Köprülü Canyon National Park

Köprülü Canyon National Park, spanning parts of Manavgat and Serik districts in Antalya province, protects a spectacularly deep gorge carved by the Köprüçay River through the Taurus Mountains. The canyon walls rise to heights of 400 meters in places, and the 14-kilometer gorge corridor contains some of the most dramatic scenery in southern Turkey. The park takes its name from two intact Roman bridges—Oluk Köprüsü and Büğrüm Köprüsü—that still span the river along the canyon road, testaments to Roman engineering that have survived nearly two thousand years in the mountain environment. White-water rafting is the signature activity, with the river graded at Class II to III, making it suitable for most adults and older children in the company of experienced guides. Rafting companies operate along the river between the upper canyon and the national park entrance zone, with trips lasting two to three hours covering eight to twelve kilometers. Zip-lining platforms are installed at several points above the canyon. Hiking trails lead along the canyon rim and through the forest above the gorge, and the park contains the substantial ruins of the ancient city of Selge on the plateau above, reachable by road with a short additional hike. Traditional beekeeping villages along the canyon road sell honey directly to visitors. The park is most visited from April through October when weather is warm enough for rafting, though spring adds wildflowers and greenery to the canyon walls. The Köprüçay River remains cold even in summer, making the rafting experience refreshing on hot days.