The Most Famous Rivers of Antalya

Antalya's rivers are short but full of character. They are born from cold karst springs in the Taurus Mountains and reach the Mediterranean only a few dozen kilometres later, cutting canyons and waterfalls on the way. Did you know that one of them, the Düden, ends by falling straight off a cliff into the sea?

Köprüçay: The Rafting River

Known in antiquity as the Eurymedon, the Köprüçay flows through Köprülü Canyon National Park before reaching the sea near Boğazkent. Its clear, cold water and easy rapids make it Türkiye's most popular rafting river, with trips running in every season.

Manavgat River

The Manavgat River is famous for its broad, low waterfall just north of the town, a favourite picnic spot. Upstream, the Oymapınar and Manavgat dams have created long reservoirs in a deep gorge, visited on Green Canyon boat trips. Downstream, river boats sail from Manavgat to the sea near Side.

Düden River

The Düden disappears underground and reappears several times on its way through the Antalya plain. Upper Düden Waterfall lies in a park on the edge of the city, while Lower Düden Waterfall drops from the travertine cliffs at Lara directly into the Mediterranean. Boat trips from Antalya harbour stop in front of it.

Other Rivers Worth Knowing

• Aksu: the ancient Kestros, flowing past Perge and reaching the sea between Lara and Kundu.
• Alara: west of Alanya, overlooked by a Seljuk castle and caravanserai.
• Dim: a cool stream near Alanya, lined with riverside restaurants.
• Alakır: flowing past Kumluca in the west of the province.

Why Antalya's rivers are so cold

Most of the water comes from deep underground, where it has been stored in limestone after falling as winter rain and snow. That is why the Köprüçay feels cool even on the hottest summer day.

Experiencing the Rivers

The best way to enjoy Antalya's rivers is on the water: rafting on the Köprüçay, a boat trip on the Manavgat or a coastal cruise to the Lower Düden Waterfall.