Wonderful Turkey delights tourists and is a very popular holiday destination. Particularly the regions and resorts near the beaches are crowded, no wonder everyone wants to enjoy the clean waters of the sea and bask in the hot Turkish sun. When spending your holidays on the Turkish Riviera, it is worth considering visiting Side and Manavgat. These two cities have many interesting places to offer tourists, not only beaches… . Check out what they have to offer!
Location
Side is a city in southern Turkey and Manavgat (on the Manvagat River) is only 7 kilometers away. The cities are located in the province of Antalya, on the Mediterranean Sea.
Symbols
Side – In the ancient Sidian language, which was only spoken in Side, the city’s name means pomegranate. This fruit has symbolized abundance and prosperity for centuries. This city was like that too.
An explanation is often given that the name of the city itself comes from the Luwian word Munouwa, meaning Mother Goddess, and Manavgat was supposed to be an important religious center in ancient times. – these are only guesses.
What is worth seeing in Manavgat?
- Cascade Waterfall On The Manavgat River
Cascade waterall has a high flow over a large area and when it falls from a low height, it is best viewed from a high altitude. The white, foaming water of Manavgat Falls flows powerfully over the rocks. A beautiful view of nature.
- Green Canyon
The Green Canyon is an artificially created lake on the Manavgat River and the only dam in the world on which ships sail. The wonderful turquoise color of the water, breathtaking mountainous terrain and large areas of forests and vegetation. Many optional trips are organized for this special event places.
- Merkez Külliye Camii
A fascinating and beautiful mosque, commonly called the “mosque with four minarets”, richly decorated with ornaments inside and outside, is a real gem of religious architecture. Admission is free, but remember to wear appropriate clothing (every part of the body must be covered) and, in the case of women, a headscarf.
- Ruins Of Ancient Lyrbe
The ruins of the ancient city of Lyrbe are scattered over a very wide area overlooking the plain of Manavgat nestled in dense pine forests. The ruins include city walls, monumental gates and towers, the best preserved agora of the Pamphylia region, baths, temples, libraries, cisterns, churches, and tombs.
- Turkish bazaar in Manavgat
The bazaar unfolds and lasts from morning until dusk. You can buy literally everything there: vegetables, fruits, tea, but also clothes, handbags, shoes and many other products. From Side you can get to the market in Manvgat by dolmus (small buses). Remember, bargain, the Turks increase the starting prices!
What is worth seeing in Side ?
- Side Beach
Side East is a beach that stands out for its soft sand and crystal blue waters, making it a family-friendly location. It offers a range of water sports and an active nightlife, along with the availability of bars and restaurants serving Turkish dishes. Side Beach is a golden sandy beach that offers an array of exhilarating water activities and is in close proximity to the historic old town. Kumköy is a serene and sandy beach that caters to the diverse needs of its visitors and offers rejuvenating pampering sessions at the beachside hotel. Evrenseki beach is a picturesque expanse of sandy coast that is part of a hotel complex featuring indoor and outdoor swimming pools, water slides, and a spa center. Lastly, Full Moon Beach Side is celebrated for its extensive sandy coastline and warm sea water, making it an alluring spot for swimming even during the winter months.
- Ancient Part Of Side
The ancient part of the city of Side makes a huge impression, not only on fans of the culture of ancient Greeks and Romans. The most frequently visited remains of the ancient city of Side include:
- Temple of Apollo – An ancient religious building from the 2nd century AD in the Corinthian style. One of the main attractions in Side.
- Nymphaeum – columns made of marble are part of a historic, three-level fountain.
- City Gate – a building located near the Nymphaeum, which in the past consisted of two external towers. All visitors to the city of Side passed through it.
- Agora – the central square of the city from the 2nd century AD, measuring 91 × 94 m. In ancient times, it was a place for gathering of citizens.
- Tyche Temple – right next to the agora there are the remains of a religious building dating back to the 2nd century AD, placed on a 2-meter-high platform.
- Monumental Gate – a structure that separated the center of Side from the rest of the city in Roman times. –
- The ruins of the library – date back to the 2nd century AD and were a meeting place for the educated part of the community;
- Roman theater – is considered the best-preserved part of the ancient city of Side.
- Side Archaeological Museum
Side Museum is located in an ancient bath building (Agora Bath) that dates back to the 2nd century AD and has survived until today with additions and changes in the 5th and 6th centuries AD. The rectangular bathhouse consists of five halls of various sizes: cold room (Frigidarium), sweating (Sudatorium), two warm rooms (Tepidarium), and hot room (Caldarium). Most of the works exhibited in the museum consist of the works unearthed as a result of the excavations carried out in Side between 1947-1967 . In the museum, statues, sarcophagi, inscriptions, reliefs, terracotta, glass, and bronze finds, and coins belonging to the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine Periods are exhibited.
- Side Underwater Museum
For diving enthusiasts, exploring the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea is a paradise, which in Side is even more special thanks to the underwater museum, which is located at a depth of 5-15 meters from the water surface. You can see here, among others, whirling dervishes, temples and historical scenes. The idea of an underwater museum will create unforgettable impressions that will last forever.
Cruise From Side Port
Side has a picturesque port, so both private yachts and tourist ships dock here. The offer of commercial cruises is really wide! Several companies organize them, and each of them ensures the best and most attractive offer of trips. By choosing one of them, you can sail into the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy the wonderful landscapes of the coast. During the cruises you will see the bay of dolphins, sea turtles, and even sail along the river to nearby Manavgat. Most trips include meals for tourists and offer the opportunity to jump into the water and swim in the open sea. This will be an unforgettable cruise!
How to get there?
By bus: All buses from the provincial capital Antalya in the west to Alanya in the east and on to Mersin and Adana pass through Manavgat.
By Dolmus/Minibus: Dolmuses and minibuses regularly reach Manavgat from nearby Side.
By car: the important D400 route runs through Manavgat, connecting cities on the Turkish Mediterranean coast. The distance from Antalya is 77 km and from Alanya 60 km.
What should/shouldn’t be done:
– You can only drink alcohol in designated places,
– Before entering a temple or mosque, you should cut off your shoes,
– Remember to haggle at the bazaar,
– Try not to drink tap water
