Köprülü Canyon is one of Antalya's most dramatic natural landscapes — a deep, forested gorge in the Taurus Mountains where the turquoise Köprüçay river carves its way through pine-clad slopes and towering limestone walls. Protected as a national park, it blends raw nature with layers of ancient history, and it has become known across Turkey as the country's rafting capital. Whether you come for the scenery, the ruins or the white water, Köprülü Canyon rewards a full day of exploring.
History & Culture
The canyon takes its name — Köprülü means "with a bridge" — from the remarkable Oluk Bridge (Oluk Köprü), an ancient Roman span that still arches gracefully over the gorge. Crossing this humpbacked stone bridge above the rushing river is one of the most photographed moments in the park, and a reminder that these mountains have carried travellers and traders for close to two thousand years.
High above the canyon lies the mountain-top ancient city of Selge. Once a prosperous settlement of the Pisidian region, its ruins scatter across a windswept plateau ringed by jagged peaks. The most striking survivor is its ancient theatre, still commanding sweeping views over the valley, alongside traces of temples, city walls and cisterns. The drive up to Selge, on a narrow road that winds past pine forest and eroded rock pinnacles, is an adventure in itself and passes small mountain villages where rural life continues much as it has for generations.
Nature & Top Sights
Köprülü Canyon National Park protects a rich swathe of Mediterranean pine forest, home to ancient cypress stands and a cool, green microclimate that offers welcome relief from the coastal heat. Highlights to seek out include:
- The Köprüçay river — its clear, cold water is the lifeblood of the canyon and the stage for its famous rafting.
- Oluk Bridge — the photogenic Roman bridge over the deepest part of the gorge.
- Selge — hilltop ruins and one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the region.
- Forest walking trails and riverside picnic spots — shaded paths and gravel banks ideal for a slow afternoon in nature.
Because the park sits inland in the mountains rather than on the coast, there are no beaches here — but the river pools and shaded pine groves more than make up for it, and the Mediterranean shore is only a scenic drive away.
Adventures & Day Trips
The standout experience in Köprülü Canyon is, without question, white-water rafting. This is where Turkey's rafting story began, and the Köprüçay's Class II–III rapids make it the perfect river for a fun, accessible day on the water — thrilling enough to get the adrenaline going, gentle enough for families and first-timers. Our classic white-water rafting trips run right here through the heart of the gorge, gliding under the ancient Oluk Bridge and past forested cliffs.
Trips include guides, all gear, insurance and free hotel transfer, with rafting from €20 and payment on the tour day. See all our rafting tours from Köprülü Canyon, or browse the full range of day tours — from relaxed river runs to combo days that pair rafting with quad safaris and canyon walks. Thrill-seekers can also look toward the neighbouring extreme Class IV–V rafting for a wilder ride.
Practical Tips
The rafting and outdoor season runs roughly from April to October, when the weather is warm and the river flows strong; midsummer brings the biggest crowds, so spring and early autumn are ideal for a quieter visit. The canyon is best reached by car or on an organised tour, as public transport is limited — most rafting operators, including us, offer free transfer from Antalya-area hotels. Bring sturdy footwear for the ruins, sun protection, and a change of clothes if you plan to get wet.
Köprülü Canyon is where Roman history, mountain wilderness and Turkey's best-loved rapids meet in a single day. Book your Köprülü Canyon rafting day trip and see the gorge from the water.
White Water GR II 
White Water GR III 
White Water GR III