Manavgat & Side: Horseback Ride Forest or Beach with Pickup

Summary

Horseback through Manavgat pine forests or along the coast, hotel pickup

You’ll ride through either cool pine forests or along Manavgat’s quiet beach on horseback, guided by locals who know every turn. Feel your horse breathe under you as you cross rivers or sand, with all gear provided and hotel pickup from Side included. It’s peaceful in a way that lingers long after you’re back at your hotel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback riding in forest and beach

• Meet driver at hotel
• Transfer to horse club
• Receive riding safety briefing
• Meet and saddle your horse
• Ride through forest or along beach
• Take break by the river
• Return to horse club
• Transfer back to hotel

Top questions

How long is the horseback riding tour in Manavgat?

The horseback riding activity lasts about one hour.

Is hotel pickup included from Side?

Yes, round-trip transportation from Side hotels is included.

Can beginners join this horse riding trip?

Yes, it’s suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.

Do I need to bring my own helmet?

No, use of helmet is included in your booking.

Are there morning and afternoon departures?

Yes, you can choose between morning or afternoon departures.

What routes are available during the ride?

You can choose between a forest trail or a beach route.

Is this tour recommended for people with spinal injuries?

No, it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

Will there be a guide during the ride?

Yes, an experienced local guide will accompany your group.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Side hotels, all necessary riding equipment including helmet, and guidance throughout from experienced local staff before returning to your accommodation after the ride.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to hear only hoofbeats and wind for a whole hour? That’s what I got in Manavgat, just outside Side. The driver picked me up from my hotel (I was half-awake, honestly), and by the time we reached the horse club, the sun was already warming up the fields. I met our guide — his name was Cem — who had this calm way of explaining things, even when I fumbled with the helmet strap. He laughed and said something about “first-timers always fighting helmets.”

I chose the forest trail instead of the beach (still not sure if that was smart — maybe next time). The pine trees smelled sharp and clean, almost sweet in some spots, and there were these moments where you could just hear water moving somewhere nearby. Cem pointed out a bird — I think he called it “serçe” — tiny thing, but loud. We stopped by a river for a few minutes; my horse kept trying to nudge my hand for grass. There’s something about sitting quietly in that green light with an animal breathing next to you that sticks with you longer than you expect.

If you pick the beach route, they told me you actually get to ride right at the edge of the sand — apparently your horse’s hooves make this soft thudding sound on wet sand. One of the other riders tried it and came back grinning like she’d just discovered something new. Either way, after about an hour we looped back to the stables. Saying goodbye to my horse felt weirdly hard. Cem gave us all a nod — not much for words but you could tell he cared about his horses more than anything.