Car Hire Side

Side Mini Guide

Side in a Nutshell
Side is an ancient Greek city in Anatolia, now known as Antalya on the south Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The city is on a peninsular flanked by beaches either side. It is popular holiday resort with many classical sites.  Its name means pomegranate and fruit of abundance.

How do I get There?
If you travel by bus from another part of Turkey, you will stop in Manavgat and you can get a minibus from there. Travellers from the UK and Europe will fly into Antalya Airport and the journey to Side takes around 45 minutes by taxi or car. It is an easy drive along the D400 road if you have a hire car. Taxis and dolmus make it easy to get around, once you are there, if you don’t want to drive.

What Can I See in Side?
Side is a city that mixes the old and the new, even on the main street you can see ruins of villas and the original mosaic floors. There are many ancient sites to visit, including the Temple of Apollo and the Great Gate. The Roman Baths have been restored to house a museum displaying statues and artefacts. The Temple of Dionysis and amphitheatre are also worth seeing, you can almost imagine the gladiators fighting there and the old bustling market that used to take place. The town was said to be a secret rendezvous for Antony and Cleopatra in Roman times.



Can I go Shopping?
There are many shops and stalls to shop at around Side, however many cater just for tourists so you will pay a little bit more. In Side old town things are a little cheaper and there is more of a variety of shops. If you go to Manavgat on a Monday, visit the huge market held in the old town and bag a few bargains. Handicrafts are always a good souvenir to take home, buy some local jewellery or a Turkish coffee pot.

What Else Can I do?
Relax on the beach or take part in some water sports or take a boat trip out to Dolphin Island and do some fishing and snorkelling.

Tell me About the Food
Side Harbour is the best place to eat fish – Liman Restaurant is a popular choice for its harbour views and freshly caught seafood or try Aphrodite Restaurant for international and Turkish specialities. If you have a sweet tooth, go to Petek (honeycomb) in the old town and sample the sweets and have a Turkish coffee. For fast food try local kebaps (kebabs) or pide (stuffed pitta) from one of the takeaway shops.



Is There any Night-life?
The city comes alive at night time and there are many clubs and bars to choose from. Try Lighthouse at the harbour or Oxyd, just outside of town. Club Truva is also popular.

Where Can I go for a Day Trip?
You can drive out to Antalya, see the town and do some shopping. Stop at Seldjuk Bridge and the ancient city of Aspendos on the way. Make your final visit to Manavgat Waterfalls as you return back to Side.