You can find many very nice places to visit during your trip to Manavgat in Antalya Region. The Oymapınar Dam is one of them. It is a beautiful escape from beach and city, immersed into complete 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 is the largest dam in the region and the third largest dam in Turkey.
Oymapınar Dam receives many visitors with its enchanting natural beauty and cooling effect. If you are looking for a different experience other than hitting to the beaches around Antalya for a day, this is a perfect alternative tourism region fascinating with its nature!
In this article, we will provide you useful information to visit the Oymapınar Dam: Access, tips, location, tickets and activities to do in there.
What can I do at Oymapınar Dam?
The reason Oymapınar Dam was constructed was the production of electrical energy. It attracts the attention of many local and foreign visitors recently with the beautiful scenery and canyon tour with a boat.
If you’re into nature walks and catching marvellous angles for photography, visiting Oymapınar Dam should be among your list while you’re in the region, next to the best National Parks in Antalya.
Oymapınar village is located 18 km away from Manavgat center. After the entrance gate of the dam, it is reached to the top of the dam by following the road on the right.
The exciting view of the 180-meter-high Oymapınar dam built in a narrow valley awaits you on the top. On one side there is a 180-meter cliff, and other side a concrete structure that resists the extreme pressure of the reservoir well over 100 meters deep, converting potential energy into electricity.
If visiting Manavgat Waterfall is on your list, you can reach Oymapınar Dam by driving another 30 minutes. Manavgat Dam and Oymapınar Dam are located in the north of 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 combining many places and attractions in their program.
- Read about the Manavgat River Visit, for boat cruise and Watersport activities.
- Read more about the famous Manavgat Waterfall
- Also check out our article about Manavgat Bazaar, the best of the region
Boat Tours on the Oymapınar Dam and Green Canyon
Oymapınar Dam, one of the highest 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 the visitors near the source of Manavgat river and stop at 2 different places for a swimming break.
Don’t forget your swimsuits to cool off in the dam lake! The Green Canyon, which is hundreds of meters long will be an exciting part of the river cruise.
- Discover all the amazing Canyons in Antalya with our complete guide.
Interesting facts
- A bacterium in the water changed the color of the water into green and thus the dam is known as Green Canyon.
- In 2004, Green Canyon declared as a protected area. A bird sanctuary and wide roads are built to encourage touristic and sporting activities in the region.
Entrance, tickets and tours
- Entrance: The entrance for Oymapınar Dam is free.
- Tours: There are guided tours with Green Canyon and Oymapınar Dam. Click here to find our about them.
- Tip: To book amusement parks, museums and tours tickets in advance for your trip in Antalya region, don’t hesitate to check our deals in our official shop:
How to get to Oymapınar Dam
Oymapınar Dam is 22 km away from Manavgat Center, and 93 km from Antalya Center.
- By Car: To reach Oymapınar Dam, head north from Manavgat Center to Manavgat Waterfall. Manavgat Dam lake will be left on your right. After passing Oymapınar village, you’ll reach the dam.
- Rent a car in Antalya to see many sights in the region is also possible.
- Public Transportation: Minibuses from Antalya Intercity Bus Terminal direction of Manavgat
- With a Tour: You can book your trip to Oymapınar Dam and Green Canyon online! This will be an easy way to get there is a chance to be picked up from your hotel in Antalya.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
History of the 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 the company Bilfinger und Berger from Mannheim. The construction work on 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 cavern power plant with four turbines, which is located in an underground cavern in the rock, has a maximum output of 540 MW. This is 3% of the total Turkish installed capacity.
Contact:
- Address: Oymapınar Barajı ve Hidroelektrik Santrali, Manavgat/Antalya
- Public Transport: Minibuses from Antalya Intercity Bus Terminal direction of Manavgat