Köprülü Canyon and Manavgat: an adventure and nature route

Antalya is as rich in nature inland as it is on the coast. Head east towards Manavgat and into the mountains, and the seaside air gives way to green valleys, cool river water and old stone bridges. Köprülü Canyon National Park is both a good weekend escape for people living in Antalya and one of the most impressive places to show visiting friends. This post looks at the park, the ancient city of Selge nearby and Manavgat's riverside waterfall together.

Where is Köprülü Canyon and how far is it?

According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's promotion page, Köprülü Canyon National Park lies in the mountains of Antalya's Manavgat district; the route runs from Antalya along the coastal road to Manavgat and then through Taşağıl and Beşkonak. The same page puts it about 49 km north-east of Antalya, while another source, the Küre Encyclopaedia, gives 63 km. Distances vary with the source and the route measured, so it is more useful to plan around travel time: one travel guide mentions roughly an hour and a half from Antalya. Check a navigation app against that day's traffic.

Key facts about the park

• Status: According to the Küre Encyclopaedia the area was declared a national park in 1973, covering roughly 36,614 hectares.
• Canyon: The valley carved by the Köprü River between the villages of Bolasan and Beşkonak is about 14 km long. The Ministry page presents it as Türkiye's longest canyon, with walls rising up to 100 metres.
• Elevation: The park spans roughly 150 to 2,500 metres above sea level.
• Vegetation: Pine, cypress and cedar dominate. A Mediterranean cypress forest of about 400 hectares is singled out as the park's most notable plant feature, and the Küre Encyclopaedia says 44 of the area's 48 rare plant species are endemic.
• Wildlife: The Ministry page lists deer, mountain goats, bears, foxes, wolves, rabbits and badgers, and the river branches hold trout.

Roman bridges and Selge

The "bridge" in the park's name is no accident: the Oluk and Büğrüm bridges are parts of the ancient stone road that linked Selge with the Pamphylian coastal cities in Roman times. Oluk Bridge is also cited as the starting point of the amateur rafting route.

The Ministry page says the ruins of Selge lie about 12 km from the park. The city is described as founded in the 5th century BC and has a theatre, an agora, temples of Zeus and Artemis, and cisterns. Perched on a mountain slope, it feels quieter and more scenic than Perge and Aspendos on the coast; for those coastal cities see our guide to Perge and Aspendos.

Photo: Spiritia / CC BY-SA 4.0 — Wikimedia Commons

Rafting and other activities

The Köprü River is one of Türkiye's best-known rafting rivers. The Küre Encyclopaedia describes a grade 2–3 route, starting at Oluk Bridge for amateurs and further upstream at the cascade for professionals. A travel site also lists jeep safaris, ziplining, ATV and buggy tours, hiking, picnics and fishing, and camping and eating along the shaded riverbanks are possible too.

Practical tips:

• Booking: Rafting and safari tours usually need a reservation; one guide suggests booking at least a day ahead, with hotel pick-ups often around 8 or 9 a.m.
• Safety: Choose licensed operators that provide life jackets, helmets and trained guides. River levels change with the season, so ask the operator about current conditions.
• Entry: A small access fee, which differs for cars, motorcycles and buses, is reported; check current amounts.
• What to wear: Expect to get wet. Bring closed shoes, a waterproof phone case and a change of clothes.

Manavgat's river: Manavgat Waterfall

Since you pass through Manavgat on the way, you can also see one of the town's landmarks, Manavgat Waterfall. According to Wikipedia it lies on the Manavgat River about 3 km north of Manavgat town. It impresses by width rather than height: foaming white water spreads over a low step across a broad area, and shady tea gardens nearby are good for a rest. The same source notes that in floods the falls can be submerged. A curious detail: the waterfall appeared on the reverse of the Turkish 5-lira banknote from 1968 to 1983. Oymapınar Dam lies about 12 km further north.

How to plan the day

Köprülü Canyon suits a day that starts early and ends back in town in the evening. A simple flow: leave Antalya in the morning, canyon and rafting around midday, lunch by the river in the afternoon, and then, if you like, Selge or Manavgat Waterfall. In the heat of summer the canyon's cool air is a real relief. If you want a shorter nature route near the city, try Kurşunlu Waterfall and Aksu, and for mountain and cliff views see Termessos and Güver Cliff.

Conclusion

Köprülü Canyon is among the places that show Antalya is more than its coastline: a long canyon, Roman stone bridges, the quiet ruins of Selge and river sports all fit into a single day. Before setting out, confirm distance, entry fees and tour times from current sources. If you are thinking of living in Antalya, routes like this are part of the city's quality of life; for areas and homes see our guide to buying a home in Antalya and projects page, and feel free to write to us with questions.

Sources: Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism (Köprülü Canyon National Park), Küre Encyclopaedia, Wikipedia (Manavgat Waterfall), Turkey Travel Planner.

Cover photo: Kadı / CC BY 4.0 — Wikimedia Commons