Welcome to the charming seaside town of Side, Turkey!
If you’re craving a delightful blend of history, sunshine, and breathtaking views, you’ve come to the right place. Settled on the picturesque Mediterranean coast, the city offers ancient ruins, sun-kissed beaches, and a vibrant atmosphere that will make your vacation a memorable one!
🛎️ Reminder: To explore Side step by step with your digital tour guide, don’t forget to download Piri Guide! 😊
Where is Side?
Side is a town on the southern coast of Turkey. It is in the Antalya Province, specifically within the Manavgat district. It is known for its ancient ruins, including Roman-era temples, a theatre, and a well-preserved city wall. The town is also renowned for its beautiful beaches and attracts many tourists each year.
How to Go to Side?
The nearest international airport to Side is Antalya Airport (AYT), which is approximately 65 kilometres (40 miles) away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or arrange a private transfer to reach Side.
Turkey has an extensive bus network, and Side is well-connected to major cities and towns. You can take a bus to the nearby city of Antalya and then transfer to a local bus or dolmuş (shared minibus) to reach the city. Antalya’s bus terminal, known as Antalya Otogar, has frequent services.
When to Visit Side?
The months of May, September, and October are the shoulder seasons in Side. During these months, the weather is still warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F). The tourist crowds are generally smaller compared to summer, and you may find better deals on accommodations.
Must-See Places to Visit in Side
We’ve made a list of must-visit places in Side. Yet, we should remind you that you can find more on Piri Guide mobile app. Piri Guide detects your location, offers you the best travel routes, and starts telling you the hidden stories of wherever you are. All you have to do is to get your headphones or earbuds and follow the path at your own pace. Then, don’t set out for your trip before downloading the digital travel guide! 😊
Side Ancient City
Side, a magnificent port city, has thrived along the Mediterranean coast for many years. As you witness the grand and functional structures within the city, it becomes evident that Side truly lives up to its name, symbolizing a place of abundance. Even the ancient historian Hecataeus of Miletus, who lived during that era, referred to the city as “the daughter of Taurus, the Bull and Mountain God of Anatolia”. Does the name Taurus ring a bell? Yes, the Taurus Mountains!
Side Museum
Did you know that even the building of this museum is a historical artifact? The ancient Roman bath, dating back to the Roman period, has been restored and transformed into a museum. In the past, the city had four baths, and this was due to the large number of visitors to the city as a bustling trading hub. Here, you can see sculptures dating back to the Ancient Greek period. One of them is the statue of Hermes, holding a money bag. Hermes is known in mythology as the messenger god and the god of travellers.
Temple of Apollo
The people of Side revered Apollo as the city’s founder, and they also honoured the goddess of wisdom, Athena, as their main deity. The images of these gods and goddesses were depicted on coins, and temples were built in their names. Unfortunately, not much remains of the Temple of Athena today. However, the remnants of the Temple of Apollo stand before us in all its grandeur right now!
Side Underwater Museum
With the opening of this underwater museum, the area has become a gathering place for marine creatures, and their numbers have been steadily increasing. Side Underwater Museum is Turkey’s first underwater museum, opened in 2015, and featuring 117 sculptures. Located approximately 1.5 miles offshore, the museum displays sculptures in five different themes.
Since you’re here, what about exploring another ancient city, Ephesus? Then, don’t forget to read Ephesus Ancient City: A Journey Through Time! 💗
