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Tourist Attractions in Side

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Side

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Side

The Turkish resort of Side, located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, is a small and cosy town with a rich history. It was founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC. The town passed from one conqueror to another, but the Romans did the most for its benefit. Today, tourists can admire architectural sights from the Roman period all over Side.

Thanks to the hot climate, long coastline, quality beaches and developed infrastructure, the resort has long been popular with travellers from different countries. There are large all-inclusive hotel complexes, small boutique hotels, apartments and villas – everyone can find accommodation to suit their tastes.

Top-10 Tourist Attractions in Side

Apollon Temple

4.8/5
33876 reviews
The ancient temple of the Greek god Apollo is the main attraction of Side. It was built in the 2nd century. The structure stood for almost 800 years until the earthquake of the 10th century. Today, the once majestic structure lies in ruins – only a part of the facade with five columns remains. The remains of the temple are located on the seashore and harmonise with the picturesque coastal landscape.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Side Ancient City

4.7/5
36219 reviews
The amphitheatre was presumably built during the Roman era, when Side was part of a thriving trading colony. The structure has been well preserved to this day, despite its considerable age. The stone grandstands, which could seat up to 20,000 spectators, the stage and the walls have survived many centuries of history. The amphitheatre in Side is the best preserved structure of this type in Turkey.
Open time
Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Side Museum

4.7/5
2002 reviews
A small archaeological museum with an entertaining exhibition of artefacts from the ancient era (Hellenistic and Roman periods) found during excavations. Most of the objects were discovered by archaeologists in the 20th century. Statues, sarcophagi, reliefs, elements of urban structures are exhibited here. The collection is housed in three halls of the room where the Roman baths used to be located.
Open time
Monday: 8:30 AM – 7:45 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 7:45 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 7:45 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 7:45 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 7:45 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 7:45 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 7:45 PM

The Wall Museum

4.2/5
1526 reviews
The city walls are the remains of defences dating back to the 2nd century BC. The fortifications are located on the mainland side. The part on the bay side has not survived to this day. Over the centuries, the walls have been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, so today they look like a pile of independent buildings of different eras, consisting of several levels.
Open time
Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Arch gate

The gate is located in the northern part of the city, through which you can access the historical part of Side. The main street of the ancient colony starts from the arch. The structure was erected in the 1st century in honour of the Roman Emperor Vespasian. It was a grandiose construction, up to 6 metres long. Over time, the gates have deteriorated considerably, but even now the monumentality of Roman architecture can be appreciated from what is left of them.

Anitsal Cesme (Nymphaeum)

4.7/5
4240 reviews
A three-storey structure more than 5 metres high, which has adorned the Roman city for many years. The marble niches of the fountain, surrounded by Corinthian columns and ancient statues, once held streams of water, shimmering brightly in the rays of the gentle Mediterranean sun. Today, the remnants of former luxury continue to impress onlookers and make them plunge into the atmosphere of the ancient era.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Claudio aqueduct

4.8/5
536 reviews
One of the most important achievements of Roman civilisation was the well-established water supply system, which delivered water to cities by means of stone aqueducts. These structures stand all over the Mediterranean, a reminder of the greatness and progress of a bygone civilisation. Side also has its own aqueduct. It was about 30 kilometres long, of which 13 kilometres were tunnelled.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Historic Aspendos Bridge

4.5/5
1487 reviews
A 13th century bridge on the Köprüçay River, built on the site of an old Roman structure during the time of the Seljuk Turks. The structure is 225 metres long and 4.5 to 5.7 metres wide. It consists of five wide stone arches. From the side, the bridge looks humpbacked, as over time its supports have shifted from their original place. Aspendos is on the way to the amphitheatre, and it is worth stopping here to admire the picturesque river banks.

Flow Manavgat Waterfall

4.2/5
36360 reviews
The waterfall is located in the town of the same name, located in the neighbouring town of Side. It stands in the very centre, which indicates that this attraction is not of natural origin. Manavgat is a construction of several stairs and platforms, made in the form of ancient ruins. At the very top, there is a viewing platform from where you can admire the surrounding area.
Open time
Monday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM

Central Coast

4.7/5
913 reviews
The city beaches are divided into two sections: the western (public) zone, located along the promenade, and the eastern zone, which is distributed among the hotels. The former has all the necessary available infrastructure, on the latter the service is provided by a specific hotel. All beaches are covered with coarse golden sand, have a convenient descent into the water and are perfectly adapted for a comfortable holiday.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours