You can find many very nice places to visit during your trip to Manavgat in the Antalya region and Oymapınar Dam is one of them. It's a beautiful escape from the beach and city, so you can completely immerse yourself in nature.
Oymapınar Dam on the Manavgat River is located in the Taurus Mountains, about 80 km east of Antalya and 25 km inland from the coast. It's the largest dam in the region and the third largest dam in Turkey.
Oymapınar Dam will enchant you with its natural beauty and cooling effect. If you are looking for a different experience for the day, other than hitting the beaches around Antalya, this is the perfect alternative region to visit with fascinating and exquisite natural scenery!
In this article, you will find all the useful information you need to visit Oymapınar Dam, including access, tips, location, tickets, and what you can do while you are there.
What Can I Do at Oymapınar Dam?
Oymapınar Dam was constructed to produce electrical energy. It attracts the attention of many local and foreign visitors with its beautiful scenery and canyon boat tours.
If you're into nature walks and catching marvelous angles for photography, visiting Oymapınar Dam should be on your list while you're in the region, the next best are the national parks in Antalya.
Oymapınar village is located 18 km from the center of Manavgat. After the dam's entrance gate, you can reach the top by following the road on the right.
The exciting view of the 180-meter-high Oymapınar Dam, built in a narrow valley, awaits you at the top. On one side there is a 180-meter cliff and other side has a concrete structure, well over 100 meters high, that resists the extreme pressure of the reservoir, converting potential energy into electricity.
If visiting Manavgat Waterfall is on your list, you can reach Oymapınar Dam by driving just another 30 minutes. Manavgat Dam and Oymapınar Dam are located in the north part of the Manavgat district. The first dam is Manavgat Dam and the second is Oymapınar Dam. The distance between Manavgat Waterfall and Oymapınar Dam is about 15 km. There are also daily guided tours that combine many places and attractions in their programs.
- Read about the Manavgat River, for boat cruises and water sports activities.
- Read more about the famous Manavgat Waterfall
- Also check out our article about the Manavgat Bazaar, the best in the region
Boat Tours at Oymapınar Dam and in Green Canyon
Oymapınar Dam, one of the tallest dams in Turkey, looks breathtaking from the hills of the valley.
In the summer months, boat tours are organized around the dam. These boats will take you near the source of the Manavgat River and stop at 2 different places for swimming breaks.
Don't forget your swimsuits to cool off in the dam lake! Green Canyon, which is hundreds of meters long is an exciting part of the river cruise.
- Discover all the amazing canyons in Antalya with our complete guide.
Interesting facts
Entrance, Tickets, and Tours
How to Get to Oymapınar Dam
Oymapınar Dam is 22 km from the center of Manavgat, and 93 km from the center of Antalya.
- By Car: To reach Oymapınar Dam, head north from the center of Manavgat towards the waterfall. Manavgat Dam lake will be on your right. After passing Oymapınar village, you'll reach the dam.
- You can also rent a car in Antalya to see as many sights as possible in the region.
- Public Transportation: You can take the minibus from the Antalya Intercity Bus Terminal toward Manavgat
- With a Tour: You can book your trip to Oymapınar Dam and Green Canyon online! This is an easy way to get there and you can be picked up directly from your hotel in Antalya.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
The entrance to Oymapınar Dam is free.
Oymapınar Dam is on the Manavgat River located in the Taurus Mountains, about 80 km east of Antalya and 25 km inland from the coast.
Boat Tours at Oymapınar Dam and in Green Canyon
Oymapınar Dam, one of the tallest dams in Turkey, looks breathtaking from the hills of the valley. In the summer months, boat tours are organized on the dam. These boats will take you near the source of the Manavgat River and stop at 2 different places for swimming breaks. Don't forget your swimsuits to cool off in the dam lake! Green Canyon, which is hundreds of meters long is an exciting part of the river cruise.
The History of Oymapınar Dam
The dam was built by the Turkish state and planned by the French engineering firm, Coyne et Bellier from Paris. The main contractor was Bilfinger und Berger from Mannheim. The construction of the dam wall was finished in February 1983.
A total of 676,000 m³ (according to other information 573,000 m³) of concrete was used in the structure. The power plant, located in an underground rock cavern, has four turbines and has a maximum output of 540 MW. This is 3% of the total installed capacity in Turkey.