Side is a fantastic place for bike tours because of its proximity to rugged mountains, lush forests, and scenic river valleys. The mix of historical sites and natural landscapes makes for rides that are both fun and visually rewarding. Among the options, we particularly like the Forest Quad-Bike Tour — it’s a high-energy day with a taste of off-road excitement, perfect for those who want to feel some adrenaline while exploring Turkey’s pine-scented hills. Also, the guided quad experience offers a more structured ride suitable for all levels, with friendly guides ensuring everyone stays safe and enjoys the ride. For a water-based twist, the whitewater rafting and buggy tour at Koprulu Canyon combines multiple activities into one day, appealing to those who want variety.
Below is a quick overview of the kinds of tours you can choose from: quad biking adventures, with options for guided or unguided rides, and the exciting whitewater rafting combined with buggy riding. Each offers its own unique flavor of Turkish scenery and activity. Read on for detailed descriptions of each, so you can pick the one that matches your style.
1. City of Side: Forest Quad-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfers
At number one, this Forest Quad-Bike Tour offers an action-packed day exploring the pine forests at the foot of the Taurus Mountains. The trip includes round-trip hotel transfers from Side, making logistics easy. Once there, you’ll hop on a quad bike and navigate rugged, muddy trails — a perfect thrill for those craving an adrenaline rush amid nature. The guides do a good job of supporting newcomers, switching vehicles if needed, and providing safety instructions, so it’s accessible even if you’ve never ridden a quad before.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of scenic forest trails and the support of experienced instructors, which ensures safety and fun. Many reviewers mention how smoothly everything runs, with no long waits, and highlight the amazing scenery as a major highlight. For example, one guest noted, “The scenery is amazing, and the guides made us feel really safe.” The inclusion of photos for purchase (around €15 for many shots) adds good value.
Bottom Line: If you want a well-organized, fun, and scenic quad-biking experience with hotel pickup, this tour delivers. It’s ideal for those looking for an active day with a focus on nature and adventure.
2. City of Side: Guided Quad Bike Riding Experience
Number two on our list is the Guided Quad Bike Riding Experience, offering a structured ride around the Taurus Mountains. This tour includes hotel transfers, a safety briefing, and a short film to get you ready. The guides are experienced and communicate well in multiple languages, making it suitable for international travelers. The route features off-road trails, river crossings, and plenty of opportunities to get muddy and wet.
Though some reviewers mention the driving pace was a bit slower than expected, most had a great time. One traveler said, “It was absolutely great! Would definitely recommend,” and appreciated the friendly staff. The tour’s longer duration (about 3.5 hours) allows more time to enjoy the mountain scenery and thrilling riding. Guests also value the photo package (about €25 for USB photos), which captures the fun moments.
Compared to the first tour, this one emphasizes guided riding and instruction, making it perfect for beginners or those who prefer a bit more structure. The emphasis on learning to ride adds a layer of confidence for newcomers.
Bottom Line: For a guided, well-paced ride through mountain trails with good safety support, this tour is a dependable choice. It’s best suited for those who want a balance of adventure and instruction.
3. Side: Guided Quad Bike Riding Experience
Number three features the Guided Quad Bike Riding Experience near Manavgat River. This tour starts with a transfer by air-conditioned bus, followed by a brief orientation and a short film explaining the activity. Participants are then fitted with helmets and start on a trail that showcases some of Turkey’s prettiest scenery.
The tour is slightly longer, around 3.5 hours, and offers training, equipment, and showers, making it comfortable for travelers who want a more complete experience. The mix of scenic views and a bit of adrenaline appeals to a wide range of travelers. Reviewers comment positively, with one saying, “Brilliant tour guides that aimed to give you the best experience,” and noting the fun and safe environment.
While the pace may be controlled, some more experienced riders might find the speed limited, but for most, the joy is in the ride and scenery, not racing. This is a great option for families or those who want a professional, guided experience without the hassle of organizing logistics.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a comfortable, guided ride with good scenery and well-organized logistics, this tour offers a reliable and enjoyable experience.
4. Whitewater Rafting & Buggy Bike Riding at Koprulu Canyon
Finally, for those who want more than just bike riding, the Whitewater Rafting & Buggy Bike Riding at Koprulu Canyon combines two activities in one day. Starting with buggy driving through the rugged terrain, you’ll then switch to an exhilarating rafting trip on the Koprucay River. The tour is a full-day adventure, roughly lasting around 8 hours.
This tour is perfect for adventure seekers who want a multi-activity experience. The rafting component adds a splash of excitement, while the buggy ride lets you explore the canyon’s terrain. It’s priced at $44 per person, reflecting the combination of two major excursions.
While it has a decent rating (3.5/5 from three reviews), the tour appeals to travelers craving variety and excitement. One reviewer appreciated the diverse activities but noted that the pace of rafting was a bit slow for thrill-seekers. The tour is best suited for active travelers who don’t mind a full day of exertion and want to experience Turkey’s Koprulu Canyon in one go.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in a full-day adventure mixing river rafting and buggy riding, this is a fun, all-in-one option. It’s particularly good for groups and families wanting multiple thrill experiences.
How to Choose the Best Bike Tour in Side
Choosing the right tour depends on your budget, fitness level, and what kind of experience you’re after. If you’re new to quad biking or prefer guided instruction, the Guided Quad Bike Riding Experience offers structure and safety. For adrenaline junkies looking for a more rugged, self-guided ride, the Forest Quad-Bike Tour provides a scenic, action-filled day with excellent scenery and support.
Those interested in water-based adventures should consider the Koprulu Canyon rafting and buggy experience, which combines river rafting with off-road buggy riding. It’s a great way to cram multiple activities into one day.
When booking, consider the duration, the level of physical activity, and whether you want guided support or a more independent ride. Always check which tours include hotel pickup if convenience is a priority, and book early, especially in peak seasons.
In summary, Side offers a variety of bike and adventure tours that cater to different tastes. If you want a guided, scenic ride with safety at the forefront, the third or second options fit well. For thrill seekers, the first, with its rugged forest trails, is ideal. And for those who want an all-day adrenaline fix, the Koprulu Canyon combo tour is unbeatable. No matter your choice, these tours promise a memorable adventure in Turkey’s stunning landscapes.
