Brr! Before you know it summer will have come and gone, and sun, heat and tans will be replaced with chilly winds, frost and woolly jumpers. But before you start shivering away, here’s a brilliant idea: the best remedy for those inevitable autumn blues is undoubtedly a warm getaway. Keep the summer alive and jet off to the always-sunny Side! For an idyllic week of sand and strand in Turkey, read on.
Interested in learning more about Turkey’s cultural highlights? Check out our detailed guide here.
Wonderful Waterfalls
Side, a Mediterranean resort in Turkey, offers plenty of opportunities for rest, relaxation and natural excursions. If you and your significant other are looking for some light sightseeing, you’ll start your holiday off on the highest of notes by taking a short trip inland to the town of Manavgat. Here you’ll be able to experience the area’s famous waterfalls in their full splendour. For the most spectacular view of the cascading waters I highly recommend booking a boat tour, which will enable you to enjoy these aquatic wonders up close.
Super Shopping
Side is known for its exquisite selection of garments, which are sold – and often handcrafted – by local vendors. While some sellers own quaint, boutique-like shops that are worth rummaging in, you’ll also be able to kill two birds with one stone by soaking up some much-needed sun while browsing vendors’ stands outside. Along with perfecting your haggling skills, this unique shopping experience will introduce you to a variety of stylish garments and chic accessories. As you’re strolling along, be sure to let your wallet loose and pounce on some hot deals. You are on holiday, after all!
*Insider Tip: be warned that vendors will often try to charge you more than you should have to pay. That’s why it’s important to haggle frequently and determinedly. Even if salesmen tempt you to buy their products by offering you Turkish tea and other local specialities, you should never feel forced to buy anything at an inflated price. Carry on haggling or simply walk away!
Balmy Beaches
It’s time to talk about every beach enthusiast’s all-time favourite activity: lazing in the sand and reading a good book. During your relaxing retreat in Side, you won’t be disappointed: the resort has not one but two beaches, conveniently known as the east and west beach.
If you’re looking for a sandy spot with a promenade bustling with top-notch shops and restaurants, an afternoon trip to Side’s west beach is your best bet. Here you’ll find plenty of opportunities to get off your beach towel and stroll around the developed area, grab a light lunch or continue your shopping spree. When you’ve had enough, simply take a few steps and you’ll already be back by your lounger and parasol. How’s that for convenience?
If, on the other hand, you’d rather opt for a good siesta, a trip to the east beach is right up your alley. This beach is more secluded and a favourite among locals, who know that its pristine shoreline is one of Turkey’s most beautiful hidden gems. Along with enjoying some peace and quiet while you work on your tan or going for a dip in the ocean’s shallow waters, the journey to the shore has a charming cultural surprise in store: shortly before reaching the beach, you’ll stumble across ancient Roman ruins, whose marvellous marble pillars should not be missed. After all, how often can you combine a leisurely beach trip with a fascinating cultural excursion?
How to Get to Side
If you’re travelling to Side from the London area, you’re in luck: there are plenty of flights and airlines for you to choose from. To minimise the driving distance between the airport and your hotel, it’s advisable to book a flight from a London airport to Antalya Airport (AYT), which is a mere 45-minute trip away from Side. However, while many reputable airlines, such as Lufthansa, SunExpress and Turkish Airlines fly to Antalya, the majority of these flights have a layover in Istanbul, which adds a few hours to your journey. Instead of wasting precious holiday time, I suggest looking into direct, four-hour flights to Antalya, which are offered by Thomas Cook Airlines.
Upon arrival, don’t lug your suitcases around the airport and onto overcrowded public buses. Instead, pre-book a quick, restful and direct taxi ride with Shuttle Direct, whose experienced drivers will help you with your luggage and know the area like the back of their hands. In less than an hour you’ll be at your hotel, ready to begin your autumnal getaway.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Can Garden Beach – As a 5-star hotel, you can be sure that this property has many luxurious perks. With regard to beach, comfort and elegance, the Hotel Can Garden Beach has it all: the shore is a mere 8-minute walk away, the property’s facilities include an outdoor pool, and its restaurant (whose ambiance resembles that of a yacht) serves seafood and tasty Turkish delicacies. To top it all off, you’ll be pampered to your heart’s content at the hotel’s spa, which has a sauna and an indoor pool.
Terrace Elite Resort All Inclusive – Side certainly isn’t lacking in 5-star hotels. This spectacular accommodation is only five minutes away from the shore, and even has its own private beach area. After soaking up plenty of Vitamin D, you’ll love recharging with a soak in the on-site steam bath, or – if you’re ready for some top-notch pampering – by taking advantage of the hotel’s many massage treatments. For additional convenience, the resort’s all-inclusive option allows you to savour the flavours of Turkish breakfasts, lunches and dinners easily and economically. Either order à la carte at the property’s two outstanding restaurants or indulge in a lavish buffet meal. After feeling like royalty for a few days, you’ll never want to go home again!
About Shuttle Direct:
As a leading service for airport transfers in Europe and North Africa, Shuttle Direct’s shared and private taxis promise not to disappoint. Thanks to our friendly, local and experienced drivers, you’ll enjoy fast and safe door-to-door service from Ankara Airport to your hotel. Start your autumn holiday off right by pre-booking a ride on our user-friendly website today.
