Gazipaşa is the next district east of Alanya, about 45 km along the D400. Tourism has barely touched it: the coast is a patchwork of banana terraces and greenhouses, small beaches where loggerhead turtles nest, and headlands topped with half-forgotten ancient cities.
For Sapadere visitors it matters for two reasons. The road to the canyon turns off at Demirtaş, on the way to Gazipaşa, through the same banana gardens; and Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (GZP) is the nearest airport to both Alanya and the canyon.
Top things to do: Gazipaşa & the Banana Coast
Taste the local bananas
The small, sweet bananas of the Alanya–Gazipaşa–Anamur coast are sold from roadside stalls all along the D400. They are shorter and more fragrant than imported fruit.
Swim in the natural pools
Near Koru and Aysultan beaches the sea has carved the rock into pools, arches and channels — a photogenic place to swim on a calm day.
Explore Selinus
Above the river mouth at Gazipaşa are the ruins of Selinus, the town where the Roman emperor Trajan died in AD 117.
Visit Antiochia ad Cragum
East of town, on cliffs above the sea, lie a colonnaded street, baths and a large Roman mosaic uncovered by ongoing excavations.
How to get to Gazipaşa & the Banana Coast
- Buses and dolmuşes run between Alanya and Gazipaşa along the D400 throughout the day; the ride takes about an hour.
- By car allow 45–50 minutes from central Alanya.
- Guided days to the coves and ruins are listed on our tours page.
Insider tips
- A car is very useful here: the sights are scattered and local transport is thin.
- Respect turtle-nesting signs on the beaches between May and September.
- You can combine a morning at Sapadere with an afternoon swim near Gazipaşa if you have your own wheels.
Best tours & tickets: Gazipaşa & the Banana Coast
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Gazipaşa & the Banana Coast:
Day trip from €50 Alanya: Ancient Ruins & Hidden Coves of Gazipaşa with Cave
A small-group day heading east instead of inland: banana country, cliff-top ruins and coves that few package tourists see.
- Ancient cities on the coast east of Alanya
- Quiet coves and a swim stop
- A small show cave
Day trip from €38 Alanya: Gazipaşa Natural Pools, Cave & Ancient City Tour
A full day on the quieter coast towards Gazipaşa, built around its sea-carved natural pools.
- Rock pools on the Gazipaşa shore
- Cave visit
- Ruins of an ancient coastal city
