Side holidays

Holidays to Side – pronounced see-deh – tick all the boxes. The restaurant-lined harbour's hemmed in by beaches, time-frozen temples sit beside chic boutiques, and the city of Antalya's an hour away.

A Roman-inspired resort

Antony and Cleopatra used to love Side. Set on Turkey’s south coast – about an hour from Antalya – the place hasn’t really changed a lot since when the Romans were here. There’s an untouched old town and crumbling ruins flanking the sandy beaches. Modern luxuries get a good look-in, too, with a chic harbour, waterfront restaurants and lively bars.

Twin beaches

Side sits on a peninsula, flanked by two sandy beaches on either side of the old town. West Beach is sheltered and has shallow water so it’s popular with families, while East Beach is a windswept stretch of sand, sandwiched between the River Aras and the Med. On both sides, banana boats and jet-skis up the tempo off-shore, while sunloungers and beach bars keep things going on dry land.

Historical sights

Side’s sights are quite something. Dominating the resort is a huge amphitheatre that’s still used today for summer concerts. And one of the most-photographed structures is the 2,000-year-old Temple of Apollo – sunset is a particularly good time for pictures. Elsewhere, there are Corinthian columns and a museum set in a restored Roman bath.

Daytrips to Antalya

An hour’s drive – or ferry trip – gets you to the regional capital, Antalya, with its snow-topped mountains and flat, white beaches. The old quarter, Kaleiçi, has an ensemble of knick-knack shops and characterful cafés. Meanwhile, the hip Konyaalti district is the place for designer shops and pampering hammams.