Horse Riding from Side – An Hour in the Saddle Through Pine Forest & Taurus Foothills
Side’s days usually belong to the sandy beaches and the ruins by the harbour. For one half-day, trade both for pine-scented trails: a free transfer takes you east to a family-run ranch in the green hills near Alanya, where the trainers pair you with a calm horse for about an hour on forest and hill paths.
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Operating days
- Daily
- Pickup
- Flexible – confirmed after booking
- Destination
- Alanya
Free transfer from Side
Whether your hotel lies on the west beach towards Kumkoy, on the east beach towards Sorgun or in the old town, the ride to the ranch and back costs nothing extra. In the narrow lanes of the old town the minibus meets you at the nearest point it can reach. The ranch sits east of Side, in the hills near Alanya, so the drive along the coast takes a while – sit back and watch the sea go by. The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.
On the trail
- Safety briefing and riding basics before you mount
- Roughly an hour on paths through pine forest and over gentle hills
- A calm walk for first-timers, longer and livelier sections for confident riders
- Photo stops with the Taurus Mountains as a backdrop – and on clear days the sea
- Free time at the ranch afterwards with the farm animals
Good to know before you book
Let us know each rider’s age, height and experience when you book – the trainers use it to choose the horses. Long trousers and closed shoes are best; a cap, sunscreen and a bottle of water help too, and swimwear is worth packing, as some routes stop at a swimming spot. Helmet and riding gear are provided, drinks and photos are paid separately. A sunset ride in the golden light is possible on request – just mention it when you book. For a very different view of the same coast, try tandem paragliding from Side – a flight from the mountain above Alanya down to Cleopatra Beach.
Highlights
- About 1 hour of riding through forest and hills
- Calm, well-trained horses for all levels
- Safety briefing and professional trainers
- Photo stops and views of the Taurus Mountains
- Family-friendly ranch with farm animals
- Sunset rides on request
Hotel pickup from Side
Pickup times depend on where your hotel is and change from season to season, so we confirm your exact pickup time by WhatsApp or e-mail after booking. Please be ready at the hotel entrance 5 minutes early.
Hotels we pick up from in Side
- Acanthus Cennet Barut Collection
- Club Melas Privé
- Megasaray Resort Side
- Barut Hemera
- Adalya Bliss
- Novum Garden Side Hotel
- VONRESORT Golden Coast & Aqua
- Voyage Sorgun Hotel
- Liu Resorts
- Barut GOIA
- Side Star Beach Hotel
Your hotel is not on the list? No problem – just tell us its name when booking and we will arrange your pickup.
Itinerary
-
Hotel pickup
Pickup from your hotel in Side – we confirm the exact time after booking.
-
Arrival at the ranch
Welcome and introduction to the horses.
-
Safety briefing
Rules of the ride and riding basics from the trainers.
-
Horse riding
About 1 hour through forest and hills.
-
Breaks
Photo stops and, depending on the route, a short swim.
-
Back at the ranch
Relax, look at the photos and enjoy some free time.
-
Hotel drop-off
Transfer back to your hotel in Side.
Included / Not included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (see note for Alanya city centre)
- Approximately 1 hour of horse riding
- All riding equipment including helmet
- Guide and riding trainer
Not included
- Transfer from Alanya city centre (+€10 per person)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Photos
Good to know
Good to know
- Free transfer from Avsallar, Okurcalar, Türkler, Konaklı, İncekum, Mahmutlar, Kestel, Oba, Kızılağaç, Kızılot, Side and Manavgat.
- Advance booking is recommended, especially for sunset rides.
- Please tell us the age, height and riding experience of each rider when booking.
What to bring
- Comfortable trousers and clothes suitable for riding
- Closed shoes or trainers
- Sunscreen and a cap
- Water bottle
- Swimwear (optional)
Frequently asked questions
Is the transfer from Side really free?
Yes. Side is on the ranch’s list of areas with a free transfer, so the drive there and back is included in your booking.
I have never sat on a horse – is that a problem?
Not at all. The horses are used to beginners, the trainers explain everything first, and newcomers stay at a walk on easy trails.
Can children join?
Yes, families are welcome. Tell us the children’s ages and heights when booking so the ranch can pick suitable horses.
How long does the outing take?
You ride for about an hour; with the drive from Side, the briefing and time at the ranch it fills roughly half a day.
What should I wear?
Long trousers, closed shoes or trainers, a cap and sunscreen. The helmet and riding equipment are provided.
