From City of Side: Sapadere Canyon Tour with Pickup & Lunch

If you’re wandering around Side and craving a taste of nature combined with a little local culture, the Sapadere Canyon Tour might be just what you’re after. This full-day excursion, offered by Payless Turizm, promises a scenic hike, some delicious regional food, and a quick peek into Alanya’s vibe—all for around $45. While it offers plenty of visual delights and the chance to get away from the busy town, it’s worth knowing what to expect and whether it’ll suit your travel style.

Two things we particularly like about this tour are the breathtaking scenery of Sapadere Canyon—where emerald green leaves and rushing water create a peaceful, almost magical atmosphere—and the opportunity to enjoy authentic Turkish village cuisine cooked from natural ingredients. That said, a potential downside is that the itinerary is somewhat limited when it comes to exploring beyond the main sites, and it’s geared more toward those looking for a laid-back, nature-focused day than an adrenaline rush or detailed cultural deep dive. This tour suits travelers who enjoy outdoor scenery, simple local experiences, and a relaxed pace, especially if you’re in Side and want to see a different side of Turkey without much fuss.

Key Points

• Stunning natural beauty: The canyon’s vibrant green landscape and rushing water make for memorable photos and a calming experience.
• Comfortable transportation: Hotel pickup and drop-off make the day easy and stress-free.
• Authentic local food: Village-style, organic meals cooked from natural products enhance the sense of place.
• Short city stop: Free time in Alanya offers a chance for quick sightseeing or shopping.
• Age and mobility considerations: Not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues.
• Value for money: At $45, this tour provides access to several highlights with guided insights and inclusive lunch.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Sapadere Canyon Tour

Starting Out: Hotel Pickup and Group Dynamics

The day kicks off with hotel pickup, which we always appreciate for its convenience. The tour providers aim to be punctual, with drivers waiting no more than five minutes past the scheduled time. The group sizes tend to be manageable, allowing for easy interaction with guides and fellow travelers. The guiding service is available in English, Russian, and German, so language barriers shouldn’t be a big concern.

The Journey to Sapadere Canyon

The drive from Side to Sapadere Canyon is not overly long—roughly a little over an hour—which is just enough time to get excited about what’s ahead without feeling like you’re wasting your whole day in transit. The scenery along the way is nice, setting the tone for a natural experience.

Exploring Sapadere Canyon: Nature’s Quiet Marvel

Once you arrive at the canyon, the real magic begins. The canyon itself is a natural masterpiece, stretching about 360 meters in length and towering nearly 400 meters high. It’s located just a few kilometers from Sapadere Village, making it accessible yet distinctly separate from the tourist spots.

You’ll love the bright summer sun overhead and the emerald-green leaves creating a lush canopy. As you walk along the wooden paths, you’ll encounter areas where water rapidly gushes over rocks—perfect for the photographers among us—plus rare plants, birds, and possibly some small animals. The part of the trail that features the waterfalls, often described as a short hike, is actually only about 5 to 10 minutes on a wooden walkway, which makes it accessible even for those with moderate mobility—though it’s not designed for anyone with serious mobility issues or who are pregnant.

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The Natural Wonder of the Cave and Observation Terrace

After the canyon walk, you’ll visit a cave with a spectacular valley view from its observation terrace. Inside the cave, the colors and formations—stalactites and stalagmites—are captivating, and it’s a peaceful spot that invites reflection. This part of the experience highlights the natural beauty of the region, and many reviews mention how calming and enchanting it is.

Lunch: Tasting Village-Style Organic Food

By mid-morning, your appetite will likely be tingling, thanks to the oxygen-rich environment and physical activity. This is where the tour really hits a note of authenticity: a traditional Turkish lunch cooked with local, natural ingredients. The restaurant is situated by the river flowing through the canyon, adding to the overall sense of being in a natural paradise. Reviewers have praised the well-organized lunch experience and the delicious, homemade dishes—simple, hearty, and flavorful, embodying village-style cooking.

Free Time in Alanya: A Short City Break

After lunch, the tour includes an hour of free time in Alanya. This is a good chance to stretch your legs, explore a bit, or pick up souvenirs. The town’s small cafes and beachside spots are perfect for a quick coffee or drink, offering a relaxed break before heading back to Side.

Returning to Side: Safe and Sound

The journey back is straightforward, with drivers ensuring a safe, comfortable ride. The entire tour lasts about 8.5 hours, giving you a full day’s worth of scenery, food, and light adventure without feeling rushed.

What’s in the Price?

The $45 fee covers nearly everything you need: entrance to Sapadere Canyon, the guided tour, lunch, and transportation. You’ll want to budget separately for drinks and optional extras like the Dwarves Cave or cable car, which aren’t included.

Considering the cost, this is quite a good deal for a comprehensive day out—especially given the inclusion of a guided experience, the scenic canyon, and a hearty local meal.

Real Traveler Feedback: What People Are Saying

From actual reviews, we see that many travelers loved the sight of the canyon, describing it as “really worth seeing” and a highlight of the trip. One reviewer mentioned, “We really enjoyed the tour. The canyon is really worth seeing! Lunch at the canyon is well organized and the tour guide is very friendly and helpful.” This indicates that the tour does a good job at providing a meaningful and enjoyable experience.

Another traveler shared, “A 2.5-minute ‘hike’ to the waterfall was announced, but we only experienced several stations with the goal of walking about 5 to 10 minutes on a wooden path. It was a beautiful day and we saw a lot, although completely different from our original expectations… the guide was very friendly though and we had a nice chat.” This shows that some parts of the tour might be less strenuous or more straightforward than initially anticipated, but still rewarding.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who loves nature and scenic landscapes, this trip will suit you. It’s ideal if you’re after a relaxed, half-day walk through stunning greenery combined with a taste of local Turkish hospitality. It’s also perfect for those looking for a hassle-free day with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

However, this tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or visitors with mobility issues due to the walking involved and the uneven terrain in parts. It’s a good choice for travelers who want a straightforward, scenic adventure without a lot of complicated logistics.

Final Thoughts

The Sapadere Canyon Tour from Side is a solid option if you want to escape the town’s hustle and unwind in nature’s calm. The combination of breathtaking scenery, authentic local food, and a quick city stop in Alanya offers a well-rounded day that’s both relaxing and visually rewarding. While it’s not packed with adrenaline or extensive cultural exploration, it delivers on its promise of natural beauty and simple pleasures.

For those craving a peaceful, scenic experience with the bonus of tasting genuine Turkish village cuisine, this tour is quite the steal. It’s best suited for travelers who prioritize scenery, good value, and a relaxed pace over intense adventure or in-depth cultural touring.

FAQs

Is the Sapadere Canyon Tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for those comfortable with walking on wooden paths and uneven terrain. It’s not specifically designed for young children or individuals with mobility issues, so parental discretion is advised.

How long is the drive from Side to Sapadere Canyon?
The drive takes just over an hour, giving you enough time to relax and enjoy the scenery along the way.

What is included in the tour price?
The fee covers hotel pickup and drop-off, guiding service, entrance fee to Sapadere Canyon, lunch, and full insurance.

Are drinks included in the tour?
No, drinks are not included. You might want to bring some water or purchase beverages during your free time in Alanya.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if plans change.

Is there any optional activity not included?
Yes, optional extras like the Dwarves Cave and Alanya Cable Car are not included and will incur additional costs.

How much time do we spend in Alanya?
You get about an hour of free time, which is enough for a quick look around or a coffee by the beach.

What should I wear for the canyon walk?
Comfortable footwear suitable for walking on wooden paths and uneven surfaces is recommended. Dress in light, breathable clothes for the summer weather.

The Sapadere Canyon Tour from Side offers a peaceful, scenic escape that balances nature, local flavor, and convenience—a good pick for travelers seeking a straightforward, memorable day out.

You can check availability for your dates here: