Well-furnished and furnished house in good location and close to the beach
Side (pronounced sea-day), is a attractive coastal resort on the Mediterranean. It is approximately 65kms east of Antalya (one of Turkey`s largest cities) and is located on a small peninsula only 800m in length. In this pretty town, modern architecture, chic shops and late night bars stand in juxtaposition with the ruins of an ancient city. Flanked by two stretches of golden beach, surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean on both sides and bestowed with endless archeological wonders - Side has aptly prospered as one of the most popular resorts for holidaymakers from across the globe.
With its history dating back to the 6th century B.C., Side brags of one of the earliest settlements of the Anatolia region. Side (in Anatolian this means 'pomegranate'), due to its situational advantage, served as an important harbour during the Hittite period and hence was a significant commercial town. Side's large merchant fleets carried on business with the eastern and western Mediterranean countries. Earlier, the region served as a slave market, which traded in African slaves and as a hideout for pirates! This is because its long sandy beaches were perfect hideouts for pirates and slave traders. However, later it also flourished as a legitimate commercial centre. Culturally too, the region was quite progressive and the ancient amphitheatre, the temples of Gods and Goddesses, the Roman baths and various archeological finds bear the proof of that.
Main attractions Side offers for visitors are:
Temples of Apollo and Athena
Built in the second half of the second century A.D., these identical looking temples were dedicated to Athena (Side`s patron Goddess) and Apollo. The remains of these temples can be found by the harbour in Antik Side.
It is quite amazing walking along the old road into the town with the remains of Roman shops along the way and a wonderful view of the amphitheatre ahead. Other attractions include the Byzantine hospital (6th century B.C.), Nymphaeum (fountain in the city wall) and the Roman baths converted into museum, etc. etc.
Manavgat
This is the nearest town - approximately 8km from Side. It is a very busy centre with a comprehensive selection of shops, a few colleges, the local fish market and a huge street market which takes place twice a week. The river which runs through the town carries many boats and trips are available to the waterfall and also along the coast. The waterfall is an interesting stop, with restaurants and shops and attracts many tourists.
Aspendos
This is approximately 25km from Side - a attractive serene valley with a river running through it - the scenery is amazing with the well-stocked farmlands and the mountain backdrop. There are a few restaurants along the river which are well worth visiting.
The Aspendos amphitheatre was built in 167 A.D. by architect Zeno, son of Theodorius. It contains 40 rows of marble banks built against a hilltop and used to accommodate 15,000 people in its heyday. This Hellenistic theatre was built during the reign of Marcus Aurelius and was dedicated to the Gods. It was built by two brothers, as a gift to the city, and it is extremely well preserved and very much in use. Walk up the hillside above the amphitheatre and you will also see many ruins set into the hill.
Aspendos also has a 225m long historical bridge that was built by an Anatolian emperor in the 13th century. This bridge has been recently restored and houses souvenir shops. Apart from these, Aspendos is endowed with the remnants of a Basilica, Agora and one of the largest aqueducts (100 A.D.) in Anatolia.
Beaches
Apart from the historical treasures, Side is also bestowed with nature`s bounty; the deep blue Mediterranean Sea, and two long flat beaches of golden sand on either side of the peninsula which frequently benefit from a pleasant sea breeze. The western beach which runs from Side to Tekun Sitesi has been designated a Blue Beach since 2009 and has a new promenade running from Side for about three kilometres with hotel access, cafes and bars.
Markets
Manavgat Market: Weekly Event – Monday & Thursday (8:00-19:00)
•Lots of fresh vegetables, and fruit produced by local farmers and they are sold at very reasonable prices.
•Designer wear with a difference!!! They are all here if you like shopping for designer wear
•You will find women’s, children’s and men’s clothing, footwear, accessories, handbags, wallets and many more. If you are a label hunter you will find them here: Boss, Gucci, Adidas, Fendi, Prada, Armani, Burberry, Moschino, Quicksilver, Dolce & Gabana, Diesel, Calvin Klein and Versace.
It is customary to haggle over the asking price. How much you pay depends on your haggling skills!
Side Market: Weekly Event – Saturday (8:00-19:00)
This market is opposite the main mosque in Side, it is easily accessible by dolmuȿ. There is a very good café/restaurant to one side with a comprehensive butcher shop. Smaller scale – with similar items up for sale; a fun day out on a Saturday.
Ilica Market: Weekly Event – Wednesday (8:00-17:00)
This market is just next to the big mosque near the roundabout in Ilica, again easily accessible by dolmuȿ.