A Hidden Canyon Ten Minutes from the City
Ten kilometres from Antalya city centre, within the boundaries of Aşağıkaraman neighbourhood in the Konyaaltı district, a stream flowing down from the Taurus Mountains cuts between two steep rock walls to form Kapuz Canyon. Approximately 3 kilometres long, the canyon greets visitors at its entrance with a small natural pool of clear, cool water, then narrows into shaded passages where the rock walls close in overhead. For a city as large and busy as Antalya, having a canyon like this within a short drive is genuinely unusual.
The name Kapuz is thought to derive from the natural hollows and recesses carved into the canyon walls.
What to Do
The pool at the canyon entrance is where most visitors spend the majority of their time. The water stays cool even in midsummer and is clean enough to swim in. Canoe and boat access into the canyon's inner sections is possible — but there are no rental facilities on site; equipment must be brought. The final 300 to 400 metres of the canyon narrows significantly and is suited to trekking and canyoning. Shaded picnic areas with tables are available near the entrance. Fishing is also common along the canyon banks.
Wildlife
One of Kapuz Canyon's lesser-known features is its wildlife. The fallow deer — a species native to Turkey — can be observed here; this is one of the better locations in Antalya for spotting them in their natural habitat. Freshwater crabs, water snakes, and various bird species also live within the canyon.
Important: Navigation Warning
Navigating to Kapuz Canyon by GPS application is unreliable and has misled many visitors. The correct route is as follows: from Antalya city centre, head toward Çakırlar, then turn toward Duraliler–Aşağıkaraman. Your navigation may direct you onto a dirt track before reaching the canyon — ignore this and stay on the asphalt road. The Kapuz Canyon sign will appear on the right side of the road. The road then curves downward through several bends; after these bends, turn onto the dirt track and follow it to the canyon. A parking area is available near the stream.
Important Notes
There are no facilities, toilets, shops, or food vendors anywhere at the site. Everything must be brought in. Water levels rise dangerously during winter and heavy rainfall — avoid visiting in these conditions. Weekends can be very crowded; weekday visits offer a considerably quieter experience.
Practical Information
- Location: Aşağıkaraman Mahallesi, Konyaaltı, Antalya. 10 km from the city centre, 25 km from the airport.
- Getting there: Private vehicle recommended. By public transport: bus 503 from Tera City shopping centre to the nearest stop, then approximately 2 km on foot. GPS navigation can be misleading — follow the written directions above.
- Entrance fee: Free.
- Opening hours: Open year-round; avoid during heavy rainfall due to flooding risk.
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours.
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn; midsummer for swimming. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
- Important: No facilities on site — bring everything you need. Water levels can rise dangerously in wet weather.
- Combine with: Upper Düden Waterfall and Boğaçayı Park lie along the same general route.
