Horse Riding in Manavgat Side Forest and Beach

Thinking about adding a unique outdoor adventure to your trip to Side, Turkey? If you’re interested in exploring the natural beauty of the area while enjoying a gentle horseback ride, this tour might just be the option for you. It combines scenic landscapes, a relaxed pace, and the chance to connect with nature—all on horseback.

What we particularly like about this experience is how well it caters to both beginners and more experienced riders, making it accessible for most. Plus, the stunning views—whether through pine forests or along the beach—are genuinely worth the trip. However, it’s worth noting that the ride is only about an hour and a half, so it’s a shorter activity that fits into a busy sightseeing schedule. This tour is especially suited for those looking for a peaceful, scenic outing rather than a high-energy adventure.

Key Points

• Accessible for all levels: Whether you’re an experienced rider or a curious beginner, you’ll find this tour welcoming.
• Beautiful scenery: Enjoy riding through pine forests and along the coast, with stunning views that make for memorable photos.
• Well-organized and convenient: Includes all equipment, weekday departures, and hotel pickup—making the experience smooth from start to finish.
• Great value for money: At around $55, it offers a unique experience that’s worth the price, especially given the personalized attention noted by solo travelers.
• Limited riding time: The ride lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, so don’t expect a full-day adventure—it’s a perfect activity for a half-day outing.
• Potential safety concern: No helmets are provided, which might be a consideration for some, especially families with children.

An In-Depth Look at the Horseback Riding Experience

The Setting and What Makes It Special

This tour takes place in the lush surroundings of Manavgat, offering a blend of forest and beach scenery that’s quite relaxing. We loved the way the activity is designed to be flexible; you can choose between riding along the coastal road or through the shaded pine forests. Both options provide different but equally beautiful views, making it easy to tailor the experience to your preferences.

What really sets this apart is the quality of the guides and horses. As one reviewer pointed out, “Everyone was helpful and reassuring,” which helps when you’re just starting out and a bit cautious. The horses are described as well-looked-after, calm, and friendly, which is a big plus for those who worry about riding animals that are stressed or tired.

The Pickup and Overall Organization

The process starts with a pickup from your hotel in Side, which is included in the package. Mustafa, the owner, is noted for being polite and accommodating—an important aspect that adds to the overall good vibe of the tour. Once at the base, there’s a quick safety briefing that covers riding basics, which is especially helpful for beginners or those who haven’t been on a horse in a while.

The fact that this is a private tour means it’s just your group riding, which keeps things comfortable and personalized. Most reviews highlight how smooth and professional the organization is, from pickup to return.

The Riding Itself: Forest and Beach

Riders are introduced to their horses, and then you head out into the countryside following your guide. The forest route is particularly loved for its peaceful atmosphere—some say it’s perfect for unwinding and soaking in nature. You might find yourself stopping by a river or in the shade of pine trees, which helps break up the ride and provides some lovely photo opportunities.

If the beach option appeals more, you’ll ride towards the water’s edge and stroll along the sands. This option is especially popular during sunset, as noted by a reviewer who called it “the best time to go.” Riding along the beach at sunset sounds pretty idyllic, doesn’t it?

The Duration and What You Get

The whole experience lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, with roughly an hour of actual riding. That’s a generous chunk of time for a scenic activity, especially considering the price of around $55 per person. Given this, the tour offers good value—you’re paying mainly for the experience, the scenery, and the expertise of the guides.

One user shared that photos from the ride could be purchased afterward, which adds a nice touch if you want to remember the day. The photos aren’t included in the price but are an optional extra.

Safety and Comfort

While the tour is generally praised for its professionalism, a few reviews mention the absence of helmets. This might be worth considering for those with children or anyone feeling cautious about safety. The horses are described as calm and well-trained, and the guide’s reassurance helps keep everyone at ease.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

If you’re after a peaceful, scenic ride that offers a good balance of adventure and relaxation, this tour fits the bill. It’s suitable for most fitness levels and riding experience. Solo travelers have enjoyed the personalized attention, and families have noted how much children enjoyed it. However, those looking for a thrill or longer ride might want to look elsewhere.

Final Thoughts on the Horseback Riding in Manavgat

This tour provides a genuinely enjoyable way to explore Turkey’s natural environment without needing any previous riding experience. The combination of forest and beach scenery makes for a memorable backdrop—whether for photos or just soaking in the views. The guides are friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable, which helps to elevate the experience from a simple ride to a relaxing adventure.

Considering the price, the quality of the horses, and the convenience of hotel pickup, it offers a good value for those wanting a taste of rural Turkish landscapes. The lack of helmets is a small drawback but not uncommon in many riding tours, so just keep that in mind if safety gear is a priority for you.

Overall, if you’re looking for a peaceful, scenic ride with friendly guides and beautiful views, this experience is a worthwhile addition to your Side trip. It’s particularly ideal if you want to combine a bit of outdoor activity with a relaxed pace and picturesque surroundings.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup from Side hotels is part of the tour package, making it easy to start the day without extra planning.

Can I participate if I’ve never ridden a horse before?
Absolutely. The tour includes a safety briefing and is suitable for beginners, as well as experienced riders.

How long is the horseback ride?
The ride lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes in total, with roughly an hour of actual riding time.

Are helmets provided?
No, helmets are not offered, which might be a consideration for safety-conscious travelers or families with children.

What scenery will I see?
You can choose between riding through pine forests or along the beach, with stunning views of Turkey’s natural landscape.

Is this tour good for families?
Many reviews mention children enjoyed the experience, and it’s generally family-friendly, especially with calm, well-trained horses.

What is the cost of the tour?
It’s approximately $55.69 per person, which provides a personalized, scenic experience with all equipment included.

If you’re seeking a gentle, scenic horse ride that offers a peaceful escape from more crowded attractions, this tour in Manavgat could be just the thing. It’s a straightforward, well-organized experience that showcases some of Turkey’s beautiful landscapes and provides friendly guidance along the way.