Side headless statues

Side is a Turkish village that used to be a fishing village, located between Alanya and Antalya. It is not only a popular Mediterranean bathing beach, but also an ancient resort with well-preserved ruins from Hellenistic and Roman times.

The Turkish resort of Side is visited by lovers of both sunbathing and ancient history. They can see a Roman theater that can accommodate an audience of 25,000, the remains of the city walls and the remains of a public toilet with 24 seats, by no means secluded.

The city museum is located in the Roman baths opposite the theater. We will see in it, among others mutilated statues, which, according to some theories, were beheaded by residents converted to Christianity by Saint Paul.

Rapid development of Side

The slave trade contributed to the development of Side - once this shameful practice flourished here. Despite the fact that this center is very old (its history dates back to the 7th century BC), the greatest changes have been noticeable in it over the last two or three decades. There are still people here who remember the town as a somewhat sleepy fishing village. It has quickly transformed into a seaside resort that is very popular with tourists. Although, of course, not as big as neighboring Alanya, let alone Antalya, considered the fastest-growing city in Turkey.

Side is preferred by people who prefer a quieter holiday , which does not mean that there are no clubs or discos. Small and large cafes nestled between the ancient monuments, and the coast was covered with hotels, bars and souvenir shops. Fortunately, this did not disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the resort - it kept the atmosphere and charm, becoming a kind of an open-air museum.

Another advantage of Side is the local microclimate characterized by lower air humidity than in Alanya. This is due to its location a bit further from the mountains.

Side hike

The historic center of the resort is closed to car traffic. Motorized tourists must leave their vehicles in the parking lots and set off on foot to explore the yacht port , the ancient theater and the remains of the Temple of Apollo.

The street that leads to the port is called Liman Cadddesi . It is a classic promenade filled with shops and shops with jewelry, souvenirs and clothes. Wandering along the port, we will pass a series of restaurants overlooking the sea. Their dishes are delicious and exquisite, but their prices can wash away the smile of many tourists. Visitors with a less affluent wallet can eat a köfte or fish sandwich, bought at the seller from a boat moored at the shore.

In front of the port there is a square with the Atatürk statue in its central part. There are toilets in the immediate vicinity (payable), there is also a post office.

The beaches stretch on both sides of the peninsula. The main one has a gentle descent into the water, thanks to which children can splash here (of course, under the watchful eye of their parents). The sand is clean, loose and golden in color. The beach runs northwards from the historic peninsula.

Before you hit the road it is good to know the traffic regulations in Turkey.

Where to stay

About 7 km northeast of Side, in Manavgat, is Camping Osay . For a night of stay of two adults, a motorhome stand and access to electricity, we will pay 15 euros.

Unlike Side, which is a tourist resort, Manavgat's activities are focused on the trade in agricultural products. If we come here on Monday, we will be able to buy local products at the market. It is also worth taking the option of a boat trip up the river to the waterfalls. It will be a wonderful, relaxing journey.