Side
Side is a fascinating holiday resort on the 65 km east of Antalya. This town was once a base for pirates and a slave market. On the south of the town there is an ancient harbour. This lovely town becomes very crowded in Summers. Especially, English and Russian population exceeds Turkish population.
When you enter the city, you pass through ancient Hellenistic city gate (Great Gate). However, the gate is not in a good condition. After you pass ancient city gate and follow the way to town center, you will come across to fantastic ancient theatre and agora side by side. Agora was used as a slave trading center (1st century B.C.). Theatre next to Agora is a big amphitheatre with 20,000 seat capacity. Currently, some festival shows are organized in the theatre in Summers.
On the south of Agora, temple of Fortuna (Goddess of Luck and Fate), monumental gate and former Roman baths can be seen. Roman baths are now used as a museum where you can find archaeological collections from Roman period. On the south part of the town, two important ancient temples can be found, namely Temple Of Apollon and Temple Of Athena. It's a great pleasure to watch sun setting behind the columns of Temple Of Apollon.
It will be a good choice to select hotels within ancient city walls. Because clubs, restaurants and beaches will be so close and you can go anywhere within minutes even by walking.
Beaches
Side is rich in fine sandy beaches and shiny blue sea. There is a long beach to the west of Side approximately 10 km long and just after the beach comes another resort Kumköy. Sorgun beach is in 3 km east of Side, this beach is slightly more quiet. You can take dolmus (small bus) to go Sorgun beach. Dolmus runs every half an hour from Side town center.