🏰 Alanya Castle • Dim River Escape
Free Cancellation
Side to Alanya Day Trip: Castle, Boat Cruise & Dim River
Explore Alanya's highlights on a full-day guided excursion from Side featuring panoramic castle views, a 1-hour coastal boat cruise around pirate caves, Dim River lunch, and bazaar free time.
Duration
8 Hours
Pickup
08:30
Operates
Wed & Fri & Sun
Meeting Point
Alanya Harbour & Castle · Get Directions
Child Price
€30
Experience Highlights
Free hotel pickup and drop-off from all resort areas in Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Titreyengöl, and Manavgat
Guided visit to historic Alanya Castle (Alanya Kalesi) and the famous Red Tower overlooking Cleopatra Beach
1-hour scenic boat cruise around the Alanya peninsula, past the Seljuk Shipyards and natural pirate caves
Relaxing lunch served on floating wooden pergolas suspended directly over the cool water of the Dim River
Free time to explore Damlataş Cave or shop for local crafts, leather, and spices in Alanya city center
Professional English-speaking local tour guide explaining Alanya's rich Greco-Roman and Ottoman heritage
About This Tour
Just 60 kilometers east of Side along the Mediterranean coast lies Alanya, one of southern Turkey's most dynamic coastal cities. Our Side to Alanya Day Trip is designed to give you a complete, hassle-free overview of Alanya's famous landmarks, coastal scenery, and mountain valleys without the stress of navigating public transport or arranging multiple tickets on your own.
Your day begins with a comfortable morning pickup in an air-conditioned minibus directly from your hotel in Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Titreyengöl, or Manavgat. As we drive along the scenic D400 coastal highway, our licensed local guide provides historical context about the region's transitions from ancient Pamphylia to the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum.
Our first major stop is the iconic Alanya Castle (Alanya Kalesi), perched 250 meters high on a rocky peninsula jutting into the sea. Here, you will stroll through ancient stone fortifications and enjoy sweeping panoramic views over the turquoise waters of Cleopatra Beach on one side and the busy harbor on the other. Nearby, we visit the octagonal Red Tower (Kızılkule), built in 1226 to guard the historic Seljuk Shipyards. Following our castle exploration, we board a wooden boat at Alanya Harbour for a 1-hour coastal cruise around the base of the castle cliff. From the sea, you will get close-up views of natural sea caves, including the Pirate Cave, Lovers Cave, and Phosphorus Cave, with chances to spot wild sea turtles swimming in the clear water.
After the boat cruise, we head inland into the foothills of the Taurus Mountains to visit the famous Dim River (Dim Çayı). Here, lunch is served in traditional fashion on raised wooden seating platforms (köşk) built directly over the flowing river water. You can savor grilled chicken or fresh trout while dipping your feet into the refreshing mountain stream. Before heading back to Side, we return to Alanya city center for 1.5 to 2 hours of free time. You can choose to visit the stalactite-filled Damlataş Cave—famous for its natural respiratory benefits—or wander through the colorful streets of the local bazaar to pick up spices, Turkish delight, and handmade souvenirs. We return you comfortably to your hotel gate by late afternoon.
What's Included
Round-trip hotel transfers in air-conditioned vehicles (Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Titreyengöl, Manavgat)
Professional licensed English-speaking tour guide
1-hour coastal boat cruise around Alanya peninsula and caves
Lunch at Dim River restaurant (grilled chicken or trout with rice and salad)
Guided visits to Alanya Castle exterior, Red Tower area, and Cleopatra Beach lookout
All local road tolls and transport insurance
Drinks during lunch (available for purchase at the river restaurant)
Entrance fee for Damlataş Cave (optional, approx. €2-3)
Alanya Teleferik (Cable Car) ticket (optional, approx. €5-7)
Personal expenses and bazaar shopping
Itinerary
Hotel Pickup
Morning pickup from your hotel main gate in Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Titreyengöl, or Manavgat (approx. 08:30).
Coastal Scenic Drive
45 to 50-minute air-conditioned drive along the D400 highway toward Alanya with live commentary from your guide.
Alanya Castle & Red Tower
Guided exploration of the upper castle ramparts, panoramic viewpoints over Cleopatra Beach, and the historic Red Tower.
1-Hour Peninsula Boat Cruise
Board a wooden tour boat from Alanya Harbour to cruise around the peninsula, Seljuk Shipyard, and sea caves.
Dim River Lunch
Head into the Taurus Mountains for a relaxing lunch on floating wooden platforms over the cool Dim River water.
Alanya City Center & Free Time
Enjoy 1.5 to 2 hours of free time to visit Damlataş Cave, walk along Cleopatra Beach, or shop in the central bazaar.
Return Transfer
Reboard the minibus for a smooth ride back to Side, returning to your hotel around 17:30.
Good to Know
The total tour duration is approximately 9 hours (08:30 to 17:30) door-to-door from your hotel
Alanya Castle features historic cobblestone paths and stairs—comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended
Dim River water originates from Taurus mountain snow and stays cool (~15°C) year-round—bring a towel if you wish to dip in
Alanya Teleferik (Cable Car) tickets are optional so guests who prefer staying at ground level do not pay unnecessary fees
Suitable for families, couples, and seniors; folding wheelchairs and strollers can be accommodated in minibus luggage compartments
Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sandals for exploring Alanya Castle stairs
Sun hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sunscreen for the boat trip and outdoor sightseeing
Swimwear and a small towel if you plan to swim at Dim River or Cleopatra Beach during free time
Camera or smartphone with full battery for panoramic coastal photos
Cash in Euros, British Pounds, US Dollars, or Lira for drinks, cable car, and bazaar shopping
Local Tip
Don't rush to buy souvenirs at the first shop near the castle bus drop-off. Wait until your 1.5 hours of free time in Alanya city center near the harbor. The bazaar stalls behind the harbor offer much better variety and bargaining room for leather goods, spices, and Turkish delights than the high-turist castle zone.
Guest Reviews (4)
Robert & Claire M.
United Kingdom
Brilliant day trip from Side! The boat cruise past the castle cliffs was stunning and lunch on the Dim River was so refreshing on a hot day. Excellent value for €35.
Sven & Ingrid B.
Germany
Sehr gut organisierte Alanya Tour ab Side. Der Bus war pünktlich und klimatisierte. Das Mittagessen am Dim Çayı auf den Holzplattformen war ein absolutes Highlight.
Fatima Z.
Netherlands
Perfect way to see Alanya without renting a car. Our guide was super knowledgeable about Seljuk history. Having 2 hours free time at the harbor market was great!
David K.
Ireland
Great value compared to hotel rep prices. The guides kept us all safe without ruining the fun. Getting picked up right at our hotel gate in Çolaklı saved us so much hassle. Highly recommend!
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Alanya from Side and how long is the drive?
Alanya is about 60 km east of Side. The drive takes approximately 45 to 50 minutes each way in our comfortable air-conditioned minibuses.
Is the 1-hour boat cruise included in the tour price?
Yes, the 1-hour coastal boat trip around the historic Alanya castle peninsula, Red Tower, and pirate caves is fully included.
Where do we have lunch during the Alanya day trip?
Lunch is served at a scenic restaurant on the Dim River, where you dine on traditional wooden platforms (köşk) built directly over the flowing mountain river.
Is the Alanya Cable Car (Teleferik) mandatory or included?
The Cable Car ticket is optional (approx. €5-7). Guests who wish to ride it can buy tickets on-site, while others can explore the lower castle grounds and Red Tower area.
Can I swim during the tour?
Yes, you can dip your feet or swim in the cool Dim River during lunch, or take a quick swim at Cleopatra Beach during your free time in Alanya.
Are vegetarian food options available for lunch at Dim River?
Yes, vegetarian options such as omelets, pasta, or fresh cheese salads are available upon request at the Dim River restaurant.
Total
€35