One of the most popular holiday resorts on the Turkish Riviera. Side is situated on the Mediterranean coast between Antalya and Alanya. The small town of 18,000 inhabitants is situated on a beautiful peninsula. During the season, it is a place of rest for thousands of tourists from all over the world.
Side has a rich history dating back several hundred years BC. In ancient times, it was a wealthy city known for its slave trade and piracy. It was founded in the 7th century BC. by Greek settlers. The goddess who looked after the city was Athena, whose head was on the coins minted in Side. The name of the city meant pomegranate in the local dialect. Thanks to its favorable location by the natural harbor of Side, it quickly became one of the most important settlements in Pamphylia and the commercial center of the region.
In 333 B.C. Alexander the Great took Side without a fight. In the first century B.C. the city became the main naval base of the pirates of Cilicia and, consequently, a center for the slave trade. In 78 BC the pirates of Side were defeated by the Roman consul. The wealth of the city in this period came not only from the slave trade, but also from the sale of olive oil.
Ancient Side delights with well-preserved buildings from Roman times and one of the largest theaters of ancient Anatolia, a huge agora with countless columns, Roman baths and a Byzantine basilica. Undoubtedly, the biggest attraction of the city is the temple of Athena and Apollo from the 2nd century AD, located right on the seashore. You can see significant influences from the reign of the Roman and Greek empires. During the summer, most of Side is closed to all traffic.
Side offers a variety of entertainment. You can stroll through narrow, winding streets, taste local delicacies in one of the many taverns and dance in the disco until dawn. In addition, a wide, sandy beach and great hotels await you to make your vacation unforgettable.
