Side
Side (pronounced ‘seeday’)is situated on the Mediterranean coast approximately 75km from one of Turkey’s largest cities-Antalya.This unique seaside resort lies on a small,flat peninsula which is 300 metres wide and 800 metres long and is just packed to the brim with archaeological wonders and surrounded on both sides by the deep,blue waters of the Med.At certains points along the main street that runs through the centre and down to the quaint fishing harbour,you can look between the buildings and streets and see the sea on either side. 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 iner Turkey.Side was a slave market from which African slaves were sold and also a centre for piracy.After this period,Side turned to legitimate commerce and stil prospered. Whilst Side has become extremely popular with European and Turkish holidaymakers alike,it has managed to retain its ‘quaintness’ and authenticity.Due to its abundance of archaological treasure,all the architecture in the ‘old’part of Side is of a certain style-pretty,two-storey Stone buildings with varnished,wooden balconies all along the labyrinth of narrow,winding alleyways. Side has just about everything you could want.For the culture-vulture there is obviously a treasure chest of ancient history all around which includes:The Amphitheatre dating back to the Hellenistic period and is one of the largest in Turkey seating approximately 15,000 people;The Roman Temples of Athena and Apollo;The City Gates;Aqueducts and Museum.One of the most enjoyable experience is walking through these ruins at night when all are illuminated. Cleopatra and Mark Anthony supposedly chose Side as the spot for a romantic liaison and today,lots of Turkish couples follow suit-it is not difficult to understand why…
Favourite bars : Stroll through alleyeays or along the harbour ance the front to one of the many lounge-bar with lanterns flickering in the balmy night,wþth the gentle sounds of the Med lapping against the shore or alternatively pop into one of the several disco-bars playing the latest chart toppers and dance the night away.Side’s nightlife is distinctly casual;a true mix of tradition and trend-setting sophe histication to meet everyone’s needs. Some of our favourite watering holes are Happy Days and Londen-New York Underground.Barracude Bar(opposite the historical Temple of Apollo),Stones Bar and for dancing the night way,try Lighthouse Nightclub on the tip of the peninsula.
Favourite Restaurants : Hungry?You will be spoilt for choice-amidst all the alleyways and along both sides of the peninsula overlooking the Med you will find a variety of charming restaurants from Turkish lokantas to International,Fish Houses and Kebab-booths, many set around the ancient ruins just to add that little extra something in the atmosphere department. Why not try Sound Waves offering a of international and Turkish.If you are looking for ‘Turkish’Meshur 49 offers a wide range of mount-watering kebabs and pide(Turkish pizza).The “End”Restaurant(named as it is at the end of Side harbour)offers fantastic views of the sunset and offers international and seafood cuisine.
Beaches : If culture is not your ‘thing’then dont worry-Side’s peninsula lies smack in between mile upon mile of sandy beaches.On the west side,the beach is long and flat and shelves gently into the sea with a variety of watersports on offer to tempt you away from your sunbed and parasol and is bordered all the way along with hotels,cafe-bars and restaurants.On the east side,the beach is much quiter,with no hotels,just a few lokantas dotted along the way and is an ideal spot to get away from it all.
Shopping and markets : The labyrinth of narrow,winding alleyways(traffic-free during high season)are packed to the brim with small shops selling beautiful,hand-made Turkish carpets,copper,jewellery and beach clothing.Dont take offence at the shopkeeper calling out to you to enter their shops and sip a glass of tea,very often speaking in German.Side is relatively new to the UK market so the shopkeepers will soon be desperately trying to practice their English on you.
