– this is one of the most popular vacation spots on the shore Mediterranean Sea for tourists who prefer the optimal combination of 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, 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 here small town However, they did this on the site of an earlier settlement, which, translated from a pre-existing dialect, was called “Granat”. 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 a large port, it 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 glory Turkish city 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 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 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, 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 banks rugged with secret grottoes, fantastic caves, surrounded 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.

wonderful resort area 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. From natural beauty: mountain river, 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 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 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 hotel is different from hotel, even in the range of five stars, despite colorful description Some of them, studying the reviews of tourists, 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: 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*".

Resort Side - the Turkish “museum city under open air", 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 has been practically turned into ruins, nevertheless, connoisseurs of culture and art are sure to visit this ancient attraction 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 along the Silk Road, which passed through antique city Side. When trade ties weakened, the Alarakhan fortress lost 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, offered interesting excursions both within 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 take a bath in the ancient “Baths of Cleopatra”, famous unique composition 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 is worth the time spent, because you will see the mysterious - the real lost worlds of 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 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 the 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.

All about holidays in Side (Türkiye) in 2020. Useful reviews tourists and advice. Review of prices and list of the 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 an open-air museum. You can come to Turkey for a holiday in Side as early as April; the tourist season ends in October.

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When is the best time to visit Side?

Although the season officially begins in April, it is still too early to talk about a beach holiday in Side, Turkey. 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 service of the most high level. Most often they have their own beaches; clubs, discos and SPA complexes operate 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.

How much does a summer holiday in Side cost 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 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 - 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, and therefore has long been a favorite destination among 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 famous for its cultural and entertainment center throughout the Mediterranean. It was in Side that they went for the most beautiful slaves from all over 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 had to leave the city and go to neighboring Antalya. IN late XIX century, the place began to be revived thanks to Turkish settlers from the island of Crete.

Love story in Side

Known to everyone amazing story The selfless love between the Egyptian queen Cleopatra and the Roman commander Mark Antony also touched 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 is an excellent 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. You can also take a taxi from the airport to the resort. 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 you can get there by regular bus or 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. The 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 in these parts by clean, transparent 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. There is also a lot of active entertainment on the shore for both 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 the Old Town 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 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 very a nice place, but it is especially famous for its waterfall on the Manavgat River. This popular place recreation for both tourists and the local population. 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 leisure provided for every taste. Water park lovers from Side will have to go to the nearest villages of Sorgun or Kyzylot.

Most popular aquatic species sports and excursions by 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 city ​​of the same name or the Kopruchay River near the resort of Belek. 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 jewelry made of gold. 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 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 – 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 relaxation on the magnificent clean beaches. If you are looking for vivid impressions, then the Side resort is just for you. Have an unforgettable holiday!

What category of vacationers is Side suitable for? In Side, any vacationer will find a holiday village to their liking. For fans, these are Manavgat and Side. For lovers of landscapes, Kyzylach and Sorgun are suitable. these are Colakli, Titreyengel and Kumkoy.

If you plan to spend a vacation in Turkey, in particular in the Side area, it is advisable to conduct reconnaissance in force and find out which area fits better Total.

Kyzylach

Good for leisurely rest, there are many orchards and picturesque landscapes. Perfect for couples with children. Shopping centers no, but all types of marine entertainment are available. For sightseeing, it is better to take a short walk to the ancient city of Side.

Kizilot

The area is located just gaining momentum. It is suitable for lovers of a very secluded holiday, since it is located far from all infrastructure, there is no entertainment here, as well as ancient ruins and artifacts. The coast is half empty even in high season, the beach is sand and pebbles. However, the entrance to the sea is not always convenient due to boulders on the seabed and high waves.

Kumkoy

Located near Side and 65 km from. Would be a great choice for lovers nightlife, because it is filled with clubs and discos. Nature lovers will be disappointed, no beautiful view not observed here. But for married couples with children, there is a sandy beach and a gentle entrance to the sea.

Important! Boulders are present in small quantities on the side of the beach that is closer to Side (near the Nova Park hotel, for example).

During the day you can ride a yacht, jeep and raft along Manavgat. At night it will be available for young people a large number of night clubs. The most popular are:

• Nympheon (near the beach);
• Appolo Club (by the harbor, near the temple);
• Lighthouse Disco.

Note! The Oxid party is the most popular among Russian tourists. It is stylized as an ancient fortress and every evening there are foam parties and open-air dances.

Manavgat

for travel around the surrounding area. Food, shopping and accommodation are cheaper here and are generally suitable for those who want to save money but be close to attractions. During the day you can raft down the river or ride a bike through coniferous forests, and visit the Manavgat waterfall.

The main attractions nearby are:

• Köprülü Canyon Park;
• Manavgat waterfall;
• Lake Titreyengol;
• Oymapinar dam and reservoir;
• ruins of the city of Seleucia.

Note! There are few ancient ones, but just a few kilometers away is the most interesting place in this area is the ancient city of Side with an amphitheater, Agora, Temple of Apollo and baths.

Side-center

It has . Excellent infrastructure, transport accessibility, all types of water activities are presented. Hotels are available for every taste and budget, and for nightlife party-goers there are clubs and noisy discos.

Important! Historical Center Side was founded by the Greeks back in the 7th century. BC e.. The city was the largest port of Pamphylia at that time and was named after the nymph Side, which means “pomegranate”.

The main historical attraction in Side is ancient city Side with dilapidated temples of Artemis and Apollo, columns, fountain, ancient theater and aqueduct.

Sorgun

A real paradise for two categories of tourists: lovers of secluded relaxation and connoisseurs of natural landscapes. The village is surrounded by pine forests. The almost complete absence of night entertainment, plus the pine aroma and sea breeze will bring mental and physical peace to guests. Perfect place for families with children, the entrance to the sea is gentle. But shopping here is not very good.

Titreyengel

The village got its name from the lake of the same name; here a beautiful river flows into the sea. river in Turkey Manavgat. Peaceful holiday With sandy beach(although sometimes there are pebbles). At the entrance to the sea there are sometimes stones. There are many cafes, bars with exciting parties and small shops with souvenirs. However, for a full-fledged shopping experience, it is better to choose another place.

Colakli

and leisurely rest. The entrance to the sea is gentle, with sandy beach and there are all kinds of entertainment in the form of a zoo, animation, and water park. There is no noisy nightlife here, with the exception of a few discos. There are almost no attractions here, except for the mosque, so it’s worth going to Side to see the ancient ruins.

Security - what should you be careful of?

The Side area is a tourist area, so it is enough to adhere to the usual safety measures:

• leave valuables, documents and large sums of money in the hotel safe;
• Do not leave things on the front seat of the car during stops.

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 have been built in Side variety of hotels, restaurants are open from 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. The swimming season starts on the resort's beaches in early May and lasts until mid-November.

Choosing a beach

The old center of 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 a quiet family holiday. The entrance to the sea in this part of the beach is gentle, the water warms up faster, there are no holes or dangerous currents. 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 an active holiday 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 you are unlikely to be allowed to freely access the beach of an expensive hotel. 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. An American plane rests in peace in the coastal waters of the resort, castaway in battle in the 40s. 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 tourism infrastructure Side provides 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. Waterslides The water parks are thought out perfectly and 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 recreation. 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.