Side hasn’t changed much in the past 2,000 years. At various times, the city was used as an outpost of Alexander the Great, a piracy base, a holy Roman site, and a popular tourist destination. Founded in the 7th century BC, it quickly became a major trade hub in the region and flourished under the control of the Greeks, then the Romans, and then the early Christians. However, by 10 AD, the city was left to flounder after a series of earthquakes and raids by its neighbours. Today, the ancient ruins crumble dramatically against the turquoise coast, making Side a popular holiday destination for history buffs and beach bums alike. If you can ignore the souvenir shops and restaurant hustlers, you can almost imagine that you are back in ancient Antalya, hiding your gold from the pirates.
Location: Side - stretching along the Turkish coast
Side’s location is what made it such a draw in ancient times. The city is set on the southern coast of modern-day Turkey (in what used to be known as ancient Greece), on the fringes of the Pamphylian Sea. Today, the easiest way to reach the city is via the nearby Antalya airport. The city itself is very small, so if want to explore the surrounding areas, the local Dolmus, or buses, are a cheap and cheerful option.