Top things to do in Side

While Side certainly provides ample opportunities for sunworship, it also caters to those interested in exploring an older form of worship through a visit to the Temple of Apollo, dedicated to the Roman God of sun and light. Situated in Side Old Town, the remains of this 2nd-century BC structure coexist with another temple from the same period dedicated to the god of wisdom and skill, Athena. Both structures offer educational and inspiring connections to an ancient past, satisfying the cultural curiosity within you. For a truly awe-inspiring experience, we recommend a visit at sunset when the fading rays of the day illuminate the ancient columns in a breathtaking natural light display.

Situated in the heart of Side Old Town is the stunning Side Amphitheatre. This impressive structure was built by the Romans in the 2nd Century AD and was used to entertain up to 20,000 people with plays and shows as well as hosting gladiatorial spectacles. Although over time some parts of the auditorium have decayed and collapsed the building is still an impressive example of Roman construction skills and is still occasionally used to host concerts and cultural celebrations. As well as the actual theatre, a trip to the site will reward you with the opportunity to explore what remains of Agora, an ancient Roman marketplace and the circular Temple of Tyche, goddess of fortune, both are situated close by.

About 13 km north east of Side lie the Manavgat waterfalls; set in landscaped surroundings the falls offer the ideal place to relax and reconnect with nature. Easy to reach by scheduled bus services, the area is an excellent place to relax and unwind; use the interconnecting gangways to get up close and lose yourself in the overwhelming cacophony of sound created by hundreds of gallons of cascading water, or relax at one of the many restaurants and tea gardens offering tasty snacks and drinks against the backdrop of this natural feature. If that all appears a little sedate, then why not take an adrenaline inducing raft ride on the fast-flowing river or take a Land Rover safari to explore the surrounding areas with its diverse flora and fauna.

Situated next to the Roman Amphitheatre is the small but delightful Side Archaeological Museum. Occupying the 2000-year-old Roman Bathhouse building, the museum is a great place to escape the sun for a couple of hours and brings all the surrounding ancient architecture of Side into some form of perspective. Restored in the 1960s, the museum tastefully uses the former hot, warm, cold and sauna rooms to display statues and artefacts from Side’s fascinating past. Statues of Hercules and Hermes make stunning centrepieces, supported by a frieze of Aphrodite and the Three Graces, and marble coffins from the Roman Empire period. Other intriguing pieces such as glassware, jewellery, weapons and household items combine to provide a fascinating insight into Side’s varied past.

On the road to Side’s popular East Beach are the impressive ruins of the State Agora. The Agora was a public area used for assemblies, speeches and markets. This collection of ancient buildings is a great place to imagine life from two thousand years ago: close your eyes and visualise a bustling hub of traders plying their wares whilst public orators compete for your attention. On the eastern side are the remains of the two-storey library, while an adjacent columned niche is home to a statue of Nemesis, goddess of fate. Head out of the Agora towards the old town walls and you will discover Christian buildings from the 5th and 10th centuries AD, including a Byzantine bishop's palace.