Alanya side. Antalya, Belek, Kemer, Alanya, Side - where is better? Fundamental differences between resorts

August 28th, 2010 , 06:51 pm

Resting 2 km from Side and seeing the ancient theater from the balcony of our hotel room, we could not help but go see the remains of what was once one of the most important trading cities on south coast. We also stopped in the village of Manavgat to explore the largest mosque in this region, visited the new Sealanya dolphinarium, located near the village of Avsalar, and once again visited the most beloved city of the Antalya coast - Alanya.

Antique Side is located on a fairly large area. You leave your car in the paid parking lot and then get closer to antiquity on foot. We came here for the second time - so all this was not new to us.

To explore the ancient theater, you need to buy an entrance ticket.

The center of Side is a cluster of shops and restaurants. Entry of cars there is limited. Therefore, if you want to get to the embankment to dine at one of the fish restaurants and get to the ancient Temple of Apollo, you will most likely have to walk.

This is a typical shopping street in the center of Side, leading to the promenade with restaurants.

Walking along the embankment, you will have to fend off barkers in restaurants. From the embankment you can go on a short boat trip.

In addition to the ancient theater, the main surviving attraction of the once large ancient city, is the Temple of Apollo.

The Temple of Apollo is especially beautiful at sunset. There are very few tourists and you can take beautiful pictures.

Built near the village of Manavgat several years ago new mosque with 4 minarets. Tourists are taken to see it as part of so-called “free” excursions with a mandatory visit to leather and jewelry stores.

While relaxing near Side, you can also go to the Manavgat waterfall, which I already wrote about in the post “Waterfalls of the Antalya Coast”.

On the way to Alanya, near the village of Avsalar, a new dolphinarium, Sealanya, was opened a couple of years ago. Admission ticket for a show with dolphins and fur seals it costs 18 euros. Swimming with dolphins 30 minutes - 100 euros. In addition, a sea park was opened not long ago, where you can swim with sharks and look at the inhabitants of the reefs. Entrance is paid separately and costs some crazy money (something around 80-100 euros). Since we traveled accompanied by a person who sells excursions near our hotel, a visit to the dolphinarium cost 15 dollars instead of 18 euros, and swimming with dolphins cost 80 dollars instead of 100 euros.

Swimming with dolphins is what we came here for. I’ll warn you right away that swimming is not individual, but in a group of 6 people. Despite this, you get enormous pleasure! We recommend it to everyone! Here are some photos of the lucky ones with the dolphin.

Alanya is a very developed city with a huge number of hotels, shops, restaurants and discos. You fall in love with him immediately and forever. We, of course, climbed the Alanya Fortress to look down on the city.

Below is Cleopatra Beach. According to legend, the queen, in order to bask on this beach, ordered sand to be brought here from Egypt.

Also below is the small Damlatas Cave.

While relaxing in one of the hotels in Side or Alanya, take a break from the animation and make your vacation more varied and interesting. I hope this report will help with that.

It just so happens that for most Russians, a holiday in Turkey is a holiday with crowded beaches of the Mediterranean, noisy parties and fashionable music, endless labyrinths of oriental bazaars. Can the local cities and resorts offer anything else, since the country has such rich centuries-old architecture and a huge selection of unusual places? Well-read travelers, of course, know - yes, Türkiye is capable of a lot, its possibilities are almost limitless. And it can surprise not only with hotels with animators and an all-inclusive system.

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When the question arises: Side or Alanya, it is not easy to answer, because these cities are like two sides of a coin. Being in the same climatic zone, they are so different inside that tourists often move from one resort to another in order to feel this very difference and discover new, unexplored facets of Turkish life. Let's try to figure out which resort is better and for what purpose, and at the same time find out the strengths of each city.

Side

On the way from Antalya Airport to the east, tourist groups pass through many villages and cities, but a stop in Side is considered perhaps the most popular. And guests can understand - the compact-looking city is literally riddled with ancient Greek and medieval ruins, and the multi-kilometer coastal strip is like a magnet: it beckons you to forget about everything in the world and sunbathe, sunbathe, sunbathe! However, this is not all that this resort region can boast of.

Beaches

As in other resorts, the beaches of Side are two conventional halves, one of which is located in the central part of the city, and the rest in suburban towns and villages. The total length of the coast is almost 5 kilometers, and here you can find both small pebbles and golden sand sparkling in the hot sun. By the way, at the height of the season there is no crowd here.

The central promenade ends at West Beach - a wide strip of sand interspersed with pebbles. The main infrastructure is located right there - banana boats, catamarans, pleasure boats and piers with yachts. The eastern half is almost deserted; people come here without children to calmly sunbathe, without shouting, splashing and fuss.

Entertainment

Partially active rest the city may disappoint extreme sports enthusiasts - all attractions are grouped in the area west beach, but there are also “bright spots”. For example, right in the historical quarters there is a diving club that conducts training sessions for scuba divers of any age. Upon completion of the courses, a certificate is issued.

Holidays with children in Side also cannot be called strong point, because the nearest amusement park is half an hour away, and local hotels are clearly inferior in terms of variety of entertainment. However, some pools have their own water slides, and Russian-speaking animators will not let your child get bored even on a cloudy day when you don’t want to go to the sea.

Shopping

At first glance, shopping in Side is poorly developed, but this is not entirely true. Even in the middle of the ancient quarters there is a shopping street and a small market local significance. In the area of ​​the embankment all summer there are tents with souvenirs for tourists: amulets, jewelry made of pearls and shells, various symbols of the city - from magnets to T-shirts.

The most profitable place to buy clothes and textiles is not at the resort itself, but in the neighboring village of Manavgat. There is more choice in the markets, many small shops, including branded boutiques with high-quality service. When purchasing goods for a certain amount, the store provides a free taxi to the hotel.

Attractions

The visiting card of the city is dozens of ancient and medieval ruins, including the Greek amphitheater, where symphonic music concerts and performances are held every summer, and the ruins of the temples of Apollo. Many guides call the symbol of the city the 2nd century aqueduct, which supplied water to a huge fountain, which has partially survived to this day.

Who is it suitable for?

• For fans of Antiquity- ancient ruins in walking distance from hotels.
• For mature married couples- for actual absence nightlife.
• For those who like to relax in the savage- for wide deserted beaches.
• For lovers of art and culture- The city hosts music and ballet festivals in the summer.

Alanya

Tours to Alanya, or Alanya, as domestic guides are used to calling it, are now second in popularity among Russians after Antalya. Rich in attractions and beaches with Blue Flags, the city has long become a symbol affordable recreation in Turkey, where the all-inclusive program is considered a mandatory norm, and Russian speech in some areas interrupts the motley mixture of languages ​​of guests from all over Europe.

Beaches

The stunning beaches of Alanya stretch for almost 70 kilometers: both in the city itself and in the vast suburbs. Most areas are a wide beach with fine golden sand, but there are also pebble patches. The bottom of the city bay is flat and without strong undercurrents, that is, even small children can swim without fear.

Of the suburban beaches, Cleopatra appears in all guidebooks. According to official information, this place is an embankment, and sand was transported here on dozens of Roman galleys to impress the Egyptian queen. The beaches of Portakal and Keykubat are more suitable for young people and extreme surfers - there are high waves all summer long.

Entertainment

In terms of variety of entertainment, Alanya can safely be called an exemplary resort. Diving clubs, piers with rentals of snow-white yachts and pleasure boats, catamarans and a staff of Russian-speaking animators are just a small part of the possibilities. For those who are ready for the challenge, there are separate walking and cycling paths to the nearest villages.

Holidays with children in Alanya is a topic of a separate big conversation, because in terms of the number of water parks, sports grounds and attraction areas, the city occupies a leading position in Turkey. If this is not enough, parents have at their disposal a dolphinarium with daily animal performances, the opportunity to teach their child diving and even swim among sharks.

Shopping

Those looking for shopping in Alanya are sent to the main street of the resort, Ataturk Boulevard, where the main shopping centers and boutiques of local and European fashion houses. Main Market The name is not very original - “Grand Bazaar” - a kind of copy of the Istanbul rows. Bargaining, for obvious reasons, is a prerequisite for the purchasing process.

It’s better to go straight to suburban shopping and entertainment complexes for sales. There are plenty of them in three neighboring resorts - Konakli, Mahmutlar and Avsallar. Clothes of Turkish brands are mainly sold; prices towards the end of the season are significantly lower than in Russia. Fur and leather products, including Turkish fur coats, are popular.

Attractions

It would take a long time to list all the sights of Alanya - only in the historical and port part of the city there are several huge museums, excursions must include the Red Tower, the Byzantine fortress of Ich-Kale and the Tersane shipyard. For family vacation The Dim-Chay valley, landscaped for picnics and camping, is ideal.

In the vicinity of the resort there is an impressive number karst caves. There are colorful legends about them, which include pirate treasures and star-crossed lovers, and even separate themed tours. If desired, the route map can be expanded and taken to the ancient ruins of Aitap and Laertes - ancient city, built during the reign of Emperor Claudius.

Who is it suitable for?

• Young people and singles- for dozens of nightclubs and dance floors.
• For shopping fans- for the best shopping centers on the coast.
• For families with children- There are entertainment areas in almost every hotel.
• For adventurers- for caves and waterfalls in the surrounding area.

Türkiye is one of the world's best summer destinations beach holiday. The country has an excellent climate and warm sea (the season lasts from May to October), a huge number of historical and natural attractions, as well as comfortable hotels, water parks, restaurants and nightclubs. In a word, Turkey has everything for a tourist, and therefore it is not surprising that it is the most popular destination among domestic travelers.

At the same time, it must be understood that Turkish Riviera There are a number of resorts offering slightly different facilities and activities, so before purchasing a ticket or package to that country, we recommend that you choose the region that suits you best. Today we will not consider all the options (there are too many of them), we will focus on two, namely, we will compare Side and Alanya, famous for their family and excursion holidays and located near the largest airport in the south, Antalya.

If you have already started looking for last-minute tours to Turkey, for example, on the website https://hottours.in.ua/catalog/turtsiya/, then you have probably noticed that prices for tours in Side are perhaps the most expensive. What is this connected with? First of all, with the fact that this city is the most popular among respectable European tourists, because in addition to marine entertainment he offers really interesting excursion program. IN historical center Side, located on a picturesque cape, you can see a large number of monuments: well-preserved ruins of a Roman theater, ruins of a Greek temple, agora and baths.

The second significant advantage of the resort is its specialization on family vacations. Most hotels in the city and surrounding areas have children's pools with slides, playgrounds, interesting animation programs. In addition, Side has quite a lot of places for walking with the whole family, and they are all easily accessible - no need to rent a car.

Another advantage of Side is the variety of sand and sand and pebble beaches. They are at the resort, both small, secluded and cozy, and large, wide, where tourists are presented with numerous water attractions and entertainment.

Located 65 km east of Side, Alanya has a slightly different reputation - it is a city that never sleeps, real paradise for nightlife lovers. The city has a huge number of discos and clubs offering during tourist season a rich program of events and thereby attracting young people from all over Europe.

However, it cannot be said that Alanya is an exclusively “party” resort; it also has all the conditions for an interesting family holiday, namely historical attractions ( ancient fortress and the port with the red tower), scenic views of the Taurus Mountains, as well as excellent sandy beaches, the most famous and popular of which is famous beach Cleopatra.

In addition, Alanya provides unique shopping opportunities - the city has several typical Turkish bazaars where you can buy fresh fruits, cheeses, nuts, fish and other food products. There are also stalls selling souvenirs and a variety of local handicrafts. Please note that in Turkey, at bazaars, you can and should bargain with sellers - this will allow you to have fun and sometimes reduce the price of the goods several times.

Important note! Alanya resort has its own international Airport Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (code: GZP). However, this airport is very small and there are very few flights here. According to statistics, only 1 out of 5 Russian tourists flies on holiday to Alanya through this airport, and 4 out of 5 fly to Alanya through Antalya Airport (code: AYT).

Therefore, in our table we show the travel time to Alanya from Antalya Airport. Mentally prepare for a long drive to the hotel. Or purposefully choose a tour with a flight to Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (code: GZP).

* - time indicated from Antalya Airport

Comments on the table are unnecessary, as everything is obvious.

Range of entertainment

Antalya has the most entertainment, and this is logical. After all, Antalya is not only a resort, but also the capital of a province and a city with a population of over a million. Local residents also want to have fun. Antalya has a water park and a dolphinarium, a large oceanarium, and a sand sculpture park. Well-deserved 5 points out of 5 possible.

There is only one entertainment facility in Belek, but what a one! One of the largest amusement parks in Turkey “Land of Legends”. There's a water park with dozens of water slides, an amusement park, a large shopping gallery, more than a dozen bars and restaurants, and even has its own circus tent. We give Belek a 4 only because there is only one park.

In Kemer there is a DolusuPark water park, you can climb Mount Tahtali or see Mount Chimera. Solid 3 points.

Alanya has several local water parks, you can see the Dalmatash Cave and the Sipadere Canyon. The assortment is weak, so 2 points.

There are no large water parks in Side. For entertainment, you can go to the Manavgat waterfalls. Therefore, only 1 point out of 5 possible.

On the other hand, go to good water park At another resort now this is not a problem. You just need to buy the appropriate excursion from the guide at the hotel. Prices are quite affordable - usually $30-40 per person.

Cultural program

There are few cultural attractions in Antalya. You can only see Old city and the ancient Hadrian's Gate. The situation is saved by the Antalya Museum, where interesting archaeological finds from all over the province. Therefore, 2 points out of 5 possible.

Belek does not have its own cultural attractions, except for the Park of Religions. However, very close are the excavations of the ancient city of Perge (30 kilometers) and the ancient city of Aspendos (20 kilometers). It is convenient to get there by taxi. 4 points.

In Kemer there are small and moderately interesting excavations of the cities of Phaselis and Olympus. Therefore 2 points.

In Alanya, lovers of antiquity have something to see. This was once the capital of the Seljuk Sultanate. You can see the Kyzyl Kule Tower, the medieval fortified shipyard, Alanya Castle and the archaeological museum. 5 out of 5 possible.

The cultural program in Side is also rich. The Temple of Apollo has been partially preserved here, it is very interesting to see the local amphitheater, there is magnificent museum in the building of ancient baths. 5 out of 5 possible.

Türkiye is currently one of those countries where tourism is developing best.

This is due not only to the excellent climate and historical sites, but also to the availability of appropriate infrastructure.

In the article we will look at popular resorts like Belek and Side and compare which is better and where.

Popular resorts in this state Belek and Side are considered. They differ from each other to some extent, so travelers need to compare all the factors that are important to them before setting off.

Belek- This popular resort Turkey, which can please holidaymakers beautiful clean sandy beaches . The coastline of the settlement is more than 20 kilometers.

The main differences between Belek and many others tourist places consists in the absence of elevation changes and the presence of gentle slopes into the water.

The resort is located near Antalya, making it very convenient to get to. The beaches of Belek are awarded for their perfect cleanliness Blue flags of UNESCO.

That is why tourists love this resort very much, which is facilitated by the presence of pine forests directly near the water.

Side is fundamentally different from Belek. There are two beaches in this locality, the more western of which attracts tourists more.

This is due comfortable conditions and gentle descent into the water. But at the same time, during the High season, both places are filled with vacationers.

That is why, if a person wants privacy, he can be offered local residents go to turtle beach. There are much fewer travelers on it, but at the same time they can be visited by exotic hosts emerging from the sea.

Distance between cities

The Mediterranean Turkish resorts of Side and Belek are actually not very far from each other. The distance between them is highway amounts to only 46 kilometers.

Stop public transport You can do it anywhere in the city, not just at the bus station.

Flights are quite frequent - once every half hour or hour a bus always leaves from one resort to another. The trip ends will take no more than 30-40 minutes.

In order to choose the most correct place where to spend your summer rest— Side or Belek (which is better), it is necessary to compare several of the most important factors of a particular resort.

Among them, experts highlight prices, hotel stock, availability of attractions, condition of beaches, weather, features of the sea and possible ways of entertainment.

We offer you several more recreation options: , .

Prices

Average prices in Belek and Side approximately the same. But it is worth noting that the first resort is intended for a more sophisticated and high-end vacation.

That is why you can find some services here that most tourists cannot afford. In Side, a similar situation occurs somewhat less frequently, since the city is primarily designed for the typical vacationer who has average financial income.

Belek is a resort that is intended primarily for wealthy tourists who love luxury hotels. That is why most hotels in this locality have 4 or 5 stars. This is reflected both in the living conditions and in the features of guest service.

Most of the expensive and most comfortable hotel complexes in Belek are located on the first coastline – directly near the coast or on it. More modest three-star apartments are located on the second or third coastline.

Side also has a very significant hotel stock, consisting of hotels with 3, 4 and 5 stars. In parallel with this, any tourist can choose cheaper options - apart-hotels.
Attractions

As for the attractions in Belek and Side, it is worth noting that the first resort is not rich in historical monuments - they are absent there. But at the same time, in the surrounding area tourists can visit the ruins of ancient cities- Aspedos and Perge.

In addition, there is a wonderful national park called "Koprulu Canyon". It is characterized by beautiful landscapes, wonderful cypress groves and dense eucalyptus forests.

In Side, over the long history of its existence Many architectural objects have been preserved, such as:

• archaeological complex, which contains the remains of baths, temples and columns of Ancient Greece;
• theater ruins, where gladiator battles were held;
• Temple of Dionysus, erected by the ancient Romans.

Thus, if visiting historical cultural sites plays a certain important role, it is better to choose Side rather than Belek.

Belek has one single rather long sandy beach. He was awarded Blue Flag UNESCO, which is why it enjoys significant popularity. Its distinctive feature is the absence of steep descents and ascents.

As for Side, at this resort there are three different beaches . They all have their own distinctive features.

A tourist can choose a fairly popular sandy beach with no elevation changes, a less popular coastline characterized by uneven terrain, and a remote area where turtles emerge from the sea to bask.

For comparison, find out about other beaches in Turkey:,.

Weather

The weather in Belek and Side is approximately the same. Four months a year at these resorts the average temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius. This applies to June, July, August and September. In April, May, October and November, temperatures rise above 20 degrees.

In July and August, the precipitation level at the resorts does not exceed 2 millimeters. From April to July and in September this figure is also insignificant - only 20 millimeters.

Weather conditions are the main indicator for tourists who decide to relax in Turkey. Check out the climate in different regions and at different times of the year: , in , .

Sea

Both in Belek and Side, the descent into the water is very gentle. At the same time, at the first resort, due to the muddier gray sand, the sea seems a little polluted.

As for the water temperature, from May to November it ranges from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Due to the fact that Belek is designed primarily for those tourists who like to relax at a high level, this resort is full of appropriate types of entertainment. Among them it is worth highlighting the following:

• golf;
• historical sites;
• nature monuments;
• discos;
• a large number of shops, etc.

As for Side, the list of possible entertainment is approximately the same. But at the same time, the number of cultural attractions in this resort is smaller. Any tourist in the city can buy souvenirs, jewelry, etc.

It is impossible to determine where it is actually better to relax - in Belek or Side. This is due to the fact that some vacationers may like the first resort, while others may like the other. Such a situation is influenced by a lot of different factors, the main one of which is a person’s subjective perception of certain conditions.

For the average tourist in both Belek and Side it will be very interesting.

As for travelers who are interested in spending their time culturally in nature reserves and museums, they need to choose a second resort. Those who like holidays at a higher level should choose Belek.

To make it easier for you to choose which resort to go on vacation, look at the photo below.

Conclusion

How Belek is a wonderful Mediterranean Turkish resort, so does Side. Each of them has its own characteristics, which may appeal to some tourists and be completely indifferent to others.

That is why today choose a leader between the data settlements impossible. You should set certain priorities before your trip, and then compare which resort best suits them. Only this approach to choice can help in determining the most optimal place to relax.