Koprulu Canyon: Outdoor Activities

Measuring over 400 meters deep, Köprülü Canyon is one of the most spectacular gorges in Antalya. Featuring ancient Roman bridges, turbulent turquoise waters and surrounded by deep forests, this ravine is one of the most frequented destinations for adventure enthusiasts visiting southern Turkey.

Tours in Köprülü Canyon enable visitors to reconnect with mother nature through a range of knuckle-biting activities, including white water rafting and canyoning.

Here's all you need to know about Köprülü Canyon tours, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Antalya.

Where is Köprülü Canyon located?

Köprülü Canyon is located in the Manavgat district of the northeastern part of the Antalya region in southern Turkey. This gorge can be found within a sizeable national park of the same name and can be reached easily from Antalya City.

In order to make the 1.5-hour journey to Köprülü Canyon by car, you’ll simply head east out of the city along the D400. At Tasagil, you’ll turn left and continue to the national park via Kocabey Caddesi.

Alternatively, those without a car can travel as far as Serik on a public bus, where they will have to utilize the local taxi service to continue the journey to the canyon. Taxis are an affordable way of getting around in this corner of Turkey and the journey is both comfortable, and relatively quick, taking just over 1.5 hours in total.

Another option is to book a guided excursion, which will have all transportation arranged for you. These typically include a hotel pickup service and last between 7, and 8 hours.

What are the best things to do in Köprülü Canyon?

The area surrounding Köprülü Canyon was named a national park in 1973 and features a wealth of flora, and fauna, including a colossal cypress forest. This patch of greenery provides a home for a myriad of creatures, including deer, mountain goats and bears.

Alongside land animals, the skies above Köprülü Canyon are teeming with rare bird species, including the Anatolian scavenger, identifiable by its gigantic wingspan. You may also find the critically endangered red-headed vulture soaring overhead, of which there are fewer than 10,000 left in the wild.

The park, which spans more than 360 square kilometers, is best known for its water sports, including canyoning and rafting along the Köprü River. As well as its natural attractions, visitors to Köprülü Canyon National Park can explore the remains of the ancient city of Selge, which dates back to the 13th century B.C.

Here, you can admire the ruins of a beautifully-preserved theater, which is over 2,000 years old, as well as a stadium and two temples.

The Romans who inhabited this corner of Turkey also built a bridge across the Köprü River, which serves as the most iconic landmark in the park. The Oluk Bridge — also known as the Eurymedon Bridge — was constructed by hand in the 2nd century using stone blocks and is situated almost 30 meters above the canyon.

The gorge itself is formed of several types of rock, including sandstone, limestone and clay, carved out over thousands of years by the fast flow of the river.

What are the best tours to visit Köprülü Canyon?

White water rafting tour in Köprülü Canyon

Take part in the most popular activity at Köprülü Canyon on this fast-paced adventurous rafting excursion.

This Köprülü Canyon tour enables you to see the many natural wonders of the park from the river as you move swiftly along the raging water in a raft. You’ll feel your adrenaline spike as you make your way through the rapids, using a paddle to steer yourself downstream.

Moving along the canyon, you’ll have the opportunity to admire ancient Roman bridges, as well as the largest cypress forest in Asia Minor, and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the endemic Anatolia scavenger bird. Take a break to swim in the azure waters before reenergizing yourself with a local feast.

Buggy tour and rafting in Köprülü Canyon

Daredevils can feel the spine-tingling thrill of bouncing through the wilderness on the back of a buggy before cooling off in the rapids of the Köprü River on a buggy and rafting tour in Köprülü Canyon.

This combination excursion begins by journeying to the Oymapinar Adventure Park, which is located in the Manavgat district of Antalya. Here, you’ll board an ATV and bump your way across the rugged terrain of southern Turkey, exploring steep mountain passes, deep gorges, and dense greenery along the way.

From there, you’ll continue on to Köprülü Canyon where you’ll spend the rest of the morning navigating the Köprü River on board an inflatable raft. After working up an appetite, you’ll dine on a buffet lunch before returning to your hotel to spend the rest of the day relaxing.

Rafting and canyoning tour in Köprülü Canyon

Experience the contrast of two different canyons on this adventurous day trip that will test your endurance.

After a safety briefing, you’ll slip into the waters of the first canyon alongside a qualified instructor to engage in a spot of canyoning. You’ll scrabble, slide and jump your way along the river, allowing its rapids to guide you downstream.

Use the river as your own personal playground, mastering the techniques behind canyoning, and, when you need to catch your breath, take a rest to swim lazily in rock pools, and soak in natural jacuzzis.

Wander across the verdant greenery of Köprülü Canyon National Park to reach its 400-meter deep gorge where you’ll hop into a raft and journey along its 14-kilometer course in an exhilarating fashion.

What are the prices of Köprülü Canyon tours?

Basic white water rafting tours in Köprülü Canyon cost approximately US$30 per adult while children between the ages of 7 and 12 benefit from a discounted rate of US$20 each. This type of excursion lasts 7 hours.

Alternatively, you can opt for a canyoning and rafting tour for just over US$40 per adult for a 10-hour trip. Children between 4 and 11 receive a small discount, with each ticket costing between US$30, and US$40.

You’ll pay approximately US$50 per person for a combination rafting and buggy excursion in Köprülü Canyon, which lasts between 8, and 9 hours. Children over the age of 5 pay the same rate as adults, while those under 5 are not permitted to participate.

Where do Köprülü Canyon tours start?

Most tours in Köprülü Canyon begin with a convenient accommodation pickup from hotels in the Antalya and Side regions.

You’ll simply select your hotel from a dropdown list and then await collection from a friendly guide at a predetermined time on the day of your excursion. This allows you to focus on your enjoyment of the tour, instead of fretting over organizing transportation.

Some excursions also offer a complimentary pickup service from other areas, such as Alanya, Manavgat, Belek and Kemer.

Are Köprülü Canyon tours wheelchair friendly?

Tours in Köprülü Canyon are typically not wheelchair-friendly, owing to the nature of the activities on offer. However, you can consult the booking page of your preferred excursion to see whether it is suitable for your party.

When is the best time to visit Köprülü Canyon?

The best time to visit Köprülü Canyon in Turkey is typically during spring from April to May and autumn from September to October when temperatures are mild.

Travel tips

• Plan ahead and make reservations in advance.
• Depending on the season, bring comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• If you're engaging in water sports, consider bringing a swimsuit, a towel, and a change of clothes.
• Stay hydrated and carry a water bottle with you. It's also a good idea to bring snacks or energy bars to keep yourself nourished during your adventures.
• Avoid littering and dispose of any waste properly. Köprülü Canyon is a beautiful natural area, so it's important to respect the environment.