Why visit Side, Turkey?

If you're planning a Turkish vacation, then Side should be on your itinerary. This city has sandy beaches that slope gently into the warm waters, great food, friendly people and many historic places to see. No matter what you like to do, visiting Side will create memories that will last a lifetime.

Visiting the Roman Ruins

Side was a vital port city during the time of the Roman Empire, and today, there are a number of ancient ruins located around the old section of the city. There's a road running right through the center of those ruins, so you can examine them without ever leaving your vehicle. Side's most famous ruins are the Temple of Apollo and the amphitheater, but behind those are a variety of other structures that are worth a look, such as the agora, the baths and some other smaller temples.

The abovementioned amphitheater is one of the best in Turkey. It was surprisingly built on flat land, but it's elevated above the ground. Most other amphitheaters were built into hillsides and lacked an underlying structure, making them more resistant to the area's frequent earthquakes. You can walk through the seats, and underneath them as well. The stage was used for both gladiatorial combat and plays, but today it is only partially intact.

Nightlife and Restaurants

If sightseeing isn't your style, there are clubs, restaurants and bars in Side to check out. From conventional tourist fare to authentic Turkish cuisine, there's food there to suit every taste. There are also bars where one can drink inexpensively, or have a beer while watching a football game. No matter what you want to do, there's an opportunity to do it when you get to Side.