Side is situated on a small north–south peninsula which is around one kilometre long and 400 metres wide. Side is located on a headland with long sandy beaches both to the east and west of it. Most famous for its Roman ruins, which include the walls of the Roman town, the amphiteathre and the temples of Athena and Apollo, the resort also attracts visitors and overseas property buyers because of its favourable year-round Mediterranean climate and warm sea temperatures. Indeed, Side enjoys mild winters and hot summers, with temperatures often rising above 30ºC in July and August and rain showers unusual during the summer months.

Situated just 45 minutes east of Antalya Airport on the Azure Mediterranean coast, Side today benefits from good connections, as it always has. That the town had convenient access through a good harbour is the reason that Side was once one of the most important trade centres of its time. Side's beaches are fine and sandy and incredibly popular with tourists – the resort has one of the highest tourist densities of any town in Turkey. The western stretch, ten kilometres long, is lined with hotels, beach clubs and watersport rental shops and can get very busy during the peak summer months. Sorgun beach, three kilometres to the east of the resort, however, is quieter and well-maintained by the local authority. Ancient Side is also a popular pull for foreign tourists with its city walls, particularly the section running east from the city gate, remaining in a good state of repair. Steeped in ancient history and located on what has been dubbed the Turkish Riviera, Side is one of Turkey's most popular holiday resorts and is also growing as a second home destination. "Side has not only prospered as a popular holiday destination but demand for property in Side has been growing year on year as buyers of second homes are tempted by low Turkish coastal real estate prices and ten months of annual sunshine," says Julian Walker from Spot Blue.

Turkey's Mediterranean coast is well connected to accommodate foreign and domestic tourists. The coast is served by Antalya airport, which enjoys direct international flights from northern Europe all year round, and good road transport infrastructure links it to the many popular resorts along the coast. Not only does Side benefit from miles of sandy beaches, warm seas and numerous cultural attractions, but links to numerous golf courses, including those in Belek and the 30 courses planned for the Antalya region over the next ten years, also make property in the area a good investment for those interested in buy-to-let opportunities.

The resort is also situated in the centre of a diverse region where the Taurus Mountains meet the Pamphylian Plain and, as well as the watersport activities on offer on the coast, rural leisure activities are plentiful here. Horse riding and walking the sandy trails of the Sorgun forest are just two of the opportunities to be enjoyed. The waterfalls on the jade green Manavgat River are another popular attraction. In the pedestrianised centre of the resort, souvenir shops sell traditional Turkish handicrafts such as carpets, jewellery and leather goods, while alfresco dining also lure tourists during the day, at the end of which the harbour's bars and clubs take over and entertain the masses until the early hours. And this is not to mention Side's historic interest, for which the resort is renowned. "Old sits alongside new, history combines with nature
from Hellenic temples and amphitheatres where you should take the opportunity to enjoy a live show," continues Walker.

Thanks to its many attractions, rental properties in Side are never short of takers and good returns can be made if you choose the right kind of buy-to-let accommodation. "With strong, existing demand for Side properties for current summer rentals, off-plan apartments for sale close to the sea with Mediterranean views are a popular choice with buyers," advises Walker. "Purpose built holiday complexes with communal facilities such as pool and garden are also popular whilst villas in Side appeal more to residents looking to spend longer term in the resort."

For those looking to make a more permanent move to Side, good shopping and year-round services are another pull, as are the excellent medical facilities available in the area, including international standard private clinics and hospitals with nglish speaking staff.

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Article published 29 April 2008