An important city
of ancient Pisdia, Altinkaya (Selge), northwest of the Koprulu Canyon
National Park, is reached by a winding mountain road. The city walls,
towers, cisterns, temple to Zeus, agora, stadium, theater, gymnaslum and
necropolis remain from this commercial city that stood at an elevation of
950 meters. Historians verify that Selge had direct trade with
Antalya,
which brought it prosperity.
Although the Manavgat Waterfalls are not high, milky white, foaming water
rushes powerfully over the rocks. Next to the waterfalls shady tea gardens
and restaurants make the falls a pleasant, cool resting spot, especially
welcome after a day of sightseeing. You can take a delightful boat trip up
the Manavgat river to explore this lovely area further.
Side, one of the best-known classical sites in Turkey, was an ancient
harbor whose name meant pomegranate. Today a pretty resort town, its
ancient ruins, two sandy beaches, many shops and extensive tourist
accommodation attract throngs of visitors. There are numerous cafes and
restaurants with a view of the sea, and the shops that line the narrow
streets seli typical Turkish handicrafts including leather goods and
Turkey's famous beautiful gold jewelery. Tne magnificent theater of the
ancient city, built on colonnaded arches, is the largest in tne wncle area.
(Closed for restoration) Other monuments include the agora, the Apollo
Temple. whicn is situated near the sea. a fountain and necropolis. The
extensive Roman baths. now a museum. houses one of Turkey's finest
archaelogical collections.
East of Side,
tucked in pine forests the holiday resorts of Sorgun, Titreyen Gol (Blue
Flag) and Kizilagac are both popular for their sandy beaches and sparkling
sea. The atmosphere is relaxed, the accommadation plentiful and the
activities endless.
West of Side, the holiday centers of Kumkoy, Colakli and Kamelya also
offer sun and sea, in close proximity to ancient sites. In the Pamphlyian
Seleucia (Bucaksihlar), 15km northeast of Side, are the remains (in good
condition) of Roman baths, temples, churches, a mausoleum, theatre and
agora.
