Side... An important city of ancient Pamphylia, Perge (18 km from Antalya) was originally settled by the Hittites around 1500 BC St. Paul preached some of his first sermons here. The theater's stage has finely carved marble reliefs; other carvings from around the city are displayed in the stadium. Amateur archaeologists will want to see the handsome city gate flanked by two lofty towers, a long colonnaded way that was once lined with shops and mosaic pavements, a large agora, and buildings that used to house the baths and gymnasium. Northeast of Antalya, on the Side road and taking the turn-off for Tasagil and Beskonak, is the beautiful, circular, scenic route that leads to the Köprülü Canyon National Park. The road crisscrosses over the clear, flowing water of the mountain river and passes through virgin forests, by rippling waterfalls. You will want to stop often and record this drive in pictures as a souvenir. Reaching the park, 92 km from Antalya, you will encounter a valley of wild beauty rich in flora and fauna . The canyon stretches for 14 km along the Köprü river and is 400 meters deep in some places. At the rest area there are fish restaurants offering delicious selections. The Roman Oluk Bridge over the canyon and the Bügrüm Bridge over the Kocadere stream were engineering feats in their time. From this park there are two other possible excursions: the ancient city of Selge and the Dedegöl Mountains. The highest peak in this mountain range is Dedegöl at 2992 m. Mountaineers will be unable to resist climbing, exploring and camping in this rugged, scenic spot. Return to Antalya on the other half of the scenic route. An important city of ancient Pisidia, Altinkaya is reached from the Köprülü Canyon National Park then, at Oluk Bridge, go 12 km to the northwest on a winding mountain road. This ancient route coming from Antalya shows that Selge had direct trade connections. Fairy chimneys seen on the way are typical of this area. This city, 950 meters high, has ruins such as city walls, towers, cisterns, a temple to Zeus, an agora, stadium, theater, gymnasium and a necropolis. All around the canyon are other historical remains of this famous city. The Manavgat Waterfalls (80 km to the east of Antalya) are not high but the current is very powerful and the water rushes milky-white over the rocks. Near the waterfalls are shady tea-gardens, restaurants and souvenir shops, making it a pleasant, cool resting spot, especially welcome after a day of sightseeing. At Manavgat river it is possible to take a delightful boat trip.

Side is one of the best-known classical sites in Türkiye. This was an ancient harbor whose name meant "pomegranate". Today, it is a pretty resort town, very popular because of the ancient ruins, two sandy beaches, the variety of shops and plentiful tourist accommodation. There are numerous cafes and restaurants with a view of the sea, and the narrow streets are lined with shops selling typical Turkish handicrafts. Discos are just a part of the active night life. The magnificent theater of the ancient city, built on colonnaded arches, is the largest in the whole area. Next to the theater is an agora. The creamy-white columns of the Apollo Temple make a striking contrast against the blue sea. The extensive Roman bath, now a museum, houses one of Türkiye's finest archaeological collections.

In Bucaksihlar (Pamphylian Selecuia), 15 km northeast of Side, are the remains (in good condition) of an agora, Roman baths, temples, churches, and a mausoleum. Nestled in the forests, it is lovely and peaceful excursion-site.

East of Side, tucked in pine forests, are the three holiday resort areas of Sorgun, Titreyen Göl and Kizilagaç, all popular for their sandy beaches and shimmering sea. The atmosphere is relaxed, the accommodation plentiful and the activities endless. This promises to be an unforgettable holiday for you. The west side of Side also has holiday resorts, including the inviting resorts of Kumköy and Colakli. Here, too, you can enjoy the sun and sea while being close to antiquity.