The Ancient Town: Side

Are you looking for a cultural holiday and want to enjoy the sun and the sand at the same time? Then, Side is the right destination for you! Side is a district of Antalya, and it is a very popular holiday resort in Turkey. This charming town is one of the oldest cities in the world and includes many historical/cultural places. If you want to visit and explore historical sites near the magnificent beaches, Side offers you more than you expect. This article will share detailed information about things to do and places to see in Side. Now let’s see what awaits you in Side.

Places to Visit in Side

Side Ancient City

First of all, we recommend you spare a lot of time for Side Ancient City, one of the most important landmarks of the city. There are many points that need attention for those who are interested in history and architectural issues. Side Museum, where many artifacts collected from ancient cities in the region are exhibited, is also one of the places that should not be missed.

Side Ancient City, bearing traces of the Hittites, Lydians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. It is estimated that the history of Side, one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia, dates back to the Hittite Period in the 7th century BC. It attracts great attention every year, especially by history and archeology enthusiasts.

Side Ancient Theater

Side Antique Theater, located in the square of Side Ancient City, was built in the 2nd century BC. The Antique Theater of Side, with its extraordinary architecture, is a masterpiece that has inspired other ancient cities in Anatolia. Side Antique Theater, one of the first places to visit in Side, has 20 thousand capacities. This ancient theater, which carries the Hellenistic Period and Roman architecture traces, is unique in Anatolia.

Side Antique Theater, which consists of three sections as Scene, Oskestra and Cavea, has the privilege of being the largest monumental theater built in this region. It is known that the theater, where activities such as animal fights and gladiator battles were held, served as a kind of open-air church during the Byzantine Period. 

Nowadays, Side Antique Theater hosts open-air concerts and various theater performances by many famous artists, musical groups, and orchestras. You should visit the Side Antique Theatre, which is very popular among the historical places of Turkey!

Apollon Temple

The Temple of Apollo is one of the two temples built during the Roman Period. Apollo is the god of light, beauty, music, art, and the sun in Greek mythology. It is thought that the Apollon Temple was built to intimidate the enemies who would come to the city, that the gods protected the city.

Side Harbor

Side Harbor, located right next to the ancient temple of Apollo, is a small marina that can meet the yacht tour demands of the tourists. Despite being a small port, Side Harbor, which has a magnificent structure in terms of appearance and location, has luxury motor yachts, restaurants, diving boats, tour boats, and huge themed boats.

Agora

Agora, which can be considered the heart of Side Antique City, can be regarded as the city’s bazaar and trade center. The Agora, which is surrounded by columned entrances on four sides, has the remains of ancient shops in the north and a domed structure used as a public toilet in the southwest. This domed structure is said to be the best-preserved example of a public toilet in Anatolia. There is a temple with a pyramid-shaped roof dedicated to the Goddess of Fortune in the middle of the Agora. Unfortunately, only the podium of the temple has survived to the present day.

The Walls and the Great City Gate

The city walls, which were built to protect Ancient Side from enemies in the past, are important for Side history. These walls were built very resistantly to the dangers and attacks that may come from the sea.

Side City Gate, which is another must-see point, was used as the main gate to enter the city. Although it has been largely damaged today, it serves as an excellent source of information about the architectural features of the Roman Period. 

Nymphaeum Fountain

The Nymphaeum Fountain is located in the Ancient City of Side and the most magnificent fountain from the Roman Period. This Monumental Fountain, which is estimated to have been built in the 2nd century AD, has survived to the present day as a two-storey structure. Also known as the Roman Fountain and the Nine Fountain, the Nymphaeum Fountain is 20 meters high and 50 meters wide. It is decorated with columns with Corinthian capitals, elegant sculptures, and original frescoes.

Side Harbor is also home to many cafes and pubs that offer a magnificent view of the Mediterranean Sea. You should watch the fantastic sunset view here. There is also a long coastline where you can walk along the harbor.

Side Underwater Museum

Side Underwater Museum has been visited by more than 50 thousand people since October 31, 2015, when it was established as Turkey’s first underwater museum. As the name suggests, only those who can dive can enter the museum, where approximately 117 sculptures are exhibited under the sea.

Side Underwater Museum is visited by more than 10 thousand diving enthusiasts every year. You can enjoy visiting this wonderful museum by swimming with colorful sea creatures.

Beaches in Side

Kumköy Beach

Kumköy Beach, one of the most beautiful places in Side, is a very suitable beach for families with children to swim and sunbathe comfortably. Since the sea ground is sandy, the shallow water makes it a safer beach for children. On Kumköy Beach, sun loungers and umbrellas belonging to hotels and similar businesses can be used with affordable payment.

Çolaklı Public Beach

Çolaklı Public Beach, also known as Side Public Beach, is operated by Antalya Municipality. On the beach, all these services can be used free of charge. Çolaklı Public Beach, which is in high demand during the summer months, is not ideal for those who do not like crowded environments. Çolaklı Beach is suitable for children with its sandy ground. For this reason, it can be an ideal alternative for families with children.

Evrenseki Beach

It would not be an exaggeration to say that Evrenseki Beach is the best, cleanest, and highest quality public beach in Side. Because Evrenseki, one of the blue flag beaches of Antalya, is protected by a 24-hour private security and lifeguard team. Therefore, it is ideal for children. The cafes serving in Evrenseki, which consists of three separate public beaches, are also very affordable! In addition, there are facilities such as a toilet for disabled citizens, sun loungers floating in the sea, a ramp, and private sunbeds on the beach.

Seaside Beach Lounge

Unlike other beaches, Seaside Beach Lounge is a private business, and there is an entrance fee. Seaside Beach Lounge, one of the most beautiful beaches in Side, is located in the Side Big Beach field. The beach, which has an elaborate decoration with its umbrellas, sun loungers, tables, seating groups and lodges, is an indispensable destination in summer. The most important advantage of the beach is its clean sea, soft sandy beach and nature. During the summer season, different activities are held at the beach, attracting great attention from foreign tourists.

Night Life in Side

In Side, the nightlife is pretty colorful and lively. Many entertainment options await you, from live music to taverns, nightclubs, and quiet bars. There are clubs and bars in almost all of the streets in Side. In these entertainment venues, music and dancing continue until the first light of the morning. To list the popular places in Side: Kiss Bar, Surf Bar, Harbor Bar, Club Blackout Disco, Club Sammy Side, Club The Castle, LUX Restaurant&Night Club, Alya Disco, Side House Bar, Karma Restaurant & Sky Lounge are among the best nightlife places in Side.

Things to Do in Side

There are many activities for domestic and foreign tourists to do in Side. Undoubtedly, daily tours come to mind first when talking about things to do in Side. With Side daily excursions, you can discover different spots and make your holiday even more enjoyable. Among the most popular daily tours, there are boat tours, Jeep safari, Rafting, Aquapark, etc. 

Property Lawyer in Side

While you are enjoying the beautiful sea, the beach, and your vacation in Side, as İzzet Cansız Law Office, we can solve your problems by consulting you on all kinds of real estate issues, such as preparing a rental agreement, real estate investments, property ownership case, declaratory action, etc. The legal service on property law is carried out separately as attorneyship service and consultancy service.

We can also help you to make a more accurate real estate investment by providing all kinds of consultancy services both in Turkey and all around the world. For more information, you can contact us via the phone number on our website or by e-mail.