Side

Down at Side harbour, the re-created colonnade of the Temple of Athena marches towards the blue sea, while at the top of Side old town's gentle hill, the 2nd-century theatre still lords it up over the surrounding countryside. Between these two ancient relics, the lanes of this once-docile fishing village have long since given themselves over to souvenir peddlers and restaurant touts hustling for business. Despite the constant stream of visitors, the liberal scattering of glorious Roman and Hellenistic ruins sitting incongruously between shops means you can just about imagine (if you scrunch up your eyes) the tourists picking over togas rather than T-shirts.

Vespasian gate to the ancient city of Side, Turkey

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Book
Turkiye
Book

Turkiye

Shop $28.99 USD
App
Lonely Planet App on a phone
Brand New!

Get the Lonely Planet App

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Side

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.