SIDE

Side (pronounced ‘see day’) is situated on the Mediterranean coast approximately 75 km from Antalya, one of Turkey’s largest cities. The ancient city of Side was founded approximately 700 years BC.  The name Side derives from the ancient name for the Pomegranate, the symbol of fertility. 

Situated on a peninsula about 300m wide and 800m long, Side was once an important commercial town.  With its large merchant fleet, it traded with the countries of the eastern and western Mediterranean and served as a port for many parts of inner Turkey.  In Ancient Roman times, Side was a slave market from which African slaves were sold and was also a centre for piracy.  Around 78 B.C., the Romans stopped piracy on the eastern Mediterranean and Side turned to legitimate commerce.

While Side has become extremely popular with European and Turkish holidaymakers alike, it has managed to retain its quaintness and authenticity.  Important structures worth seeing today are the ancient Side Theatre, the Temples of Apollo and Athena, the City Gates, the Aqueducts, the Harbour of Side, the Monumental Fountains and the Side Baths.  Some of these structures have had their restoration completed whilst some ancient remains, such as the Theatre, Harbour and Temple of Apollo, have been rebuilt. 

The beaches of Side are wide and stretch for kilometres, offering children a safe play area.  With its historical remains, restaurants, bars, modern touristic establishments, shopping centres and day and night time activities, Side has now become an important tourism centre.