I was there late July / early August , so peak season . Only got to the town in the evening , temps were in the low 40's during the day. The main steep street heading to the harbour , is not typical . It was heaving with people , think Oxford st with a sale on. The shops seem to be only selling jeans/t-shirts/ bags . It was a disappointment. Get down to the water, things improved greatly.
The ruins were very impressive , although I personally found the fact that people were climbing all over them wrong.
Perhaps others will tell us where I should gone.

adamb2010,

You may find members Resort Reports for Side useful.

Darren

Hi adam
Have a great holiday, we haven't been to the Turquoise but it is on our to visit list as, like you say it has very good reviews. We stayed at the Hemera in Side in 2008 and found the town really nice. If your girlfriend is anything like my wife she'll love the shops. Plenty of clothes, shoes, bags and jewellery shops spread around the narrow streets. Most traffic is banned from the shopping streets but they are not peadestrianised. Just remember to haggle and don't be tempted to buy in the first shop you see. Look around as the prices can vary a lot.
Can't remember if there is a market in Side but the local big market is in Manavgat. Again loads of genuine fakes but watch the quality and as always haggle until the price is what you want to pay. If they won't come down to your price move on. Most tour operators will combine a trip to the market with a visit to the waterfall and river cruise. Very nice way to spend a day.
You have ruins in Side, temple of Appollo, ampitheatre etc and other very impressive ruins at Perge and Aspendos. Worth seeing if you're into culture.
When down by the harbour watch out for the Turtles. There are bars / restaurants that advertise tables watching them. Nice way to spend an hour or so with a coffee, or maybe something stronger.
As the Turquoise is a quality AI you probably won't eat out much but if you do from what I can remember the restaurants overlooking the water were quite expensive. Still sometimes the ambience is worth paying for.
Have a great time. You will love Turkey and the Turkish people.
Dave

Temperatures on thermometers in direct sunlight reached over 55C...ok not accurate, but it was VERY hot that day

The shops in Side are great...mainly just for the experience and banter with the locals. Lots to buy if you want, can get some very good prices as well. Food is great value too, as are the local tour operators for trips.

Mannavgat market is also great, though we were very disappointed with the waterfalls.

Have a great time, we are going in July and can't wait!

We stayed in Side a few years ago - over Christmas - during a tour of the coast from our home in Çeşme / İzmir. On the afternoon of Boxing Day we sat on the lovely beach sipping fresh fruit juice in warm sunshine. But I digress!

Previous posts have of course mentioned the Temples of Apollo and Athena and the impressive 20,00-seat Ampitheatre. From the city gate, a collonaded street leads to the Agora, the site of a slave market in the 2nd Century.

Close to Side is the small town of Manavgat where there is a local market on Mondays, but the main reasonn for most people's visit is for a river boat trip to the Manavgat or Åželale waterfalls.

I am sure you will enjoy your holiday. As you say, the reviews of the hotel are excellent. Have a great time!