Side Ancient City & Temple of Apollo,Turkey

• Temple of Apollo (Apolline Temple) — iconic columned temple on the sea-facing promontory and a top sunset viewpoint.
• Side Ancient Theatre — a large Roman theatre with seating for thousands, offering impressive preservation and occasional cultural events.
• Agora and Roman Street — ruins of the city's marketplace and colonnaded avenues.
• Necropolis and Rock-Cut Tombs — hillside tombs with elaborate facades illustrating funerary practices.
• Side Archaeological Museum — houses sculptures, sarcophagi and artifacts recovered from the site.
• Roman Baths, Nymphaeum and Columns — public buildings and decorative features scattered across the site.

• Seaside location with the Temple of Apollo set dramatically on a small headland
• Long stretch of visible colonnaded street and standing columns along the shoreline
• Well-preserved Roman theatre and extensive necropolis
• Close juxtaposition of ancient ruins and modern town with beaches and harbour

• Walking the archaeological site and coastal promenade
• Sunset viewing at the Temple of Apollo — a must-do photographic moment
• Guided historical tours (recommended to understand complex layers of history)
• Visiting Side Archaeological Museum to see recovered artifacts
• Taking short boat trips from the harbour (including sunset cruises)
• Beach time and swimming in nearby beaches (East and West Side beaches)
• Shopping in Side’s old town bazaar for souvenirs and local crafts

Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October) for pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds; early morning or late afternoon visits are ideal for cooler conditions and best light for photography.

Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers (July–August) with temperatures often exceeding 30°C; mild, wet winters. Shoulder seasons are warm and comfortable.

The archaeological site and museum operate with an entry fee; opening hours vary seasonally (commonly early morning until late afternoon/evening in summer). Tip: check the current ticket prices and seasonal hours online or at the local tourist office before visiting.

Nearest major airport: Antalya Airport (approx. 65–75 km west of Side). Local access by road from Manavgat (10–15 km) and Antalya via buses, dolmuş (minibuses) and private transfers. The site has uneven ground, steps and cobbled surfaces — limited accessibility for mobility-impaired visitors; wear sturdy footwear.

Half day (2–4 hours) to a full day if combining museum visits, beach time and boat trips.

Comfortable walking shoes, sunhat, sunscreen, water bottle, light layers for cooler evenings and a camera for sunset shots.

Try fresh seafood and Turkish meze at seaside restaurants; local specialties in the region include citrus and Mediterranean cuisine. Souvenirs: handmade textiles, olive-oil soaps, spices and small antiquities-style replicas from local shops.