One of the oldest cities in Anatolia, prosperous as a result of acts of piracy under the Greeks, Side occupies most of a narrow peninsula. Once colonised by Persians, Macedonians and Romans, the site is now overrun with tourists. The largely unregulated buildings of this popular seaside resort overlap with the ancient ruins, giving the site a rather surrealist air. The busiest and most popular sights here are the huge theatre which stands at the entrance to the peninsula and the Temple of Athena and Apollo overlooking the sea.