Alanya: Horseback Riding Tour with Local Guide & Pickup

Summary

Explore Alanya’s hills on horseback with friendly guides and easy transfers

You’ll ride gentle horses through Alanya’s countryside with a local guide, passing ancient ruins at Syedra and quiet villages along the Taurus mountains. Expect hotel pickup and safety gear included, plus plenty of time to soak up mountain air and local stories—leaving you with memories that linger long after you’re back in town.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever ridden before?” our guide asked, grinning as he handed me the helmet. I just shook my head and tried not to look nervous. The ranch was already buzzing with soft nickers and the smell of hay—honestly, I hadn’t expected it to feel so calm out here, just twenty minutes from Alanya’s busy streets. The horses seemed almost bored with us, which was oddly reassuring.

We set off at an easy pace, hooves crunching over dry earth while the Taurus mountains stretched out ahead. Our guide—his name was Cem—pointed out wild thyme growing along the trail and told us stories about Syedra, this old hilltop town we’d be riding toward. The air smelled faintly of pine and dust. At one point, a breeze kicked up and I swear I could hear distant bells from a goat herd somewhere below. My horse (her name was Zeytin) kept flicking her ears back at me like she was listening in.

The ride itself wasn’t hard—even for someone like me who’s never done a horseback tour in Alanya before. Cem kept checking in, making sure everyone felt okay, especially when we reached Syedra’s ruins. We stopped there for a bit; you could see the Mediterranean glinting way down below the old city walls. I tried to take a photo but honestly it didn’t do it justice. There was this quiet moment where nobody said anything—just wind and the horses shifting their weight—and I still think about that view sometimes.

On the way back through a little village (I missed the name), some kids waved at us from behind a fig tree. Zeytin snorted at something in the grass and nearly made me drop my phone again. By then my legs were starting to feel it—not painful, just sort of wobbly in a good way. When we got back to the ranch, Cem laughed when I tried to thank him in Turkish (probably butchered it). Anyway, if you’re looking for something outside the usual tourist stuff—a day trip horseback riding near Alanya is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horse riding through Alanya countryside

• Start horse riding session
• Ride towards Syedra old town
• Observe city walls and mosaics
• Take photos at Syedra
• Continue riding to picturesque village
• Enjoy positive vibes and scenery
• Return to ranch after two hours
• Transfer by car from ranch

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Alanya horseback riding tour?

Yes, free hotel transfer is included with your booking.

Do I need experience to join this horseback riding tour?

No prior experience is needed; beginners are welcome.

How long does the horseback riding last?

The ride lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Is there a local guide during the tour?

Yes, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced local guide.

Are safety helmets provided on this tour?

Yes, safety equipment including helmets is provided for all riders.

What sites will we visit during the ride?

You’ll pass through countryside trails to Syedra’s ancient ruins and nearby villages.

Is this activity suitable for children or families?

The tour is family-friendly but requires moderate physical fitness.

Are there any health restrictions for participants?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes free hotel pickup and drop-off in Alanya, guiding service from friendly locals throughout your ride into the Taurus mountains, all necessary safety equipment like helmets, and about 1.5 hours of gentle horseback riding before returning comfortably to your hotel.