WHERE?

Side is located within the borders of Manavgat district of Antalya. Side, which is snuggling towards the Mediterranean on a peninsula bearing its name, is located in the east of Antalya and in the south of Manavgat district.

HISTORY

Side means ‘pomegranate’ in Anatolian language. It is seen that the oldest settlements in Side, which dates back to the Hittites, are in the 7th century BC. Side, which came under the rule of the Lydians in the 6th century BC and the Persians in 547 BC, was under the rule of Alexander of Macedon in 334 BC. Subsequent to the Seljuk and Ottoman rule, Side became a center where the traces of different cultures were seen.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Side welcomes many travelers throughout the year. April-November is the period preferred by those who love sea holidays. Since the air temperature changes between 10-20 degrees in other months, visitors come to Side to explore the ancient city and participate in social activities.

TRANSPORTATION

Antalya Airport is approximately 45 minutes away from Side.

SİDE ANCIENT CITY

When you visit Side Ancient City, which is located on the coastal part of Side, you will have made a great journey into Side’s past. Side Antique City, as in other ancient cities of Pamphylia, starts from the main gate and stretches along a street with columns on both sides. The ancient city consists of historical buildings such as the city gate, ramparts, colonnaded streets, ancient theater, agora bath, velpasian fountain, apollon temple, large bathhouse, and athena temple.

SİDE MUSEUM

Side Museum is home to wonderful artifacts from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. Identified with Hera, Aphrodite and Athena, The Three Beauties Sculpture belonging to the 2nd century must be seen.

SİDE PORT REGION

It is a region with a wonderful sunset view, where cafes and restaurants are located next to the Temple of Apollo. You can discover the cuisine of Side in this region.

KÖPRÜLÜ CANYON NATIONAL PARK

It is located 54 km north of Side. It has a length of 14 kilometers, the longest canyon in Turkey, and two historic bridges located at the beginning of the river is the reason of Köprülü name. It became a national park in 1973 and has an area of 366.140 decares. In Köprülü Canyon, activities such as rafting, trekking, jeep safari, bicycle tour, horse riding are carried out.

ASPENDOS THEATRE

Aspendos is one of the most important legacies of world history and is located 30 km from Side. It has reached today with its half-circle-shaped amphitheater for 15 thousand people. It is known that it was built by the emperor Antonius Pius by the architect Zenon between the years 138-164. Aspendos, which is visited as Upper City and Lower City, is also known as “Belkis Ruins” among the people. Its ramparts, agora, aqueducts, baths, temples and necropoleis are among the places to visit in the area.

MANAVGAT WATERFALL

It is located in the town of Manavgat, 72 km from Antalya. It is a natural wonder formed by the 93 km long Manavgat River pouring from the cliffs.

TİTREYENGÖL

It is located in Sorgun town of Manavgat, about 5 km southeast of Side. The lake, where interesting bird species live, is one of the most ideal places for bird watching. Titreyengöl, with its landscape and nature that combines green and blue, is one of the places you should see when you go to Side.

SİDE WORLD MUSIC CULTURE AND ART FESTIVAL

It is a festival identified with Side, held in Side Port and Side Ancient Theater. Finally, Fatih Erkoç, Ayhan Sicimoğlu, Birsen Tezer, Ibis Maria, Iyeoka, Aylin Aslım and Anadolu Ateşi Dance Group participated in the festival held on 16-26 September 2019. In addition to concerts and shows, activities such as art talks are also held. The festival, which was postponed due to the pandemic in 2020, will be held between 13-23 September 2021.