The most interesting sights of Side - what to see and where to go. Side resort in Turkey Turkish seaside resort in Side

I have always considered Side the best resort on the Anatolian coast of Turkey. With its beauty, cleanliness of streets and parks, atmospheric sandy beaches and beautiful houses there is little that can be compared in this part of the country. There is interesting excursions for children and adults, but for me personally, Side has become one of those cities that will forever remain in my heart.

I spent more than three months in Side and I confirm that it is rightfully considered a unique resort. I liked everything about it: streets, antique sights, the usual Manavgat district, a waterfall and a river, diving and water parks! History and modernity, resort atmosphere and traditional Turkish areas for local residents- everything is intertwined in this city, creating a firework of colors, eras, traditions, positive emotions and the joy of tourists.

I would advise absolutely everyone to go to Side - there is entertainment for both adults and children! Of all the resorts in Turkey, Side is in third place for me after the European Marmaris and the magical Oludeniz with a blue lagoon, and Side is the best resort on the Anatolian coast.

For me, it will forever remain a city in which it is not only good to relax, but also to live - to walk, breathe, watch and enjoy everything around. Despite the fact that Side is a rather miniature resort, it has a lot of entertainment for every taste. About this, and about many other things, I wrote in this guide.

How to get there

Side is located in Turkey, on the Anatolian coast, between Antalya and Alanya. There are only two ways to get to Side from Russia:

• by plane arriving at Antalya airport, then by bus to Side;
• on your own car through the whole of Turkey.

Below I consider each of them in as much detail as possible.

By plane

Antalya Airport is located 65 km from Side. Regular and charter flights. Also given airport connected by daily flights from Istanbul and Ankara. Tickets can be searched on well-known search engine sites or. So there are several ways to fly here regular flights:

• from Moscow with a transfer in Istanbul, the flight will last 3.5-4 hours, the cost will be from 11,500 rubles or 200 USD (in both directions) from Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, Pegasus, Azal and Transaero;
• direct from Moscow Moscow-Antalya lasts 2.5 hours - from 13,000 rubles (both ways) of Yamal, Aeroflot, Turkish Airlines;
• from St. Petersburg direct St. Petersburg-Antalya lasts 3.5 hours - from 22,000 rubles (both ways) for NordStar, Turkish Airlines, Island, Aeroflot, NordWind, Yamal, OnurAir;
• from St. Petersburg, the flight will last 4-4.5 hours, transfer in Istanbul, or Moscow, the cost is from 12,000 rubles (both ways) from Turkish Airlines (), Aeroflot () and Azal ().

In summer, direct charter flights run, tickets for which can be cheaper, but they need to be booked on time:

• from Moscow: charter -, a ticket costs from 4500 rubles in both directions (80 USD), check which charter companies serve flights to Antalya in 2017 after a break;
• from Saint-Petersburg: charter -, a ticket costs from 7,000 rubles in both directions (120 USD), check which charter companies serve flights to Antalya in 2017 after a break.

How to get from Antalya Airport to Side

You can get there in two ways:

• from Terminal 1 of Antalya Airport by bus that follows the route Airport - ask to stop in Side (Manavgat);
• by car rented at the airport along the following route:

By car

It is possible to drive to Side from Russia by car, however, the journey will take about 38-50 hours from Moscow or St. Petersburg, it will require many stops (at least 3-4 overnight stays in cities along the way) and, in some cases, a ferry crossing.

So, there are two types of travel from Russia to Side:

• through European countries, then you will need, at a minimum, to pass through Ukraine (visa not needed), Romania (needed), Bulgaria (needed);
• through with a crossing on a car ferry - Trabzon (15 thousand rubles for a car).

The cost of gasoline for this distance (6,000 km from Moscow round trip and 7,500 km from St. Petersburg round trip) will be about 51 and 64 thousand rubles in both directions, respectively, for these cities. The cost is calculated at a consumption of 10 liters per 100 km and the cost of gasoline at 1.4 EUR (85 rubles) in Turkey. Refueling in Russia will be cheaper.

Side - holidays with children

Side is just perfect for families with children! Sunny, clean, positive, it is a convenient resort for moms, dads and their babies. Also, it's very clean. sandy beaches, small waves, beautiful walking areas and parks.

Side has many ideas for entertaining children:

• water parks;
• beach holiday;
• water sports on the eastern beaches (half of the options are suitable for children, eg banana, tablet, etc.);
• excursions to ancient cities (children are given maps, according to which they need to find this or that building);
• large hotels have swimming pools with slides, children's pools, mini-water parks;
• A boat trip on the Manavgat River has not disappointed any child yet.

So, if you decide to go to Turkey with a child or several children, I advise you not to hesitate and be sure to choose this particular resort. A couple more good resorts for holidays with children in Turkey - !

Rent a Car- also aggregation of prices from all distributors, all in one place, let's go!

Have something to add?

2.5. Museum of Ancient Art

The museum is open from 9.00 to 19.00 from April to October and from 8.00 to 17.00 from November to March every day except Monday. Entrance costs 15 lire(prices 2019).

2.6. Temples of Apollo and Athena

Another attraction of Side is the ancient temples of Apollo and Athena. The Temple of Apollo, with six rows of Corinthian-style columns, delighted and amazed everyone who saw it. The people said that he was a symbol of the love of the commander Antony for Queen Cleopatra.

Now the temple of Apollo looks like this:

3. Beaches of Side

Near Antique Side there are two beaches: east and west. West Beach is well suited for families with children. There is a gentle entrance to the water, attractions, and excellent bars located in the hotels located on the first line.

There are fewer people on the eastern beach, but not such a gentle entrance to the water. The place is ideal for windsurfing, diving, and you can just meditate while looking at the waves.

Almost all the beaches in Side have soft and pleasant sand, but the water is not as clean as on the pebble beaches.

4. Surroundings of Side

4.1. Resorts

There are several resorts around Side: Kumkoy, Cholakly, Sorgun, Titreengal, Kyzylagach.

The closest resort to the city is Kumkoy, which, with its sandy beaches, gentle entry into the water and landscaped areas hotels attracts tourists with children. 14 km from the city is the modern resort of Colakli with sandy beaches and four or five star hotels.

In the east, to Side, there is another popular resort Sorgun with spacious sand and pebble beaches, hotel-clubs and pine forest. A little further is the democratic resort of Titreengal with sandy beaches and hotels for every taste and budget. The furthest is the Kyzylagach resort with one of the most environmentally friendly clean beaches on the coast.

How to get from Side: walk to all resorts Shuttle Buses and dolmushi. You can walk to Kumkoe if you like hiking. The resort is located 3 km from Side.

4.2. Waterfall Manavgat

To see how beautiful nature is in Turkey, you need to go to. Located in the delta of the river of the same name, the waterfall is popular place recreation. Along the banks there are numerous restaurants where you can try trout dishes, classic teahouses and souvenir shops.

How to get to the waterfall from Side: there are buses and dolmushi from the bus station in Side. In the city, you need to transfer to a dolmush with a sign Şelale - Sarılar, which will drive you right to the entrance to the waterfall. The entrance fee to the waterfall is 6 lire.

You can also go to the waterfall with a tour. For example, a full day trip that includes a cruise on the Manavgat River, a visit to a waterfall, swimming, lunch and a visit to the bazaar will cost only $20. You can find such a tour both on the spot and in advance. Be sure to check availability Russian speaking guide if you need it!

5. Other things to do in Side

In addition to inspection historical monuments in Side you can stroll along the promenade, sit in one of the cozy restaurants, and return to the city in the evening to come across the temple of Apollo in search of ancient artifacts and meet the most memorable sunset.

The main disadvantage is very little entertainment. In the entire resort of Side there is not a single large and public water park, not a single amusement park. Children in Side are frankly bored. If desired, you can go on an excursion to the water park in neighboring Belek or Alanya.

For adults there is rafting on a mountain river and diving.

The second negative - few attractions. Of course, the excavations of ancient Side are magnificent. But you will watch them for one day maximum. What's next? Only go on expensive excursions.

The third minus - far from the airports. It takes about an hour to drive from Antalya Airport, which is far by the standards of Turkey. For comparison, it takes 15 minutes to get to Lara from the airport, 25 minutes to Konyaalti, 30 minutes to Belek, and 40 minutes to Beldibi in Kemer.

Resort areas in Side

The coast is conditionally divided into 5 resort areas, and the central zone of Side (around the ancient city), in turn, is usually divided into two zones: West Beach and East Beach. Each resort area its own characteristics.

Nearby, see the resort map with the designation of resort areas, distances and travel times from Antalya Airport. Click on the map to enlarge.

Chenger

The resort area is located in the east of the resort of Side (Manavgat region). Further across the river Ulugyuney is the resort and the region of Alanya.

The village of Chenger is located 2 kilometers from the coast. The population of the village is 894 people (for 2018). That is, it is so small that the municipality has the opportunity to count all residents annually. Residents work on the coast tourism or engaged in agriculture.

Beaches. The resort area on the coast is 6 kilometers of beaches. Beach coverage - small and large pebbles at the entrance to the water, sand away from the water.

Hotels. Highway D400 runs very close to the sea, so almost all hotels in Chenger are located across the road from the beach. There are only 6 hotels with their own beach (not across the road), they are located in the very east, on the border with Alanya.

In total, there are two dozen hotels in Chenger, while this area is poorly developed, but new hotels open every year. Mostly there are large hotels of 4 or 5 stars.

Another important point. Tourist infrastructure is poorly developed in Chenger - there are almost no cafes and restaurants. We highly recommend buying tours only according to the system All Inclusive, otherwise you may find yourself in an unpleasant situation - you will have to go to eat by taxi or dolmush (minibus).

Kyzylot (KızIlot)

Some guidebooks and websites refer to this area as kyzilot, but the correct pronunciation in Turkish is kyzylot. It is a small settlement with a population of 2,300 inhabitants according to the last 2007 census.

At this point, the D400 highway moves away from the sea, and there are already hotels right on the beach. The village of Kyzylot is located about 700 meters from the coast, just behind the highway. Residents are engaged in agriculture and work in the tourism sector. It makes no sense for tourists to go to the village, there is only a mosque and a post office.

Beaches. There are 3.5 kilometers of beach in Kyzylot. All beach line built up with hotels, but not densely. That is, there is no pandemonium on the beaches here even at the peak of the season. Beach coverage - sand away from the water, small pebbles at the entrance to the water.

Hotels. There are about three dozen hotels in Kyzylot. Basically it is 3 or 4 stars. Most work on the All Inclusive system.

The tourist infrastructure in Kyzylot is very poorly developed; there are no more than a dozen restaurants in the entire resort area. Therefore, we recommend only All Inclusive tours and nothing else.

Kyzylagach (KızIlağaç)

In some guidebooks and on websites, this area is called "kyzIlagach", but the correct pronunciation in Turkish is "kyzylagach". From Turkish, the name translates as "alder". small village, population - 1320 people according to 2009 data.

Kyzylot and Kyzylagach are separated by the Karpuz River - this is the border of the Kyzylagach resort area in the east. In the west, the border runs along the Manavgat River.

Founded in the 7th century BC e. natives of Kima Aeolian. For several centuries, Side was an important port of Pamphylia, located on the Malay Peninsula. Today the most popular Turkish beach resort annually receives thousands of tourists from different parts of the world who decide to spend their holidays on the beach mediterranean sea. Dozens of various hotels have been built in Side, restaurants with national cuisine, and local travel agencies have developed an extensive excursion program.
The climate in the beach area of ​​Side is Mediterranean with dry and rather hot summers. The air temperature in the sea does not drop below +17°C even in winter, and in July-August the water warms up to +27°C. bathing season starts on the beaches of the resort in early May and lasts until mid-November.

Choosing a beach

The old center of Side has two beach areas, each of which has its own characteristics:

• The western beach in the center of the resort is very popular with the followers of the quiet family vacation. The entrance to the sea in this part of the beach is gentle, the water warms up faster, there are no holes and dangerous currents. On the West Beach usually there are parents with children for whom a comfortable and safe rest in priority. Of the minuses of the beach is its huge popularity among tourists and, as a result, the problem with finding places if you like to sleep long in the morning.
• On East Beach, lovers of solitude and silence will like it more. A strip of sand here is shaded by coniferous or orange trees, and civilization in the form of rental jet skis and parachutes for parasailing to the east gets very reluctantly.

If you prefer leisure and watch your fitness even during your vacation, a variety of entertainment awaits you on the seashore in Side. All kinds of water sports thrive on the resort's West Beach, from diving to fishing and from yachting to snorkeling. Equipment can be rented right on the beach.
The sea coast in Side is divided between hotels and you are unlikely to be allowed to freely get to the beach of an expensive hotel. And you can go to the municipal beaches freely, and you will only need cash to rent a sun lounger or umbrella.

Note to divers

The shores of Side are washed by the Mediterranean Sea, which is not one of the most beautiful on the planet in terms of underwater world. And yet, divers come to the resort, and sunken objects become their main goal. Those who are keen on river diving in the vicinity of Side are invited to explore several sites that are of considerable value in the rating of such places.
The most popular diving site off the coast of Side is located near the old one. During the Second World War, a warship belonging to the French army sank here. An American plane rests in peace in the coastal waters of the resort, wrecked in combat in the 1940s. last century.
Lovers of bright fish will enjoy an underwater walk on Coral reefs- modest, compared to other dive sites on the planet, but very attractive for beginners.
Dive training centers have been opened in Side. Courses can be attended even by ten-year-olds. Experienced instructors, including Russian speakers, will teach you the basics of underwater walks and organize the first dive sessions.

Children's rest in Side

Even the most ardent fans of seaside holidays can get bored of the monotony of the beach, and therefore the tourist infrastructure of Side provides for various active entertainment. The attention of young tourists is invited to visit water parks and nature reserves.
The nearest water park to the resort, Waterplanet, is built right on the seashore. One of the largest in the region, it has a wide range of attractions and entertainment. Waterslides water parks are thought out perfectly and arranged so that both kids and adults can enjoy skiing.
When choosing where to stay in Side, pay attention to hotels specializing in children's holiday. Many hotels have their own water parks and pools with sea water on their territory. This makes it possible to comfortably relax and swim even if the weather deteriorates for a short time and the sea becomes unsafe.

This sunny Turkish city is located near Side and is considered the third largest, second only to Antalya and Alanya. The city is divided by the Manavgat River, which is considered one of its important attractions. Manavgat was not always called that, in the days of the Seljuks, in 1329, he was given the name "Melasse".

Modern Manavgat is famous for its ancient city, waterfall, Köprülü Canyon National Park, Titreyengöl Lake, Oymapinar Reservoir and Seleukeia ruins. The city was famous for its shopping malls, which are still preserved. There is a huge bazaar where you can find anything you want.

About 80 thousand people live in Manavgat.

Coordinates: 36.79128900,31.44153100

Waterfall Manavgat

Manavgat waterfall is a waterfall on the river of the same name in the province of Antalya. It is located near resort town Side. The word "Manavgat" is translated as "Mother Goddess". The Manavgat waterfall was featured on Turkish 5 lira banknotes issued from 1968 to 1983.

This small picturesque waterfall is surrounded by cafeterias, restaurants, souvenir shops. At the market not far from the waterfall, you can buy various souvenirs, gifts and oriental sweets. 12 km. from the waterfall is the Oymapinar dam.

Coordinates: 36.81345100,31.45443700

What sights of Side did you like? There are icons next to the photo, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Antique Side

Many ancient monuments preserved here turned Side into a museum city. The ruins of the ancient city are located on the Selimiye peninsula. It is separated from the mainland by a wall and a moat. You can get to the territory of the ancient city by passing through the well-preserved gates of the Hellenic period.

The old street with the remains of columns on the sides will lead you straight to the Roman baths. They now have an exhibition archaeological museum. Everything that was found during the excavations of Side, you can see here: marble sarcophagi, frescoes, steles and fragments of wall friezes. Immediately behind the baths was the city market Square(agora), where the round foundation of the temple of the goddess Tyche, the goddess of fate and chance, is clearly visible. Next, you will see the ruins of an ancient theater that could accommodate more than seventeen thousand spectators. Gladiator fights were held in its arena. From the temple of Apollo and the temple of Athena, only small fragments of the platforms in front of the entrance to the temple and fragments of columns remained.

Coordinates: 36.76805900,31.39064300

It fits perfectly into the picturesque nature of the Side peninsula. ancient temple Apollo. For the city, Apollo was considered the main god, personifying the sun. AT Ancient Greece, the god Apollo was considered the patron of teachers and muses, travelers and sailors, art and science.

The temple is a rectangle, with equal length and width (30 and 17 meters respectively). Six rows with columns looked especially grandiose, each containing 11 columns that previously decorated the temple. The columns rose high into the sky, as their height reached 8.9 meters. As for the parapets, they were built in the Corinthian style. Currently, only a few columns have survived, but they have been carefully restored and reflect their original appearance.

The Temple of Apollo was built of white marble, as early as the second century BC. It served as a place of worship. For lovers beautiful photos it is recommended to shoot the temple at sunset, because the glare of the setting sun looks good on the old marble columns. Next to the temple of Apollo is the temple of Artemis, the goddess of the moon.

Coordinates: 36.76426900,31.38655400

Green Canyon

Green Canyon is the largest canyon reservoir in Turkey. It is located 10 km. from Manavgat.

The reservoir is located in the Taurus Mountains, at an altitude of 350 meters above sea level, so it is always quite cool here. This place was formed as a result of the creation of a hydroelectric power station. The depth of the reservoir is about 100 meters. 27 natural springs flow here, which constantly replenish it.

Green Canyon - beautiful place for tourists' recreation. Turquoise water, dense vegetation and magnificent mountains create a stunning landscape. Here you can ride a boat, swim, go fishing or just admire the fabulous beauty of the canyon.

Coordinates: 36.91641100,31.54200600

The beaches of Side

Side resort is located on a green peninsula in one of the most attractive corners of our planet. Modern resort organically fit into the historical landscape here. Two beautiful beaches located on the east and west sides of the cape. Each of them has its own advantages and features. Both beaches are shallow and therefore safe. The territory of the beaches is equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers.

But West Beach is more crowded and more fun. Lots of entertainment for all tastes and ages: water attractions, parasailing, water skiing, windsurfing, yachting. In the evening, numerous discos and bars open their doors for vacationers, where music will sound until dawn. And in the Oxyde disco you will be happy to combine dancing with swimming in the pool.

The beaches in the eastern part are less crowded. It's much quieter and calmer here. lovely sandy beaches and modern tourist complexes with vast green areas are adjacent to the ruins of one of the oldest and most impressive settlements in Turkey. Cotton fields and orange groves closely adjoin the beach strip. You can easily wander around sand dunes, see the ancient ruins.

Coordinates: 36.76199100,31.41128500

Roman theater

The Roman theater, approximately 100 meters in size, is the oldest ancient theater in Side, dating back to the 2nd century AD. The theater was built on the site of an even more ancient Hellenistic theater.

The entrance to the theater was carried out through the landings through the covered galleries. The theater was built to accommodate up to 18 thousand spectators on its territory. Such indicators make it possible to boldly assert that the theater was the largest in the entire province of Pamphylia. The rows of the theater are formed in the form of a semicircle with a diameter of 120 meters, and a horizontal passage divides them into even parts. The stage was previously decorated with friezes about Dionysus.

Next to the theater and the baths, the Antique Museum is organized. Today, the remains of Medusa heads and the masks of Tragedy and Comedy, which were used in ancient times for theatrical performances, have been preserved from the props of the theater.

Coordinates: 36.76808600,31.39080700

Are you curious to know how well you know the sights of Side? .

Manavgat river

From the peaks of the Western Taurus flows the cold and mighty river Managvat. The river flows through canyons and plains, after which it enters the warm and salty Mediterranean Sea. cold and warm waters mix with each other, forming the effect of "layer cake". Since ancient times, people have used this place of confluence of waters for rejuvenating and tonic purposes.

On the Managwat River, you can go on a small cruise on a yacht. There are several types of excursions: some will offer to visit a small waterfall, others go fishing (spotted trout is found in the river). The Managwat River is also popular among water sports enthusiasts.

One of the most curious places on the Managwat River is the Altinbesik cave, rich in picturesque lakes and stalactites and stalagmites of extraordinary beauty.

Coordinates: 36.74741300,31.47195300

The most popular attractions in Side with descriptions and photos for every taste. choose best places for visiting famous places Sit on our site.