Built in the 2nd century AD, Side's spectacular theatre could seat up to 20,000 spectators and rivals the nearby theatre of Aspendos for sheer drama. Look at the wall of the skene (stage building) for reliefs of figures and faces, including those of Comedy and Tragedy. During the town's September festival it's the venue for performances.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
16.56 MILES
People come in droves to this ancient site near the modern-day village of Belkıs for one reason: to view the awesome theatre, considered the best…
0.36 MILES
This compact site is one of the most romantic on the Mediterranean coast. Apollo and Athena were Side's deities, although Apollo eventually became more…
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19.21 MILES
This partially restored han (caravanserai) on the Aalara River was built by Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I (who also built Alanya Castle) in 1231 to…
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0.06 MILES
Contained within a 5th-century bathhouse, Side's museum has an impressive (if small) collection of statues, sarcophagi, reliefs and coins in air…
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19.35 MILES
This 13th-century castle towers over the Alara River and valley about a kilometre north of Alarahan. There are several courtyards accessed by worn steps…
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0.35 MILES
Side's main beach is north of the centre, and backed by rows of resort hotels. Follow the main road out of town (Side Caddesi) and turn left at Şarmaşık…
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0.17 MILES
If you walk down Barbaros Caddesi, passing by the large State Agora ruin, you'll come to the lovely Eastern Beach, which is a prime spot of sand on which…
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0.34 MILES
This ruined basilica was built in the 5th century AD on what may have been a saint's burial ground. It was destroyed in the 7th century and later…
Nearby Side attractions
0.03 MILES
The ruined, circular-shaped Temple of Tyche is dedicated to the goddess of fortune.
0.04 MILES
Just east of Side's theatre and across the road from the museum are these agora remains, which once functioned as the ancient town's slave market.
0.06 MILES
Contained within a 5th-century bathhouse, Side's museum has an impressive (if small) collection of statues, sarcophagi, reliefs and coins in air…
0.13 MILES
These remnants of the state agora sit dramatically beside Side's eastern beach. An interpretive panel shows the two storeys of statues that once decorated…
0.16 MILES
This rather narrow strip of sand and pebbles is a lovely spot for sunbathing and swimming right in town.
0.17 MILES
If you walk down Barbaros Caddesi, passing by the large State Agora ruin, you'll come to the lovely Eastern Beach, which is a prime spot of sand on which…