Where the Taurus Mountains Meet White Water
A little over an hour inland from Antalya's beaches, the coastal heat gives way to something altogether different. Köprülü Canyon National Park follows the emerald Köprüçay river for roughly 14 kilometres through a steep gorge cloaked in pine forest, deep in the Taurus Mountains near the village of Beşkonak. This is Turkey's most famous white-water rafting destination, but it is also a place of ancient bridges, hilltop ruins and cool, scented mountain air - a refreshing escape that rewards anyone willing to venture beyond the shore.
Rafting the Köprüçay River
The canyon's reputation rests on its rapids. Fed by mountain springs, the Köprüçay stays cold and lively even in high summer, threading between sheer rock walls and forested banks. Most rafting trips are graded for beginners and families, with calmer stretches between the splashy sections, so you don't need experience to take part - just a sense of adventure and a willingness to get soaked.
Beyond the Boat
If paddling isn't for you, the riverbanks invite slower pleasures. Walk the shaded trails, swim in clear pools, or simply settle at one of the canyon's famous trout restaurants, many built on stilts right over the water.
Roman Bridges and the Ruins of Selge
History runs as deep as the river here. The graceful, single-arched Oluk Bridge, built by the Romans, still spans the canyon's narrowest point and gives the park its name (köprü means bridge in Turkish). From there, a winding mountain road climbs to Selge, a once-powerful ancient city perched among jagged peaks, where a remarkably preserved theatre looks out over the Taurus range.
Highlights at a Glance
- White-water rafting: family-friendly rapids on the cold, clear Köprüçay.
- Oluk Bridge: a beautifully intact Roman arch over the gorge.
- Ancient Selge: a hilltop city with a dramatic theatre and mountain views.
- Pine forest trails: shaded walks and viewpoints throughout the park.
- Trout restaurants: riverside dining with the sound of rushing water.
- Cool mountain climate: a welcome contrast to the coastal summer heat.
Pro tip: Bring quick-dry clothes, secure footwear and a waterproof pouch for your phone - you will get wet rafting, and the riverside rocks are slippery. Mornings are coolest and least crowded.
Getting There and Planning Your Visit
Köprülü Canyon lies inland from the Side and Manavgat coast, well signposted from the main highway via Beşkonak. The mountain road to Selge is narrow and winding, so most visitors come on an organised excursion that pairs rafting with the historic sites. Late spring through early autumn offers the best conditions, and a half- or full-day trip is enough to sample both the river and the ruins.
Ready to trade the beach for the rapids? Browse Seven Tours' rafting trips and canyon excursions in the Antalya region and let us handle the transfers, guides and gear - so you can focus on the adventure.
