When staying in Alanya, it's impossible to ignore the spectacular mountains that surround the city. The Taurus mountain range demands attention, traveling for more than 550 kilometers along Turkey’s southern coast and reaching heights of over 3,700 meters.

Day trips to the Taurus Mountains from Alanya enable you to explore the diversity of the region, from its unique limestone formations to its soaring peaks, all with panoramic views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea in the distance.

Here's all you need to know about Taurus Mountains, one of the most exciting day trips from Alanya.

How to get to the Taurus Mountains from Alanya?

The Taurus Mountains are located in southern Turkey and run parallel to the coastline, separating the Mediterranean Sea from central Anatolia. The range covers more than 550 kilometers and its foothills are around 40 kilometers from Alanya.

From Alanya to the Taurus Mountains by car

In order to make the journey to the Taurus Mountains by car, you’ll journey south out of Alanya, following the coast along the D400.

Upon reaching the town of Mahmutlar, you’ll travel inland along Kılıçarslan Cadessi, which leads on to the Alanya Sariveliler Yolu. This road leads all the way into the mountains and you can continue on to your destination from there.

While the journey varies in duration based on the location you wish to visit, you can reach the outskirts of the mountains in approximately an hour.

Guided tour to the Taurus Mountains from Alanya

As public transportation options are limited in such a remote location, those without access to a car may consider making the jaunt to the Taurus Mountains via a guided excursion instead.

These types of tours vary in duration, depending on the activities they include but usually last around 7 hours. You’ll benefit from a convenient accommodation pickup service from your hotel in Alanya at a predetermined time — often around 9 AM — and you’ll be returned to the same spot after your adventure.

What is the typical itinerary?

Taurus Mountains day trips always begin with a complimentary hotel pickup from the lobby of your accommodation. After meeting your friendly guide and boarding your vehicle, you’ll begin driving up into the mountain range.

While some excursions travel directly to a destination in the region for an activity, such as zip lining, others take the scenic route, stopping at multiple locations along the way, which include religious monuments, to gain a detailed view of southern Turkey.

You can expect to see cypress forests, as well as orange trees and other exotic fruits as you travel through the landscape. If you participate in a zip lining tour from Alanya, you’ll be returned directly to your hotel after the activity.

However, many Taurus Mountains day tours last all day and provide you with lunch. This is often served at the side of a river where you can bond with your group over your shared experience and dig into local Turkish fare.

You may also have some leisure time in the afternoon to soak up the sun from the banks of Dimcay or slip into the waters for a rejuvenating swim, before returning to Alanya where your Taurus Mountains excursion ends.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Taurus Mountains?

There are a couple of different options to choose from when it comes to selecting your Taurus Mountains day tour. The one you choose will depend on the level of adventure you wish to experience.

Guided jeep tours to the Taurus Mountains from Alanya

The most popular Taurus Mountains day trips happen on board a Jeep tour, bumping their way across the rugged terrain of the range’s peaks and valleys. This journey is more than just a transfer from point A to point B.

Instead, it’s an adventure all on its own, immersing you in the natural landscape of southern Turkey and providing you with an adrenaline-spiking off-road experience.

You’ll visit several traditional monuments as you make your way through this breathtaking region, including a historic mosque, and you’ll have the opportunity to sample local produce, such as gözleme — a stuffed flatbread, prepared on a griddle.

You’ll travel through citrus groves and stop along Dimcay, which runs for 60 kilometers into the Mediterranean Sea, in order to feast on local cuisine deep in the heart of nature.

Zip lining tour to the Taurus Mountains from Alanya

Alternatively, thrillseekers can participate in a zip lining day tour in the Taurus Mountains. You’ll journey into the region, watching the scenery around you become more dramatic, the higher you ascend.

Once you reach your destination, you’ll get kitted up and prepare yourself for a spine-tingling experience.

You’ll speed along your zip line for 90 seconds, covering a span of a kilometer approximately 300 meters above the dense pine thickets and lofty peaks of the mountains. As you zoom through the air, you’ll gain panoramic views that stretch as far as the Mediterranean Sea.

How much does a day trip to the Taurus Mountains from Alanya cost?

Taurus Mountains day trips that take place via a jeep typically cost between US$20 and US$30 per adult. Children between the ages of 4 and 11 usually cost between US$10, and US$20 each while those under the age of 4 can join in for free.

While they follow the same itinerary, these excursions operate in differing group sizes, varying from 15 to 40 participants.

If you opt for a zip lining experience in the Taurus Mountains, you’ll pay US$110 per person. This adventure is only bookable as a solo traveler and those staying in other areas, such as Konakli can benefit from a reduced rate.

What will you see and do?

The Taurus Mountains run along the south of Turkey and stretch between Lake Egridir, and the Euphrates River. As the area is so vast, it is divided into three sections — Western Taurus, Central Taurus and Southeastern Taurus.

Mount Kizilkaya is the highest point in the Taurus Mountains, closely followed by Mount Demirkazık, both of which have an elevation of over 3,700 meters.

This colossal mountain range was formed by a collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates over a million years ago, and those on a day trip to the Taurus Mountains can learn all about its geology.

Alongside its peaks, this corner of Turkey is filled with deep ravines where visitors can engage in a range of activities, such as Köprülü Canyon rafting tours and canyoning excursions.

Sapadere Canyon is another popular spot and many tourists choose to visit the gorge, which features powerful waterfalls, while tumble into deep azure pools.

When is the best time to visit the Taurus Mountains?

The Taurus Mountains in southern Turkey are best visited during the spring months of March to May and the autumn months of September to November.

During these times, the weather is mild, and the landscapes are vibrant. Winter, on the other hand, is ideal for skiing and snowboarding activities.

Are there any tours to the Taurus Mountains from other cities in Turkey?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Turkey:

Travel tips

Plan your itinerary in advance and consider hiring a local guide for insights and navigation.
Wear comfortable walking shoes for any hiking or exploration you may undertake. Also bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Stay hydrated and pack snacks.

Taurus Mountains: Day Trips and Tours from Alanya