Ruins of antiquity reflecting spirit of time in Side

Shaped by the cooling waters and soft sands of the Mediterranean, Side is the perfect destination, equally rich in ancient treasures and the gems of contemporary entertainment, shopping and comfortable accommodation. Side is a superb choice for a holiday, whether your aim is to bath in sun, sea and sand, or to repose in harmony with nature under a soft, leafy canopy, or to explore the region's unparalleled history, wandering mesmerised through the ruins of antiquity. Here sea and sky exist in perfect harmony, and where the waters meet the side of the peninsula, golden beaches give on to ancient ruins, cafes, superb restaurants and souvenir shops. Natural marvels such as Manavgat Waterfall and Köprülü Canyon National Park are easily accessible. Ancient Side welcomes its visitors through the Main Gate, set between two towers of the insurmountable city walls, standing directly across from the monumental fountain. Manavgat River used to provide water to the fountain through aqueducts, splendid examples of human ingenuity working in tandem with the gifts of nature. After entering ancient Side and proceeding on the main road, the groups of ruins on the left are from the bishopric basilica, surrounded with columns, and the palace. A little further down on the same road, again on the left is the commercial agora which is one of the two agorae the city. On the opposite side of the road across the agora stood the Roman Bathhouse from the 5th century, which now serves as a museum where magnificent sculptures, busts and sarcophagi are on permanent display. The Museum of Side, with the statues and figurines of gods and goddesses on display, seems like Olympus, the home of the gods and goddesses.