Side

From Turkey Travel Guide

Side is a resort town in the province of Antalya.

[edit] History

The history of Side dates back to the 6th century B.C.as one of the earliest settlements of the Anatolia. The name Side means pomegranate. The city with its harbor was an important commercial center during the Hittites. In its history, Side's long and sandy beaches were also hideouts for pirates and slave traders, especially during the 1st century BC.

In 333 BC, Side was conquered by the Macedonian Alexander the Great. After his death, his general Ptolemy I Soter took control of the city but sooner he declared himself king of Egypt in 305 BC. In In 190 BC, Greeks defeated the region. In 67 BC, the Roman general Pompey took control of the city. Later Side became an important trade center for olive oil. In the 12th century, it was a big city but by the time it was abondened and the population moved to Antalya.

After 1950s, Side became a resort town of Antalya province.

[edit] Navigation

Located on the southern Mediterranean coast of Turkey, Side is situated near the villages of Manavgat and Selimiye as well as 75 km from Antalya.

[edit] Getting there

[edit] By plane

The closest airport is in Antalya which is 71 km away.

[edit] By train

No train connection to Side.

[edit] By car

Easy accessible by car, Side lies 2 km south of main highway D400.

[edit] By bus

There are buses to Manavgat from major cities in Turkey and you can get to Side from Manavgat by minibuses.

[edit] By boat

Only available via private boats.

[edit] Getting around

[edit] By car

Taking a taxi is easy but always ask about the price before get in and once you decide the distance you'll be going.

[edit] By public transport

There are minibuses running around with cheap fees.

[edit] By foot

The center is small and can be covered by walking.

[edit] By bike

Biking friendly place.

[edit] Weather

Mediterranean climate dominates the region where summers are hot and long and winters are warm and rainy. The temperature during the summer time changes between 28-36 degrees.

[edit] See

Roman ruins of Side are must see places with a large amphitheatre "Aspendos", temples of "Apollo" and "Athena", the Byzantine hospital from 6th century B.C., "Nymphaeum" fountain in the city wall and the Roman bath converted into museum.

Aspendos is a theatre, built in 167 A.D. by architect Zeno, son of Theodorius and contains 40 rows of marble banks built against a hilltop. It could host 15,000 people in its history.

Temples of Apollo and Athena are identical looking and were built in the second half of the 2nd century A.D.

[edit] Do

Go to the beaches of Side where you can enjoy the deep blue Mediterranean Sea and golden sands.

Enjoy the water sports activities and parasailing.

Do shopping for clothes, handicrafts like carpets, jewellery and leather goods but don't forget to bargain.

[edit] Eat

The food in Side is rich and restaurants are offering various menus. You can either go to Pide where you can eat the famous Turkish bread with different flavours called as "pide" or Minos for delicious seafood or try some of the restaurants at the beach like Hukukçular and Zümrüt.

[edit] Drink

If you like to party and have drinks, Oxyd is the right address for you in Side. It's the biggest disco bar in Side which offers different cocktails and entertainment at the same time.

[edit] Sleep

[edit] Budget

Sertkaya Hotel [1]is a budget hotel with 280 beds in 105 rooms (20 Family rooms, 85 Standard rooms). It's located 1.8 km to Side, 1100 m to the beach and 65 km to Antalya Airport. Its address is Yalı Mahallesi, No:18, Side. The hotel can be reached via phone number +90(242)753 5222.

[edit] Mid-Range

Seher Hotel [2]is located along the Mediterranean Sea with access to best beach around. There are 270 rooms divided amoung 5 complexes building all accessible with lift. The hotel can be called at +90(242)763 6515.

[edit] Upscale

Hotel Asteria[3] is a five star establishment located in Side.In the hotel’s airy and welcoming lobby you have the chance to enjoy a panoramic view of the matchless beauty of ancient Side and the blue sea while you sip a glass of wine or a cup of hot coffee. Its address is Kumköy mevkii, 07330 Side / Antalya and can be reached at +90(242)753 1830.

[edit] Work

Side's economy depends on "tourism". For foreigners a valid work permit is a must for legal purposes.

[edit] Learn

You can take diving lessons in Side.Side Diving School [4]is a good option, located in Gündoğdu Ormancılar Sitesi, C-Blok, D-4,Manavgat and can be reached via phone number +90(242)753 6488.

[edit] Keep connected

[edit] Internet

Usually the hotels have wireless internet access.

[edit] Phone

Look for the metered phones in PTT.

[edit] Post

The phone number of the national post office PTT is +90(242)753 1777.

[edit] Safety

Side is a very safe town but in case of emergency you can call the police by dialling 155 or reach gendarmerie at +90(242)753 3606.

[edit] Stay Healthy

Side Anadolu Hastanesi (Private hospital) [5]is located in Yalı Mahallesi, Side Bulvarı, No.55 and can be reached via phone number +90(242)744 0202 or e-mail side@anatoliahospital.com.

[edit] External links