TADIM NOTLARI in Alanya, Antalya: 4 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Alanya

Must-try foods in Alanya

• Gülüklü Çorba
  Gülüklü ÇorbaA geographically indicated wedding soup from Alanya, featuring 'gülük' (tiny hand-rolled meatballs), shredded chicken, chickpeas, and rice in a rich tomato and bone broth. It is traditionally finished with dried mint and a heavy squeeze of lemon.
• Laba Dolması
  Laba DolmasıA festive Alanya specialty consisting of a sheep or goat ribcage (laba) stuffed with a complex pilaf made of liver, pine nuts, currants, and almonds. The ribs are sewn shut and slow-cooked for hours until the meat falls off the bone.
• Limonlu Gölevez
  Limonlu GölevezA local root vegetable dish unique to the Alanya-Gazipaşa region. Gölevez (Taro) is cubed and cooked with chickpeas and bone-in meat, flavored heavily with lemon juice to manage its natural starchiness, resulting in a texture similar to but creamier than potato.
• İlibada Sarması
  İlibada SarmasıMuska-shaped (triangular) wraps made from 'ilibada' (labada/dock) leaves. Unlike standard grape leaf wraps, these are stuffed with a mixture of bulgur and crushed wheat (göce) and are typically served with a topping of garlic yogurt and red pepper butter.
• Dikenli Kabak Çiçeği Dolması
  Dikenli Kabak Çiçeği DolmasıDelicate squash blossoms, specifically from the 'thorny' squash variety common in Sapadere's gardens. These are gathered at dawn when the petals are open and stuffed with a light, aromatic rice and herb mixture before being steamed.
• Öksüz Helvası
  Öksüz HelvasıA 'ritual' dessert made from grape molasses, flour, and butter. It is served with a central 'pool' of hot melted butter; tradition dictates that the person who 'breaks the wall' of the pool while dipping their pieces must host the next gathering.

Trip guide

• About Alanya
  About AlanyaSapadere is a settlement and natural site located in the Alanya district of Antalya Province, Turkey, situated approximately 40 to 45 kilometers east of the Alanya city center within the Taurus Mountains. Historical Heritage and Traditional Culture The village of Sapadere has been inhabited for over 500 years. Historically, the local economy and culture were centered on agriculture and silk production.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Sapadere Canyon is from May to September, when the warm Mediterranean weather makes the canyon’s naturally chilled air and ice-cold spring waters a refreshing escape. During the peak summer months of July and August, temperatures often exceed 30°C (86°F), making it the busiest time for tourists but ideal for those brave enough to swim in the 12°C (54°F) water. For a quieter experience with milder hiking conditions.
• Getting around
  Getting around Alanya

  • Guided Jeep or Cabrio Bus Tour This is the most popular way to reach the canyon from Alanya. Tours typically include hotel pick-up, a professional guide, and stops at nearby attractions like the Dwarf Cave (Cüceler Mağarası) and Sapadere Village.
  • Rental Car or Private Taxi Located approximately 40–45 km from Alanya city center, the canyon is accessible via a scenic 1-hour drive through the Taurus Mountains. Follow signs for Demirtaş from the Alanya-Gazipaşa highway; parking is available.
  • Walking (Local Exploration) Once at the site, movement is primarily on foot via a well-maintained 750-meter wooden walkway. This path leads you through the canyon interior, past various waterfalls and natural pools.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Rent a car or book a guided tour to reach the canyon, as there is no direct public transportation from Alanya center.
  • Wear sturdy, non-slip walking shoes for the 750-meter wooden footbridge, which can become slippery or uneven near the waterfalls.
  • Bring a swimsuit and a towel if you plan to swim in the natural pools, but be prepared for extremely cold water temperatures that rarely exceed 10°C.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Alanya

  • Post-landslide reopening of Sapadere Canyon (May 2026) with upgraded safety walkways and infrastructure.
  • Viral '100 USD Challenge' day trips featuring Sapadere’s cold-plunge pools and the nearby Yalan Dünya Cave.
• Here in Alanya↗
  Here in AlanyaThe official destination website for Alanya, managed by the Alanya Tourism Promotion Foundation (ALTAV) to showcase the region's history, culture, and tourism.