The Side: Sapadere Canyon Tour & Dwarfs Cave offers an exciting way to explore some of Turkey’s most captivating natural landscapes. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of Sapadere Canyon, uncover the mysteries of the Cüceler Cave, and enjoy a riverside lunch – all while gaining insights from a knowledgeable guide. While the experience may feel a bit rushed at times, the tour provides a well-rounded introduction to the region’s remarkable sights and cultural heritage. Those interested in an active, nature-focused excursion won’t want to miss out on this opportunity.
Key Points
- The tour offers an 8-hour excursion from Side, visiting Sapadere Canyon and Cüceler Cave (also known as Dwarfs Cave).
- The tour includes hotel pickup, photo stops, cave exploration, swimming, riverside lunch, and free time in Alanya.
- Sapadere Canyon features lush landscapes, waterfalls, and natural swimming pools, while Cüceler Cave showcases geological formations and local history.
- The tour is available in English, German, and Russian, and is priced from $43.62 per person with a free cancellation policy.
- Customer reviews are mixed, with some praising the knowledgeable guide and local cuisine, while others find the experience rushed and commercialized.
Tour Overview
The Sapadere Canyon Tour & Dwarfs Cave offers an 8-hour excursion from Side. Priced from $43.62 per person, the tour is available in English, German, and Russian.
An 8-hour excursion from Side, priced from $43.62 per person, with tours available in English, German, and Russian.
Hotel pickup is included, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
Highlights include a bus ride, photo stops, exploring the Cüceler Cave, swimming in Sapadere Canyon, lunch by the riverside, and free time in Alanya.
Entrance fees apply for the canyon and cave. This tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues.
Customers have provided mixed reviews, with some praising the guide and food, while others found it rushed and commercialized.
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Itinerary Highlights
The tour kicks off with a 1-hour bus/coach ride from Side to the first stop. Arriving at a scenic viewpoint, visitors enjoy a 20-minute photo opportunity. The next destination is the Cave of Dwarves, where they spend 45 minutes exploring the geological formations and learning about the cave’s history.
| Itinerary Highlights | |
| — | — |
| Bus/Coach Ride | 1 hour |
| Photo Stop | 20 minutes |
| Cüceler Mağarası | 45 minutes |
| Sapadere Canyon | 2 hours |
| Lunch | 1 hour |
After the cave, the tour moves to the Sapadere Canyon, where visitors have 2 hours to swim in the natural pools and take in the lush landscapes and waterfalls. A 1-hour lunch by the riverside precedes the final stop, 1.5 hours of free time in Alanya for shopping and leisure.
Attractions and Experiences
Sapadere Canyon offers visitors a chance to enjoy lush landscapes, with cascading waterfalls and natural pools perfect for swimming.
Nearby, the Cave of Dwarves showcases remarkable geological formations and a glimpse into the area’s history.
Beyond these natural wonders, the tour includes:
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A stop at a banana plantation, providing panoramic views of Alanya’s coastline.
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A visit to Sapadere Village, where guests can interact with local residents and experience the region’s culture.
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An enjoyable lunch by the riverside, featuring a mix of local and international cuisine.
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Free time in Alanya for shopping and leisure.
Pricing and Inclusions
From $43.62 per person, the Sapadere Canyon Tour & Dwarfs Cave offers an 8-hour adventure.
This includes pickup from hotels in the Side area and drop-off at the end of the tour. The tour is available in English, German, and Russian.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can also opt for the "Book now & pay later" option.
The tour includes a bus/coach ride, photo stops, entrance fees to the Cüceler Cave and Sapadere Canyon, and a riverside lunch.
Free time is provided for shopping and leisure in Alanya.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat to Expect
After pickup from your hotel in the Side area, you’ll embark on a 1-hour bus ride to the first stop.
A 1-hour bus ride from your Side hotel takes you to the first destination on this Sapadere Canyon Tour.
Here’s what to expect on this Sapadere Canyon Tour:
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Photo Stop: Enjoy a 20-minute break at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the canyon.
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Cüceler Mağarası: Explore the Cave of Dwarves for 45 minutes, learning about its geological formations and history.
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Sapadere Canyon: Spend 2 hours swimming in natural pools and taking in the lush landscapes and waterfalls.
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Lunch: Indulge in a 1-hour riverside meal featuring local and international cuisine.
The tour concludes with 1.5 hours of free time for shopping and leisure in Alanya before returning to Side.
Customer Feedback
How has the Sapadere Canyon Tour been received by customers? The tour has received mixed reviews, with an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 based on 2 customer reviews. Some customers praised the knowledgeable German-speaking guide and enjoyable local cuisine, while others found the experience to be overly commercialized and lacking in historical value. The tour’s highlights, such as the stunning Sapadere Canyon and Cüceler Cave, were enjoyed by most, but some felt the visits were rushed. The tour seems to provide a solid nature and cultural experience, though it may not meet the expectations of all visitors.
| Rating | Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |
| — | — | — |
| 5/5 | Good German-speaking guide, enjoyable food, great canyon experience | – |
| 4/5 | – | – |
| 3/5 | – | Long waits, rushed visits, commercialized nature attractions |
| 2/5 | – | Lack of historical value in Alanya |
| 1/5 | – | – |
Important Information
Although the Sapadere Canyon Tour offers a chance to explore stunning natural landscapes, there are a few important details visitors should keep in mind.
Firstly, comfortable shoes and swimwear are essential, as the tour involves hiking and swimming in the canyon’s natural pools.
Comfortable shoes and swimwear are essential, as the tour involves hiking and swimming in the canyon’s natural pools.
Secondly, visitors should be aware that the Sapadere Canyon and National Park entrance fee of €10 is payable in cash.
Thirdly, the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, as the terrain can be challenging.
Finally, while the optional Cüceler Cave entrance fee is available, it isn’t included in the tour price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?
The tour may not be suitable for families with young children. It involves long bus rides, swimming in natural pools, and exploring a cave, which could be challenging for little ones. Parents should consider their children’s abilities and comfort levels before booking.
Can I Book the Tour in Advance or Is It Available on the Day?
The tour can be booked in advance, with a "Book now & pay later" option available. There’s also the option to cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours prior. It’s not available for same-day booking.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The tour allows a flexible group size, with no specified maximum. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot, as group sizes can vary based on demand. Participants can conveniently reserve their tour online in advance.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for This Tour?
There are no age restrictions for this tour. However, it may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments, as it involves activities like hiking and swimming. Children are welcome, but parents should consider their children’s abilities.
Can I Customize the Itinerary or Add Additional Stops to the Tour?
The tour has a fixed itinerary, but travelers can request additional stops or modifications. However, any changes may incur extra costs and require advance notice. It’s best to discuss customization options with the tour operator prior to booking.
The Sum Up
The Sapadere Canyon Tour & Dwarfs Cave offers a diverse and scenic day out, with highlights including the captivating Cüceler Cave and refreshing swims in the canyon. While some find the pace a bit rushed, most visitors enjoy the knowledgeable guide and tasty local cuisine. Overall, it’s a well-rounded excursion providing a glimpse into the natural beauty and culture of the Side region.
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