Side is a popular Turkish resort located on the Mediterranean coast. In addition to a comfortable beach holiday, it offers travelers numerous excursion programs that will allow them to better learn the history, culture and architecture of the region. Nightlife fans will not be bored here either, because in Side there are a huge number of clubs and bars open until the morning.
How to get there
The nearest airport to the resort is located in Antalya. However, besides this, there are options to get here by train or ferry.
From many large Russian cities to Antalya charter flights regularly fly. The price of a ticket starts from $ 250. If you choose a flight with a change in Ankara or Istanbul, then you will have to spend about $ 220 on the road.
From the airport, Side can be reached by shuttle bus for 260-390 rubles or by taxi for about 3,500 rubles.
From Russia you can get to the resort of Side by bus, but the road will take about 3 days.In this case, you will have to travel through the territory of Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia and a number of other countries. Alternatively, you can get from Moscow to Batumi. The cost of such a trip is about 70 dollars. And from Batumi to Antalya can be reached by bus for $ 30. The total time spent on the road is about 75 hours.
A ferry runs several times a week from Sochi to Trabzon, the cost of a ticket for it is about $ 70. From here to Side almost a day by bus. The ticket price is about 1 thousand rubles.
Top hotels to stay in Side
In Side, tourists will be able to find hotels for every taste and financial opportunity. Basically, they are located along the coastline, and each has its own well-maintained beach. In addition, almost every one of them has a swimming pool and a restaurant. Some boast playgrounds, discos and other entertainment. The cost of a double room can vary significantly, depending on the hotel and ranges from 3,800 to 12,800 rubles per night.
Tourists who prefer a quiet holiday or come to the resort with young children should choose housing away from the coastline. Those who prefer a gorgeous view from the window should go to hotels located on the banks of the Manavgat River. Among the most popular hotels in Side are:
- Kamelya Selin Hotel;
- VONRESORT Golden Coast;
- Side Alegria Hotel & SPA.
The cheapest accommodation option would be a hotel without stars for 650 rubles per day. If breakfast will be included in the price here, then such a number will be asked for from 750 to 2,000 rubles. The cost of a hotel room 3-4 stars will cost 2500-4000 rubles.
Prices for holidays in Side: all inclusive
In general, the kitchen in Side is almost no different from the traditional for the country. But since Turkey is associated by travelers with the famous “all inclusive” system, they usually do not attend cafes and restaurants. However, experienced tourists still recommend at least one evening to devote an acquaintance with amazing local cuisine. In Side, they can find an inexpensive restaurant, where dinner with wine will cost only 500-1050 rubles.
You can eat a fish sandwich, doner kebab or stuffed mussels on the street for 120-380 rubles. For dinner at an average restaurant you have to pay an average of 900-2000 rubles. The cost of dinner in the expensive restaurants of the resort can exceed 5 thousand rubles.
Beach holiday
Long sandy beaches are the pride of the Turkish resorts. And Side was no exception. On the territory of the resort there are two main beaches, which, despite their proximity, are significantly different from each other. West Beach is more popular, as the sea is less deep here, and the entrance is gentle, which is especially good for those who come with small children.
Basically, all the beaches in Side are divided between hotels, so the entrance to some of them is closed to outsiders. But there are also municipal sites, which any tourist can visit for free.
In addition, on the western beach tourists are waiting for all sorts of entertainment. Here you can go diving, parasailing, water skiing, parasailing or going on a boat trip.
Holidaymakers on the eastern beach is much smaller. It is surrounded by orange groves and conifers.
Sights and entertainment
Side is an ideal resort for those who wish to combine a beach holiday with interesting excursion programs. This city rightfully bears the name of the open-air museum, due to the presence of a large number of attractions here. Some of them are over 2 thousand years old.
Of particular interest to tourists is the historical center of the city. In the past, a complex of buildings dating back to antiquity was located here, but only ruins have survived to this day, although some buildings have survived. At the time of ancient Greece, the largest area of the city was the Agora Square. Today, only the foundation of commercial and other premises remains from it.
Next door are the ruins of an ancient basilica.Despite significant damage, Byzantine motifs and original architecture are clearly visible. Nearby you can see the chapel of the bishop and the palace.
During a city tour, tourists will be shown the ruins of the walls of the port bathhouse with preserved arches, the Roman theater, the aqueduct.
Rest in Side with children
The resort is often chosen by families with small children. And all because here is quiet, calm and cozy. The beaches have a gentle entrance to the sea. In addition, in the city for children created a huge amount of entertainment on the beach. Most hotels offer tourists to visit the children's play rooms, in which professional animators, swimming pools with children's entertainment, etc. work.
In the neighboring cities of Alanya and Antalya, there are zoos, water parks, an aquarium, a miniature park, an amusement park and other entertainment facilities. Approximately 15 km from the resort is the Green Canyon, which is one of the most beautiful areas of the mountain reserve. On the lakes located between the mountains, you can ride a boat or catamaran. On the shore of the lakes there are picnic areas and playgrounds for children.
Rest in Side: reviews, pros and cons
Summing up it is necessary to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of this resort. On the positive side, tourists usually note:
- a huge selection of hotels with excellent service;
- sandy, clean and comfortable beaches, suitable for holidays with small children;
- the presence of a large number of interesting sights and excursions.
Among the shortcomings can be noted:
- high air temperature in summer;
- distance from the nearest airport;
- overpriced prices for souvenirs.
In general, Side deserves to come here.
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