Do you want to take a break from the hot beach and go somewhere that looks like a beach, but is more refreshing? We have a place that gives you the opportunity to chill while spending a nice time playing or just enjoying nature and artificial pools. How does that sound?
Dim River is one of the most visited natural beauties in Alanya with its refreshing air and water in all seasons. It's located 15 kms from Alanya and is accessible a couple of different ways.
In this article, we will give you detailed information about Dim River in Alanya, including location, activities, entrance, and tourist tips. That way, you will get the most advantage from your visit!
What Can I Do at Dim Çayı?
Dim Çayı begins in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains and pours its waters into the Mediterranean, with a 60 km long branch. Here are things you will find at Dim River and some different activities available on site.
- Restaurants and Picnic Areas:
Dim Çayı is one of the best places to have a picnic and cool off in the greenery of Alanya. Many restaurants, cafes, and tea gardens are located by the stream. These facilities, protected from the sun in gazebos, are visited by many tourists especially during the summer. The most famous food to eat here is fresh trout from the pools. In a way, the common feature of the restaurants and picnic areas here is that the tables are situated in the stream. If you come early in the morning, you can have a nice local breakfast.
- Swimming in Dim Çayı:
You can swim in artificial pools filled with water flowing from the stream. There are fun slides for those who want to swim. On hot days, the pools can be crowded, we recommend getting there early to enjoy while there are less people.
- Rafting on Dim Çayı:
Rafting has become a popular sport in recent years. Would you like to try it while you're here? The upper parts of the stream are used for rafting. In order to reach the Alraft facilities, which have the necessary infrastructure for rafting, you have to drive another 5 km. The Alraft facilities are spread over a wide area under the trees. In addition to restaurants, there are areas for sports such as archery and riding. The rafting course can be completed in 1-2 hours depending on the water level.
- Visit the Villages around Dim Çayı:
The villages in Dim valley attract great attention from tourists who want to admire nature in the Taurus Mountains. Many tour agencies organize daily trekking and safari trips to these villages.
- Visit Dim Cave:
Dim Cave is the second largest cave in Turkey that is open for visits. There are stalactite, stalagmite, and travertine formations in the cave. At the end of the cave, there is a small, 200 m2 lake. When you visit this cave, you have a bird's eye view to admire the Dim River and the breathtaking magnificent views around it. Read more about Dim Cave in Alanya.
Entrance, Tickets, and Tours
How to Get to Dim Çayı (Dim River)
There are two easy ways to reach Dim Çayı (Dim River), with a car or a bus.
- With your private car: To get to Dim River, which is 15 km away from Alanya district center, you should go towards Gazipaşa - Mersin. The crossroad where you will turn is where Dim River flows into the sea. If you follow the signs leading you the north from this point, you will reach restaurant areas by Dim River.
- Rent a car: You can also rent a car in Alanya and get to Dim Çayı yourself. It's a wonderful drive that allows you to discover the nature in the area. To rent a car in Alanya, please check out our article about renting a car in Antalya/Alanya with useful information.
- Bus: If you want to reach Dim Çayı by public transport, you need to take bus number 10 that leaves from the harbor in Alanya's old town.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Most people visit Dim River during the summer season because of its refreshing nature.
There is no entrance fee for Dim River. You can just choose one of the restaurants by the river and you only pay for food and beverages.
Dim River is located in the Alanya district of the Antalya province
By Car: To get to Dim River, which is 15 km away from Alanya district center, you should go towards Gazipaşa - Mersin. The crossroad where you will turn is where Dim River flows into the sea. If you follow the signs leading you the north from this point, you will reach restaurant areas by Dim River.
By Bus: If you want to reach Dim Çayı by public transport, you need to take bus number 10 that leaves from the harbor in Alanya's old town.
The History of Dim Çayı (Dim River)
Dim Çayı is the vein of life for Alanya because it meets the irrigation water needs in the area. The river's headwaters come from the village of Alakise in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains. It drains its waters into the Mediterranean at the border of the towns of Kestel and Tosmur in the south of Alanya, with a 60 km branch in the northeast-southwest direction.
There are about 14-15 settlements around Dim Çayı. These places are called Dim villages. This valley, which is split by Dim stream, is called Dim Valley. Dim Valley has an important place in tourism because of its coolness and greenery.