Alanya Day Trips: A Day Trip Plan from Antalya and Side
Alanya day trips: travel time and distance from Antalya and Side, and how to plan one day around Sapadere, a boat tour or an evening programme.
The most practical plan for Alanya day trips is to build the day around one main activity: Sapadere Canyon in the mountains, a boat tour on the sea, or an evening castle and boat programme. The drive from Side to Alanya takes about an hour, and from Antalya usually around two hours. That makes a day trip from the city possible, but you need to keep the schedule tight.
How far is Alanya from Antalya, and how long does the drive take?
The coastal road between Antalya and Alanya is about 120-135 km. On a day with no traffic, the drive by car takes around 2 hours. In the summer season and at weekends, this can take longer. Since you will need to make the same journey back in the evening, you will spend more than 4 hours on the road in total.
For this reason, if you are staying in Antalya, it is more sensible to plan a full day in Alanya rather than a half day. Leaving early in the morning and visiting the castle or beach in the afternoon, then returning late, works well. If you plan to join an evening programme, think about your return journey in advance. Returning to Antalya late at night without an overnight stay can be tiring.
Is a day trip from Side to Alanya a good idea?
Yes. The distance between Side and Alanya is about 60-65 km, and the drive usually takes around one hour. Leaving in the morning and returning in the evening is easily done. You can find detailed transport options in our Alanya to Side transport article. The key point here is to fit the end time of your programme in Alanya around your return journey.
In Alanya tours, pick-up is usually arranged from accommodation in Alanya. If you are staying in Side or Antalya, confirm the pick-up point and what the transfer includes with the operator before booking. That way, you will have no surprises in the morning.
What can you do in Alanya in one day?
The options below suit different paces. Choose one as your main plan based on your interests.
Mountain and nature day: Sapadere Canyon
The 6-hour Alanya: Sapadere Canyon Tour with Lunch and Cave Visit tour takes place in the Taurus Mountains and begins with a journey through banana and avocado orchards. The first stop is a historic stone bridge and a traditional gözleme break. The programme also includes lunch and a cave visit. It suits those who want a cool, green day away from the coastal crowds. Bring comfortable shoes and a light top layer.
Sea day: Catamaran trip
The Alanya: Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Soft Drinks tour lasts 4.5 hours and takes you past caves and bays along the Mediterranean coast. Lunch and soft drinks are included in the programme. You can leave early in the morning and spend your free time in the afternoon on the beach or around the castle. Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen and a towel.
Evening: Castle road, boat and dinner
The Alanya: Night Jeep Safari, Boat Trip and Dinner tour starts at 18:30 and lasts about 5 hours. Using Land Rover Defender vehicles, you travel along the coast road past Damlataş and Cleopatra Beach to the western entrance of Alanya Castle, where there is a photo stop. This is followed by a boat trip and dinner. If you want to spend the day in Side or Antalya and come to Alanya for the evening, check the end time of this tour against your return plan.
Short and high-energy: Paragliding
The tandem flight Alanya: Tandem Paragliding Flight Over Cleopatra Beach lasts about 2 hours. You take off from the mountain with a pilot, who guides you throughout the flight. As it depends on weather conditions, leave a flexible schedule. If you have another plan during the day, choose your time accordingly.
How do you plan an Alanya day trip in October?
In October the sea is often still suitable for swimming, but because of the weather and tour dates that change towards the end of the season, check the tour schedule before booking. Evenings can be cooler than daytime. It is worth bringing a light top layer for boat or evening tours. As the days are shorter, take care not to set off near sunset.
How do you book an Alanya day trip?
You can view tours on TurB2C and choose your date and number of participants. The tour page states the programme duration, what is included and the pick-up information. If you are coming from Antalya or Side, confirm the pick-up location and meeting time before booking. Opening times and departure days can change, so it is safest to check before your visit.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make a day trip from Antalya to Alanya?
Yes, the drive usually takes around 2 hours. Planning a full day and leaving early in the morning is the most comfortable approach.
How many km is it from Side to Alanya, and how long does it take?
It is about 60-65 km and usually takes around an hour. The time can vary depending on traffic.
Is it possible to do more than one tour in a day?
It is possible with short tours, but fitting 4.5-6 hour tours into the same day can be tiring. One main tour followed by a light walk around the castle is a more comfortable plan.
Are day trips in Alanya available in October?
Usually yes, but departure days and times can change. Check the tour page and the weather forecast before booking.
