Side Things To Do

Exploring the countryside
Side’s location and surroundings are truly magnificent and the woods and foothills of the Taurus Mountains, with their caves and waterfalls, are ideal for hiking or horse riding. Depending on how you like to view scenery, there are also jeep safaris, quad bikes and white water-rafting expeditions, and in the winter it is possible to ski.

Shopping
The town’s narrow streets are packed with shops and stalls. There are bargains to be had amongst the leatherwear and handbags, jewellery, carpets, spices and souvenirs, and the sellers like to haggle, but look out for fake designer goods.

Manavgat River boat trip
This offers a chance to sail on a traditional wooden boat, see the foaming Manavgat waterfall, perhaps from the shade of the nearby tea gardens, walk around the town and swim in either the warm Med or the cool river.

Historic Side
In an area that was the cradle of civilisation and abounds with historic sites, Side has more than its fair share within its well-preserved city walls, which themselves date back to the 2nd century BC. The marble columns of the Temples of Apollo and Athena, the ancient theatre which once held over 15,000 spectators, and the Aqueduct, which once fed the Nympaeum, or ornamental fountain, are all to be found within a few minutes walk of each other. There’s also an excellent museum.

Nightlife
There’s nightlife to suit every mood in Side with clubs pumping out House and Techno or holding foam parties as well as quiet bars where romantics can listen to the waves while looking up at the floodlit city walls.