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Welcome to one of the oldest holiday resorts in the world - what else can you
say about the place where legend says that Cleopatra bathed in the sea with Mark
Anthony! The old town of Side is a joy with the ancient roman ruins mixed in
between bars, restaurants and shops. The main area of the town is pedestrianised
and it's a wonderful place to visit in the early evening to window shop, buy
some bargains, have a drink or grab a bite to eat. It has a great atmosphere but
it can get busy in the height of the season.
The ruins of the ancient city mingle with the new, and despite its development
as a resort, it retains its own very special atmosphere and charm. Its
impressive second century theatre, supported by arched vaults, offers fine views
towards the sea and you can still see the remains of an ancient street lined
with pillars and arcades and the market place where slaves were once sold.
Nearby the Agora Baths Museum contains a beautifully restored fifth century bath
house and some interesting statues and artifacts.
Side is a well established holiday resort and has a wide selection of shopping
opportunities, bars and restaurants to suit the very cosmopolitan collection of
holidaymakers who visit the area. The bustling, colorful streets leading down to
the sea offer bargains galore. There are shops selling Turkish Delight, designer
jeans (both fake and real but all at lower prices than at home), handcrafted
embroidery, lace table cloths and serviettes, carpets, leather goods and a
wonderful selection of gold and silver jewelery. The Saturday market is also
worth a visit for clothes, lace, fresh fruit and vegetables.
The beach is, of course, one of Side' main attractions, and it is hard to rival
the quality of the sand or the length of the beach, with plenty of space to
sunbathe even in high season.
The beaches are situated to the east and west of the old town - to the west is
the main hotel area so the beaches are busier with more activities. To the east
the beach is undeveloped and much quieter - wander amongst the sand dunes and be
surprised by ancient ruins.
An excursion to Kursunlu waterfalls makes a refreshing change from the heat of
the beach, and the Manavgat waterfalls and river are close by and well worth a
visit.
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