If you’re looking to experience a different side of Turkey beyond the bustling city streets of Alanya, this Sapadere Canyon Waterfalls & Dwarfs Cave Tour might just be what you need. While the canyon itself is temporarily closed, the tour offers a well-rounded look at the region’s natural beauty and local life, all packed into a full-day adventure.
What we really like about this trip is how it combines scenic drives through the Taurus Mountains with stops that give you a taste of rural Turkish life — from fruit gardens to a tiny, intriguing cave. Plus, the value for the price is pretty decent, especially considering the included transport, guiding, and a riverside lunch.
On the flip side, keep in mind that the tour involves quite a bit of driving — about 40 minutes per segment, with some longer stretches — which might not be ideal if you’re keen on a more active, walking-heavy day. Also, since Sapadere Canyon is currently closed, you’ll be spending more time enjoying the countryside and local spots rather than the waterfall feature itself.
This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate scenic drives, want a relaxed day out, and love discovering hidden corners of Turkey’s countryside. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy small-group tours, authentic local experiences, and aren’t afraid of a bit of travel to see beautiful landscapes.
Key Points
- Scenic Mountain Views: The Taurus Mountains provide stunning vistas, making the drives memorable.
- Unique Cave Visit: Cüceler Maaras (Dwarfs Cave) offers a fascinating glimpse into Turkey’s natural formations.
- Local Village Experience: Walking through fruit gardens and local villages adds a genuine cultural touch.
- Relaxed Pace: The tour emphasizes enjoyment and soaking in the scenery rather than strenuous activity.
- Cost-Effective: At $45, it offers a comprehensive day out with transport, lunch, and guiding included.
- Flexible Cancellation: You can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund, which adds peace of mind.
The Experience in Detail
This tour is a well-structured day trip that starts with your hotel pickup from several convenient locations around Alanya — Mahmutlar, Avsallar, and others. The open-top minibus sets the tone for a relaxed, scenic ride through the Turkish countryside.
Planning more time in Sapadere Canyon? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Journey Begins: Mountain Views and the Hercules Bridge
Your first stop is a viewing terrace surrounded by banana gardens, where you’ll get sweeping views over Alanya and the coastline. It’s a perfect spot to snap some photos or just take a breath before heading further into the mountains. Next, you’ll visit the historic Hercules Bridge, an old stone structure that’s a quiet retreat by water. Here, you might want to dip your toes in the cool, clear river, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Exploring Cüceler Maaras (Dwarfs Cave)
The highlight for many is the visit to Cüceler Cave. While the exact length of your visit will depend on the day, you can expect to see some interesting natural formations and enjoy a scenic drive to get there. The cave offers a peek into Turkey’s geological features, and some reviews mention it as a “scenic stop,” though it’s not a long walking tour.
Changing Plans: No Sapadere Canyon Waterfalls?
Due to the current closure of Sapadere Canyon, the usual waterfall swim and canyon walk are replaced with extra time in the surrounding nature and village. This shift means you won’t get into the canyon’s cool waters, but you’ll still enjoy the fresh mountain air, the rural vibe, and the scenic surroundings.
More Great Tours NearbyA Taste of Local Life and a Riverside Lunch
The next part of your day is spent at a local village, where you get to walk through fruit gardens — a simple yet authentic experience that highlights Turkey’s agricultural side. It’s a chance to see what grows locally and perhaps pick up some fresh fruit if you’re lucky.
Lunchtime is relaxing and scenic — a riverside restaurant serving traditional Turkish fare. The setting is peaceful, with the sounds of flowing water and nature, making it an ideal spot to unwind after a morning of sightseeing. The lunch is included in the tour, and although drinks are not, the food is generally well-reviewed.
The Final Mountain Drive and Return
In the afternoon, the group heads back through the Taurus Mountains, with more scenic views. This part of the day is about enjoying the landscape and reflecting on the diverse sights you’ve seen. The tour wraps up with a comfortable ride back to your hotel, where you’ll be dropped off, likely around late afternoon or early evening.
What Travelers Say
Many reviews highlight the quality of the guides and the scenic views. One reviewer raved about their driver Rambo, calling him “the highlight of the day” because of his entertainment and care. Others enjoyed the swimming experience in the waterfalls, describing it as “very amazing,” though they did note that the tour involves quite a bit of driving, which might not suit those who prefer more walking.
A common theme in reviews is appreciation for the friendly team and the comfortable transportation, making the long day feel easier. The price point is also well-regarded, considering the transport, lunch, and guiding are included.
Transportation and Duration
The tour spans about 8 to 8.5 hours, which makes for a long but comfortable day. The transportation is a mix of open-top minibuses and Land Rover Jeeps, adding a bit of adventure to the experience. The group size tends to be small, ensuring a more personal atmosphere.
Expect about 40-minute drives between stops, with some longer scenic drives through the mountains. The walking involved is manageable — about 700 meters on a wooden bridge in the canyon (which is closed now), but generally, the tour is suitable for most travelers who can handle moderate walking.
Value for Money
At $45 per person, this tour offers a solid value, especially with hotel pickup, guiding, and a hearty lunch included. It’s a cost-effective way to see some of the countryside without the hassle of organizing transport or meals yourself. Keep in mind that entrance fees for Cüceler Cave are not included, but the overall experience still feels well worth the price.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, nature, and local culture without needing intense physical activity. It’s good for those curious about rural Turkish life, interested in geological sites, and who appreciate a relaxed pace. If you’re traveling with someone who prefers a mix of sightseeing and downtime, this will suit you well.
It’s less suited for travelers with mobility issues, given the walking involved and the lack of elevators in the canyon. Also, if you’re expecting a full canyon experience with waterfalls and swimming, you should be aware that the canyon is temporarily closed, and your experience will focus more on the surroundings and other stops.
FAQs
Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with transportation in open-top minibuses and Land Rover Jeeps during the tour.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and a camera are essentials. If you want to swim in the canyon, bring a swimming suit and towels, though note that the canyon is currently closed.
How long is the tour?
The total duration is around 8 to 8.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.
Is the tour suitable for families?
While mostly suitable for most travelers, it’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments or very young children due to walking and vehicle transfers.
Are meals included?
Yes, a riverside lunch is included, but drinks are not.
Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.
What is the highlight of this tour?
Many say the mountain views and the guide’s storytelling make for a memorable experience, with some reviews praising the “entertaining” driver.
Is Sapadere Canyon open right now?
Currently, it’s closed, so the usual canyon walk and waterfall swim are not part of this experience.
What makes this tour worth considering?
For the price, you get a well-rounded look at the countryside, engaging guides, scenic drives, and a peaceful rural atmosphere — a good choice if you want a relaxed day out.
Alanya: Sapadere Canyon Waterfalls & Dwarfs Cave Tour
“The trip was great! Our drive Rambo was the highlight of the whole day! He is a lovely man and was so entertaining and made sure we were all okay a…”
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a day that combines beautiful mountain scenery, a taste of local rural life, and some geological interest, this tour offers a lot for not much money. While it’s a shame the canyon isn’t open, the other sights and the peaceful vibe still make it a worthwhile outing.
It’s perfect for travelers who want to see more of Turkey’s countryside without the need for strenuous activity or extensive hiking. The added bonus of friendly guides and comfortable transport makes it a reliable choice for those looking to relax and enjoy nature’s quieter side.
All in all, this is a laid-back, scenic experience that’s more about enjoying the landscape and local culture than adrenaline or adventure — a nice break from city chaos for sure.
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