Have you rafted in a boat drifting in ice-cold water? If you haven't tried yet, don't miss Köprülü Canyon! You will have the most amazing and refreshing experience possible.
Köprülü Canyon is one of the popular attractions in Antalya and gathers hundreds of tourists every day in the summer.
In this article, you will find all the information you should know before visiting Köprülü Canyon, including tips about how to access, tours, and tickets to this national park.
What Can I Do in Köprülü Canyon?
Rafting is the most popular activity in Köprülü Canyon. Apart from rafting, you can explore the region by trekking to take in the historical and natural texture of the region. You should definitely see the stone bridges that the canyon gets its name from. Köprülü Canyon is also great if you are interested in other sports such as horseback riding, safaris, and camping.
Selge Ancient City: In the upper part of the Köprülü Canyon National Park are the ruins of the ancient city of Selge. Köprülü Canyon was the source of life for this ancient city. To get to Selge, you will need to cross Oluk bridge and drive about 13 km. As you drive up, a magnificent view is waiting for you. Below, you can see the entrance to Köprülü Canyon, the valley covered with forests, and Toka Mountain.
Oluk Bridge: There is a Roman bridge at the entrance of the canyon, which is thought to have been built in the 2nd century, during the heyday of Selge. Oluk bridge, was formerly known as Eurymedon.
There is another bridge nearby named Büğrüm bridge. The area around this bridge is ideal for a picnic.
Köprüçay: Similar to other streams in the region, Köprüçay has cool water in the summer and its possible to go for a swim. The flowing water temperature is around 9 degrees at the part closest to the source in Köprülü Canyon, and it does not differ much in the summer or winter. Although, when you move away from the source, in the heat of the summer months, the temperature of the water rises to 15 degrees.
Rafting at Köprüçay: Rafting in ice-cold spring water in the scorching heat of the summer is a wonderful experience! Köprüçay hosts water sports eight months of the year. The best route for rafting is on Köprüçay, where many travel agencies organize rafting tours. Boots, shovels, lifejackets, and helmets are provided for these tours. The 12 km long rafting route consists of various difficulty levels. 8-10 people can easily fit in one rafting boat. Apart from that, there are also kayaking boats that can hold two people.
Jeep Safari at Köprülü Canyon: Trekking and Jeep safari tours are organized to explore the villages around the area in an adventurous way. Jeep Safari routes are mostly on dirt roads known as off-road and mountainous terrain.
Camping in Köprülü Canyon: The National Park offers a peaceful place for camping by the river, shaded by trees. Also, if you prefer, there are bungalow on the banks of Köprüçay. WC, hot shower, and electricity are provided in the camping area.
Tazı Canyon in Köprülü Canyon (Eagles Canyon)
Tazı Canyon is in Köprülü Canyon National Park.
Tazı Canyon is a natural canyon formed by streams and it has become very trendy in recent years from all the posts on social media. Wisdom Valley in Tazı Canyon is gradually becoming a popular destination for camping as well. You need to walk about 11 km across steep rocks, high in the mountains to reach Tazı Canyon. Photography and nature lovers will admire the various angles of the canyon and marvelous view of Köprüçay stream. Tazı Canyon is very rich in biodiversity, with many species of plants and animals.
Although the cliff view is breathtaking, there are no security measures here. Because of this, you need to be very careful when taking pictures.
Entrance, Tickets, and Tours
How to Get to Köprülü Canyon
Köprülü Canyon National Park is 63 km north west of Manavgat and 85 km north east of Antalya. Beşkonak is in the center of Köpülü Canyon National Park. It is 80 km away from the center of Antalya.
Daily Tours: Many local travel agencies organize daily tours to Köprülü Canyon. This is the easiest way to explore the canyon and get back to city if you don't have a private vehicle. Agencies that organize these tours from holiday destinations such as Antalya, Side, Manavgat, and Kemer and offer shuttle services that are included in the tour.
Bus: Take the bus to Manavgat or Alanya and get off at the Köprülü Canyon - Beşkonak turnout. You can take the Beşkonak village minibus to reach Köprülü Canyon from here.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Köprülü Canyon National Park is 63 km north west of Manavgat and 85 km north east of Antalya. Beşkonak is in the center of Köpülü Canyon National Park.
For rafting, the months of July, August, and September are best.
Entry to Köprülü Canyon National Park is free.
Daily Tours: Many local travel agencies organize daily tours to Köprülü Canyon. This is the easiest way to explore the canyon and get back to city if you don't have a private vehicle. Agencies that organize these tours from holiday destinations such as Antalya, Side, Manavgat, and Kemer and offer shuttle services that are included in the tour.
Bus: Take the bus to Manavgat or Alanya and get off at the Köprülü Canyon - Beşkonak turnout. You can take the Beşkonak village minibus to reach Köprülü Canyon from here.
The History of Köprülü Canyon
Köprülü Canyon's water source is from Eğirdir lake. Geological structures that include clay, sandstone, conglomerate, and limestone slopes allowed the formation of different karstic landforms.
There are deer, mountain goats, bears, foxes, wolves, rabbits, martens, and badgers living in Köprülü Canyon National Park. Red pine and scrub areas are common in the national park and the 400-hectare pure Mediterranean series forest is a unique botanical feature in the area. Köprüçay is the most popular rafting area in Turkey. It's also famous for its fresh trout.
Köprülü Canyon was declared a national park in 1973, after natural and cultural resources in the area were evaluated. The national park covers an area about 36,614 hectares.