Side Ancient City

West of Alanya, Side is one of the most popular day trips in the region, with the columns of the Temple of Apollo by the sea, a large ancient theatre and a charming bazaar among the ruins.

About

Side is an ancient harbour city on a small peninsula in the Manavgat district. Its name is believed to mean "pomegranate" in an Anatolian language, and the pomegranate appears on its ancient coins.

The columns of the Temple of Apollo rising at the tip of the peninsula are one of the most photographed sights in the region, especially at sunset. The large ancient theatre and the Side Museum, housed in a Roman bath, are also well worth a visit.

The narrow streets among the ruins are full of restaurants, cafés and shops. We recommend ending the day with sunset at the temple.

Highlights

• Temple of Apollo by the sea
• The large ancient theatre
• Side Museum in a Roman bath
• Bazaar among the ruins

Photo: Saffron Blaze · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons (source)