Side

The 7 best things to do in Side

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

Frequently asked questions about Side

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.