Top attractions in Side
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Top sights in Side
The 7 best things to do in Side
Side has never failed to attract visitors to its Antalyan coastline. Its ancient town reflects the footprints of its Greco-Roman past, while a string of resort hotels cater to holiday-makers, offering a bevy of attractions along its sun-drenched
beaches.
1. Old Street
A scattering of soaring columns stand like lone sentinnels along the former main road of ancient Side, with visible proof that the Romans had initially paved it with stone slabs.
2. Apollo Temple
The famous temple near the old harbor dates to the 2nd century AD. The five standing columns, whose frieze shows a series of heads of Medusa, were re-erected in the 1980s.
3. Roman Ruins
Remnants, such as the Nymphaeum and Vespian Gate, reflect the prosperous era under Roman rule. The Temple of Tyche, stands at the heart of the agora, a former hub of daily life.
4. Aspendos
This theater could seat an audience of up to 15,000, and the seats still show the inscribed names of patrons. The stage building also features the faces of Comedy and Tragedy.
5. Manavgat Falls
Located near the town of the same name, enjoy the view of the foamy falls, which are 6.5 feet. high and 131 feet. wide, amid a tranquil and refreshing setting.
6. Düden Falls
Pack a picnic and head to this national park, where the famous Düden Falls plunge 49 feet into the cool water pools below. The Lower Falls tumble into the sea.
7. Pamakkule Baths
Pamakkule means "cotton castle," which reflect the snowy white travertine mineral deposits that blanket the terraces. The 17 hot springs have been luring visitors for millennia.
Planning Your Visit
How many days to spend in Side?
Avid beach-goers could spend up to one week in Side. The seaside resort town allows visitors not only to soak up the sun and take a dip in the sea, but also have time to appreciate its cultural points and take day-trips to explore the nature of the surrounding area.
Getting around
The mini-buses (dolmuş) are convenient for a short trip around Side. A sign in the window states the destination with a fixed price.
Where to stay in Side
Resort hotels, ranging in size and star rating, straddle the coastline, some of which are a few miles from town. However, there are accommodations in the city center.
Day-trips from Side
For day-trips to the surrounding area, consider the following: It's between 15-30 minutes by mini bus (dolmuş) to the Manavgat Waterfalls. For independence, rent a car to visit Pamakkule Baths (4 hours away) and Duden Falls (1 hour away). Hotels work with tour operators, which offer transportation to these points, but that will likely include a stop or two at a shop (jewelry or leather) along the way and that will prolong the journey.
Good to know
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- Language
- Turkish
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- Currency
- Turkish Lira (₺)
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- Time Zone
- UTC (+03:00)
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- Country Code
- +90
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- Best time to visit
- While the summer months deliver peak heat, they are also the driest. If you're looking to enjoy unusually warm days during the fall months - then visit September thru November. You'll also get better deals after the summer tourists depart.
Other Sightseeing Options in Side
Want to discover all there is to do in Side? Click here for a full list.
What people are saying about Side
Not quite as advertised but still great value for money! It took a long time (over an hour) to pick up all the passengers but we then headed to the pirate ship for a cruise down the river. We stopped to spend some time on a deserted beach then back to the moore for lunch (chicken, rice and salad). Next stop was the bazaar for shopping and then short stop at the small waterfall which was nice but unimpressive. Would recommend.
It is a wonderful trip, accessible to all, with extraordinary landscapes, dining in a local location and a visit to the port of Alanya. We were only three adult tourists and a 3-year-old child. The guide is well documented, speaks fluent English and German, stopped at all places for pictures and created a pleasant atmosphere.
There was a bit of waiting around at the start without any one telling you what's happening. Definitely something these excursions lack and thats commincation with the people they are meant to entertain/host etc. However the quad biking was super fun.. very dirty and dusty so be prepared.
Cenghis is a very excellent tourguide. He’s engaging and very interactive. He knows the history by heart. You can tell that he loves his job because it radiates to the group. He very enthusiastic. Very informative! Highly recommended tour.
I highly recommande this excursion! The monitors were really nice, and the diving in the museum was really interesting. I forgot my phone on the transfert and one of the monitor bring it back to me. Thank you so much!