Side Travel Guide: Ancient Ruins, Beach, and Bazaar

Side is both an ancient city and a modern resort town, built on top of Roman ruins. The old town occupies a small peninsula approximately 75 km west of Alanya. Former Roman colonnaded streets are now lined with shops, restaurants, and boutique hotels.

🗺️ ACCESS FROM ALANYA Distance: ~75 km Drive time: ~55 minutes via the D400 coast road Dolmuş: Available from Alanya bus station Private transfer: ~55 min door to door

📍 MAIN SITES Temple of Apollo & Athena — columns at the tip of the peninsula Roman Theatre — 15,000–20,000 seats, one of the largest in Anatolia Side Museum — housed in restored Roman baths Ancient Harbour — waterfront promenade from the temples to the harbour Monumental Gate — the Roman entrance to the city

🛍️ COMMERCIAL AREA The old town's pedestrian streets contain shops selling leather goods, jewellery, textiles, and ceramics. Bargaining is standard practice.

🍽️ DINING The harbour area has restaurants with sea views. Manavgat town centre (10 min by taxi) offers lower prices and more local options. Standard dishes include pide, grilled fish, and fresh pomegranate juice.

📚 SOURCES T.C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı — Side Müzesi Manavgat Belediyesi — Gezi Rehberi