🗺️ What to see in Koprulu Canyon: rafting, Oluk bridge and the road from Belek

Köprülü Canyon lies 60 km north of Belek, in the Taurus Mountains. The Köprüçay River has carved a gorge here that is 14 km long and up to 100 m deep (according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey). It is the longest canyon in the country.

On the beaches of Belek you will find bars, music and entertainment. In Köprülü Park everything is different: pine forest, cool water and a Roman bridge. The drive from Belek takes about an hour and a half, and entry to the park on foot is free.

We have put together the essentials: what to see in the canyon, where Selge and the Oluk bridge are, and how to get there from Belek and Antalya.

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What to see in Köprülü Canyon

💡 In short:

The park covers the Köprüçay River valley between the villages of Bolasan and Beşkonak in the Manavgat district.
Entry on foot is free, you pay separately for driving in via the HGS system.
Opening hours: the park is open year-round (as of 09/2026, Kültür Portalı).

The ancient name of the Köprüçay River is Eurymedon, and it flows into the Mediterranean Sea near Serik. The valley lies between the villages of Bolasan and Beşkonak, and this is where the most scenic section of the gorge runs.

The forest in the park is coniferous: pine, cedar and Mediterranean cypress. A cypress grove covering 400 hectares is considered the main botanical feature of the reserve (according to the ministry website). The shade from the trees holds even in the midday heat, so the gorge is noticeably cooler than the beach.

There are fewer animals in the park now because of hunting. Today you can find deer, mountain goats, foxes, wolves, bears, hares and badgers here. Trout live in the river's tributaries (according to the Turkey tourism portal).

Köprülü Canyon with turquoise river between cliffs

This territory was declared a national park on December 12, 1973, and its area is about 366 sq km (according to the official culture portal). For one day this is more than enough, if you pick three points in advance: the lookout near the bridge, the ruins of Selge, and a riverbank for rafting.

The ancient city of Selge and the Oluk Bridge

The city of Selge stands 12 km from the canyon, on a slope above the river. It is one of the largest cities of ancient Pisidia. A theater, an agora, temples of Zeus and Artemis, and stone water cisterns have survived here (according to the Antalya guide).

Ruins of the ancient theater of Selge in the mountains

Two old bridges cross the Köprüçay: Oluk Köprü and Büğrüm. The Oluk Bridge (Oluk Köprü) was built by the Romans on the stone road that connected Selge with Pamphylia (according to the national parks catalog). The spans rest on stone wedges, without mortar, and the structure has barely changed in two thousand years.

A rocky path leads down to the water by the bridge. Bring water with you: there are almost no shops in the gorge.

Rafting on the Köprüçay River

The Köprüçay is one of the main rivers in Turkey for rafting. The current here is steady and the rapids are short, so the route suits beginners and families with teenagers (according to the official park description). The rafting route runs right through the park, between cliffs and pine trees.

Köprüçay River, bridge, and canyon with tourists

Wear closed shoes that you don't mind getting wet, and bring a spare T-shirt. Instructors provide life jackets and helmets, but you carry your own water and sunscreen. The full route usually takes half a day including the transfer.

Camping areas and food stands are set up on the shady riverbanks (according to the national parks registry). If you are staying overnight, pitch your tent away from the water: the river level can rise at night.

For rafting tours through Köprülü Canyon with transfer from Belek and Antalya, see GetYourGuide.

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How to get there from Belek and Antalya

From Belek, the road goes through Manavgat and Tasagil to the village of Beskonak. The distance is about 60 km, and the drive takes roughly an hour and a half (according to the map). Your own or a rental car is the most convenient option: you decide where to stop along the river.

The same route from Antalya Airport goes through Manavgat, but the drive takes longer. You can book a transfer in advance, and the driver will take you right to the park entrance. For driving the route, compare car rental prices if you want to cover several spots in one day.

Distances and travel times were checked on the map, and the park entrance and opening hours were checked on 09/15/2026 on the official website.

When to go and what to bring

The canyon is open year-round, but spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. In summer it gets hot and crowded during the day. In winter, some rafting trips are suspended due to water levels and cold weather.

Bring sneakers with good grip, a hat, and extra water. Phone reception in the gorge is patchy, so agree on a meeting point with your group in advance. If you are traveling with children, plan a short route and do not go down to the water alone.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How far is Koprulu Canyon from Belek?

From Belek to the park entrance is about 60 km, and the road goes through Manavgat and Tasagil. By car it takes about an hour and a half one way. Public transport does not go all the way to the gorge, so take a car or a tour with hotel transfer.

Do you need tickets to enter the national park?

Entry on foot is free; you only pay for driving a car through the HGS system. Services inside the park are paid separately: rafting, camping, cafes. Check the car fee at the entrance, as the rate is revised every year.

Is rafting on the Koprucay suitable for beginners?

Yes, the current is steady, and the rapids are short and not dangerous for beginners. Trips run in groups with an instructor, and life jackets and helmets are provided on site. Children are taken with parental supervision, but the route should be agreed with the organizer in advance.

Are there ancient ruins near the canyon?

Yes, 12 km from the gorge lies the city of Selge with a theater, an agora, and temples of Zeus and Artemis. A paved road from Pamphylia led to it, and two old bridges cross the river, Oluk Kopru and Bugrum. It is better to explore the ruins in the morning before it gets hot.

When is the best time to visit the park?

The best months for the trip are April, May, September, and October. In summer the gorge is hot and crowded, and in winter some rafting trips are closed due to water levels. A Tuesday or Wednesday morning leaves you with empty viewpoints and short lines at the bridge.

In short: what is worth booking

Koprulu Canyon is a one-day trip from Belek or Antalya. If you are short on time, take a ready-made tour with rafting and transfer. If you have a car, add Selge and Oluk Bridge to your route.

The selection matrix is simple. One day without a car: a tour with transfer. You have a car and half a day: a self-guided route to the bridge and Selge. Traveling with children: a calm section of the river with an instructor.

View rafting and canyon sightseeing tours

Koprulu Canyon near Belek: rafting, Oluk bridge and Selge ruins