Tazi Canyon-Selge Antique City and Devil’s Stones from Side

This outing is interesting because it blends Tazı Canyon nature, the high-mountain ruins of Selge, and the strange shapes of Devil’s Stones in one steady day. I like that you get jeep access, not just a quick look from a roadside pull-off. I also like that Selge is real, with major ruins that help you picture what Pisidia life looked like.

One thing to consider is that it is an active 8-hour schedule with multiple rides and a couple of walking stretches. You’ll want good shoes and you should expect some time on buses and in jeeps before you get to the views, even if the stops are worth it. The driver/guide Özkan is a big plus when it comes to making the day feel smooth and flexible.

Quick hits before you go

• Jeep time in and around Tazı Canyon gives you angles you usually miss on simple bus tours
• Selge ruins in the Taurus Mountains include temples, theatre, agora, stadium, and necropolis
• Devil’s Stones near Manavgat are photo-worthy rocks tied to local legends
• Köprülü Canyon breaks keep the day from feeling nonstop, with lunch included
• Lunch and safety equipment are included, so your budget is simpler than many day trips
• Languages offered: English, Russian, Lithuanian, so you can plan around your comfort level

From Side to the Taurus Mountains: how the 8-hour day flows

This is built as a full-day sampler, not a slow “one sight only” outing. You start with hotel pickup across a cluster of towns including Side, then you transfer by coach for about 1.5 hours. After that warm-up drive, you begin the day’s main rhythm: short rides, quick breaks, and a few focused blocks where you actually get to look, walk, and take photos.

The “work” of the trip is the travel between sites. You’ll switch from coach to jeep, and you’ll ride multiple jeep segments during the day, each around 30 minutes. That matters because you want to be comfortable in motion and ready for uneven ground once you step out.

If you’re the type who likes your sightseeing to feel practical, this schedule can be a good match. You get enough time at Tazı Canyon to enjoy the canyon views and do a walk. You get time at Selge for a ruin stroll. And you still have a separate sightseeing stop for Devil’s Stones. The day is long, but it is not scattered.

Köprülü Canyon breaks: short pauses, smart expectations

You get two Köprülü Canyon moments built into the day: a short break early and a longer lunch-focused break later. The early stop is about 20 minutes. In that time, you’re not meant to do a big hike. It’s there so you can reset, stretch your legs, and get your bearings in the wider canyon area.

The later Köprülü Canyon break includes lunch plus about 40 minutes of free time. This is the part where you can slow down and enjoy the riverside setting. The canyon area is tied to the same water system that makes Tazı Canyon feel alive, so it helps the whole day “click” together. If you like photos near water, this is usually the best window.

Practical tip: plan for heat and sun. Even on a day that includes nature stops, your time outdoors between rides can feel intense. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, and expect that your best photos often happen quickly, right when you step out of the vehicle.

Tazı Canyon by jeep: what makes the canyon stop memorable

Tazı Canyon is the day’s big nature highlight, and the numbers explain why it feels dramatic. It runs about 40 km long and drops up to 300 m deep. It also sits within green mountain surroundings, with the Koprulu River threading through the canyon. That combination creates those “how is this so steep” moments when you look across the water and see the walls rise fast.

On this tour, you’ll have a mix of structured and free time. There’s a photo stop, a guided tour component, then a walk and some free time, around 30 minutes total in that Tazı Canyon block. The guided part helps you understand what you’re seeing, rather than just taking pictures and moving on.

What I like about this stop is the way the jeep ride supports the canyon theme. You’re not just staring at one fixed view. You have a chance to get around enough to find angles that show the depth and the river’s path through the gorge.

What to watch for: this is nature, not a museum. The ground can be uneven, and it’s easy to rush if you’re excited. Take it slow during your walk, and keep a little buffer for photos, because the best frames are often the ones you can only get when you stop and wait.

Selge Ancient City in the Taurus Mountains: ruins you can actually read

Selge is why the day has weight. Founded in the 4th century BC, it was a major center of Pisidia. It also helps that the site is high in the Taurus Mountains, so your sense of place gets sharper. You feel like you’re in a stronghold of old roads and old trade routes, not just visiting stones in a field.

You’ll have time for a photo stop and then a guided visit, plus about 1 hour of free time. That hour is important. Ruins can be confusing if you only hear explanations while walking. Having free time lets you go back to what caught your attention, linger where the light looks good, and re-check the layout.

Selge is known for several major monument types, and you’ll encounter them as part of the visit: temples, theatre, agora, stadium, and necropolis. Here’s how that helps your understanding. A theatre suggests public gatherings and performances. An agora points to daily civic life, like markets and discussion. The necropolis gives you a sense of how the city handled memory and the afterlife.

Drawback to plan for: Selge takes your attention. If you’re tired from the rides, you might feel tempted to rush. Don’t. Even if your time is limited, this is the stop where slowing down gives you the biggest return.

Devil’s Stones near Manavgat: strange shapes with local stories

Devil’s Stones is the weird, wonderful counterpoint to the orderly ruins. These are unusual rocks near Manavgat with shapes and sizes that seem too specific to be random. Some resemble animals, birds, or people, and that is exactly why people build stories around them.

What you’ll get on the tour is dedicated time to see and photograph them. The experience doesn’t ask you to accept every legend as fact. Instead, it gives you permission to enjoy the mystery. You can look at the shapes, spot patterns you personally think are convincing, and listen for the local ideas about their origin and properties.

If you’re someone who likes variety, this stop is a nice break from “big historic site” mode. It’s short on the clock compared to Selge, but it is great for mind-shift. You move from architecture and civic spaces into geology that invites imagination.

Practical tip: bring a small strap or crossbody bag to keep your hands free. Rock stops are photo stops, and the angle changes fast. You also don’t want to juggle items while trying to frame those animal-like silhouettes.

Lunch, water breaks, and what to bring for comfort

Lunch is included, which makes the day easier. Drinks are not included, so if you drink more than a small amount of water, plan for that cost. The good news is that the schedule includes breaks, so you’re not forced to eat on the go every time.

For comfort, I’d treat this as a jeep-and-walk day. Wear closed-toe shoes with grip. If you only bring sandals, you might regret it once you start walking at Tazı Canyon and Selge.

Also, think about sun management. Even with canyon shade at times, you’re outside between rides, and you’ll be stopped for photos. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are not overkill.

One more practical thought: bring a light layer. Canyons and mountains can cool off in the shade, and vehicle rides can make you feel warm and then suddenly chilly when you step out.

Price and value for about $30: what you’re really paying for

At around $30 per person, the value comes from what’s bundled. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, lunch, and safety equipment. You also get the heavy part of the day, the transportation that strings together canyon viewpoints, Selge ruins, and Devil’s Stones.

Many budget day trips include sightseeing but leave you to figure out logistics and meals. Here, at least the basics are handled: you start and end with transfers, and lunch is covered. Drinks still cost extra, so keep a little money aside for water and any other non-included items.

The real value test is whether the day matches your style. If you enjoy ticking off major highlights with real time at each stop, this works. If you hate travel time between sites, you might feel the schedule is too packed. But if you want a sampler day from Side that hits nature, ruins, and odd geology, the price feels fair.

Who should book this, and who might skip it

This is a strong fit if you want a single day that covers different types of travel pleasure: nature views from Tazı Canyon, guided exploration at Selge Ancient City, and a fun mystery stop at Devil’s Stones. It’s also a good choice if you like having lunch handled, and you prefer a guided framework that keeps the day from feeling like random jumping.

It may be less suitable if you have trouble with long riding stretches, or if walking on uneven ground would be a major issue. The tour also has restrictions: baby strollers are not allowed, non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. Alcohol and drugs are also not permitted.

Language note: the live guide covers English, Russian, or Lithuanian. If your language preference matters a lot to you, choose based on what you can comfortably follow.

Should you book the Tazı Canyon, Selge and Devil’s Stones tour from Side?

If you’re based in Side and you want one organized day that covers a canyon, major ruins, and a quirky geology stop, I’d say yes. The day has a clear structure, with guided time at Tazı Canyon and Selge, plus breaks at Köprülü Canyon and a lunch slot. You’re not just passing through.

Book it especially if you like variety and you don’t mind a long day on the move. Bring sturdy shoes, plan for sun, and remember that drinks are extra. If you’re looking for a slow, minimal-travel day, you might feel rushed. But for a value-packed “see a lot” day with nature and history in the same line, this one is a solid pick.

FAQ

How long is the Tazı Canyon, Selge and Devil’s Stones tour?

It lasts about 8 hours.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included at multiple locations around Antalya Province, including Side.

What’s included in the price?

Included are hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, lunch, and safety equipment.

Are drinks included with lunch?

No, drinks are not included.

What languages are available for the live guide?

The guide operates in English, Russian, and Lithuanian.

How much time do you spend at Tazı Canyon?

You get a photo stop plus a guided tour, with time for a walk and free time, totaling about 30 minutes in that Tazı Canyon portion.

What is included at Selge Ancient City?

You’ll have a photo stop, a guided visit, and about 1 hour of free time to explore.

Do you visit Devil’s Stones during the tour?

Yes. The tour includes time to see the Devil’s Stones near Manavgat.

What is not allowed on the tour?

Baby strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.