The shopping of Side is the charming, the atmospheric one, and the lanes of the old town hide the shops full of the Turkish crafts and the regional produce. The shopping is part of the wandering — the kilims, the ceramics, the spices, the textiles, and the jewelry tempt from the doorways among the ancient stones — and the visitor carries home the tastes and the colors of the coast. This guide covers what to buy in Side, where to shop, and how to shop well.
The Kilims and the Carpets
The kilims and the carpets of Turkey are the classic purchases, and the shops of Side display them in the beautiful colors. The kilims — the flat-woven rugs of the Anatolian tradition — come in the wool and the cotton, with the geometric patterns and the natural dyes; the carpets — the knotted ones — are the finer and the more expensive; and the shops of the old town invite the visitors in for the tea and the showing. The kilim makes the beautiful, the lasting souvenir, and the purchase is the experience — the tea, the conversation, and the bargaining.
The practical note: the quality of the kilim shows in the weave and the dyes, and the reputable shops certify the origins; the prices are the negotiable ones, and the bargaining is the expected one; and the shipping home is the arrangeable one through the shops.
The Ceramics and the Pottery
The ceramics of the region bring the colors of the coast into the home, and the shops of Side sell the plates, the bowls, the tiles, and the vases. The ceramics of the Turkish tradition — the blues, the greens, the terracotta — come in the painted patterns, and the region’s potters make the tableware and the decorative pieces; the shops of the old town display the wares in the window displays; and the pieces range from the small souvenirs to the statement pieces. The ceramic plate or the bowl makes the beautiful gift, and the colors carry the Mediterranean.
The practical note: the ceramics are the breakable ones, and the packing and the shipping come from the shops; the handmade pieces vary in the pattern and the glaze, and the uniqueness is the charm; and the comparison across the shops finds the range of the prices.
The Spices and the Teas
The spices and the teas of Turkey are the light, the aromatic souvenirs, and the shops of Side sell them in the colorful displays. The pul biber — the crushed red pepper — the sumac, the za’atar, and the herb blends fill the sacks and the jars; the Turkish teas — the black tea, the apple tea, the sage, the linden — come in the tins and the packets; and the lokum — the Turkish delight — comes in the rose, the lemon, and the pomegranate. The spice shop of Side is the fragrant one, and the small purchases make the perfect, the easy gifts.
The practical note: the spices and the teas are the easy ones to pack and to take home; the vacuum-packed and the sealed packages travel well; and the lokum and the sweets make the gifts that everyone enjoys.
The Olive Oil and the Regional Produce
The olive oil of the region is the golden one, and the shops and the farms of the area sell the bottles worth carrying home. The olive oil of the Mediterranean coast comes from the groves of the region, and the cold-pressed, the early-harvest oils are the prized ones; the olives, the honey, the jams, and the dried fruits of the area follow; and the local producers sell at the shops and the markets of the town. The olive oil of Side is the taste of the region, and the bottle from the source is the special souvenir.
The practical note: the quality olive oil comes in the dark bottles, and the harvest date shows the freshness; the sealed bottles travel well in the checked luggage; and the honey of the region is the prized one.
The Textiles and the Clothing
The textiles of the region give the soft, the colorful souvenirs, and the shops of Side sell the towels, the scarves, the shawls, and the clothing. The Turkish towels — the pestemals — are the lightweight, the absorbent ones, perfect for the beach and the travel; the scarves and the shawls come in the pashmina and the cotton, with the patterns of the region; and the clothing of the local designers suits the coastal style. The textile shopping of Side is the browsing pleasure, and the pieces are the practical, the beautiful ones.
The Jewelry and the Silver
The jewelry of the region draws the shoppers, and the shops of Side sell the gold, the silver, and the gemstones. The silver jewelry of the Turkish tradition — the necklaces, the bracelets, the earrings — comes in the intricate designs; the gold is the standard of the region, priced by the weight; and the gemstones — the turquoise, the amethyst, the onyx — add the color. The jewelry shops of the old town give the choice, and the purchases are the personal, the lasting ones.
The practical note: the gold and the silver are priced by the weight and the workmanship, and the reputable shops give the receipts and the certifications; the bargaining is the expected one in the jewelry shops; and the comparison across the shops finds the best of the prices.
The Leather and the Crafts
The leather goods and the local crafts round out the shopping of Side. The leather jackets, the bags, and the belts of the Turkish workshops come in the good quality at the good prices; the woodwork — the bowls, the spoons, the olive-wood carvings — makes the natural, the beautiful pieces; and the crafts of the region — the glass, the copper, the felt — fill the shops of the old town. The crafts of Side are the made-in-Turkey ones, and the shopping supports the local makers.
Where to Shop in Side
The shopping of Side concentrates in the old town, and the pedestrian lanes hold the highest density of the shops. The lanes among the ancient stones give the kilims, the ceramics, and the jewelry in the historic buildings; the bazaar area of the town gives the textiles, the spices, and the souvenirs; and the markets of the region — the weekly markets of the area towns — give the local produce and the crafts at the local prices. The wandering is the shopping method of Side, and the discovery is part of the pleasure.
The Shopping Practicalities
The practicalities of the Side shopping: the bargaining is the expected one in the markets and the small shops, and the friendly negotiation is the norm; the cards are the accepted ones at the most shops, with the cash for the markets and the small purchases; the shipping is the arrangeable one for the large pieces; and the receipts are the worth keeping ones for the customs. The shopping of Side is the enjoyable one, and the well-informed shopper gets the good deals.
The Shopping Districts of the RegionnnThe shopping of the region extends beyond the old town of Side, and the nearby towns give the different markets. The Manavgat market and the bazaars of the area give the local produce and the crafts at the local prices; the weekly markets of the region bring the fruits, the vegetables, the cheeses, and the textiles from the farms; and the antique shops and the galleries of the area hold the finds for the collectors. The shopping of the region is the varied one, and the excursions combine the sightseeing with the buying. The visitor of Side who explores the region shops well, and the markets of the area give the authentic experience.n
The Takeaway
The shopping of Side is the charming part of the stay, and the lanes of the old town among the ancient stones hold the kilims, the ceramics, the spices, the olive oil, and the jewelry of the Turkish tradition. The shopping is the wandering, the bargaining, and the discovery, and the purchases carry home the colors and the tastes of the coast. The visitor shops well in Side, and the souvenirs are the lasting ones.
Frequently asked questions
What should I buy in Side?
The kilims, the ceramics, the olive oil, the spices, the lokum, and the silver jewelry make the best souvenirs.
Is bargaining expected in Side?
Yes — the bargaining is the normal one in the markets and the small shops, and the friendly negotiation is the expected one.
Can I get my purchases shipped home?
Yes — the shops arrange the shipping for the large pieces like the kilims and the ceramics.
Are the prices fixed in the Side shops?
The prices are the negotiable ones in the markets and the smaller shops; the fixed prices are the ones in the upmarket boutiques.
What is the best thing to buy in Side for a gift?
The lokum, the spices, the olive oil, and the small ceramics make the easy, the beautiful gifts.
All Over Information
The All Over Information editorial team researches and writes practical English-language guides to Turkey. Facts are checked against official and local sources before publication, prices are published as dated ranges rather than quotes, and guides are revised when things change. We accept no sponsored posts, paid placements or paid links.
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