SIDE GUIDE

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Side Resort

Side (pronounced see-deh), is a beautiful coastal resort on the Mediterranean. It is approximately 15 km east of Antalya (one of Turkey’s largest cities) and is located on a small peninsula only 800 m in length. In this pretty town, modern architecture, chic shops and late night bars stand in just a position with the ruins of an ancient city. Flanked by two stretches of golden beach, surrounded by the sparkling waters of Mediterranean on both sides and bestowed with the endless archeological wonders - Side has aptly prospered as one of the most popular resorts for holiday visitors from across the globe.

If you want to experience the perfect harmony of history and nature you should definitely include Side in your itinerary.

How to get to Side

On road, you can avail buses or minibuses (Dolmus) from Antalya or can come by cars. The nearest airport is the one at Antalya and stands 55 km away from Side.
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History of Side

With its history dating back to the 6th century B.C., Side brags of one of the earliest settlements of the Anatolia region. Side (means pomegranate), due to its situational advantage served as an important harbor during the Hittite period and hence was a significant commercial town. Side large merchant fleets carried on business with the eastern and western Mediterranean countries. Earlier, the region served as a slave market, which traded in African slaves and as a hideout for pirates! This is because its long sandy beaches were perfect hideouts for pirates and slave traders. However, later it also flourished as a legitimate commercial center. Culturally too, the region was quite progressive and till date the ancient amphitheater, the temples of Gods and Goddesses, the Roman baths and various archeological finds bear the proof of that.
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Main attractions in Side

Aspendos:
The Aspendos is a theatre, which was built in 167 A.D. by architect Zeno, son of Theodorius. It contains 40 rows of marble banks built against a hilltop and used to accommodate 15,000 people in its heydays. This Hellenistic theatre was built during the reign of Marcus Aurelius and was dedicated to the Gods. It was built by two brothers, as a gift to the city, and till date it is extremely well preserved and very much in use.

Aspendos also has a 225 m long historical bridge that was built by an Anatolian emperor in the 13th century. This bridge has been recently restored and houses souvenir shops. Apart from these, Aspendos is endowed with the remnants of a Basilica, Agora and one of the largest aqueducts (100 A.D.) in Anatolia.

Temples of Apollo and Athena:
Built in the second half of the second century A.D., these identical looking temples were dedicated to Athena (Side’s patron Goddess) and Apollo.

Manavgat: This waterfall is a cozy stop, with restaurants and shops and attracts many tourists.

Beaches: Apart from the historical treasures, Side is also bestowed with nature’s bounty. Deep blue Mediterranean Sea, gust of fresh air and two extraordinary beaches of golden colored sand on either side.

Some other attractions include the Byzantine hospital (6th century B.C.), Nymphaeum (fountain in the city wall), the Roman bath converted into museum, etc.
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Activities in Side

Water sport can be delightful times pass particularly the parasailing. If you enjoy shopping, come to Manavgat or walk up and down the bordering streets. Bargain a little and then buy what you find fascinating - candles, glass balls with snow and ice bears, penguins, Turkish coffee making equipments or handicrafts like carpets, jewellery and leather goods.

Party fans can go to the bars and discos near the harbor or visit the most popular hangout in the coast - Oxyd. There is no formal air to the nightlife of Side - so enjoy!

If you want to get away from the hustle-bustle of the urban life, go for a solitary night walk amidst the ruins or along the beaches. You will treasure the experience.
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