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Side is well known for its beautiful sandy beaches
and, lying on a promentary, either Side of the peninsula they stretch
as far as the eye can see. Although these beaches are connected
by a short walk across the back of the old town they each have very
different characteristitics.
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On the West Side towards Antalya
is a beach that is backed by the larger hotel’s of the resort.
Although no part of the beach is privately owned each hotel
has ‘claimed’ its own section and unless you are resident
of that particular hotel its very likely that you will not
be permitted to use the facilities of that part of the beach.
There are however, smaller groups of beds dotted at intervals
along the beach and although you will normally pay a daily
rental for a sunbed and umbrella these areas are a lot less
organised than those in front of the hotels. This beach is
very popular with early morning walkers and joggers. Even
late in the evening this beach appears busy with many people
walking back out of Side to their hotel located on the beach.
For families this beach is the best choice as the sea is usually
clear, shallow and safe.
On the East is a beach that goes as far as
the resort of Alanya and beyond. This beach is slightly more
difficult to reach and therefore less busy than the West beach.
It can be reached either by walking from the old town following
the coastline, a picturesque walk that takes you through many
ruins on your way, or by going to the ‘otogar’ (bus station),
walking through it and out the far Side and across the sand
dunes by means of a small dusty track. This seems like a good
idea in the morning before its gets too hot but not such a
good one after about 11:00! Alternatively a taxi will take
you directly to the sea front! |
Remember most people are lazy on holiday and don’t
want to move far, but the further you go away from the town centre
the less people you will find on the beach. A new beach service
started last year around the resort, that has morning pickups at
various restaurants and hotels who have a connection with a certain
beach bar where you are taken. It is expected that you use their
restaurant as a base for the day, then at the end of the day you
are dropped back at your pick–up point. The service is free.
This beach has not been made
available to the developers and is much more natural than
the west beach. Backed by sand dunes there is nothing to spoil
the skyline behind the beach except for the odd view of an
ancient monument or part a Roman wall. Facilities on the beach
are quite basic, most snack bars and restaurants are family
owned and have a very relaxed feel. Be prepared to pay for
hire of sun beds and umbrellas. The slight disadvantage of
this beach for families is that the seabed drops quite dramatically
about 3 meters out and the breaking waves can be quite rough.
Both beaches have many water sports centres
offering a good selection of activities, including para-gliding,
water skiing, jet skis, banana boats and rings.
After a few days on one of Side's beaches
you will feel as if you are part of the furniture, it is so
relaxing. However I can not express strongly enough the use
of sunscreens and high factor sun creams, especially for children.
The beaches are deceptive as they have a slight breeze most
of the time which can hide the fact you are getting burned.
During the summer months there are at least two or three times
when the "poyraz" hits Side, this is a wind off the sahara
and feels like a hair dryer is blowing on you, be especially
careful if you are here during these times. |
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