Sapadere Canyon 4×4 Day Trip from Alanya

East of Alanya the Taurus Mountains hide one of the coast’s loveliest natural sights: Sapadere Canyon, a narrow limestone gorge where clear spring water tumbles over small waterfalls into turquoise pools. This day trip takes you there by 4×4 jeep, with a few good stops on the way and lunch before the canyon walk.

On the way: plantations, a cave and a village

The convoy heads east past banana plantations and terraced fields and stops for a panoramic view back over the coast. Next comes the Dwarves Cave (Cüceler Mağarası), a small limestone cave you can visit for €3 if you like, followed by a short stop in Sapadere village. Along the way the jeeps start splashing each other – the water fights are part of the day – and then it is time for lunch: grilled chicken, salad, pasta or rice, with grilled fish as an option.

The canyon walk and the cold pools

In the afternoon you walk into the canyon on a wooden boardwalk about 360 metres long, between steep rock walls where ferns and plane trees cling to the cliffs. At the end you can step into a natural pool: the spring water stays at around 12°C even in midsummer, so most people manage a quick dip and a loud gasp. The canyon entrance fee is included in the price.

Pickup, prices and tips

Pickup is around 09:30 from hotels in Alanya, Mahmutlar, Kestel, Oba, Konakli, Turkler, Avsallar and Okurcalar, and you are back at about 16:30. Adults pay €33, children aged 3–11 €15 and under-3s are free; an open-top jeep costs €5 extra per person. The boardwalk and stairs can be wet, so wear non-slip shoes and bring water shoes or sandals for the pools. Would you rather swim in a river? See the jeep safari to the Dim River.