Köprülü Canyon from Belek makes a nature-focused day trip to a national park in Antalya province, with a river, forest, Roman bridges and the ruins of Selge. Rafting is a major draw, but parts of the river require professional experience, so check conditions and suitability before choosing an activity.
- Location: Beşkonak area, Manavgat district, Antalya province.
- Park size: 36,000 hectares.
- Rafting pattern: Possible for approximately eight months of the year.
- River approach from Antalya: Via Serik, Taşağıl and Beşkonak.
What visitors find at Köprülü Canyon
Köprülü Canyon National Park combines a long gorge and the Köprüçay River with historic remains and forest. Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism describes the canyon valley as running between Bolasan and Beşkonak, with walls reaching 100 metres and a length of 14 kilometres.
The Köprüçay flows from the Taurus Mountains through canyons before reaching the Mediterranean south of Serik. Within the park, the river shares the landscape with a Mediterranean cypress forest covering 400 hectares. The protected area also includes part of the river and the ancient city of Selge.
Oluk Bridge and Büğrüm Bridge are Roman bridges linked to the historic stone road between Selge and Pamphylia. Selge’s remains include a theatre, agora, temples of Zeus and Artemis, and cisterns; the ruins lie 12 kilometres from the park highlights described by the ministry.
Walking, rafting and other outdoor options
Rafting and camping are among the outdoor activities associated with the Köprü River. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism describes camping along the river’s shaded banks as popular, while rafting takes place on selected stretches of water.
The Antalya Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism says rafting is possible on the Köprüçay for approximately eight months of the year. Some sections are suitable only for professional rafters. The official river-course description includes class 2–3 water after the falls, so check the suitability of a route with an experienced operator before committing to it.
Less experienced groups usually enter the river near Oluk Bridge. The official course guidance says novices should finish immediately before the concrete bridge 10 kilometres downstream. Experienced rowers can continue into the first canyon, a section about 3 kilometres long, exiting by the left bank to an asphalt road. The second canyon is strictly off limits.
Private companies offer day and overnight rafting tours, along with tent rental and accommodation in pensions and bungalows. A regional development agency directory lists rafting centres near Oluk Bridge, in Beşkonak village and in Karabük village. Availability and offerings can vary, so confirm arrangements directly with an operator.
How do you get from Belek to the national park?
For the rafting approach, the Antalya tourism directorate describes driving from Antalya via Serik, Taşağıl and Beşkonak. From Manavgat, the approach runs via Taşağıl to Beşkonak. If you’re arranging your own transport from Belek, this guide to getting around Belek and planning day trips can help with the local transport context.
The park lies in the Beşkonak area of the Manavgat district. A separate description from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism places it 49 kilometres northeast of Antalya and gives a road route via Manavgat, Taşağıl and Beşkonak. The ministry’s route and the tourism directorate’s rafting approach both point toward Beşkonak as the final area to reach.
Köprülü Canyon National Park is about 12.4 km from Asteria Family, whose family resort rooms are in Belek. The park’s scale and activities make it worth planning the day around your chosen destination and whether you intend to raft.
Season, safety and access checks
Rafting availability follows a seasonal pattern, with the Antalya tourism directorate describing it as possible for approximately eight months of the year. The river is not suitable for every skill level: some sections are reserved for professional rafters, and the second canyon is off limits.
Before arranging a river activity, ask the operator which section the trip uses and whether it suits your group’s experience. Confirm current operating conditions and access with the relevant operator or tourism authority; check the official site before you go.
FAQs
Where is Köprülü Canyon National Park?
It is in the Beşkonak area of the Manavgat district, in Antalya province. The park includes part of the Köprüçay River and the ancient city of Selge.
Can beginners go rafting at Köprülü Canyon?
Less experienced groups usually enter near Oluk Bridge, and the official course guidance gives novices a finish point before the concrete bridge 10 kilometres downstream. Some river sections require professional experience, so confirm the route with an operator.
What historic sites are in the park?
The park includes Selge’s theatre, agora, temples of Zeus and Artemis, and cisterns, as well as the Roman Oluk and Büğrüm bridges.