What to wear and bring to Sapadere Canyon

Shoes: the one thing that matters

The walkway is timber and steel with steps; near the falls it is damp, and the rock around the pools is smooth and wet. Wear shoes with grip — trainers, walking sandals with a heel strap, water shoes. Flip-flops are the wrong answer for the steps, and bare feet are the wrong answer for the rock.

Swimwear and a towel

If you want to go into the pools, wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel; there is no changing room in a canyon. A dry set of clothes for after is a kindness to yourself — the water is cold and the gorge is in shade. Read the swimming page before you decide.

Layers

The drive and the open stretches are in full sun; the gorge floor is shaded and several degrees cooler, and after a swim it feels colder still. A light long-sleeved layer that lives in a bag until it is needed is the answer.

Sun

A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for the road, the rest stop and the open river at lunch. The canyon itself gives you shade; the rest of the day does not.

Cash

The tour price is paid on the day in euros, and so are drinks at lunch and the optional cave ticket — Cüceler (Dwarfs') Cave on the canyon tours, Dim Cave on the Dim River tour. On the Side departure the canyon entrance ticket is also paid at the gate. Bring euros; the amounts are told on the day.

Phone and camera

The walkway and the falls are the photograph of the holiday. Keep the phone in a zipped pocket on the steps and away from the water's edge. A small waterproof pouch is a good idea if you plan to swim with it.

What not to bring

Outside food and drink — they are not taken into the canyon or onto the vehicle, to keep the water clean. Water and drinks are bought at the stops and at lunch. Leave valuables in the hotel safe; a wet canyon is no place for them.

Packed? Book the canyon tour from Alanya — or from Side on Wednesdays and Sundays.