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                                                 Side , Belek , Manavgat

Side (pronounced 'see day'), one of the best-known classical sites in Turkey was an ancient harbour whose name meant pomegranate. The old town itself lies on a promontory 300 meters wide and 800 metres long and today, despite tourism development, where new meets old the town still remains the most unique and charming resort on Turkey's southern coast. As you walk from the top of the high street to the harbour, which was once a small fishing port and is now filling up with excursion boats, you can look down the small side streets to see the sea on either side of you. The old town has managed to retain many of its old features including its architecture and also the archeological sites. At every turn you will be faced with a new monument or ruin which never ceases to amaze those who return time after time.

Side is the only ancient city on Turkey's southern shore to have been excavated systematically. Its harbour served as a port, it was a slave market and flourished as a centre for piracy. The city prospered under the Roman Empire and most of the monuments date back to this time.. In the 10th century it was abandoned after a fire and the existing town only dates back to the beginning of the 20th century when it was founded by a group of Greek speaking Muslim exiles from Crete. After its earlier abandonment sand had blocked the harbour and covered many ruins, probably under much of the beach there is still part of the pre-existing city and its stadium.

Travelling along the incoming twisting, turning road into the old town you cannot miss the remains of an ancient time, a fine Roman aqueduct which used to carry water over 32kms from the mountains then, as you get closer the Agora (market-place) on your left and the roman baths on your right which are the home to the museum (closed on a Monday) A fee paid to the museum allows you entry to this and to the theatre. During the past two summers the theatre has been opened up and has been used for mid-summer culture, folklore and opera shows. The theatre, built in the 2nd century, one of the largest in Asia Minor, seating about 17,000 people is magnificent and from the top offers views over the town, the Hellenistic defence walls, the beaches and the sea.

The entrance to the town itself being dominated by the theatre, the largest in the area is remarkable and the small roads through the town centre are restricted to the inhabitants or those who have a business within the walls. These people must buy a pass which permits them to go within the town. All visitors have to leave their car in the car-park at the top of the high street which of course is impossible during the high season, alternatively there is a larger car park approximately a 10 minute walk outside of the town from where a small visitor tram travels backwards and forwards (at a nominal cost) from approximately 8 o'clock m the morning until approximately midnight and later in the high season. At this time all traffic is stopped between 8pm and midnight in the town centre itself which becomes too crowded with pedestrians for cars.

     One of the best times to walk around the ruins is at the end of the day when hopefully you can catch the sun setting behind the Apollo Temple, a sight you will have seen on the cover of many travel brochures. Also note. As you walk around the small back streets you will see the beautiful architecturally designed old houses, many of which are being renovated in the to original style.

There is a small town beach on the east side of the peninsula but this is mainly used by locals and although sand can be frustrating as there are many rocks in and out of the water.

The coast itself, aptly named the Turquoise Coast or the Turkish Riviera stretches for nearly 650kms, starting from Fethiye beyond Antalya to Istanbul.

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Why Side

     Of all the places in which you can buy your dream home in the sun, why choose Side? Here are just a few reasons, we are sure you will think of more when you visit.

Due to the recent growth in tourism to the area, property prices are increasing, therefore buying a property now will be a good investment for the future. Once Turkey becomes a member of the European Community, property prices will explode, don't miss your chance to buy a property in Turkey now while prices are still low.

Likewise, rental prices are on the increase due to the number of people coming to the area. If you decide to buy a property in Side and rent it out for the months you are not staying in it, this would provide you with an additional income. Rents are higher here than in many parts of Turkey due to the locality of the airport and the good all-year-round climate.      Buying property in this part of Turkey as a European is a safe, easy and uncomplicated process.      Halfway between the thriving beach town of Alanya and the beautiful city of Antalya, Side is situated less than one hour from the region’s international airport of Antalya which is open all year round for both international and charter flights      Typically Mediterranean, the area has hot summers and mild winters however, the weather in this area is predominantly better than in any other part of Turkey having almost 300 days of sunshine a year.

     The area has something to offer everyone, be it families, couples, the sportsman or the retired.

     Transport services in the area are well developed. The main road itself from Antalya International Airport to Side has been recently finished and now offers a quicker and safer journey between the two. Travel by bus to other parts of Turkey from Side are made easy as Side has its' own Bus Station, with connections from the local town of Manavgat.

Despite increasing tourism, the area still retains its charm and is unique in Turkey, offering a living open-air museum in a spectacular setting      Wide use of the English and German languages.      Accessibility of high quality health care with at least 3 private hospitals in the area. There are numerous private dentists and doctors locally, many of whom trained outside Turkey and speak a European language.      Satellite TV offers a wide choice of broadcasting channels with an unlimited amount of sport, news and film channels in various languages.      Healthy living! The area is well known for its natural vegetation. Between Antalya and Manavgat, meaning literally 'village of vegetables', there are no less than 42 different types of fruit and vegetables grown. Manavgat is only 4km from Side.      The cost of living is still relatively low compared to the rest of Europe.

Weather in Side

Beaches in the Area

     Side is well known for its beautiful sandy beaches and, lying on a promentary, either Side of the peninsula they stretch as far as the eye can see. Although these beaches are connected by a short walk across the back of the old town they each have very different characteristitics.

On the West Side towards Antalya is a beach that is backed by the larger hotel’s of the resort. Although no part of the beach is privately owned each hotel has ‘claimed’ its own section and unless you are resident of that particular hotel its very likely that you will not be permitted to use the facilities of that part of the beach. There are however, smaller groups of beds dotted at intervals along the beach and although you will normally pay a daily rental for a sunbed and umbrella these areas are a lot less organised than those in front of the hotels. This beach is very popular with early morning walkers and joggers. Even late in the evening this beach appears busy with many people walking back out of Side to their hotel located on the beach. For families this beach is the best choice as the sea is usually clear, shallow and safe.      On the East is a beach that goes as far as the resort of Alanya and beyond. This beach is slightly more difficult to reach and therefore less busy than the West beach. It can be reached either by walking from the old town following the coastline, a picturesque walk that takes you through many ruins on your way, or by going to the ‘otogar’ (bus station), walking through it and out the far Side and across the sand dunes by means of a small dusty track. This seems like a good idea in the morning before its gets too hot but not such a good one after about 11:00! Alternatively a taxi will take you directly to the sea front!

     Remember most people are lazy on holiday and don’t want to move far, but the further you go away from the town centre the less people you will find on the beach. A new beach service started last year around the resort, that has morning pickups at various restaurants and hotels who have a connection with a certain beach bar where you are taken. It is expected that you use their restaurant as a base for the day, then at the end of the day you are dropped back at your pick–up point. The service is free.

Excursions from Side

Perge
Not to be missed by any historian!

An important city of ancient Pamphylia, Perge is situated 18 kilometres from Antalya and was originally settled by the Hittites around 1500 BC, St Paul preached his first sermons here. Most of today's Perge belongs to the Roman Period and anyone interested in history will love to explore the long colonnaded street, once paved with marble and lined with shops, the agora, the stadium, the public baths and the amphitheatre.

One tip - try to avoid this tour in the middle of the day in peak summer.

Aspendos
25 miles east of Antalya is Aspendos, an amphitheatre that rivals any other single construction on the Turkish coast. Built in the 2nd century and seating 15000 people, the theatre is still 95% complete. The theatre has amazing acoustics and during the summer months concerts are held here - listening to an opera or a musical in such an ancient setting is an evening not to be missed.

Antalya
With its wide palm lined boulevards, an internationally acclaimed marina, the historical old quarter as well as a wide selection of shops, bars, nightclubs and restaurants, Antalya is one of Turkeys most beautiful cities and is a major tourist centre. The historical centre of the city, known as Kaleici, is now a major tourist attraction and the original Roman harbour is now considered to be one of the loveliest marinas in Turkey and is a great place to sit and enjoy a lunch time beer. The old city walls, lit up at night, give an atmosphere of timelessness and serenity and must not be missed. Behind the city loom the Taurus mountains and towards the East rise a dramatic expanse of cliffs with waterfalls tumbling down to the sea.

Termessos
The plateau behind Antalya is as studded with the remains of old cities as are the shores of the Mediterranean. One of the most remarkable of these inland sites is Termessos, high in the mountains above Antalya with even higher peaks around it and with a distant view of the coastline. The defences of the city so daunted Alexander the Great in 333BC that he passed it by, it is not hard to understand why, with the steep winding roads on the approach to the city. At its' peak in the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC, Termessos boasted as many as 150,000 inhabitants and many of the buildings date back to this time. Of all the ruins, the most Impressive by far is the theatre which is hewn out of the rock and offers spectacular views as far as Antalya.

Taurus Mountains and white water rafting
Only a 30 minute drive from Side, turn off towards Beskonak and you start to travel up into the spectacular scenery of the Taurus Mountains. Visit the stunning Köprülü Canyon and join in an experience never to be forgotten - rafting down the white rapids through the astoundingly beautiful canyon. Truly a day out for the adventurous but an experience you will never forget.

Aquapark
Only 1 hour from Side is one of the largest Aquaparks in the area. This is a great day out for all the family with a vast choice of pools and water slides to discover and enjoy. To make the day even more memorable, see the dolphin and sealion show and why not take the opportunity to swim with the dolphins.

Manavgat Waterfalls and river boat tours
Just 10 minutes drive from Side is the local town of Manavgat where you can practise your haggling skills to pick up some great bargains in the markets on Mondays and Thursdays. Also from here you can take boat trips along the emerald green waters of the Manavgat river to the stunning Manavgat waterfalls or to the sea. Cruising along the river under the blue skies with views over open countryside top the mountains....a day out not to be missed.

Selukela and the Oymapinar Dam
Follow the road inland from Manavgat and you come to the steep winding road up to the ruins of the ancient city of Seleukela. Set high up on the top of a hill, with spectacular views down to the coast, spend half a day exploring in the footsteps of your ancestors.

After Seleukela, follow the road to visit the hydro electric dam that produces the electricity for the region. The 2nd largest dam in Turkey, it took 20 years to build and 85 men died during the construction. From the top, there are amazing views of the lake on one side and the valley on the other. These two sites are off the normal tourist trail but are well worth a visit for a memorable day out