Side-Turkey.

If you want to swap the beach lounger for something gentler and greener, a horse safari in Side is one of the most relaxing ways to see the countryside behind the resorts. This is a guided horseback ride at walking pace, led by experienced guides who stay with the group the whole way. You don't need any riding experience at all - the horses are calm and patient, and complete beginners are genuinely welcome. It's less about speed and more about the scenery: pine forest, shaded village tracks and, on some routes, a quiet stretch beside a river or stream.

What a Horse Safari in Side Is Really Like

The pace is the first thing people notice. This is a relaxed ride rather than a fast gallop, so you have time to look up at the umbrella pines, watch the light filter through the trees and take in the rhythm of village life away from the crowded promenade. Side sits just inland from the Taurus Mountains and only a short distance from Manavgat, so the landscape quickly turns rural once you leave the hotel strip - exactly the kind of countryside, pine and village setting these rides are built around.

Before You Mount Up

Every ride begins with a short safety briefing. Basic safety equipment, such as a helmet, is usually provided, and an instructor stays with you throughout, matching the horse and the pace to your comfort level. If you've never sat on a horse, this is the part that puts most nerves to rest.

Who Can Join

Because the ride is led at walking pace, it suits a wide range of guests - from first-timers to confident riders looking for a calm, scenic outing. There are commonly minimum-age guidelines, and sometimes weight guidelines, and small children may be able to ride with a guide leading the horse. The exact age, weight and any related details are confirmed at booking, so it's always worth telling us who is riding when you reserve.

What to Wear

Keep it simple: long trousers and closed shoes are the two essentials, both for comfort and grip in the stirrups. A hat and sunglasses are sensible for the open sections, and sunscreen is a good idea any time of year on this coast.

Quick Facts

• Duration: A relaxed, guided ride at walking pace; exact duration confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Experienced guide/instructor, calm horses, short safety briefing, basic safety equipment such as a helmet.
• Excludes: Personal extras and anything not listed; details confirmed at booking.
• Family Friendly: Yes - beginners welcome; small children may ride with a guide leading the horse (age/weight guidelines confirmed at booking).
• Best Season: Spring and autumn are especially pleasant; rides run across the warm months.
• Difficulty: Easy - walking pace, suitable for complete beginners.

Related Excursions

• Tours & excursions in Side
• Things to do in Antalya
• Day trips from Alanya
• Excursions in Belek
• Adventures around Kemer
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need riding experience for a horse safari in Side?

No. The horses are calm and the ride is led at walking pace, so complete beginners are welcome. An instructor stays with the group throughout.

Is it safe for children?

It can be very family friendly. There are commonly minimum-age guidelines, and small children may ride with a guide leading the horse. Age and weight details are confirmed at booking.

What should I wear?

Long trousers and closed shoes are essential. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended for the open, sunny sections.

Will I be galloping?

No. This is a relaxed, scenic ride at walking pace rather than fast galloping - the focus is on the pine forest and village scenery.

Is there a weight limit?

There can be weight guidelines for riders. These, along with any related details, are confirmed at booking, so please tell us who is riding when you reserve.

Where does the pick-up happen?

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

What's the best time of year to ride?

Spring and autumn are especially comfortable thanks to milder temperatures, though rides run through the warm months too.

Why book DIRECT instead of through an agency?

We are a direct local operator, so booking with us cuts out the agency and OTA commission. You deal with our team straight away and benefit from our best-price guarantee.

Ready to ride? Book your horse safari in Side DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or info@side-turkey.com. Because you're booking direct - no agency, no OTA commission - you get personal service and our best-price guarantee. Message us with your dates and who's riding, and we'll take care of the rest.