Side dates back to 200BC and boasts substantial ruins including an amphitheatre and Temple of Apollo. The Taurus Mountains make a beautiful backdrop and offer ski-ing in the winter.
Visit the outstanding ancient town of Perge, watch an open-air concert in Aspendos amphitheatre, fish for local trout, or take a boat trip to visit the dolphins. Antalya airport is 45 minute drive from this fabulous Antalya Property and offers flights from all over Europe.
The historic centre, Kaleiçi surrounds the Roman harbour. Many buildings date from Ottoman era, a few from the Roman era, and some have been beautifully restored as houses, boutique hotels, pensions and restaurants.
Visit Antalya for Kaleiçi, the museum and beaches, and because it's the transportation hub of the region with a big, modern airport 10 km (6 miles) east of the city centre, and a modern bus terminal (Otogar) further north.
Antalya is also a great base for day-visits to nearby archaeological sites including Aspendos, Selge, Side, Perge, Olimpos, Termessos and Phaselis, and river rafting in Köprülü Kanyon National Park. Antalya is by far the most convenient base for excursions throughout the region.
A great day visit by car or coach from Antalya is to this fabulous ancient ruined city high in a mountains. You can also visit the amazing Karain Cave.
There are numerous spledind and interesting locations within easy reach of Antalya.
There are properties for sale in Antalya which could provide a wonderful retreat if you are looking to buy property in Antalya.
Places to visit From your Property in Turkey
There are plenty of interesting places in the area which you can visit by hiring a car or joining a tour, including the ancient town of Perge, the Manavgat waterfalls, the Taurus Mountains and the amazingly intact amphitheatre at Aspendos where outdoor concerts take place in the summer.
Antalya, the ancient city of Attaleia, founded in the second century BC, is the largest on the Mediterranean. Today palm-lined boulevards, beautiful parks, historical buildings, monuments and the picturesque old quarter blend together. It is typical of Turkey, a thriving modern city, with a historic heart in the centre of Kaleiçi, within the old city walls. The Antalya Archaeological Museum is one of the most important museums in Turkey and exhibits remains from the Antalya region.
Aspendos dates back to the 5th century B.C. and is the world’s best preserved amphitheatre. Allowing 0.50 m per seat, the theatre holds 17000 spectators, with an additional 500 in the orchestra. Today it is used for concerts, festivals and grease wrestling events. In addition to the theatre the agora, basilica, nymphaeum and 15 km of aqueducts are to be seen. The pressured aqueduct system is a feat of engineering from the Roman period. Aspendos is located just twenty minutes from Hibiscus Cottage, and hosts an open air summer opera and ballet festival in its atmospheric surroundings.Cappodocia is some distance from Side, but available to visit with an overnight stay on a local tour. Over millions of years, volcanic eruptions created conical spires called fairy chimneys. The early inhabitants of this magical place embraced Christianity where they built secret churches, dwellings and entire underground cities that could harbour as many as 20,000 souls in safety from marauding raiders. It is possible to take a hot air balloon over the area.
Demre – St Nicolas (Santa Claus) was the bishop of Demre during the fourth century. Demre’s Basilica of St Nicholas commorates the saint, whose legendary generosity seems to have originated from his practice of giving coins to poor households by anonymously dropping them down the chimney. From here you can visit the rock tombs at Myra and the sunken city of Kekova by boat.
Duden Waterfalls can easily be reached by public transport or rented car. The waterfall is 20m wide and the 15m deep, with a cave formed beneath it. Located in a park, it is a pleasant place to picnic and listen to the sound of the water. Take the stairs down to walk along the river and see the stalagmites and stalactites. You can also visit the cave and watch the water as it falls in front of you.
Köprülü Kanyon is a miracle of nature and one of the best scenic and recreational areas of Turkey. It is famous for its rafting and jeep safaris, and is also a favourite of fishermen, ramblers and horse riders. Enjoy a sunset trek on the awe-inspiring Taurus mountains. Owing to its length of 14km. and its walls exceeding 100m height, the valley formed by the river Kopru is the longest canyon in Turkey. Inside the National Park there are also ruins of the ancient city of Selge.
There are cafeterias and areas reserved for picnics and camping. Just twenty minutes drive from the house.
Manavgat is a local shopping town with major banks, supermarkets and restaurants, essential for everyday life. Manavgat is also well known for its picturesque waterfalls and rivers.
Pamukkale is where the ancient city of Hierapolis was built on the site of the rich mineral waters of Pamukkale, where the steaming water has hallowed enormous circular basins in the earth as it flowed down the mountainside, coating the slopes in a smooth layer of dazzlingly white calcareous rock. For thousands of years a deep underground spring has been pouring out streams of hot, mineral saturated water with a temperature of 36-38°. The waters are used for drinking and bathing. They are recommended for the treatment of rheumatic, dermatological, digestive problems, as well s many other disorders.
Perge was settled in 1200 B.C. In 332 B.C. Perge, like Side, reached an agreement with Alexander the Great and thus did not go to war or suffer the usual ravages. It lived through the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine epochs. Its 15,000 spectator theatre was built in the 2nd century A.D. and its well-preserved stadium could hold 12,000. There are 30 rooms, believed to have been used as shops, underneath the stadium seats. Some of the things worth seeing in Perge are the gates, agora, nymphaeum, the pillared streets, sarcophagi, basilica and acropolis.
Side’s exact date of founding is not known. In the language of Anatolia, "Side" means Pomegranate. From inscriptions it appears that Side dates back to the Hittites. The city was constructed on a peninsula and was a Hellenistic and Roman town, protected by city and sea walls. See the fascinating ruins and the museum, where you’ll find some of the statues and art treasures found in Side. One of its most important buildings is its 15,000 spectator theatre, built on a series of arches 20 m high. Side has colonnaded streets, a triumphal arch, harbour, baths, fountains, cisterns, aquaducts, temples and a agora. Close to the harbour you will find the beautiful Temple of Apollo.
Sorgun beach is possibly the most beautiful beach in the region, and it is located just 3km to the east of Side. It backs to a nature reserve and is unspoilt and relaxing. It is very peaceful beach but with stronger waves and currents, so be careful with children. Sorgun may be reached via dolmus, with a change at Side. Walk to the last cafe on the beach where you can lie all day for the price of a soft drink.
Things to do
Adventure Park located 45 km from Antalya, the Adventure Park offers hanging bridges, ladders, ropes, a climbing wall, crossing the river by raft and a minefield. There is a separate route for children, with lower levels of complexity and risk, which they can traverse with experienced instructors. There is a steel rope stretched at a height of 30m across the river where adventurers can speed across the 230m ropeslide at 35 mph. You can tour canyons and caves, as well as go kayaking. www.doitadventure.com
Aquaparks There are three aquaparks in the local area, and you may go to them independently or via a local agency. The Troy Aqua Park in the Rixos Premium Hotel is the biggest water park in the Mediterranean region.
Diving – Side is one of the best places in the region for scuba diving. On daily tours you can choose between six different diving places, including the fantastic dripstone cave. On the daily trips to “Adrasan” you can discover an untouched underwater world. Dives are supervised by a teacher or guide, and there is a depth limit of 30 metres. Logger head turtles are a highlight, as are groupers, barracuda, jacks and stingrays at Flying Fish Reef. Moray eels and octopus are regulars around many local sites and you won’t have to look too hard to find some of the many amphora.
Dolphins – take an organised boat trip to see the dolphins, This will include the chance to swim with dolphins.
Fishing – the river Köprü is a rich source of trout. Join a trip where all equipment is provided.
Golf is available at Belek, a purpose built resort for golfers, just a short 20 minutes drive from the house. The first golf course opened here in 1994, since when Belek has really estabilished iself on the international golf circuit with eight top class courses, and a further four in the planning stages. The latest course to open was designed by world-famous golfer, Nick Faldo, and Colin Montgomerie is planning one as well. The resort is set along a long, sandy beach which backs onto a forest of pine and eucalyptus trees. Belek has won awards for its environmentally friendly development and there are many rare species of plant and wildlife indigenous to the area. Please speak to Chris Durig to arrange to play golf in Belek. For more information on Belek, visit www.belektourismcenter.org
Horse riding - The Antalya Region has quite a few horse riding centers. The horses are all well looked after and so if you are an enthusiast or even a beginner you will have a great time there as they cater for all levels and even young children can sit on the horses. Centers offering riding for the very young and upwards are located close to Side in the scenic pine forest areas of Titreyengol and Sorgun. Horse-riding is also available on the beach in the evenings.
Jeep Safari in the Taurus Mountains and see panoramic views and traditional villages. Trips are arranged by local agencies and last for ten hours. Explore Köprülü Canyon and race against people who are rafting. Lunch is served under beautiful trees. Swimming in the cave or at the beach is possible. Quad safaris are also available.
Mountaineering can be organised all year round, but April, May and June offer both a temperate climate and a chance to experience the richest vegetation. Turkey’s magnificent mountains and forest are mostly undeveloped, existing as wonderful natural preserves for an extraordinary variety of wildlife, flora and fauna. The Taurus Mountains are the westerm-most branch of the great mountain chain that stretches across all Asia – the Himalayan Mountain Belt.
Rafting – for something a bit different, why not try a rafting trip? It’s an exciting day out which gives you the opportunity to race the rapids whilst viewing the breathtaking cedar forest of the Köprülü national park. Trips are arranged via local agencies, and can last from one to six hours, and include a three course seafood lunch. Trips include the spectacular Duden Waterfalls or the Gulf of Antalya islands where you can stop off at some of the secluded beaches.
Shopping – many shops cater to the tourist, but good bargains may found , such as local made tablecloths, carpets, leather and jewellery. Leather coats and jewellery can be designed to your liking and made ready for collection by the end of your holiday. Tours often include visits to government sponsored gold or carpet factories, which offer considerable discounts.
Ski-ing – just 1 ½ hours drive to a choice of beginner and and advanced ski resorts. Between 15 December and 15 April are the best times for ski-ing when you can enjoy morning sunbathing on the beach and ski-ing in the afternoon. During normal winter conditions the height of the snow reaches 3m. The Bey Range of the Taurus Mountains has altitudes of 600-3070m. The Tahtal? Aerial Cableway is the longest in Europe and the second longest in the world. It provides easy access to the top of the mountain and offer a spectacular panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea dn the surrounding virgin pine forests.
Trekking – St Paul’s Way passes close by Side, and it is possible to follow in his footsteps along a marked route. This area was one of the first places where the gospel was preached.
Turkish Bath – many spa treatments may be found locally, in fact just a few minutes walk along the beach from the house. A Turkish Bath is quite an experience, and a great way to start a holiday. A package will include a steam room, exfoliation, foam massage , face mask and a massage with oil. Most are reasonably priced and will leave you feeling soft as a baby and very relaxed. Other spa treatments include aromatherapy, reflexology and Thai, Shiatsu, Bali, and hot stone massages. ,
See Map of Turkey to see where in the Province of Antalya, Side is located.
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