Side-Turkey.

There's a particular kind of quiet you only find on horseback. No engine, no rush, just the soft thud of hooves on a forest track and your partner riding a length ahead, turning back now and then to grin at you. If you and your other half are looking for something gentle, scenic and a little bit romantic on the Turkish Riviera, a guided horse ride through the pine-clad foothills of the Taurus Mountains near Side and Manavgat is hard to beat. It asks nothing of you except that you relax and look around.

Why a horse ride suits couples

Most activities on the coast are loud and fast. This one is the opposite. The horses used on these rides are calm and trained, the pace is unhurried, and a guide leads the group the whole way, so neither of you needs any experience. That makes it ideal for couples where one person rides and the other has never been near a horse. Before you set off there's a short briefing and you'll be fitted with a helmet, so the nervous half of the pair can settle in quickly.

The route winds through Turkish pine forest and open countryside in the Taurus foothills, the same lower slopes whose pine and evergreen woodland run down toward the coast. Some stretches near Manavgat follow the river and farmland. It's the kind of scenery that makes conversation easy and silence comfortable, which is rather the point of a good ride together.

What the ride is actually like

You'll mount up in a single relaxed group, the guide will set the line, and you'll move at a walk through the trees with the foothills rising ahead. It's a shorter activity rather than a full-day expedition, so you finish feeling refreshed rather than saddle-sore. Exact riding time, distance and turnaround are confirmed at booking.

Practical things to know as a couple

Wear long trousers and closed shoes, the kind that won't slip in a stirrup. Bring sunglasses, a hat for after the helmet comes off, sunscreen and a little water. If one of you wants photos of the two of you on horseback, mention it to the guide at the briefing rather than fishing for your phone mid-ride. Minimum age and rider weight limits apply and vary, so if there's any doubt about either of you, confirm at booking before you turn up.

Quick Facts

• Duration: A shorter activity, around an hour or two of riding plus hotel transfer, confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Guided ride, trained horse, helmet, instruction/briefing, round-trip hotel transfer.
• Excludes: Personal tips, photos and extras unless stated, confirmed at booking.
• Family Friendly: Yes, often suitable for families; minimum age and weight limits apply and vary.
• Best Season: Spring and autumn are most comfortable; rides run through the warmer months too.
• Difficulty: Easy and beginner-friendly; calm horses, guided throughout.

Related Excursions

• Things to do in Side
• Antalya excursions
• Alanya tours
• Kemer activities
• Belek excursions
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need any riding experience?

No. The horses are calm and trained, a guide leads the group throughout, and there's a short briefing before you set off, so first-timers are welcome.

Is it suitable if only one of us has ridden before?

Yes, that's a common pairing. The guide keeps the pace gentle so the experienced rider relaxes and the beginner feels safe.

Where do we ride?

Through pine forest and countryside in the Taurus foothills near Side and Manavgat, with some routes near the Manavgat river and farmland.

Are helmets provided?

Yes, riders wear helmets, and they're fitted before the ride.

How long does it take?

It's a shorter activity, around an hour or two of riding plus hotel transfer. Exact timing is confirmed at booking.

Are there age or weight limits?

Yes, minimum age and rider weight limits apply and vary by operator, so please confirm both at booking.

What should we wear?

Long trousers, closed shoes, and bring sunglasses, sunscreen and water. A helmet is provided.

Can we get photos together on horseback?

Mention it to the guide at the briefing; this can be arranged, confirmed at booking.

Ready to ride? Book DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team and skip the agency and OTA commission. Message us on WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com for availability and a best-price guarantee, no middleman, just local people who run the tours themselves.