If you like canyoning and you are visiting Antalya, you will be served. The region offers quite a lot of amazing spots to practice this Watersport in Antalya as well as others like diving, sailing or rafting.
On this page you will learn everything about the 4 best locations for canyoning, the available packages and frequently asked questions. We will start with the available canyoning options from the east in Alanya to the west in Kas.
Please keep in mind, that no all canyoning packages are available in every resort town in Antalya. We advise you to ask on site before booking, to be sure to get the experience you expect. For more information, consult our page about Canyons in Antalya.
Let's dive into it...
1. Köprülü Canyon (Rafting, Zippline & Canyoning)
Turkey's largest rafting centre is located 90 kilometres northeast of Antalya in the Köprülü Kanyon, a 366 km2 canyon and national park. Here you will find white water and rapids of all sizes and degrees of difficulty.
Rafting on 12 kilometres of ice-cold spring water under the scorching heat of the sun is a wonderful experience. Eight months a year you can go rafting in the Köprülü Kanyon, there are organised tours, usually the equipment is provided. The water does not get warmer than 15 degrees maximum, even in summer.
Jeep safari tours are organised to explore the canyon in an adventurous way. The jeep safari route is mostly on dirt roads known as off-road and mountainous terrain.
If you want, you can use the zip line for an adrenaline rush.
By the way, Köprülü Canyon means "Bridge Canyon", so look out for the stone bridges after which the canyon is named.
Within Köprülü Canyon lies Tazı Canyon, also called Eagles Canyon, a natural canyon formed by streams. To get there, you have to hike about 11 km through the steep rocks in the high mountains to finally be rewarded with a fantastic view.
For guests staying between Antalya and Kemer, day tours are offered. These are often a combination of rafting and canyoning.
- Read more about this place: Köprülü Canyon in Antalya
- Discover the Tazi Canyon in details
- Read also the Rafting Guide in Antalya
2. Ahmetler Canyon
About 40 kilometers from Manavgat inland at the foothills of the Taurus Mountains lies Ahmetler Canyon, the third-deepest canyon in Turkey. The canyon is about 7 kilometers long and has a height difference of 250 meters. It can be walked, but professional equipment and guidance are a must.
There are many narrow, winding passages and you are forced to wade and swim in the cold water of the stream again and again. The last part of the canyon can be climbed from the end of the canyon and is equipped with fixed ropes for this purpose. Due to the high and steep hillsides it is quite cool because there is hardly any sunlight.
Above the canyon are two old mills that were used by the inhabitants of the village of Ahmetler until not so long ago. An asphalt road leads here through the forest, but it is damaged in many areas and requires very careful driving.
At the old water mill there are wooden picnic benches, tea and a simple breakfast is served. Tours are available for guests staying between Alanya and Manavgat, but most routes start in the immediate area.
- Discover more things to do in Alanya and things to do in Manavgat
3. Göynük Canyon (Hiking and Canyoning)
Göynük Canyon in Kemer offers hiking and canyoning opportunities for both beginners and experienced climbers. The nature is impressive with a wild river, picturesque waterfalls and an impressive canyon.
On the 3 kilometer long hiking trail that leads to the end of the valley over a steep slope into the canyon, you can only hear the sound of the river, it is not uncommon to see salamanders here. On the highest point of the slope is a viewpoint that offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings.
Those who want to go canyoning can join a guided tour that starts at the lake at the end of the trail. Other guests take part in a quad safari or go rafting.
- Read More things to do in Kemer
- Discover more details about Göynük Canyon in Kemer
4. Saklikent Canyon (Rafting, Mud Bath and Canyoning)
Saklıkent Canyon National Park near Kaş is famous for its 18 kilometer long canyon, where rafting is also available. It is located in a national park shared with the neighboring province of Muğla. The river flows from the mountains into the plain in a narrow valley up to 300 meters high. There are footbridges mounted in the rock walls for the first 200 meters, which lead to a small restaurant.
From there the canyoning tours start. Those who wish can also wade a little further into the canyon without a guide.
Rafting on floaties in front of the river is popular. Organized tours usually include mud baths near the canyon.
The jeep safaris that lead into the canyon usually also stop at the nearby ancient ruins of Xanthos or ancient ruins of Patara.
Day tours are offered for guests staying in the province of Antalya between Kas and Kalkan, as well as for vacationers coming from the neighboring province of Fethiye and Ölüdeniz.
- Get to know more about Saklıkent Canyon National Park
Conclusion
In the Antalya region there are many breathtaking canyons that you can visit for boating or hiking. Marvel at the natural wonders that were once formed many thousands of years ago by a river cutting into the plateaus. Organized tours to the canyons are offered from the coastal resorts, some of which combine rafting and jeep safaris.
Canyoning is hiking through a canyon, usually from the top down. It involves getting through the canyon by rappelling, climbing, jumping and swimming. A high level of alpine skill is required, as well as weather and local knowledge. Those who want to go canyoning must be free of giddiness and sure-footed. The right equipment is absolutely essential. Canyoning should never be made alone, difficult tours should only be done under the guidance of a local and professional expert.
The tours that are offered along the coast from the beach resorts usually only lead to the easily accessible parts of the canyons and do not require any special equipment or previous experience. If you want to do professional canyoning, please check with the local operators, who also offer tours in small groups under professional guidance.
If you liked this article, don't miss our special guide of Sports in Antalya. You will be amazed by the variety of choice you can get in the region.