How to Get to Sapadere Canyon from Alanya? 3 Routes and Journey Times
How do you get to Sapadere Canyon from Alanya? We've summarised the tour, hire car and taxi options, journey time and what to watch for in October.
The easiest way to get to Sapadere Canyon from Alanya is a day tour with hotel pickup and drop-off. The canyon lies north of Alanya, at the end of a mountain road on the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, and by car it usually takes just under an hour from the city centre. You can also go by your own car or by taxi, but knowing the road, which is full of bends and steep slopes, makes things easier.
Below you'll find answers to the questions asked most often about this route.
Where is Sapadere Canyon in Alanya?
Not inside Alanya itself, but in the mountainous area behind the city. As you leave the coast and climb, the seaside heat falls away, the air cools and the surroundings take on a wooded look. So it's a good idea to pack a light jacket, allowing for the temperature difference during the day.
The canyon is explored along walking paths and platforms built into a deep valley. It offers a very different side of Alanya from the sea, making a good break from a beach day.
What is the easiest way to get from Alanya to Sapadere?
Going with an organised tour requires the least planning. The Sapadere Canyon tour Alanya: Sapadere Canyon Tour with Lunch and Cave Visit in our catalogue takes about 6 hours. En route you pass through banana and avocado orchards and stop at a historic stone bridge and a traditional gözleme break. Then comes the canyon and cave visit, and lunch is included in the programme. The pickup point and time are given on the booking page, so check there before setting off.
The advantage of a tour is that you don't have to worry about the road, parking or where to eat, and you needn't think about the return time. The downside is that you can't spend time in the canyon at your own pace and have to keep to the schedule.
Can I go in my own car?
Yes, you can. Hiring a car in Alanya is common and the road is asphalted, but on the mountain road driving is slow. Enter "Sapadere Canyon" into your satnav and download an offline map to your phone before setting off, as signal can be poor in the mountains.
Plan to head back in daylight to avoid driving the mountain road in the dark. In October the day ends early, so leaving the canyon by mid-afternoon at the latest makes sense.
Is there a taxi or dolmuş option?
You can go by taxi. Agree the round trip and waiting time with the driver in advance, and especially secure the return ride. Finding a car to take you back from the mountains may not be as easy as in the city.
I can't give you reliable information on public transport, as routes and timetables change. Get up-to-date information from the bus station or your hotel reception. If you're relying on a dolmuş, be sure to find out about the return option beforehand.
How long does a trip to Sapadere take?
Allow about 6 hours for the tour. If you're going by your own car, plan for half a day including the road and walking, or nearly a full day with a meal. The journey itself makes up much of the outing; one or two hours is enough for walking and photos in the canyon.
Is it worth going to Sapadere in October?
Yes, it's a more comfortable time for walking than the hot months. Still, pay attention to two things. First, after rain, stone and wooden paths become slippery, so wear shoes with good grip. Second, in autumn the air in the mountain shade is noticeably cooler than on the coast.
Opening hours and paths inside the canyon may change depending on the season and weather, so check before you go.
Who is it suitable for?
Anyone who enjoys walking and wants to see something beyond the sea. Families with children can go too, but keep hold of small children's hands on the platforms and steps. For those with limited mobility, part of the route may be challenging, so it's better to check with the operator before booking.
What are the alternatives to Sapadere?
If you want one day in the mountains and another doing something different, there are several options:
- Jeep safari: Alanya : Jeep Water Fights Safari w/Lunch, an approximately 6-hour tour climbing into the mountains, with water fights and lunch.
- Quad safari: Alanya: 4x4 Quad Safari in the Mountains and Buggy Option, an approximately 3.5-hour ride through forest, mud and water; a buggy option is also available.
- Green Canyon tour: Alanya: Green Canyon Boat Tour with Cabrio Safari and Lunch. This is a different place. It is done by boat, includes a safari and lunch, and takes about 7.5 hours. Don't confuse it with Sapadere.
What should I bring?
- Closed-toe shoes with good grip
- A light jacket or cardigan
- Water and sun cream
- Cash; card payments may not work at small businesses in the mountains
- An offline map on your phone
Frequently asked questions
How far is Sapadere Canyon from Alanya city centre?
By mountain road it usually takes just under an hour. Traffic and weather conditions can change this.
Should I go on a tour or in my own car?
If you don't want to worry about the road and parking, a tour is more comfortable. If you want to explore at your own pace, you can hire a car, but you need to be used to driving on mountain roads.
Can you swim at Sapadere in October?
This trip is planned for walking and nature, not swimming. If you're thinking about swimming, a beach or boat tour is more suitable.
Can the canyon be visited in the rain?
After rain the paths become slippery and some sections may close. If the weather is bad, check the current situation with the operator or tour company before you go.
Choose whichever option from the tour, hire car and taxi choices suits you for getting from Alanya to Sapadere. Whichever you pick, plan to head back in daylight.
