Alanya Horse Riding Tour Through Pine Forests to Ancient Syedra

Alanya Horse Riding Tour from the Hills of Seki to Ancient Syedra

Trade the busy seafront for pine-scented trails on this Alanya horse riding tour, a relaxed ride across the lower slopes of the Taurus Mountains east of the city. You spend around 2.5 hours in the saddle including rest stops, with wide sea views and a pause at the ruins of Syedra along the way. No previous riding experience is needed.

A Short Drive to the Hills of Seki

Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel in Alanya center or eastern Alanya, including Oba, Tosmur, Kestel, Mahmutlar and Kargıcak. You choose your start time between 10:00 and 16:00 when you book. The horse farm lies near Seki village, roughly half an hour east of the city center, so the drive is short and the scenery quickly changes from apartment blocks to banana groves. Please keep in mind that pickup happens before the listed start time, and your exact pickup time is shared once your reservation is confirmed.

Getting to Know Your Four-Legged Companion

At the stables the guides welcome you, fit your riding helmet and walk you through the basics: how to sit, how to hold the reins and how to ask your horse to stop or turn. Every guest is matched with a horse that suits their size and confidence. Many of the horses here were rescued and patiently retrained by the team, and the guides are happy to share each animal's story before you set off.

Pine Shade, Village Lanes and Banana Groves

The group heads out in single file with the guides riding alongside. The path winds through pine forest, passes a traditional village and runs beside banana fields as it climbs gently into the foothills. The pace stays mostly at a calm walk, which keeps first-time riders at ease and leaves plenty of attention for the landscape.

Where the Mountain Opens onto the Sea

Higher up, the trees part to reveal the Alanya peninsula with its castle walls and the long curve of the Mediterranean coast. The group stops here to rest the horses, who graze while you stretch your legs and take photos. On hot summer days the guides add extra breaks and slow the pace even further for the well-being of the animals.

Among the Weathered Stones of Syedra

The trail then leads to Syedra, an ancient hilltop city that once kept watch over this stretch of coast. Its walls, arches and scattered stonework date back to Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine times, and its setting high above the sea makes this stop one of the most memorable moments of the ride.

An Unhurried Ride Back to the Stables

From Syedra the horses carry you back to the farm at the same easy pace. Once you dismount, you can say goodbye to your horse and look through the photos the team took along the way, which are available to buy on the spot. The return transfer then takes you back to your hotel, with the drop-off time depending on traffic and your hotel location.

Dressing Right for a Day on Horseback

Long trousers and closed shoes are the best choice because parts of the trail pass through bushes and over rocky ground. Bring sunscreen, a hat and water in summer. The ride is open to guests aged 6 and over, children ride under the supervision of an accompanying adult, and the maximum rider weight is 95 kg. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women.