Sapadere Canyon: Day Trips and Tours from Side

Once a secret spot nestled away in the Taurus Mountains, Sapadere Canyon has been unearthed to the public and is now a top tourist attraction, featuring cascading waterfalls, vibrant teal pools, and ancient rock formations.

Sapadere Canyon day trips from Side are an ideal way for outdoor enthusiasts to explore another side of Turkey, away from its soft sands and beach umbrellas. With easy footpaths and plenty of natural wonders to discover, these excursions are perfect for the whole family.

Here's all you need to know about Sapadere Canyon, one of the most exciting day trips from Side.

How to get to Sapadere Canyon from Side?

Sapadere Canyon is located in the Taurus mountain range, which can be found in the Antalya region of southern Turkey. The ravine is approximately 110 kilometers southeast of Side.

From Side to Sapadere Canyon by car

The journey to Sapadere Canyon by car takes just under 2 hours and begins by following the D400 south of the town. You’ll continue along that route, following the coastline for most of the way, and merging onto Dermitas Yolu just before Keşefli. Continuing on, you’ll drive along Sapadere Köyü Yolu to reach the gorge.

Guided tour to Sapadere Canyon from Side

As public transportation to the site is limited, the best way for those without access to a car to make the jaunt to Sapadere Canyon is via an organized tour. These day trips typically last between 8 and 9 hours, beginning with a convenient hotel pickup between 8 AM and 9 AM.

Once you’ve finished your adventure, you’ll be dropped back to the same spot, so that you can spend the rest of the day relaxing or sightseeing.

How much does the entrance ticket to Sapadere Canyon cost?

The entry fee for Sapadere Canyon is just TRY 12 (US$0.50) per person, making it a budget-friendly spot to explore on vacation. This cost is usually covered if you choose to participate in a guided excursion to Sapadere Canyon.

What is the typical itinerary?

While the itinerary of each Sapadere Canyon day trip differs, they usually begin with a pickup from your hotel lobby by a friendly guide. You’ll board your vehicle and meet your group, wasting no time setting off toward the Taurus Mountains. The journey is relatively long, however, you can sit back and relax as you see the changing landscape as you ascend into the mountain range.

After a scenic drive through the peaks and valleys of Antalya, you’ll arrive at your destination where you’ll depart your vehicle, and take a leisurely stroll through the canyon, marveling at the natural wonders that surround you. You’ll break for lunch, which is usually provided by your tour operator, and continue on to other neighboring landmarks, such as Goblin’s Cave.

From here, many Sapadere Canyon day tours return to Side. However, others make a stop at the city of Alanya en route where you can spend several hours as you wish, stretching out on its sandy shores or purchasing local goods.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Sapadere Canyon?

You can choose from a couple of different Sapadere Canyon day tours, depending on which additional sights you wish to see.

Guided tours to Sapadere Canyon plus Goblin’s Cave from Side

This Sapadere Canyon day trip begins by leaving Side behind and journeying into southern Turkey’s wilderness to reach the ravine. Upon arrival, you can wander the site’s boardwalk, admire its tumbling falls and discover the geology of the Taurus Mountains. Moving on, you’ll have the opportunity to check out a historic cave and explore its hidden nooks before returning to your accommodation.

Day trip to Sapadere Canyon plus Alanya from Side

First, you’ll venture to the dramatic gorge of Sapadere Canyon where you’ll stretch your legs with an energizing hike through its limestone formation. You’ll discover the flora and fauna of the region, as well as its roaring waterfalls, which you can slip into for a refreshing swim.

You’ll journey on to Goblin’s Cave before stopping off in Alanya to roam its streets at your leisure. You can dip your toes in the Mediterranean from its beach once frequented by the Egyptian queen, Cleopatra, shop for souvenirs or simply relax with a cup of Turkish tea and watch the hustle and bustle from afar.

How much does a day trip to Sapadere Canyon from Side cost?

A day trip to Sapadere Canyon plus Goblin’s Cave costs approximately US$40 per adult while children aged 6 to 12 benefit from a reduced fare of US$30 each. Those under 5 can participate for free and you’ll be part of a small group limited to 17 guests.

Those who opt for an Alanya and Sapadere Canyon day tour will also pay US$40 per adult. Children are classed as those aged 11 and under, and cost US$30 each. You can upgrade your excursion to include a cable car ride in Alanya for US$50 per adult and US$40 per child.

Both of these day trips include lunch, as well as the services of a professional guide. However, entrance fees to Goblin’s Cave will be at your own expense.

What will you see and do?

Sapadere Canyon cuts through 750 meters of the Taurus Mountains, its limestone walls soaring to heights of 400 meters. Formed by glacial movements during the Ice Age, which began over 2 million years ago and ended less than 12,000 years ago, the ravine is best known for its numerous waterfalls, which tumble into turquoise pools from various elevations.

Visitors on a Sapadere Canyon day trip can immerse themselves fully in the nature of this corner of Turkey by dipping into the icy waters and enjoying a rejuvenating swim. The temperature of the water hovers around 10 degrees Celsius year-round and the site is fed from the lofty mountains that surround it.

Up until recently, the canyon was a hidden gem of the Taurus mountain range, only discovered by locals. Now, however, it has developed into a tourist attraction, with boardwalks built above the water to make discovering the ravine easy for all fitness levels. Sapadere Canyon provides a home for a wealth of birdlife, as well as several species of butterflies.

What are the opening times?

Sapadere Canyon is open to visitors year-round between 8 AM and 4 PM, which makes it easy to plan a day trip to the site.

When is the best time to visit Sapadere Canyon

The best time to visit Sapadere Canyon is during the spring and autumn months, specifically from April to June and September to November. During these seasons, the weather is pleasurable, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.

The canyon is at its most beautiful during spring when the surrounding flora is in full bloom, and the waterfalls are flowing with crystal-clear water. Autumn also offers stunning views with vibrant foliage. It is advisable to avoid the peak summer months as the temperatures can soar, and crowds are at their highest.

Are there any tours to Sapadere Canyon from other cities in Turkey?

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

• Day Trips to Sapadere Canyon from Alanya

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be exploring the canyon on foot, and some paths might be uneven.
• Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun, as the canyon offers limited shade.
• Bring a swimsuit and a towel if you wish to take a refreshing dip in the canyon's natural pools and waterfalls.
• Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Consider bringing insect repellent, especially during the warmer months, to ward off any pesky bugs.
• Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning natural beauty of the canyon and its surroundings!