Koprulu Canyon: Day Trips and Tours from Side

Located high in the mountains of the Antalya region, Köprülü Canyon enables visitors to see a different side of Turkey, away from its pristine beaches and calm seas.

Here, you’ll find dense forests filled with fragrant evergreens, soaring limestone cliffs and racing torrents of white water.

Day trips to Köprülü Canyon from Side are filled with exhilarating activities, such as rafting, and are a fun way to escape the city for a few hours.

Here's all you need to know about Köprülü Canyon, one of the most exciting day trips from Side.

How to get to Köprülü Canyon from Side?

Köprülü Canyon is a gorge and national park in the Manavgat region of the Antalya district. It is approximately 60 kilometers from Side.

From Side to Köprülü Canyon by car

It takes just over an hour to make the journey to Köprülü Canyon from Side by car and begins by leaving the city in a northwesterly direction, and merging onto the D400.

After approximately 20 kilometers, you’ll join the Şht. Mehmet Koparan Boulevard toward Tasagil. As you near the town, you’ll utilize Kocabey Cadessi, which later merges into Bozyaka Yolu and leads you to the gorge.

Guided tour to Köprülü Canyon from Side

As public transportation options to the ravine are limited, those without access to a car will find the easiest way to make the jaunt to Köprülü Canyon is via an organized tour.

These day trips typically last between 8 and 9 hours, and begin with a convenient pickup from your accommodation in Side at a predetermined time between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM.

What is the typical itinerary?

While all Köprülü Canyon day trips have their own unique itinerary, each shares similarities. After collection by your friendly guide, you’ll board your vehicle and meet your group, traveling high into the mountains to reach the gorge together.

Along the journey, you’ll be greeted at every turn by spectacular wilderness, growing more dramatic as you ascend higher into the region and away from the coast.

When you reach your destination, you’ll stretch your legs and prepare yourself for your adventure by donning your life jacket, and helmet.

You’ll engage in a briefing to teach you the basics of rafting and then jump into your vessel alongside your instructor. After the spine-tingling activity, you may head to a nearby restaurant for lunch.

However, if you opt for a combination tour, you’ll engage in a buggy ride through the national park before doing so. Once you’re fed and watered, you’ll begin the return journey to Side where your Köprülü Canyon day tour ends.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Köprülü Canyon?

There are Köprülü Canyon day tours to suit every type of traveler and budget.

Rafting tours to Köprülü Canyon from Side

On this Köprülü Canyon rafting adventure, you’ll drive out of Side and through the impressive countryside of southern Turkey to reach Beşkonak village where you’ll engage in a safety briefing, and hop into your inflatable raft.

Alongside your group, you’ll learn how to navigate the raging rapids of the Köprü River, which flows through the village and into the national park.

You’ll feel your adrenaline rising as you bump through the white waters, feeling its chilly spray as you immerse yourself in the natural wonderland.

Look up from the mesmerizing whirls of the water to discover a tranquil oasis of pine thickets, limestone cliffs and native birds along the 14-kilometer route before refueling with a local lunch, and returning to Side.

Buggy safari to Köprülü Canyon plus rafting tour from Side

Those who are seeking an even bigger thrill can find it by booking a Köprülü Canyon day tour that includes a buggy safari. This excursion begins with a convenient transfer to Köprülü Canyon National Park where the gorge is located.

There, you’ll speed along the waters, laughing and bonding with your group as you tumble downstream in your raft.

Once you’ve experienced the excitement of the ravine, you’ll board a buggy and embark on an adventure through the nature reserve, which is home to the largest cypress forest in Asia Minor.

Catch a glimpse of the endemic Anatolian scavenger flying overhead with its wings stretched wide and admire the 2nd-century Oluk Bridge, built by the Romans, before feasting on delicious Turkish fare.

How much does a day trip to Köprülü Canyon from Side cost?

Köprülü Canyon day trips vary in price, according to the activity you participate in. If you choose a rafting tour from Side, you’ll pay between US$20 and US$30 per person aged 4, and over.

This type of Köprülü Canyon excursion operates in groups of up to 48 guests and includes lunch, as well as all equipment, and a professional instructor.

Alternatively, if you select a combination Köprülü Canyon day tour that includes a buggy safari, you can expect to pay US$50 per adult.

Children between the ages of 6 and 10 benefit from a discounted rate of US$30 each while those under 6 can participate for free. On this rafting and buggy tour from Side, you’ll be part of a group limited to 50 travelers.

What will you see and do?

Köprülü Canyon forms part of the Köprülü Canyon National Park, which was declared a protected area in 1973 and covers more than 360 square kilometers. Its gorge is formed of limestone, as well as sandstone and clay, and its walls soar to heights of 400 meters in height.

One of the most iconic sights along the Köprülü Canyon is the 2nd-century Oluk Bridge, which was built by hand from stone blocks by the ancient Romans. This is not the only trace the Romans left in the park, as the ruins of the ancient city of Selge can also be found here, which include a theater and two temples.

The canyon is famed as one of the best spots for rafting in the region and attracts both beginners, and water sports enthusiasts to its river, which is 12 meters wide and less than 2 meters deep.

Those on a day trip to Köprülü Canyon get a front-row seat to the park’s breathtaking scenery as they speed down the river, lined with several varieties of pine trees, as well as cypress and cedar forests. The wilderness here provides an ideal environment for a myriad of woodland creatures, including bears, wolves and deer.

Alongside its land animals, the skies overhead are filled with native birds, including Anatolian scavengers, a subspecies of the eagle, as well as red vultures, which is classed as critically endangered.

What are the opening times?

Because of its fair weather, Köprülü Canyon is accessible to visitors at all times of the day throughout the year.

When is the best time to visit Köprülü Canyon?

The best time to visit Köprülü Canyon is during spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) when you'll find plenty of outdoor activities like whitewater rafting.

Get mesmerised by the beautiful scenery with lush greenery in spring and vibrant autumn colors in fall.

Are there any tours to Köprülü Canyon from other cities in Turkey?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Turkey:

• Day Trips to Köprülü Canyon from Alanya
• Day Trips to Köprülü Canyon from Antalya
• Day Trips to Köprülü Canyon from Belek
• Day Trips to Köprülü Canyon from Kemer

Travel tips

• Check the itinerary to make sure it includes activities you're interested in and matches your preferences for duration and adventure level.
• Wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear, and bring swimwear or quick-drying clothes if you plan to participate in water activities.
• Stay hydrated throughout the day by carrying a water bottle, and pack snacks or energy bars to keep yourself energized.
• Follow the safety instructions provided by your tour guide, including the use of safety equipment, and ask questions if you're unsure about anything.