Side & Green Canyon: Jeep Safari, Waterfalls & Lake Lunch

Summary

Jeep ride through Taurus peaks, old villages, lakeside lunch and waterfalls

You’ll ride open jeeps from Side into the Taurus Mountains with a local guide, wander ancient Seleukia ruins, taste homemade gözleme in a village house, swim after lunch at Green Lake, and hear Manavgat Waterfall’s thunder up close. Expect laughter on bumpy roads and quiet moments by turquoise water — it’s more vivid than any photo.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the dust — not in a bad way, but the kind that makes you feel like you’re really out there. We’d just climbed into these open jeeps outside Side, engines rumbling while our guide Cem cracked a joke about “Turkish massage” (the bumpy roads). He pointed at the Roman aqueducts poking through wild grass and stopped so we could snap photos. I tried to imagine what it was like when water actually flowed through those stones. The air smelled faintly of pine and something sweet I couldn’t place.

Seleukia Ancient City came next — not crowded at all, just us and a few goats munching weeds near broken columns. Cem told stories about old battles (I only caught half because he kept switching between English and German for another couple), but it made me pay more attention than usual. We ducked into a village house where an old woman was rolling out dough for gözleme by hand. She let me try folding one; mine looked sad compared to hers but tasted perfect — warm cheese, herbs, some olive oil dribbling down my wrist.

The drive up to Oymapınar Dam got quieter as we climbed. Cem pulled over at this lookout above Green Canyon — honestly, I didn’t expect that color. It’s not just “green,” it’s almost glowing under the sun. Lunch by Green Lake felt lazy in the best way: grilled chicken, salad with mint, bread so fresh it steamed when you tore it open. Some folks jumped straight into the lake after eating (I hesitated — cold!), but eventually gave in and yeah, totally worth it.

On the way back we stopped at Manavgat Waterfall. There’s this constant roar and spray that cools your face even before you get close. Kids were tossing pebbles into the foam; one little girl waved at us with both hands until her dad scooped her up. The whole day felt like a patchwork of small moments — nothing rushed or forced. I still think about that view from above Green Canyon sometimes when I need to clear my head.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jeep Safari and Green Canyon Visit

• Stop at Roman Aquaducts for photos
• Visit Seleukia Ancient City and old village house
• Taste traditional Turkish Gözleme
• Stop at Oymapınar Dam for photos
• Have lunch near Green Lake
• Swim at Green Lake
• Visit Manavgat Waterfalls
• Drive through Green Canyon

Top questions

How long is the Jeep Safari tour from Side?

The tour lasts a full day with several stops including lunch and swimming time.

Is hotel pickup included for this Side jeep safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Do you visit Manavgat Waterfall during this tour?

Yes, there is a stop at Manavgat Waterfall where you can take photos and enjoy the scenery.

Is lunch provided on the Green Canyon jeep tour?

Lunch by Green Lake is included in the tour price.

Can you swim during this day trip from Side?

You’ll have time to swim in Green Lake after lunch if you want.

Are guides multilingual on this tour?

The guide may speak multiple languages such as English and German depending on group needs.

Is this jeep safari suitable for children?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but infants must sit on an adult’s lap; infant seats are available.

What traditional food do you try during the trip?

You’ll taste Turkish gözleme made fresh in a village house along the route.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Side or nearby areas, all transportation by open jeep with a local driver-guide who shares stories along the way, entry to Seleukia Ancient City and Manavgat Waterfall stops, homemade Turkish gözleme tasting in an old village house, a lakeside lunch near Green Lake (with time for swimming if you like), plus plenty of breaks for photos or just taking it all in before heading back late afternoon.