Side-Turkey.

If you are travelling the Turkish Riviera with children and want a slower, gentler outing than a jeep safari or a fast quad, a guided horse ride near Side is hard to beat. The countryside behind the coast — pine woodland, quiet farm tracks and the green foothills of the Taurus Mountains — is exactly the kind of calm, open scenery that makes a first ride feel safe rather than scary. This is a real local activity, run with trained, even-tempered horses and a guide who leads the group at a relaxed pace, so it suits first-timers and families well.

Why horse riding works for families near Side

The landscape does a lot of the work. Manavgat district sits between the Taurus Mountains to the north and the Mediterranean plain to the south, so the riding country is gentle and varied: shaded pine forest, open countryside and, on some routes, views toward the hills where the Manavgat River begins its run down to the sea. There is no traffic, no rush and plenty of space, which is reassuring when you have nervous riders or young children in the group.

Just as important is how the day is set up. Before anyone sets off there is a short briefing — how to hold the reins, how to sit, how to ask the horse to walk and stop. Riders wear helmets, and a guide leads from the front so the horses follow a known, calm route rather than doing anything unexpected. For most families this is the first time the kids have been on a horse, and the trained, placid animals are chosen precisely for that.

What about very young children?

Minimum age and weight limits do apply, and they vary from operator to operator, so the honest answer is to confirm at booking. Some families with smaller children opt for a lead-rein walk or a shared arrangement rather than an independent ride — tell us the ages and we will tell you exactly what is possible before you commit.

What a typical ride looks like

You will be collected from your hotel, taken to the riding base, and given the briefing and your helmet. After that the guide leads the group out along the trail at a walking pace, through forest and countryside, before returning to the base. The actual riding is usually a shorter activity — around an hour or two in the saddle plus the hotel transfer — rather than a full day out. The exact ride length is set by the operator, so we confirm it at booking. The pace is built around comfort and confidence, not speed.

Practical tips for parents

• Dress for the saddle: long trousers and closed shoes are far more comfortable than shorts and sandals.
• Bring sun protection and water — the foothills are open and sunny for much of the year.
• Let the guide know up front if a child is nervous; a calm pace from the start makes all the difference.
• Phones and cameras are great, but keep one hand free for the reins.

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 calm horses, helmet, safety briefing, round-trip hotel transfer.
• Excludes: Personal extras, tips, photos/souvenirs unless stated; details confirmed at booking.
• Family Friendly: Yes — beginner-friendly; minimum age & weight limits apply and are confirmed at booking.
• Best Season: Spring through autumn; mild and pleasant for riding, confirmed at booking.
• Difficulty: Easy / beginner; calm pace, guide-led, no experience needed.

Related Excursions

• Things to do in Side
• Excursions in Antalya
• Tours from Alanya
• Activities in Belek
• Day trips in Kemer
• More travel tips on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Is horse riding near Side safe for children?

Yes. The horses are trained and calm, riders wear helmets, there is a short briefing before you set off, and a guide leads the group at a gentle pace. Minimum age and weight limits apply and are confirmed at booking.

Do we need any riding experience?

No. The tour is designed for beginners and first-timers. The briefing covers the basics and the guide stays with the group throughout.

How long is the ride?

It is a shorter activity — usually around an hour or two of riding plus the hotel transfer, not a full day. The exact length is set by the operator and confirmed at booking.

What is the minimum age for kids?

Minimum age and weight limits vary by operator. Tell us your children's ages when you enquire and we will confirm what is possible before you book.

What should we wear?

Long trousers and closed shoes are best, plus a hat, sunscreen and water. Helmets are provided.

Where does pick-up happen?

Hotel pick-up is available from Side, Manavgat and nearby resorts. The exact time is confirmed at booking.

What is the scenery like?

Pine forest, quiet countryside and the green foothills of the Taurus Mountains behind the coast — calm, open and traffic-free.

Why book direct with you?

Booking directly with the Murat Atalay team removes agency and OTA commission, so you get our best-price guarantee and deal with the local operator straight away.

Ready to ride? Book DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com. As a local operator we cut out agency and OTA commission, so you get our best-price guarantee and honest advice on what suits your family. Message us with your hotel and your children's ages and we will sort out the rest.