Turkey's Longest Canyon
The Köprüçay River rises in the Sütçüler district of Isparta and flows south through the Taurus Mountains before emptying into the Mediterranean near Serik. In the 14 kilometres where it cuts through the mountains, it carves a gorge between vertical rock walls that rise to more than 100 metres in places. This is Köprülü Canyon — Turkey's longest canyon, its most popular rafting destination, and the heart of a 35,719-hectare national park that is the undisputed centre of Antalya's outdoor tourism.
The canyon takes its name from two historic bridges that cross the river within the gorge. According to local legend, the larger arched bridge was built by a master builder's apprentice, the smaller one by the master himself — and when the master saw that his apprentice had produced the superior work, he threw him into the river. Both bridges date to the Roman period, around the 2nd century AD, and both still stand.
Rafting Capital
Köprülü Canyon is Turkey's busiest rafting location — during peak summer season, up to 7,000 people raft here daily. The river is fed by underground sources and its water is clean enough to drink directly from the river; it stays cold even in summer, reaching around 12 degrees Celsius in the warmest months and dropping to 7 degrees in winter.
The rafting route runs approximately 14 kilometres from Oluk Bridge, passing through rapid sections that require active paddling, swimming stops in calmer pools, and photo stops at historic points including the Roman bridge. Most tours include a meal at riverside facilities at the end. Transfer-inclusive tour packages operate daily from Kemer, Antalya, Side, Manavgat, Belek, and Alanya.
Zipline and canyoning activities are also available within the canyon. The best rafting season runs from April to October; winter water temperatures make river activities inadvisable from November to March.
History: Selge and the St. Paul Trail
Köprülü Canyon is not only a nature park. On the mountainside to the west of the gorge lies Selge Ancient City — a well-preserved Roman city with a theatre, aqueducts, and agora remains dating to the 2nd century AD. Combining the canyon with Selge adds a historical dimension to what might otherwise be purely a nature visit.
The canyon also lies on the route of the St. Paul Trail, following the path taken by the Apostle Paul during his first missionary journey in 47–48 AD as he crossed from Pamphylia into Pisidia. This historic route is today an internationally waymarked long-distance walking trail.
Nature and Botany
The national park's botanical diversity is notable. Aleppo pine and maquis scrubland give way to a 400-hectare stand of pure Mediterranean cypress forest — unique in Turkey. Rock formations resembling Cappadocia's fairy chimneys are visible in places within the park. Walking and canyoning trails run along the cliff faces on both sides of the gorge.
Practical Information
- Location: Beşkonak, Manavgat. 85 to 90 km from Antalya city centre, 63 km from Manavgat, 40 km from Serik.
- Getting there: No direct public transport. By car from Antalya via the Serik direction, then turn at the Taşağıl–Köprülü Kanyon junction and continue 40 km. Tour transfers available from Kemer, Antalya, Side, Manavgat, Belek, and Alanya.
- Entrance fee: National park entry is free. Rafting and activities are charged separately by tour operators.
- Opening hours: Open year-round.
- Rafting season: April to October.
- Time needed: Full day with rafting; 2 to 3 hours for canyon sightseeing only.
- Accommodation: Pansiyons, bungalows, and campsites in the canyon area. Larger hotels are generally in the Serik–Belek area, approximately 35 to 50 km away.
- Combine with: Selge Ancient City, Tazı Canyon, and Adam Kayalar lie on the same route.
