfront. Here, you can sit and relax by the sea, looking at the city lights. If you want to party the night away, you can head to numerous bars and pubs like Royal Castle Pub, Karma Restaurant, Lush Bar. Numerous bars in Side offer a countryside feel to them and are backed by stunning views of the sea, and these include Apollonik and Mehmet's Bar.

Shopping in Side

Side has grown as a holiday destination in the past decade leadingto the creation of bustling bazaars all over the town. Beaming with shops and tourists, Manavgat Town Center is one such street. This street market is packed with people haggling for prices, especially on Mondays and Thursdays. Other important shopping locations in Side are Ottoman Shopping Center, Sural Shopping Center, Mall of Side, Novamall, Selge Park. From souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes and accessories to jewels, beachwear and decor you'll find everything in these markets! Public market space at Side is set every week on Mondays and Thursdays. A lot of good quality imitation stuff is sold in the markets, please note that you must not try out skin products from such stores. Attempting bargaining is really important in street markets at Side, since product prices are hefty around these areas. Similar products are available throughout the market. Ensure you stroll through the shops before making a final purchase.

Suggested Itinerary for Side

Day 1: Start your day at the Side Museum, and look at the dilapidated statues, vintage housing of Turkey and many more things. Then, head to the temple of Apollo for a dramatic change in landscape. You can watch the sunset from here or head towards the Side harbour.

Day 2: Start your day visiting the 2nd-century marvel Athena's temple. This temple that now lives in its ruins is known for its immaculate mysterious vibes. Afterwards, head towards the Greek amphitheatre, dating back to the 2nd century. Next, you can head to the street markets of Side and shop for some souvenirs. Additionally, you can head to the beach on the eastern shore of Side for a relaxed night out.

Best Time to Visit Side

How to Reach Side

How to Reach Overview

There are no direct flights to Side, Turkey. The closest airport is Antalya Airport. The main way to reach Side is through Manavgat. You can take frequent mini-buses and dolmus from Antalya Airport to Manavgat. There are also regular transportation options from Alanya and Konya to Manavgat. During the summer tourist season, there are direct buses to Side from major Turkish cities like Ankara, Izmir, and Istanbul.

Local transport in Side

The easiest way to explore Side is by renting a car, with many rental companies available in the town. Additionally, the dolmus, a popular form of local transport in Turkey, is readily accessible.

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Side Photos

Side
Side, Turkey
Temple of Apollo, built in dedication to Apollo, the Greek God of sun
Side Amphitheatre

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