Side holidays

Welcomed by an aroma of spices, grilled meats and cheesy pastas, Side offers everything from budget-friendly fast food, traditional Turkish fare, menus brimming with Mediterranean classics as well as steakhouses and seafood options. Karma Restaurant is among the best, with its fine dining options and panoramic sea views. While, Old Town Pub & Bistro places you harbourside and serves up delicious gourmet burgers, succulent steaks and doughy pizzas. There’s nightly entertainment here too, from live bands to big sporting events, and with the local beer Efes Pilsner on draft – it’s the perfect base to sink a pint. Liman Restaurant is a delicious eatery by day and a strobe-light, music-pumping club by night. Not forgetting the helping of shawarma spots, where pittas stuffed with doner kebab meat anticipate your arrival.

Split into two sections – the East and West, each sand spot offers something unique. The West Beach is accessorised with a wealth of 5 star hotels, boutique Self Catering options and adult only establishments – providing guests with direct access to the Mediterranean. The gentle ripples are ideal for family watersports with pedal boats decorated with slides taking on the azure waters. There’s also exhilarating jet-skis, jaw-dropping paragliding and wobbly banana boats ready to entice thrill-seekers. Meanwhile over on the East Beach, holidaymakers can bask in the Turkish sun with its plethora of sunloungers ready and waiting. Its cobbled coastline and tranquil atmosphere make it the more laid-back of the two, but don’t be fooled. Side is renowned for its diving, with shipwrecks, coral reefs and narrow tunnels – luckily for you, there’s an offering of diving schools along this sun-soaked stretch.

Shopaholics will be envious of its designer outlets, while foodies overindulge in its cuisine. And when you’re not taking advantage of your surroundings, keep an eye out for the town’s yearly events. Famous for its art and culture festivals, you could be front row at its open-air concerts!

Explore the town’s Pamphylian city: Side was built in the middle of an ancient city, where 2,000-year-old remains are left standing. Apollo’s Temple and its stone structures overlook the waterfront and it’s believed that Anthony presented Cleopatra with this towering relic as a token of his love and devotion to her. But the theatre is the real showstopper, once hosting 15,000 people in the Roman era this open-air sanctuary still contains engraved seats and the occasional performances will still be held here. There’s a museum to explain the site’s fascinating history and this is housed in the remains of a public bath house, with a story of its own to tell.

Feel inspired by Manavgat Waterfall: Escape the town’s middle age history and bask in Side’s natural beauty. Just 10 minutes from the resort centre, the white cascading waters of Manavgat await. It’s best explored by boat with a four- hour tour down the river which runs past mountains, through forests and narrow valleys. Adventurous types can swim its shallows, while others bask in its glory from the nearby picnic benches and walking trails.