If you want to cool off from the heat on the Alanya coast, you can turn your route towards Sapadere Canyon in the hinterland. A narrow, cool valley carved by limestone rock, a wooden walkway, waterfalls and pools of cold water make a great combination for a day trip. In this guide we have collected what you do in the canyon and what you should know before you go.
What is Sapadere Canyon?
Sapadere is a canyon in the hinterland of Alanya, near a traditional village. A wooden walkway of about 360 metres runs through the valley and takes you between waterfalls and cold water. The water temperature in the canyon is about 12 degrees, which gives real coolness to anyone who wants to escape the heat in summer.
What does the tour include?
The Sapadere Canyon Jeep Safari from Alanya takes you to the canyon in off-road vehicles. The stops of the day are:
- Banana plantation viewpoint: A photo stop at a point overlooking the banana plantations on the slopes of Alanya. Thanks to the mild climate of the Mediterranean coast, bananas are grown in the area.
- Cüceler Cave: A short walk in a limestone cave; the entrance fee (about €3) is extra.
- Sapadere village: A stop in a traditional village, with time to cool off and play in the water.
- Lunch: Grilled chicken, salad and rice or pasta; a grilled fish option is also available.
- Sapadere Canyon: A walk of about 360 metres on the wooden walkway between waterfalls and pools of cold water.
Pickup is between 08:30 and 09:30; drop-off at the hotels is at about 16:30. The canyon entrance is included in the tour price.
Tips for the canyon walk
- Do not hurry on the walkway; wet wood can become slippery, so hold children by the hand.
- Watch your step when you take photos; hold your phone tightly with one hand.
- It is cool inside the canyon, so you may feel cold in beach clothes; a light jacket helps.
- There may be water games at the pools; use a waterproof cover for your phone and camera.
- Do not leave rubbish in the natural area and do not damage plants or rocks.
Quick facts
- Duration: About 7 hours (including hotel pickup and drop-off).
- Pickup and drop-off: Pickup between 08:30 and 09:30, drop-off at about 16:30.
- Walk: A wooden walkway of about 360 metres.
- Water temperature: About 12 degrees.
- Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off, guide, lunch, canyon entrance.
- Not included: Drinks, Cüceler Cave entrance (about €3), personal expenses.
What to wear and bring
- Non-slip shoes: The wet wooden walkway can be slippery; this is the most important item on the list.
- Water shoes: Useful at the pools and for water games.
- Swimsuit or shorts and a towel
- A light jacket: it is cool in the canyon.
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- A waterproof cover for your phone and camera, as there may be water games
- A little cash for the Cüceler Cave entrance and for drinks
Can you get in the water?
The water in the canyon is about 12 degrees, in other words ice-cold. As you walk along the wooden path you can watch the waterfalls and pools, and you can cool off if you like. On the tour there is also separate time in Sapadere village for cooling off and water games.
Who is it for?
It is a lovely route for people who like short walks in nature, who want to escape the heat and who love photography. Children aged 3–11 join at the child price and infants aged 0–2 are free. The off-road journey and the steps may not be suitable for people with serious back or mobility problems; in that case, please ask us before you book.
When should you go?
Tours run all year. The natural coolness of the canyon is most noticeable in summer; coming here instead of staying on the beach in the midday heat is a good plan. The wet wooden walkway can be slippery; after rain, take extra care and choose your shoes accordingly. The order of the programme may change depending on weather and road conditions.
Is Sapadere right for you?
Before you go, ask yourself three questions: Will I enjoy a short walk and natural scenery? Will I be comfortable near water of about 12 degrees? Can I walk safely on a surface that may be wet and slippery? If the answers are “yes”, Sapadere will be a great day out for you; if you hesitate, write to us before you book.
A few tips for photos
The inside of the narrow valley can be dim compared with outside; use the night mode or low-light setting of your phone and keep your elbows against your body to hold it steady. Keep a small microfibre cloth to wipe the lens against splashes. At the narrow parts of the walkway, make way for people behind you and stop at wider spots for photos.
Sapadere with children
The wooden walkway is short but can be wet and slippery; hold small children by the hand and watch them closely when they are near the water. As the water is about 12 degrees, children can get cold quickly: bring a spare T-shirt, a towel and a light jacket. The child price applies for ages 3–11 and infants aged 0–2 are free.
How is it different from the Green Canyon?
Sapadere is a narrow, cool valley, with walking, waterfalls and cold water at the front. The Green Canyon means a boat, swimming and a meal by the lake on a dam lake. They are plans for different days; which one you choose depends on what attracts you more.
A sample short-holiday plan
If you have a few days in Alanya, spreading the tours over different days reduces tiredness. For example, one day you can go to the mountains and the Dim River on a jeep safari, another day walk in a cool canyon such as Sapadere, and another day enjoy a boat trip and swimming in the Green Canyon. Spending the days in between on the beach and on a visit to the castle and the harbour makes a good balance.
Short questions, short answers
- Do I have to get in the water? No; you can also just walk along the path and enjoy the scenery.
- Is lunch included? Yes; grilled chicken, salad and rice or pasta. Drinks are not included.
- Is there an entrance fee? The Sapadere Canyon entrance is included in the price; the Cüceler Cave entrance (about €3) is extra.
7 hours
Alanya Sapadere Canyon Jeep Safari
Banana plantation viewpoint, Cüceler Cave, Sapadere village and a 360-metre canyon walk. Lunch and canyon entrance included.
- Transfer: included
- Meal: included
- Drinks: not included
- Guide: included
Daily
09:30 → 16:00To get ready, take a look at the pre-safari checklist.
