Side Ancient City: A Seaside Open-Air Museum to Explore

Side Ancient City is an ancient harbour town set on a peninsula reaching into the sea in Side, part of Antalya's Manavgat district. It is famous for its temples of Apollon and Athena, its great theatre, its agora and its monumental gates; but its most striking quality is how the ruins are woven into the streets, cafés and shops of today's resort town. It is one of those rare places where you can sip your coffee while wandering through the ancient world.

History and what to see

Side is a long-established harbour town whose name means "pomegranate" in the local tongue, and for centuries it was one of the key stops of Mediterranean trade. It reached its golden age under Roman rule, when its grand public buildings rose.

The city's most impressive structure is the great theatre, which could hold tens of thousands. Rather than resting against a hillside, it sits on vaulted arches with a colossal stage building, making it one of the region's most remarkable theatres. The view over the town and sea from here is worth the trip on its own.

Following the colonnaded main street, you reach the agora, the baths and the monumental fountain. The temples of Apollon and Athena at the tip of the peninsula are the city's emblem; with its re-erected columns, the Temple of Apollon in particular offers an enchanting scene at sunset. In the small museum housed in the ancient bath building you can see statues and sarcophagi unearthed here.

How to get there

Side lies about an hour and a half from central Antalya and is very easy to reach. Regular buses run from Antalya's bus terminal to Manavgat; from Manavgat, dolmuş minibuses take you to Side in a short time. There are also plenty of tour and minibus options from Alanya and the surrounding resort areas.

If you drive, you will need to use the car parks at the entrance to the peninsula, as the heart of the ancient city is largely pedestrianised. Most of the ruins are in the open and free to wander; enclosed sections such as the theatre charge an entrance fee. It is worth checking current visiting hours before you go.

When to go

Side is a busy resort in the summer months, when the midday heat and crowds can make exploring hard. The most enjoyable visit is in the early morning or towards sunset, when it is both cooler and the light is best for photographs. Spring and autumn, with their mild weather and quieter streets, are ideal for exploring the ancient city.

Practical tips

Comfortable, non-slip shoes are essential for the stone-paved ancient roads. The summer sun can be merciless; keep a hat, sunscreen and water with you. It is worth claiming a spot early for sunset at the Temple of Apollon, as it grows quite crowded in the evening. Since the modern town is woven right through it, you can easily break your visit with a coffee or a meal.

Is there a fee to visit Side Ancient City?

Most of the ancient streets, the area around the agora and the seaside ruins can be wandered freely and without charge. Fenced-off sections such as the theatre, and the museum, do charge an entrance fee. Since prices and opening hours can change from season to season, it is best to check current information before your visit.

How long does it take to visit Side Ancient City?

Seeing the main street, the agora, the theatre and the temples at a relaxed pace usually takes two to three hours. Add photography, the museum and a break by the sea, and you can easily set aside half a day. If you want to catch the sunset at the Temple of Apollon, plan to arrive in the late afternoon.

What else is there to see in Side?

The Temple of Apollon is the city's emblem and within walking distance. Nearby, the Manavgat Waterfall, long sandy beaches and boat trips await. The ancient city itself, with its cafés and bazaar, easily fills a day; a quieter Side experience is also possible in the surrounding villages.

To keep discovering Antalya's ancient heritage, its hidden coves and the sights nearby, FindAntalya's guides and maps are made for you.