Alanya City Tour From Side With Boat Trip And Lunch

Discovering Alanya from Side — An Honest Look at the City Tour with Boat and Lunch

Thinking about taking a day trip from Side to explore Alanya, often called the pearl of the Turkish Riviera? This tour promises a mix of scenic boat rides, historical sights, lively markets, and a riverside lunch—all for around $35. It sounds like a great way to see more of the region without overextending your schedule, but like any organized tour, it has its ups and downs.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it balances sightseeing with relaxing moments—you’re not just rushed from one spot to another. Plus, the inclusion of a boat trip along Alanya’s coast offers some of the best views of the city’s iconic landmarks. On the flip side, some travelers mention that the boat trip might not be everyone’s favorite, especially if loud music and crowds aren’t your thing. Still, if you enjoy a well-rounded day with diverse activities, this tour could be a good pick.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, taste-of-Alanya experience without breaking the bank. If you’re after a leisurely yet active day that includes scenic views, cultural sites, and a hearty riverside lunch, keep reading.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: Around $35 per person, offering a lot of value for a full day of sightseeing.
• Variety of Activities: Combines boat trips, cultural sites, markets, and a scenic river lunch.
• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides enhance the trip with interesting insights.
• Flexible Free Time: Plenty of opportunity to explore independently, especially at Alanya town center.
• Potential Drawbacks: Some reviews highlight issues like limited time in certain areas or loud, crowded boat trips.
• Hassle-Free Transfers: Pickup and drop-off from Side hotels make logistics easier.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Starting from Side — Comfortable Pickup and Early Drive

Your day begins early with a pickup from your hotel in Side, which is usually smooth thanks to air-conditioned vehicles. The drive to Alanya takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, so you’ll get a little preview of the scenic Turkish coast along the way. This transport arrangement is straightforward, and most travelers find it a good way to kick off the day without the hassle of navigating on your own.

First Stop: Alanya Harbour and Boat Trip

Once in Alanya, the real highlight kicks off—a boat cruise along the coastline. Waiting in the harbor, a beautiful boat awaits to take you past some of the city’s most recognizable sites: Alanya Castle, the Red Tower, the Arsenal, and the city walls. The views from the water are impressive, giving you a chance to see these landmarks from a fresh perspective.

During the cruise, you’ll cruise past the Shipyards and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze. It’s a laid-back way to get acquainted with Alanya’s coastline, and it’s generally appreciated for its scenic beauty. However, some reviews mention the boat’s loud music and a less-than-ideal ambiance. One reviewer even pointed out the cans of soda they bought on board were out of date, so if you plan to purchase drinks, it’s worth being cautious.

Lunch at Dim River — A Scenic Riverside Meal

After the boat, your guide will take you to Dim River, where you’ll indulge in an open buffet lunch. The setting is quite lovely—sitting under pergolas right beside the river. Here, you can choose from grilled chicken, trout, kebabs, pasta, and salads. The food generally gets good marks, especially for its taste and fresh preparation, and the outdoor setting adds a relaxing vibe.

Many travelers say this is the best part of the day—good food in a scenic spot, away from the busier tourist areas. It’s a chance to unwind, enjoy some local flavors, and take a breather from sightseeing.

Free Time in Alanya Town Center

Post-lunch, your guides will take you to Alanya’s town center, where you’ll have around two hours to explore at your own pace. This free time is often highlighted as a highlight because it allows a bit of flexibility. You can browse the local markets, do some shopping, or just relax with a drink in a cozy cafe.

While some wish they had more time here, most appreciate the chance to experience the city’s lively atmosphere without feeling rushed. The markets are said to offer reasonably priced goods, making it a good spot for souvenir hunting or just soaking in local life.

Exploring the Castle and Damlatas Cave

Next, your tour includes a visit to Alanya Castle, built in the 13th century by the Seljuks. The fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into history and provides panoramic views over Alanya. It’s an open-air museum today, and walking around the walls and towers is quite enjoyable.

Adjacent to the castle, you’ll find Damlatas Cave. Known for its stalactite formations and high humidity (about 95%), the cave is believed by some to have health benefits, particularly for asthma sufferers. The visit here lasts about 30 minutes, and while the cave isn’t included in the ticket price, it’s well worth seeing if you’re interested in natural formations and a bit of local lore.

Final Stop and Return Journey

After exploring Alanya’s landmarks, it’s time to head back to Side. The return drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, giving you some time to relax and reflect on the day. The tour concludes with hotel drop-offs, making the whole day quite convenient.

What We Love About This Tour

One standout feature is the guiding service. Multiple reviews praise the guides for their friendliness, knowledge, and multilingual skills. This makes a big difference in understanding the sites and feeling comfortable during the day. The scenic boat trip is another highlight, giving you fantastic views of Alanya’s coast and landmarks from the water.

The lunch at Dim River is also consistently appreciated, with many mentioning how tasty and scenic the setting is. It’s a relaxing break amid a busy day of sightseeing, and the open buffet offers decent variety—especially the grilled options.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

While most reviews are positive, some travelers mention issues worth noting. The boat trip, for example, isn’t universally loved—loud music, crowded conditions, and noisy entertainment might not suit everyone, especially if you prefer quieter, more serene outings. One review even pointed out that cans of soda bought on board were out of date.

Limited time in the bazaar at the start has also been a point of disappointment for some, who wanted more opportunity to browse or shop. Plus, the Damlatas Cave isn’t included in the entrance fee, which might be an extra cost if you decide to visit.

Finally, the duration of free time in Alanya town center may feel a bit short for some. If you love shopping or exploring markets thoroughly, you might find two hours a little tight.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This Alanya City Tour from Side offers a solid introduction to the city’s highlights, especially if you’re short on time but want a taste of the region’s natural beauty, history, and local life. It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate a guided experience with some free time to explore on their own.

If you’re someone who enjoys scenic boat rides, historical sites, and a casual riverside lunch, you’ll likely find this tour more than satisfying. However, if you prefer quiet, off-the-beaten-path experiences or are sensitive to loud crowds, it might be worth considering other options.

Overall, at around $35, it offers good value, especially given the included hotel pickup and drop-off, guiding service, and multiple activities packed into one day.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hassle-free pickup and drop-off from all Side hotels, making logistics simple.

How long does the entire tour last?
The experience runs approximately 7 to 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending with your return to Side.

What are the main highlights of the tour?
You’ll enjoy a boat trip along Alanya’s coast, a scenic riverside lunch, visits to Alanya Castle and Damlatas Cave, and free time in Alanya town center for shopping and exploring.

Is the boat trip suitable for everyone?
While many find the boat trip enjoyable, some reviews mention loud music and crowded conditions, so if you prefer quiet or are sensitive to noise, keep this in mind.

How much free time do I get?
You’ll have about 2 hours to explore the town center, which includes shopping and relaxing at local cafes.

How much does Damlatas Cave entrance cost?
The entrance fee is about 2 Euros per person, not included in the tour price.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a guided tour with set stops, customization isn’t feasible. However, the free time at the town center gives some flexibility.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, some cash for extras, and sunscreen. If you’re interested in visiting the cave, have some Euros ready for the entrance fee.

If you’re after a reasonably priced way to see the highlights of Alanya, combine some history, scenic views, and local flavor, this tour fits the bill nicely. Just be mindful of the boat trip dynamics and the limited free time in the town—these are small considerations for a generally good experience.