Horse Riding on the Beach and in the Forest in Antalya

Horse riding in the forest near Antalya

The forest section is what many people mean when they search for horse riding in Antalya: soft sandy tracks under Turkish red pine, with shade on hot days and the smell of resin in the air. The horses walk at an easy pace, so you have time to look around, listen to the birds and cicadas, and settle into the saddle.

Your instructor matches each horse to the rider and explains how to hold the reins, how to sit and how to stop and turn before you set off. Riders who are more confident can ask whether a faster pace is possible on safe ground, while beginners stay at a walk. This part of the ride is cooler than the coast, which makes the morning slot pleasant in summer.

Riding by the sea on the Antalya coast

The second half of the ride opens out to the coast of the Gulf of Antalya, where the horses move along the water with the Taurus Mountains rising behind. Seeing the Mediterranean from horseback is very different from seeing it from a sun lounger, and it is the reason this horse ride by the sea is popular with photographers and couples.

The sunset option is the most scenic, because the light turns the water and the mountain ridges gold and orange and the temperature drops. Sunrise and sunset hours also suit travellers who want to avoid the midday heat. Sea conditions are normally calm in the main season, and the guides adjust the route if wind or waves make the shoreline unsafe.

A first horse ride: what to expect

If you are wondering whether a beginner horse riding experience in Antalya is right for you, the answer is yes. The ride is run for people of all levels, with an instructor present throughout and horses chosen for calm temperament. You do not need to have ridden before, and riders who are nervous can stay at a walk the whole time.

Wear long trousers, closed shoes with a small heel, and a hat or sunscreen in summer. Riding boots are not included, and you can ride in sturdy trainers or boots you already own. Drinking water is included. Spring and autumn are the best time to ride in Antalya, with mild weather; in summer, choose the morning or sunset slot.

Getting to the ride: transfer or meeting point

How do you get to the starting point? You can choose between meeting the team yourself, with the exact location shown on your voucher after booking, and the transfer options that include hotel pickup and drop-off in the Antalya transfer area. The default option is the daytime ride with a hotel transfer, which is the simplest choice if you do not have a car.

Select your hotel when you book and we confirm your pickup time afterwards. If you travel from a hotel outside the transfer area, use the meeting-point option and arrange your own taxi. Arrive a little early so there is time to meet your horse and your instructor.