Alanya Sapadere Canyon Tour: My Complete Review 2024

Okay, so you’re thinking about doing the Alanya Sapadere Canyon tour, that is right? You, like your, want a day trip that offers a change from the beach, like I did, too? As a matter of fact, I just got back, and I had to, naturally, share my complete take on the whole thing. We will touch on Sapadere Canyon, the Dwarves Cave, the waterfall, that is the most important part, and the included lunch. Was it worth it? Keep reading so you can find out!

What is the Sapadere Canyon Tour About?

Alright, so the Sapadere Canyon tour, very simply, is that kind of day out of Alanya that takes you into the Taurus Mountains. The main event is a walk through Sapadere Canyon, basically, a really awesome gorge carved out by, seemingly, the river over thousands of years. Some tours also add in a visit to the Dwarves Cave (that’s Gnomes Cave actually) and they will almost certainly include lunch, typically, at a riverside spot. It’s supposed to be, and often is, a chance to experience a more untamed Turkey, unlike those packed beaches of Alanya. To be honest, I think most tours operate pretty similarly, actually. The slight variation is in the included extras or, for instance, the time spent at each location.

Basically, here’s the quick rundown of what to, typically, expect:

Pick-up from Your Hotel: Actually, most tours provide this. Expect to start very early to beat those crowds, more or less.
Sapadere Canyon Walk: A wooden walkway, usually, hugs the canyon walls, so it is making for an, actually, easy walk with impressive views. It’s, arguably, the heart of the tour.
Dwarves Cave (Gnomes Cave) Visit: Usually a quick stop to see some, literally, interesting rock formations. Don’t expect actual dwarves though!
Waterfall Dip: Many tours let you, like your, take a dip in the cold waterfall pool. It’s invigorating, that is if you’re brave enough!
Lunch by the River: This, typically, rounds out the tour – a relaxed lunch at a riverside restaurant. Usually grilled fish or chicken is served.
Drop-off at Your Hotel: After a day out, of course, they will take you back, safely.

My Day at Sapadere Canyon: The Experience

Okay, so, actually, my day began at around 8:00 AM, probably, with a pick-up from my hotel in Alanya. The bus, I will admit, was, actually, a bit packed, very early. Very quickly, though, I struck up a conversation with some, seemingly, other travelers and the time flew by, literally. It’s about a 40 km trip, pretty much. The drive, for instance, up into the mountains was beautiful! Very twisty roads and some really scenic views!

As a matter of fact, when we arrived at Sapadere Canyon, there were, basically, already a few tour buses parked. First impressions? It looked really amazing! That wooden walkway snaking through the towering canyon walls, for example, looked just awesome. Of course, as expected, it was really busy, actually. You had to be, kind of, patient to get those, actually, clear photos. I slowly made my way, actually, along the walkway, stopping often to take pictures. I mean, the water was crystal clear! The rock formations were wild. I could feel that cool spray in my face, probably, very refreshing on a really hot day, I think. The walk itself takes around 45 minutes, approximately. You do want to budget a little longer, probably, if you, like your, love taking photos, of course.

Actually, after the canyon walk, we hopped back on the bus, that is true, and drove, nearly, for about 15 minutes to the Dwarves Cave. Now, do not get your hopes up. It’s a pretty small cave, more or less, and you will do a walk, perhaps 5 minutes max. To be honest, the rock formations were pretty interesting, I thought. We all only spent maybe 20 minutes there, though.

And finally, it was lunchtime! You see, we went to a riverside restaurant, that’s what they often do. It had a really laid-back vibe, pretty cool. The food was, you know, pretty standard – I chose grilled chicken, served with salad and rice, by the way. Actually, the sound of the river flowing, more or less, next to us while we ate? So calming and chill!

The Highlight: Swimming in the Waterfall Pool

Alright, the real highlight for me, and what it could be for you, arguably, too, was swimming in the waterfall pool at the end of the Sapadere Canyon walk. Yeah, the water is cold. Frigid, really! I’m not kidding! I, for one, hesitated for a bit before I, actually, jumped in, as a matter of fact. So refreshing and exhilarating, literally. Basically, you want to wear water shoes since it is super slippery. So make sure to pack them!

As a matter of fact, one thing I should mention: some people found it just too cold to stay in for long. It might be wise, potentially, to gauge your cold tolerance beforehand. So you know! You do, however, get bragging rights!

What to Bring and What to Wear

Actually, planning ahead can make the tour a much better time for you, pretty much. These are the things I thought were most helpful:

Swimsuit: If you plan on braving that waterfall pool, it is obvious you will need it!
Towel: Another very obvious item, of course!
Water Shoes: The walkway can get slippery, yet, around the waterfall. I touched on that before, anyway! Also, very practical, definitely.
Sunscreen: I highly recommend that you will need some, that’s for sure! Even in the canyon, you can catch some rays!
Hat and Sunglasses: Ditto, to protect you from the sun.
Camera: A phone or camera to snap those views. Make some awesome reels for socials, as they say!
Cash: Maybe for drinks or souvenirs, yet you never know.

Regarding what to wear, so, basically, comfortable clothing and walking shoes are your friends. I liked wearing layers, actually. It can get really warm during the bus ride. Then again, it will also get cold in the canyon, you know!

Is the Sapadere Canyon Tour Worth It? My Verdict

Alright, so after considering everything, you, like your, want to know if I thought it was a great value, yeah? By and large, yes, that’s my conclusion. Particularly if you are after a break from the beach resorts and would like to see a, actually, more natural side of Turkey, just like I did, actually. Actually, the canyon is stunning, you cannot deny that, actually. That waterfall dip? Memorable, yet chilly!

Now, it is not a perfect tour, for sure. You know, it can get crowded, depending on the time of the year. Very often the Dwarves Cave isn’t much to write home about, it’s just the truth! Food is okay at best. Yet, overall, at the end of the day, for the cost, in general, the experience is pretty decent, as a matter of fact.

My recommendations? Aim to go either very early or late in the season, that tends to be best, so you can, too, hopefully avoid some of the crowds. Also, bring a waterproof camera or phone case so that you will capture all the fun while still protecting your phone.

Booking Your Tour: Some Options

Alright, so booking your Sapadere Canyon Tour is, basically, pretty straightforward, it turns out. Many of you will see tour operators in Alanya itself that are selling spots. However, there is, arguably, something to be said for online booking too. Not only does it make it easier, yet you’re likely going to save a bit, pretty much.

Online travel platforms: Websites like Viator, GetYourGuide and Tripadvisor are usually good, for example. You get to compare reviews, basically, and find, basically, a trip, that is if there are any to begin with.
Local agencies in Alanya: As I said before, there are plenty of stands, that is in the town, offering various tours, basically. If you, like your, book last-minute you, arguably, will not have any other options.
Hotels: Surprisingly, many hotels are happy to get these day trips sorted for their guests. Actually, this can come with extra comfort knowing your accommodation, potentially, is involved, actually.

You may want to make, seemingly, a quick price comparison, yet you know that is something, for instance, I typically do not touch on in reviews since costs change!

FAQ: Alanya Sapadere Canyon Tour

Is the Sapadere Canyon tour suitable for children?

Yeah, for the most part, I guess! However, bear in mind that the walkway can get crowded, seemingly. Be careful! Of course you might have to watch smaller children closely around that waterfall area, just saying!

How cold is the water in the waterfall pool?

Yeah, honestly, it’s cold! Refreshingly cold for some, yet perhaps too chilly for others, that said!

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Yes, usually, lunch is included, for instance. Don’t expect gourmet, I guess. They usually serve basic chicken, fish or kofta, by the way. It usually comes with salad and rice too. Drinks, for example, are rarely included, arguably!

What happens if it rains?

The tour typically continues even in light rain. It could be that you have to buy a cheap rain coat in town, that is if you had failed to pack one yourself!

Can I do the Sapadere Canyon tour independently?

Yeah, actually, you can rent a car and drive there, in fact. Yet the convenience of, potentially, having a tour organized is well worth the cost, pretty much.

In summary, the important bits:

Sapadere Canyon presents an easily walked wooden path carved through steep rock cliffs and fast-flowing water.
The Dwarves Cave is an optional extra, I am just pointing that out!
Be brave! Swim in the waterfall, you can boast about it when you return home!
Check, as previously mentioned, the weather before and be armed with essentials for that scenario.
Book your trip by making comparisons of those offered online and locally. You are, therefore, best positioned to grab, actually, a saving!