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Side
Welcome to one of the oldest holiday resorts in the world - what else can you
say about the place where legend says that Cleopatra bathed in the sea with Mark
Anthony! The old town of Side is a joy with the ancient roman ruins mixed in
between bars, restaurants and shops. The main area of the town is pedestrianised
and it's a wonderful place to visit in the early evening to window shop, buy
some bargains, have a drink or grab a bite to eat. It has a great atmosphere but
it can get busy in the height of the season.
The ruins of the ancient city mingle with the new, and despite its development
as a resort, it retains its own very special atmosphere and charm. Its
impressive second century theatre, supported by arched vaults, offers fine views
towards the sea and you can still see the remains of an ancient street lined
with pillars and arcades and the market place where slaves were once sold.
Nearby the Agora Baths Museum contains a beautifully restored fifth century bath
house and some interesting statues and artifacts.
Side is a well established holiday resort and has a wide selection of shopping
opportunities, bars and restaurants to suit the very cosmopolitan collection of
holidaymakers who visit the area. The bustling, colorful streets leading down to
the sea offer bargains galore. There are shops selling Turkish Delight, designer
jeans (both fake and real but all at lower prices than at home), handcrafted
embroidery, lace table cloths and serviettes, carpets, leather goods and a
wonderful selection of gold and silver jewelery. The Saturday market is also
worth a visit for clothes, lace, fresh fruit and vegetables.
The beach is, of course, one of Side' main attractions, and it is hard to rival
the quality of the sand or the length of the beach, with plenty of space to
sunbathe even in high season.
The beaches are situated to the east and west of the old town - to the west is
the main hotel area so the beaches are busier with more activities. To the east
the beach is undeveloped and much quieter - wander amongst the sand dunes and be
surprised by ancient ruins.
Lovers of history will love the opportunity to just wander around in Side, but
to understand the history of the place a guided tour helps to get a sense of
perspective. They should also take the opportunity to visit Perge another
wonderful ancient site, where St Paul preached his first sermon, or Termessos an
old fortress city high in the hills. As an alternative to history take a day
trip on the Manavgat River, visit the pretty village of Manavgat and the famous
waterfalls. With such a fantastic beach area there is a wide selection of water
sports available to suit all age groups.
There is no shortage of places to go after sundown and many bars stay open until
late. Set in a little side street, Café Dreams serves cocktails, wines and
spirits in comfortable, relaxing surroundings with live music most nights. The
atmosphere and good music of Stones near the temple of Apollo makes it popular
with the British, while the Temple next door is frequented by Turkish and
British alike. The resort's two night clubs are Lighthouse, by the harbor, and
Oxyd on the edge of town - a large open air venue with a laser show and swimming
pool.
An excursion to Kursunlu waterfalls makes a refreshing change from the heat of
the beach, and the Manavgat waterfalls and river are close by and well worth a
visit.
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