Side: Sapadere Canyon and Alanya City Tour with Lunch

If you’re looking for a day trip that combines natural beauty with a splash of history and some well-deserved relaxation, the Side: Sapadere Canyon and Alanya City Tour with Lunch might just tick those boxes. This tour, offered through Lft Travel Agency, promises a well-rounded experience that takes you from lush canyon trails to scenic cable car rides and the iconic sands of Cleopatra Beach—all for around $23. Sounds pretty good, right?

What immediately catches our eye about this tour is how it balances nature with cultural sights. We love that it involves walking through the leafy, waterfall-dotted Sapadere Canyon, which offers a wonderful break from the more typical sightseeing crowd. Plus, the cable car ride up to Alanya Castle promises breathtaking views and a sense of adventure. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that the tour involves a fair amount of travel time—about 2.5 hours each way from Side—so it’s best suited for those comfortable with longer bus rides. Still, if you’re after a mix of outdoor activity and sightseeing, this tour is quite a good pick.

This kind of day tour works best for travelers who want to see a bit of everything without the hassle of planning multiple trips themselves. It’s especially great if you’re interested in beautiful landscapes, panoramic views, and some laid-back beach time. Families and solo travelers alike will find plenty to enjoy, though those with mobility issues should be aware that the canyon walk involves some uneven paths.

Key Points

• Variety of experiences: Nature walks, cable car rides, beach time, and a delicious included lunch.
• Convenience: Hotel transfers from Side make the day smooth and fuss-free.
• Breathtaking views: From waterfalls in Sapadere Canyon to Alanya Castle’s coastline vistas.
• Affordable price: At $23, the tour offers good value, especially considering all the included activities.
• Duration: A full-day experience lasting 6 to 8 hours, perfect for a relaxed but busy day.
• Group size & languages: Guided in multiple languages with a live guide, but note German-speaking guides may be unavailable for small groups.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on This Tour

Starting Out: Transfer & Journey to Sapadere Canyon

Once you’re picked up from your hotel in Side, the journey begins in a comfortable bus or minibus heading toward the Taurus Mountains. Expect around 2.5 hours on the road, which might seem long, but the scenery along the way makes it worthwhile. The lush mountain vistas and rural Turkish landscapes will give you a sense of the region’s beauty even before you get to the canyon.

Exploring Sapadere Canyon

Arriving at Sapadere Canyon, you’ll be guided through the wooden walkways that wind through a verdant gorge dotted with waterfalls. Here, the star is definitely the refreshing mist of waterfalls, perfect for cooling down on a warm day. The crystal-clear waters invite you to dip your toes or simply admire the natural beauty. The canyon’s well-maintained trails and lush surroundings offer a peaceful escape from crowds and give you a chance to connect with nature.

A point worth noting is that the canyon entrance fee is 150 TL, which you’ll need to pay on arrival, and the guided tour includes this. Since the canyon is a major highlight, it’s worth the small extra expense for the chance to see this scenic spot up close.

Moving on to Alanya: Cable Car & Castle

After the canyon exploration, your tour continues with about 2 to 2.5 hours of free time in Alanya. You’ll have the chance to hop aboard the scenic cable car—a highlight for many visitors—taking you up to the historic Alanya Castle. The ride offers sweeping views of the coastline that are truly spectacular, especially if you’re into panoramic scenery.

While at the castle, you’ll get to enjoy the historic fortress and the views of Alanya’s coastline, Damlata Cave, and beyond. The guide will provide historical insights, making this part of the tour both scenic and educational. For those interested, you can also opt to take the cable car back down or explore around the Damlata Cave—entrance to the cave is paid separately and requires a credit card.

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Cleopatra Beach Break

Next, you’ll visit world-famous Cleopatra Beach, renowned for its fine sands and clear waters. It’s the perfect spot to take some photos or just relax by the sea. You’ll have a bit of free time here, so whether you choose to lounge on the sand, dip your toes, or grab a quick snack, it’s a relaxing end to your sightseeing.

Lunch & Return

Throughout the day, a delicious lunch is served—either at the canyon or a local restaurant—giving you the energy boost needed after all the walking and sightseeing. Drinks aren’t included, so bring some cash if you want to buy refreshments.

The return trip to Side wraps up the day, with most tours concluding in the early evening. The experience is well-paced, and the guide’s commentary helps fill in the historical and natural context, making the day more meaningful.

The Practical Details

This tour is designed to be accessible and hassle-free, with hotel pickups included in Side, saving you the stress of city navigation. The group sizes are moderate, guided in several languages including English, Russian, Polish, German, Turkish, and Turkmen. Do note that smaller groups may not get the German-speaking guide service.

The tour duration varies between 6 and 8 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling overly rushed. The price of around $23 includes all the main activities, guided commentary, and transfers, but be prepared for additional costs such as personal expenses, the canyon entrance fee, cable car ticket, and cave admission.

What You Need to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes for canyon trails and uneven terrain
• A camera to capture the stunning views
• Sunscreen for protection during outdoor stops
• Water to stay hydrated

Considerations

While the tour is quite comprehensive, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to the canyon walk’s uneven paths. Children under 5 may need to sit on a parent’s lap during transportation, so plan accordingly if traveling with little ones.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a balanced mix of nature, history, and leisure—perfect for travelers who want to see a variety of sights without fuss. The scenic waterfalls, panoramic cable car ride, and relaxing beach stop make for a well-rounded day. The price point of around $23, including hotel transfers and guided tours, makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers looking for value.

If you’re eager to experience the natural beauty of Turkey’s Taurus Mountains, enjoy sweeping coastal views, and have some free beach time, this trip covers all those bases. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities and like having a guide to enrich the experience, making it a practical, enjoyable day.

For travelers seeking a straightforward, scenic, and culturally interesting outing from Side, this tour is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel transfers from Side, making it convenient and hassle-free.

How long is the journey from Side to Sapadere Canyon?
The transfer takes approximately 2.5 hours each way, so plan for a total of around 5 hours of travel time.

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs about $23 per person, which covers the guided sightseeing, transfers, and lunch.

Are there any additional costs I should know about?
Yes, the canyon entrance fee (150 TL), cable car tickets, and Damlata Cave entrance are paid separately. Drinks are also extra.

Is the tour suitable for families or children?
It generally suits most travelers, but children under 5 need to sit on a parent’s lap during transfers. The canyon walk involves uneven paths, so consider this if traveling with young kids or those with mobility issues.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a camera, and water are recommended.

Are guides available in different languages?
Yes, the tour is guided in Russian, English, Polish, German, Turkish, and Turkmen, though German guides may not be available for very small groups.

How long do I get free time at Cleopatra Beach and Alanya?
You’ll have about 2 hours at Cleopatra Beach and around 2 to 2.5 hours in Alanya for sightseeing and relaxing.

Can I buy tickets for the cable car on the day?
Yes, the cable car ticket is paid directly to the guide, and there’s no need to pre-book.

All in all, if you’re after a day that combines nature, views, and relaxed coastal vibes, this tour from Side makes for a solid choice. Just be ready for some travel time, and you’ll return home with plenty of memories and photos.

You can check availability for your dates here: