Side is located between Belek and Alanya, just 7 km from the town of Manavgat and 68 km from Antalya Airport. This well-maintained resort offers a blend of historical charm and natural beauty, making it ideal for active travelers as well as couples and families seeking a peaceful getaway.
The town of Side has preserved its traditional streets and offers a lively atmosphere with numerous cafés, bars, shops, and nightclubs. The resort area includes the surrounding villages of Evrenseki, Kumköy, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Kızılot, and Kızılağaç. Most of the beaches are either sandy or a mix of sand and pebbles.
- Sorgun, surrounded by pine forests, the protected Titreyengöl Lake, and lush Evrenseki, is well-suited for family holidays.
- Kumköy, known for its vibrant nightlife, is perfect for shopping and entertainment.
- Kızılot is an excellent choice for a quiet, budget-friendly vacation.
History
Side dates back to the 7th century BC and, according to legend, was founded by Greek settlers. It was the Greeks who left a lasting cultural legacy, transforming the city into a major port and one of the most important centers of the Pamphylia region. In the 5th century BC, Side was conquered by the Persians, and in the 4th century BC, it surrendered without resistance to Alexander the Great. During the 3rd century BC, the region came under the rule of the Ptolemies and later the Seleucids. In the 2nd century BC, Side became part of the Kingdom of Pergamon, which was eventually absorbed into the Roman Empire.
In the 1st century BC, the city was captured by pirates, who turned it into a major hub for the slave trade. Although Roman forces led by Pompey retook Side in 67 BC, the slave market remained active until the city became part of the Byzantine Empire. In the 7th century AD, Arab invaders captured and burned the city. A devastating earthquake in the 10th century destroyed much of what remained.
Centuries later, in the 1960s, archaeological excavations uncovered the ancient ruins of Side, leading to the establishment of an open-air museum that attracts visitors to this day.
Interesting and Useful Facts
- According to the ancient historian Strabo, Side was founded in the 7th century BC on the site of an even older settlement.
- The name Side comes from the Sidetic language, an ancient Anatolian dialect, and means “pomegranate”—a symbol of abundance and fertility in antiquity.
- Side is part of the Manavgat municipal district. Manavgat city, the district’s administrative center, is the third-largest on the Antalya coast, after Antalya and Alanya.
- Titreyengöl, one of the resort’s districts, is named after the scenic lake ("Titreyengöl" means "trembling lake") that dominates the area.
- The beautiful Manavgat River, known for its picturesque waterfall, flows into the Mediterranean Sea in the Titreyengöl area.
Climate
Located on the eastern coast of Pamphylia, on a small peninsula, Side enjoys a subtropical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. In the summer months, sea temperatures reach up to 28°C, while air temperatures climb to 30°C or higher.
The best time to visit is between April and November. The “velvet season”—May, September, and October—is especially pleasant, with warm sea temperatures, mild weather, and refreshing sea breezes, making it ideal for swimming and sightseeing without the peak summer heat.
Side Attractions
- Ancient City Walls (2nd century BC). These impressive fortifications once protected the city and can still be visited free of charge. They offer a great introduction to Side’s ancient architecture.
- Temple of Apollo (2nd century BC). According to legend, this is where Queen Cleopatra and Mark Antony first met. Today, five towering columns remain, creating a striking silhouette—especially when lit up at night.
- Agora (2nd century AD). This 90-meter-square public space was the heart of ancient civic life, where people gathered for trade, politics, and social events.
- Roman Theater (2nd century AD). One of the largest in the region, this amphitheater once hosted performances and gladiator battles. Today, 22 rows of seating, along with fragments of bas-reliefs and statues, remain intact and are open to visitors.
- Roman Aqueduct (2nd century AD). This engineering marvel once carried fresh water from the Manavgat River to the city. Remnants of the aqueduct still stretch across the countryside.
- Nymphaeum Fountain (2nd century AD). A monumental Roman fountain measuring 5 meters in height and 35 meters in width, it once served both a decorative and functional purpose near the city’s entrance.
- Byzantine Basilica (6th century AD). Built during the reign of Emperor Justinian, this is believed to be the oldest stone church in Turkey and stands as a rare example of early Byzantine architecture.
- Side Museum (Side Antique Museum). Opened in 1962 and housed in the restored Roman baths, the museum showcases a rich collection of artifacts, including frescoes from the Nymphaeum, aqueduct pipes, statues of Athena and Apollo, an altar, hourglasses, bas-reliefs, and sculptures—most of which were unearthed in the ancient city itself.
Things to Do in Side
- Step back in time while strolling through the ancient part of Side.
- Get an adrenaline rush rafting in the Köprülü Canyon National Park.
- Admire the Manavgat Waterfall and enjoy freshly caught trout at one of the cozy riverside fish restaurants.
- Go scuba diving to explore a sunken World War II ship and plane, lying in shallow waters.
- Snap photos of river turtles in the Manavgat Valley.
- Visit the Altınbeşik Cave, known for its small lakes, stalactites, and stalagmites.
- Go shopping in Manavgat, where a lively market is held every Monday. There you can buy fresh fruit, Turkish tea, homemade olive oil, and affordable, high-quality cotton and leather goods.
Beaches of Side
Side has two large beaches located in the bay—one on the eastern and the other on the western side of the peninsula—as well as a small sandy cove in the ancient town.
- The eastern beach is quieter and ideal for those seeking peace and a glimpse of ancient ruins. Pine and orange groves grow along the coast, and farther down is one of the most beautiful turtle beaches in the Mediterranean.
- The western beach is perfect for active travelers, fishing enthusiasts, divers, and lovers of water sports.
Diving
In the waters near Side lie the famous French warship "Saint Didier" and the American bomber "Hadley’s Harem", both sunk during World War II. Some parts of the wreckage have been recovered and are displayed in the Istanbul Museum.
There are also scenic coral reefs nearby, where you can spot colorful sea anemones, schools of fish, and starfish.
Kids-Friendly Amenities
Side is an excellent choice for a relaxed family vacation with small children. Visitors can enjoy the unspoiled nature of the Green Canyon, the Taurus Mountains nature reserve, crystal-clear sea, and organic products from local farms. The resort features gentle sea entry, various water activities, fun hotel entertainment, diverse food options, large pools with kids’ zones, water parks, and playgrounds—everything you need for a comfortable family stay.
