Where antiquity embraces oriental luxury
The name Side comes from the Greek word for pomegranate – a fitting image for one of the world’s most breathtaking sunsets, bathed in the warm hues of this Mediterranean fruit. Nestled on the southern coast of Turkey, Side has been a crossroads of civilisations for centuries. Today, its streets, squares and promenades blend the charm of traditional Turkish life with the artistic legacy of the ancient Greeks, Romans and Alexander the Great.
The city is divided into two contrasting yet complementary parts: the historic eastern Side and the modern western quarter, home to luxurious resorts. Visitors can explore both worlds through curated tours by agencies such as Kontiki and Big Blue.
Strolling through traditional Side is like stepping into a romantic painting – the air scented with coffee, salt and fruit. Although you set your watch an hour forward on arrival in Turkey, in Side, time feels beautifully suspended. You’ll likely encounter newlyweds posing for photos by the iconic temples of Athena and Apollo, where the sea stretches endlessly into the horizon. These ancient ruins serve as a backdrop for marriage proposals, school trips, wandering tourists and locals selling roses.
A journey into history wouldn’t be complete without visiting the ruins of the Nymphaeum or the grand Amphitheatre, which has stood for nearly 19 centuries. Drop by the Olive Oil Museum, browse souvenir shops, or haggle over sweets, leather or gold – all part of the Side experience.
Although you set your watch an hour forward on arrival in Turkey, in Side, time feels beautifully suspended
When it’s time to unwind, choose from the many harbour-side cafés and restaurants near the monument to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey. The date of his passing is engraved in the form of an infinity symbol. And don’t be surprised if a cat or two joins you for coffee, as in the rest of Turkey, cats in Side are cherished and protected.
For those seeking a holiday of pure indulgence, over 50 luxury hotels in Side offer (ultra) all-inclusive packages via Kontiki and Big Blue, based on seven-night stays. Modern resorts cater to business travellers, couples, families and seniors alike, all drawn by comfort and convenience. Many of these hotels are ideal for children, offering aquaparks, amusement rides, pools, beach playgrounds, and healthy food available around the clock, as well as most importantly, a warm, crystal-clear sea. One such resort is Numa Club Hotel Side, a sprawling complex with its own private sandy beach.
According to many travellers and tourism websites, Turkey’s coastline offers some of the best value-for-money holidays in the Mediterranean. Here, what the senses imagine, five stars can truly deliver.