Avsallar sits on a quiet stretch of the coast between Side and Alanya, backed by the kind of thick pine forest and rising foothills that make it one of the best-placed resorts on the Turkish Riviera for an off-road adventure. If you are staying here and the beach and buffet are starting to blur into one long, lovely repeat, a two-seat buggy safari is the sort of half-day that snaps your holiday back into focus. This guide walks you through exactly what to expect, who it suits, and how the whole thing works from your Avsallar hotel door.
Why Avsallar is a great base for a buggy safari
The magic of Avsallar is its geography. Just inland, the ground climbs quickly into the pine-clad lower slopes of the Taurus mountains, and that is precisely where the off-road tracks live. You do not need to travel for hours to reach the good stuff — the forest trails, farm lanes and dry riverbeds that make up a proper buggy route begin surprisingly close to the resort strip.
Because Avsallar sits roughly between Side and Alanya, you also get the best of both worlds: the scenery is genuinely wild once you leave the tarmac, yet you are never far from the coast. Pine woodland dominates here, which means shade in places, that resinous forest smell, and a landscape that feels a world away from the sunbeds you left behind an hour earlier.
What a two-seat buggy actually is
Forget any image of a fragile beach cart. The buggy you will drive is a purpose-built off-road machine with a sturdy steel roll cage over your head, proper seatbelts, and two seats side by side. Two people share one buggy for a single price, which is part of why it suits couples and families so well — one person can drive while the other rides shotgun, and you can swap over during the tour if you both fancy a turn at the wheel.
The controls are refreshingly simple. There is no complicated gear-changing to master and no motorbike-style balancing act; if you can steer and press a pedal, you can drive a buggy. That is why no licence and no previous experience are required. A child can ride safely buckled in beside a parent, which makes the buggy a genuinely family-friendly choice compared with a single-seat quad.
What the ride is actually like
This is real off-roading, not a tame loop around a car park. Expect dusty forest tracks that twist between the pines, rutted farm lanes, and shallow water crossings where you will splash through and almost certainly get a bit wet and muddy — which, honestly, is half the fun. The trail undulates, throws in the odd bumpy section, and rewards you with open views out over the foothills.
Your group rides in convoy behind a lead guide who sets a sensible pace and knows every turn of the route. You are never sent off alone into the hills. Before you set off you will get a full safety briefing and a short practice lap to get comfortable with the steering and brakes, so by the time the real trail begins the machine already feels familiar.
What is included and what to bring
The essentials are taken care of. Your tour includes a helmet, goggles, the safety briefing, that all-important practice lap, a lead guide, and insurance. Crucially for anyone staying in Avsallar, free hotel pick-up and drop-off is included — a driver collects you from your hotel and returns you afterwards, so you do not need a hire car or to work out any local transport.
- Wear closed shoes such as trainers, never flip-flops or sandals.
- Choose clothes you genuinely do not mind getting dusty or splashed — light layers work well.
- Bring sunglasses, sun cream and a bottle of water, especially in high summer.
- Consider a change of clothes for the transfer back, and a sealed bag for your phone.
- Leave loose scarves and dangling valuables at the hotel.
Who it suits (and who should think twice)
A buggy safari is one of the most inclusive adventure activities on this coast. Couples love the shared machine, families appreciate that a child can ride safely alongside a parent, and solo travellers or friends can pair up and take turns driving. Because the controls are so straightforward, nervous first-timers usually relax within minutes of the practice lap.
That said, be honest with yourself. The ride is bumpy by design, so anyone with a bad back, neck problems or who is pregnant should sit this one out or check with the operator first. Very young children cannot drive, and there are minimum age rules for drivers — the important thing is that little ones ride as passengers, securely belted beside an adult.
Adding a rafting combo
Because Avsallar is within easy reach of the Köprülü Canyon area, many visitors turn the buggy trip into a bigger day out by pairing it with white-water rafting. The canyon's cool, fast river is a superb contrast to the dusty trails, and combining the two makes for a full day of adventure. Do bear in mind that rafting is seasonal, generally running from spring through autumn when river levels are right, so if a combo appeals, check availability for your dates.
How booking and paying works
Booking is designed to be low-stress. You reserve your date and session online without paying up front — the model is reserve-free and pay on the day, so there is no risk in locking in a spot. When you book you will choose a morning or afternoon session; the exact pick-up time from your Avsallar hotel is confirmed with you, since it depends on where you are staying and the day's schedule.
Because prices can change with the season and the exact tour you pick, always check the live price at the moment you book rather than relying on a figure you saw somewhere else. That way what you see is what you pay.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a driving licence for the buggy?
No. Buggies are automatic and simple to operate, so no licence and no previous off-road experience are required. You will get a full briefing and a practice lap before the real trail begins.
Can my children come along?
Yes. A child can ride safely as a passenger, buckled in beside a parent in the two-seat buggy. Young children cannot drive, and there are minimum age limits for drivers, which the operator confirms when you book.
How far is the pick-up from Avsallar hotels?
Free hotel pick-up and drop-off is included for Avsallar guests, so a driver comes to your hotel and brings you back. You will choose a morning or afternoon session, and the exact pick-up time is confirmed with you in advance.
Will I get muddy?
Very likely, yes — the route includes dusty forest tracks and shallow water crossings, so expect some dust and splashes. Wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty and bring a change for the ride home.