Things To Do In Side

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Things To Do In Side

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  • Historical Site (7)
  • Beach (2)
  • Waterfall (1)
  • Museum (1)

1. Temple of Apollo

Temple of Apollo

8 km
from city center
1 out of 16
Things To Do in Side

The Apollon Temple of Side is a remarkable treasure of Turkey. Also known as the Symbol of Side, the temple was built in dedication to Apollo- the Greek God of sun, light, dance, music, archery, truth and healing. Sunsets are a breathtaking view at the temple, and it is also situated near the beach, which adds to the dreamy scenery.

2. Side Amphitheatre

Side Amphitheatre

9 km
from city center
2 out of 16
Things To Do in Side

The Greek Amphitheatre marks an ancient era in Side and is one of the largest in the Ancient Pamphylia region. A total of about 15,0000 to 20,000 people could once be accommodated in one sitting. Plenty of history and culture has passed through the amphitheatre over the years. Stop by just to observe the beautiful Greek architecture.

3. Side Ancient City

Side Ancient City

8 km
from city center
3 out of 16
Things To Do in Side

The ancient city of Side, which was once a port city for Pamphilia, is preserved as an open-air museum and is a fifteen-minute walk from the city. Traces of many civilisations lie here through the amphitheatres, city walls, schools, temples, arches, fountains, monuments, baths and hospitals.

4. Relax at East Beach

Relax at East Beach

9 km
from city center
4 out of 16
Things To Do in Side

The East Beach of Side, Turkey is longer, wider, and has more gradient than the West Beach. It runs along the Mediterranean coast up to the Manavgat River and Sorgun region. The water here is rougher than the West Beach, making it difficult for swimming and snorkelling but ideal for parasailing and jet skiing. The revered Temple of Apollo is located near East Beach. It is also the starting point for many half-day and full-day cruises in and around Side.

5. Watersports at West Beach

Watersports at West Beach

9 km
from city center
5 out of 16
Things To Do in Side

The West Beach Side runs up to the Colakli area. It has shallow, warm water ideal for swimming and a newly-built promenade for leisurely walking. It is a perfectly safe seaside destination in Turkey for families travelling with kids. Water sports such as parasailing, snorkelling, jet skiing, and scuba diving can be availed here. The white sand beach has many small cafes, restaurants, and bar shacks. West Beach is flatter than East Beach and has more resorts, hotels, and other accommodation options.

6. Manavgat Waterfall

Manavgat Waterfall

14 km
from city center
6 out of 16
Things To Do in Side

The Manavgat Waterfall is one of the most visited waterfalls in Turkey. It’s a beautiful low waterfall that is spread over a large area. Several restaurants, cafes, tea gardens, and seating are arranged on a promenade near the falls. It is, thus, popular for picnics. The rate of water flow is also ideal for river rafting.

7. Koprulu Canyon

Koprulu Canyon

63 km
from city center
7 out of 16
Things To Do in Side

Koprulu (Köprülü) Canyon is a famous national park of Turkey, known for its incredible white water rafting experience and its history. The rafting tours include swimming in the water, climbing up the canyon, passing through the forests and even catching a meal at the nearby waterfront restaurants. The entire area is simply picturesque. 

8. Side Museum

Side Museum

9 km
from city center
8 out of 16
Things To Do in Side

The Side Archaeological Museum showcases a variety of ancient artefacts like statues, jewels, coins, friezes, sarcophaguses, daily use objects, marble coffins and inscriptions. These antiquities are from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine Periods. It is located in an ancient Roman bathhouse (Agora Bath) that dates back to 2 A.D and was later restored into a museum.

9. Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving

9 km
from city center
9 out of 16
Things To Do in Side

Discover the beautiful underwater life of the Mediterranean Sea by scuba diving at Side. It is the ideal place for diving due to its high biodiversity, good visibility and temperature. Many wrecks can be witnessed, resting on the sea bed. Scuba diving at Side takes place in the Manavgat Underwater Museum, the only underwater museum in Europe. 

10. Visit a Hammam

Visit a Hammam

10 out of 16
Things To Do in Side

Hammam or Turkish baths are the world-famous steam baths from Turkey. It is a must-try at Side as many places in the city offering authentic Turkish baths. A few famous Hammam in Side are Harem Hamam & Spa (Kizilagac), Spa & Wellness, Delphin Hamam & Spa Wellness and Sultan Hammam.

11. Dolphin Island Boat Tour

Dolphin Island Boat Tour

50 km
from city center
11 out of 16
Things To Do in Side

Swim with dolphins at Side’s Dolphinarium Sealanya. Boat tours are arranged from the hotels to the dolphin park and provide many fun activities like swimming in the clean river of Manavgat, lunch on a yacht and loads of entertainment. Apart from dolphins, there are seals and sea lions at the park too.

12. See Selge Ruins

See Selge Ruins

43 km
from city center
12 out of 16
Things To Do in Side

Selge was an important trading hub in ancient Pisidia that later got included in the Pamphylia region between the Mediterranean Sea and the southern slope of Mount Taurus. Currently located in Altinkaya village of Antalya Province in Turkey, Selge is a titular see of the Roman Catholic Church. Only a few traces of the old city remains for visitors to explore. Remnants of a stoa, a basilica, a stadium, and a gymnasium can be traced along with parts of the perimeter wall and the Acropolis.

13. Demre, Myra & Kekova Tour

Demre, Myra & Kekova Tour

133 km
from city center
13 out of 16
Things To Do in Side

Explore the history of Turkey through the Demre Myra Kekova Tour, a private tour which takes you across different places in Turkey. The tour starts at Myra, the ancient city which withholds Roman amphitheatres and Lycian tombs. Then it moves on to Demre - known for its famous St. Nicholas church. Lastly, it stops at Kekova, a dreamy city which once had an island called Simena that sank due to earthquakes.

14. Monumental Fountain (Nymphaeum)

Monumental Fountain (Nymphaeum)

9 km
from city center
14 out of 16
Things To Do in Side

Nymphaeum, or the Monumental Fountain, is a stunning old structure at the entrance of the ancient city of Side. It is 35 metres wide and 5 metres long and was once the personification of eminence in the country. The Nymphaeum has marvellous architecture, consisting of a three-story facade filled with statues, frescoes, marble work, niches and Corinthian columns.

15. The State Agora

The State Agora

15 out of 16
Things To Do in Side

The State Agora was the city's political centre for government meetings and discussions to be held during the Roman ruling era. All the laws were voted on and proceeded at the agora. It was built in the Augustus era and is now a historical site.

16. Seleucia

Seleucia

16 out of 16
Things To Do in Side

Seleucia was an ancient city in Greece along the coast of Pamphylia. It was also once known as Scandalor in the Middle Age. Situated on the hilltop, the remains of Selucia are now considered to be the remains of Lyrbe, another ancient city of Cilicia. The remains consist of churches, temples, an agora, a mausoleum, a gate, a necropolis and a Roman bath.

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