Köprülü Canyon National Park: A Visitor's Guide

Köprülü Canyon National Park lies in the Taurus Mountains above Manavgat, around 90 kilometres from Antalya city. Protected since 1973, it combines a deep river gorge, Roman bridges and the ruins of an ancient mountain city. Most visitors come for rafting, yet the park rewards anyone who stays a little longer.

Raft passing under the Roman Oluk Bridge in Köprülü Canyon National Park

Roman Bridges Over the Köprüçay

The canyon takes its name from its bridges, as "köprülü" means "with a bridge". The single-arch Oluk Bridge has spanned the gorge for close to two thousand years and still carries traffic today. Below it the Köprüçay River, known in antiquity as the Eurymedon, flows cold and clear.

A second old bridge, the Büğrüm Bridge, crosses the river further along. Both are popular photo stops, especially in the soft light of late afternoon.

Ancient Selge and the Mountain Villages

High above the gorge sit the ruins of Selge, a Pisidian city with a theatre carved into the hillside. Parts of the agora and temple foundations are scattered between village houses in Altınkaya. The road up winds past strange rock formations known locally as the "stone men".

Forests and Wildlife

The slopes hold one of the largest natural cypress forests in the Mediterranean, mixed with pine and plane trees. Patient hikers may spot wild goats, birds of prey and, near the water, native trout.

Things to Do in Köprülü Canyon National Park

Trout restaurants line the riverbank near Beşkonak and make a relaxed lunch stop. To learn why the river feels so cold, see our guide to the Köprülü Canyon water temperature.

How to Visit Köprülü Canyon National Park

Our tours include hotel pickup from Antalya, Belek, Side and Alanya, so you do not need a car. If you drive yourself, message us one day before and we will send the meeting point.

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