Sapadere Canyon Tour from Side – Canyon Walkway, Dwarves Cave & Free Time in Alanya
A cool green day in the Taurus Mountains east of Alanya: walk through Sapadere Canyon to its waterfall and icy pool, see the Dwarves Cave and banana gardens, then enjoy about two hours in Alanya – guide and lunch included.
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Operating days
- Wed, Sun
- Pickup
- 09:00 → 17:00
- Destination
- Alanya
Swap the beach for fresh mountain air for a day. The Sapadere Canyon tour from Side takes you about 100 km east into the green Taurus Mountains above Alanya, to a gorge that is often compared with the famous Saklıkent Canyon near Fethiye. On the way there are banana gardens and a dripstone cave, and the day ends with free time in the centre of Alanya – a nature trip and a town visit in one.
Sapadere Canyon – a walkway between the rocks
Rain, running water and wind have shaped Sapadere Canyon over thousands of years. A wooden walkway of about 360 metres now leads along the gorge, where the stream slides over terrace-like rock steps and unusual trees cling to the cliffs. At the far end a waterfall feeds a natural pool: the water is icy, yet a quick swim is the highlight of the day for many. The canyon entrance is included, and the village around it is surrounded by rich, untouched greenery.
Banana gardens and the Dwarves Cave
Before the canyon you stop in a banana garden, one of the typical sights of the Alanya coast. About 8 km south-east of the gorge lies the Dwarves Cave (Cüceler Mağarası), a small limestone cave discovered only in recent years. Its stalactites and stalagmites recall Alanya’s famous Damlataş Cave, and the air stays at around 20 °C all year – locals say it helps people with asthma. The visit is optional; the entrance is paid at the cave.
Two hours in Alanya
After lunch the road leads down to the coast for about two hours of free time in Alanya. Visit Damlataş Cave, take the cable car up to the castle, stroll along Cleopatra Beach or browse the shops – everything is within walking distance. The tour runs on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Would you rather see Alanya in full? The Alanya city tour from Side adds a boat tour and lunch by the Dim River. And if you like water and canyons, the Green Canyon boat tour is just a short drive from Side.
Highlights
- Sapadere Canyon on a 360-metre wooden walkway
- Waterfall and natural pool for an icy swim
- Optional visit to the Dwarves Cave
- Stop in a banana garden
- About two hours of free time in Alanya
- Lunch and canyon entrance included
Itinerary
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09:00
Departure for the Taurus
We collect you from your hotel in the Side area and head east towards Sapadere. The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.
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Banana garden
A stop among the banana plantations of the Alanya coast.
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Dwarves Cave
Optional visit to the small limestone cave with stalactites and stalagmites (entrance paid on site).
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Sapadere Canyon
The 360-metre walkway to the waterfall and its natural pool, with free time and a swim for the brave.
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Lunch
Lunch break, included in the tour.
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Free time in Alanya
About two hours for the cave, the cable car, Cleopatra Beach or the shops.
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17:00
Back from the mountains
Arrival at your hotel in the late afternoon.
Included / Not included
Included
- Transport from the Side area to Sapadere and Alanya and back
- Guide
- Lunch
- Entrance to Sapadere Canyon
Not included
- Drinks
- Entrance to the Dwarves Cave
- Cable car, Damlataş Cave and other extras during the free time in Alanya
Packages & options
Sapadere Canyon tour
Guide, lunch and canyon entrance
Good to know
Good to know
- The tour runs on Wednesdays and Sundays.
- The canyon is about 100 km from Side, so part of the day is spent on the road.
- The walkway can be wet and the water in the pool is very cold – swimming is at your own discretion.
What to bring
- Swimwear, shorts and a towel if you want to swim in the canyon pool
- Walking shoes with a good grip
- A light top layer for the shady gorge
- Camera and some cash
Frequently asked questions
How do we travel to Sapadere Canyon?
You travel by tour vehicle with your guide from your hotel in the Side area. There is no off-road driving, so the day suits families and anyone who wants an easy nature trip.
How long is the canyon walk?
The wooden walkway is about 360 metres long and ends at a waterfall with a natural pool. It is an easy walk, but the boards can be wet, so wear shoes with a good grip.
Can we swim in Sapadere Canyon?
Yes, in the natural pool below the waterfall – but be ready for icy water, even in summer. Bring swimwear and a towel.
Is the Dwarves Cave included?
The visit is optional and its entrance is not included; you pay at the cave if you would like to go in.
What can we do in Alanya?
You have about two hours in the centre: visit Damlataş Cave, ride the cable car to the castle, relax on Cleopatra Beach or go shopping – all within walking distance.
