Side Sapadere Canyon Tour With Free Time In Alanya And Lunch

If you’re after a day that combines nature, culture, and a little bit of city life, the Side Sapadere Canyon Tour might just be what you’re looking for. This 7-8 hour adventure whisks you away from the beaches and busy streets of Side, taking you into the breathtaking Taurus Mountains to discover one of Turkey’s hidden natural gems. It’s a full, relaxed day — with a healthy dose of scenic beauty, local flavors, and free time in Alanya to explore at your own pace.

We love that this tour offers a chance to escape the crowds and enjoy some serene outdoor scenery, especially with the opportunity to swim in chilly waterfalls or walk through vibrant green canyons. Plus, the inclusion of lunch made from local ingredients adds a nice touch. However, it’s worth noting that the day can feel pretty long — especially if you’re not keen on bus rides or waiting around. Still, if you’re an outdoor lover or curious about the Taurus Mountains, this trip could be right up your alley.

On the flip side, some travelers have mentioned that the trip can be a bit drawn out, with long stretches on the bus and some optional extras, like the Dwarves Cave, costing extra. So, if you’re short on time or prefer more curated, shorter excursions, this might not be the perfect fit. Though, it’s best suited for those who want a mix of adventure, scenery, and a taste of local life.

If you’re comfortable with a full-day tour that balances hiking, sightseeing, and free exploration, this experience could be a memorable part of your Turkey trip.

Key Points

• Natural beauty: The canyon itself is stunning and offers great photo opportunities.
• Local food: The included lunch features authentic, village-style dishes cooked from natural ingredients.
• Diverse stops: From the canyon to the Dwarves Cave, there’s a variety of natural and cultural sights.
• Long day: The tour involves some lengthy bus rides and waiting periods, so endurance helps.
• Free time in Alanya: You get a decent hour and a half to explore, shop, or relax in the town.
• Cost-effective: At $44 per person, it combines transportation, guide, lunch, and entry fees, offering solid value for a full day out.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Out: Hotel Pickup and the Drive to Sapadere Canyon

The day kicks off early with hotel pickup, which is quite convenient. You’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers, and then settle into a comfortable coach. From Side, it’s about an hour and a half drive through rural and mountain scenery, giving you a taste of Turkey’s interior landscapes. The group size is capped at 20, so it’s small enough to feel personal but large enough for a lively atmosphere.

Exploring Sapadere Canyon

Once you arrive at Sapadere Canyon, you’ll be greeted by a landscape that seems almost untouched — tall, green canyon walls rising nearly 400 meters, with a river flowing through the bottom. The highlight here is walking along the well-maintained paths that wind through the canyon, giving you plenty of opportunities to admire the gushing water over rocks, spot rare plants, and maybe even see some local birds or wildlife.

The canyon’s best feature is definitely its natural pools and waterfalls. If you’re brave enough to dip into the cold water, you’ll find swimming beneath the falls a refreshing experience, especially on a hot day. The canyon’s bright sunlight streaming through the trees adds to the peaceful, almost meditative atmosphere.

Visiting Cüceler Cave (Dwarves Cave)

After soaking in the canyon’s beauty, the tour moves on to Cüceler Cave, a limestone cave discovered in recent years. It’s a cozy spot with interesting stalactites and stalagmites that make it worth a quick visit. However, it’s not included in the ticket price, so you’ll need to pay extra if you choose to go inside. One reviewer pointed out that paying separately for the cave might have been cheaper if done on your own rather than through the tour package, so keep that in mind.

Enjoying a Village-Style Lunch

Next, you’ll be treated to a hearty lunch at a restaurant located around the river flowing through the canyon. The food is traditional, organic, and cooked from natural ingredients — a real highlight for those who appreciate authentic local flavors. The setting is relaxed, with good oxygen and beautiful views, making it a perfect spot to recharge before heading back.

Free Time in Alanya

After the canyon and lunch, it’s time for some free exploration in Alanya. You’ll have about an hour and a half to walk through the town, browse local shops, or simply relax with a coffee by the beach. Many travelers enjoy this window to pick up souvenirs or sit in a seaside café and soak up the atmosphere.

Return to Side

The return journey is roughly 1.5 hours, during which your guide will likely share insights about the region. The trip wraps up with hotel drop-off, leaving you with a full day’s worth of memories.

What the Reviews Say

One traveler mentioned, “Although our tour guide was very friendly and good, the trip itself was very long and drawn out you are on the bus a lot.” This is something to consider if you’re not a fan of long rides. Conversely, Bettina enjoyed the trip, praising how smoothly everything went and calling the canyon “really impressive” — especially highlighting swimming in the cold water as an “experience.”

A common theme is the stunning scenery and delicious local food, which many find to be the highlights. The chance to walk through the canyon and take in incredible views from the mountains really makes this tour stand out.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

• Price: At $44, this is a pretty good deal considering the included transportation, guide, lunch, and entry fees. But be aware that some optional extras, like the Dwarves Cave, cost extra.
• Duration: Expect a full day — around 7 to 8 hours — from pickup to drop-off, so pack accordingly.
• Transport: Comfortable coach with a small group size ensures a relaxed vibe, but it does mean some long stretches on the bus.
• Timing: The tour starts at 9:00 am, so early risers will have an easier time making the most of the day.
• Accessibility: The walk through the canyon involves uneven paths, so it might not be suitable for anyone with mobility issues.
• Weather considerations: The trip relies on good weather — rain or storms could lead to cancellations or delays.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for outdoor lovers, nature photographers, and those wanting a break from the beach scene. If you’re curious about mountain landscapes, waterfalls, and local cuisine, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. It’s also a good choice if you want to combine sightseeing with a relaxed lunch and some free time in Alanya.

This tour isn’t perfect for travelers who prefer a shorter, less active day or those with mobility challenges. It’s a full, sometimes long, day that demands patience and a love of scenic views.

The Sum Up

All in all, the Side Sapadere Canyon Tour offers a wonderful chance to explore Turkey’s natural beauty without straying too far from the tourist hubs. With stunning canyon scenery, authentic local food, and free time in Alanya, it balances adventure with leisure. It’s best suited for those who enjoy walking, mountain landscapes, and outdoor activities, and who don’t mind a full day on the road.

If you’re after a peaceful escape into nature, combined with a bit of town exploration, this could be a memorable addition to your trip. Just keep in mind the long drive and optional costs, and you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy everything this tour has to offer.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient to start your day stress-free.

How long is the drive from Side to Sapadere Canyon?
It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes each way, so be prepared for some time on the bus.

What should I wear for the canyon walk?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to swim or explore the canyon paths.

Is the Dwarves Cave included in the price?
No, visiting the Cüceler cave is an extra cost if you decide to go inside.

Can I swim in the waterfalls?
Yes, if you’re brave enough, you can swim beneath the waterfalls — just be prepared for the water to be quite cold.

How much free time do I get in Alanya?
You’ll have about 1 hour and 30 minutes to explore the town, shop, or relax.

Is the tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, active families with older children who enjoy outdoor adventures should find it enjoyable.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or storms, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

This tour manages to strike a nice balance between scenic outdoor exploration and cultural experience, making it a solid pick for those wanting a break from the seaside. Just set your expectations for a full day, pack your sense of adventure, and you’ll likely leave with plenty of memorable moments.