Alanya's Cool Escape
The Dim River rises from cold springs on the slopes of Cebireis Mountain north of Alanya and flows approximately 60 kilometres through the Taurus valleys before reaching the Mediterranean. Its final few kilometres — 7 to 8 kilometres north of Alanya's city centre — have been transformed into the most popular local escape in the region: a stretch of wooden platforms built directly over the river, shaded picnic areas, and trout restaurants where the water flows beneath your feet as you eat.
Every summer tens of thousands of visitors come here to escape the heat of the coast. What draws them is not only the cold clear water or the green valley walls rising on either side, but a dining experience that has become inseparable from Alanya's identity: restaurants built directly over the flowing river, where the table legs stand in the water and meals are served with the sound of the current below.
The Trout and Breakfast Traditions
Dim River's restaurants are known for two things in particular. The first is fresh trout — some establishments allow visitors to catch their own fish and have it prepared at the restaurant. The second and perhaps more popular tradition is the morning breakfast spread: rich village tables with local cheeses, homemade preserves, warm bread, olives, and eggs, served on wooden platforms over the water. These breakfast gatherings attract not only tourists from the coastal hotels but local families from across the Alanya area who make the drive specifically for this experience. Most restaurants open early in the morning and serve until 22:00 or 23:00.
Dim Cave
Most visitors to Dim River are unaware that a significant cave sits directly above them. On the eastern slope of the valley, 232 metres above sea level, Dim Cave is one of the largest and most impressive show caves in the Antalya region. Of its 410-metre total length, 360 metres are open to visitors. The cave is organised into four named chambers: the Pamukkale Room at the entrance, the Organ Room with its extraordinary large stalactite and stalagmite formations resembling a pipe organ, the Chandelier Room known for its hanging chandelier-shaped formations, and the Lake Room at the far end, which contains a 200-square-metre underground lake 2 metres deep. The cave maintains a constant interior temperature of 18 degrees Celsius year-round. A panoramic viewing terrace at the exit looks out over the Mediterranean, Alanya Castle, and the Taurus Mountains simultaneously.
Activities
Rafting, canoeing, and swimming are all available on the Dim River. The rafting course runs 5.5 kilometres from the White Bridge over Dim Dam. Picnic areas, aqua parks, water slides, and children's playgrounds are spread along the valley. There is no entrance fee to the picnic area; sun loungers and parking are free.
Practical Information
- Location: Akçatı village, Alanya. 7 to 8 km from Alanya city centre.
- Getting there: Regular municipal bus service from Alanya centre. By car, follow the coastal road from Alanya toward Gazipaşa for 5 km, then turn left at the Dim Çayı sign.
- Entrance fee: Free. Restaurants and activities are separately charged.
- Opening hours: Open every day; restaurants generally serve until 22:00–23:00.
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours for the river area alone; full day combined with Dim Cave.
- Best time to visit: Open year-round. Busiest in summer; weekdays and early mornings are quieter.
- Combine with: Dim Cave and Alanya Castle make a natural full-day combination.
