Apollon Temple

The old part of Side is just that, there are Roman avenues, an amphitheatre, remnants of villas, shops temples and more. The bus terminates at the top of this site where there are some toilets, these are clean and cost 3 lr or 50 cent euro. There is also a museum (18 lr) which is well worth a visit. The ruins are all accessible on foot, however, the terrain is uneven. There are boards up every so often explaining what you're looking at. While walking about don't get fooled by someone saying they are an archaeological guide, they are con men who after a while demand money from you (200) lr just for telling you what it says on the boards. Don't be put off visiting because of this just ignore them, as it truly is a wonderful place to visit.

This place is just magnificent, visited here at sunset and during the day, and its a splendid (and free) site. Highly recommend looking round old town Side, some of the restoration work is amazing including glass protection over the old ruins. Highly recommend seeing this and all the landmarks in and around Side. My teenage daughters and 6 year old son were in awe! (As were we!)

When visiting Side ancient town, from the bus stop or parking lot as the starting point, everybody would just walk to the direction of the Apollon temple. I'd say not much else to see or stop by, although the town is quite large, and in quite good condition. The beachfront is full of modern shops, hotels, and restaurant, all displaying prices in EUR. This is indeed a tourist town. We walked down for about 30 minutes to the temple down the beach near those restaurants, and waited there until sunset since we arrived already quite late in the day. One of the best sunset we had in our Turkiye trip this time. Since this was part of the ruin run to Perge, Aspendos, etc from Antalya, we'd it's worth it, plus afterward we stopped at the modern side of Side for dinner. Enjoyable day.

Stunning location and the site itself, beautiful view of the sea and surrounding old city is gorgeous. Fresh coconut and squeezed on demand orange juice just adding to the experience. Lots of shops and restaurants around. After exploring old side, temple and harbour you can use a little tourist road train taking you back to the bus station for pennies

What a lovely surprise this was, within 15 minutes walking from our hotel, too. I could not believe that on the doorstep of where we stayed was this lovely monument and all of the associated ruins nearby, which were quite the spectacle. A real treat!! Just be aware that there are people around who will give you a guided tour for a fee, but without you knowing this in advance!

6 pillars and that is all.
1. Nothing special if you really want to look for something more unique.
2. It is not really that well perserved.
3. Too overated and over-reviewed for a deteriorating building with only 6 pillars
4. Don't visit it when it is raining, it makes your mood worse.

We arrived by taxi from Evrenski €10 and walked down into Side past the amphitheater and other historical sights. Beware when individuals suggest they can show you a better spot to take photographs, we had this and were lead around for 10 mins so naturally gave the guy a tip of about £3 but no he wanted and demanded £5 from each of us. I said that’s it or nothing he grunted and took the money but it was very unpleasant. Would not put me off but be aware for future. Side town and the historical areas are well worth the visit.

Apollon, son of Leto and brother of Artemis was prime god of Lykia. He was Lykegenes. It means that he is a Lykian/Lykia born, probably born in a date palm garden in Patara (Lykian Pttara). So that he was respected in southwest Anatolia like the other Anatolian originated god Artemis (formerly Kybele). This one is the most famous Apollon temple on Earth. It's located next to the antique harbour. If you can visit just on time, you can see this ruins with an impressive sunset view.

A good overall experience when combined with the other nearby ruins, walk along the coastline etc.
But be warned, it's not on the same scale as Perge or Aspendos (much much smaller).

To make the most of it, I recommend walking from the car park to the temple/coastline rather than taking the shuttlebus. If you take the bus, you'll miss the ruins and amphitheatre along the way.

We loved walking around the temple of Apollo. This is a free historical sight that you can walk around as you want alongside other historical ruins, we went early evening and walked around as the sunset which gave us some lovely photos. From here it is just a short walk along the coast to the harbour area where there are plenty of restaurants and shops.