When August in Alanya hits 35°C on the beach, locals drive inland to Sapadere Canyon — a 60-minute climb into the Taurus mountains where the river runs cold year-round and trout restaurants serve over wooden platforms above the water. This is the day trip Alanya residents make once every summer.
Getting there
40 km north of central Alanya, in the village of Sapadere. The road climbs steeply through pine forest the last 20 km — narrow but well-paved. 60 minutes by car. No direct public transport; private transfer or rental car only. SooTransfer round-trip with 3-hour stop: €70.
The canyon walk
700-metre raised wooden walkway built over the river, between cliffs 30-50 metres high. Easy flat walk (suitable for older guests and pushchairs). Multiple swim platforms — water is bracingly cold (12-15°C even in August). At the end, a small waterfall and a deeper swim pool. €5 entry, open 09:00-19:00.
The trout restaurants
Three or four restaurants line the access road, all serving river-trout (alabalık) grilled over wood. Tables sit on wooden decks suspended over the rushing water. Trout with salad, bread and çay: 250-350 TL per person. Best is Şelale Restaurant (the second on the right as you drive up). No bookings needed — just turn up at 13:00 or 17:00.
Add-on: Dim Cave
On the way back to Alanya, stop at Dim Cave (Dim Mağarası) — a 360-metre walkable limestone cave with lit stalactites and stalagmites, constant 18°C inside. €4 entry, 30-minute walk. Combined with Sapadere, makes the perfect 6-hour day.
When to go
- July-August — perfect heat escape, busiest weekends; aim for weekday morning
- May-June — full water flow, fewer crowds, ideal photography
- September-October — water cooler, quieter, autumn colours start
- November-April — restaurants may close; canyon walk still open but cold