Northeast of Antalya, the Köprülü River carves a dramatic 14-kilometre gorge through the Taurus Mountains, and it is the region’s adventure playground. This is where nearly everyone goes white-water rafting, but there is far more here: an intact Roman bridge, the remarkable ancient city of Selge, cold-water swimming, and shady riverside restaurants. Here is a local’s guide to Köprülü Canyon.
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Check Price & Availability ›🔵 WHITE-WATER RAFTING
Rafting is the headline activity, and Köprülü is the most popular rafting spot in Turkey. The rapids are mostly gentle to moderate, so it is genuinely suitable for beginners and families with older children, with plenty of splashing, calm stretches, and jump-in spots. Trips usually include equipment, a guide, and lunch by the river.
🔵 THE ROMAN BRIDGE AND SELGE
Beyond the adrenaline, Köprülü has serious history. The elegant, still-standing Roman-era Oluk Bridge (Oluk Köprü) arches high over the narrowest, deepest part of the gorge, where the water glows an intense blue-green. From there a winding road climbs to Selge, an atmospheric ancient city with a large theatre and sweeping mountain views, scattered among a modern village. It is a wonderful, uncrowded add-on for those with a car.
🔵 NATURE AND SWIMMING
The canyon sits within a national park of cypress and pine forest, and the river is icy and clear even in high summer. Riverside restaurants on wooden platforms let you cool your feet in the water while you eat trout. It is a refreshing escape from the coastal heat.
🔵 HOW TO VISIT
Köprülü Canyon is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from Antalya by car, near Beşkonak. Most visitors come on a rafting day tour with hotel transfer, which is the easiest option. If you want the Roman bridge and Selge too, a hire car gives you the freedom to combine everything at your own pace. Bring water shoes, a change of clothes, and a towel for rafting.
🔵 FAQ INTRO
Quick answers about Köprülü Canyon.
Is Köprülü Canyon rafting suitable for beginners?
Yes. The rapids are mostly gentle to moderate, making it a great first rafting experience for beginners and families with older children. Guides and safety equipment are provided.
How far is Köprülü Canyon from Antalya?
It is around 1.5 to 2 hours by car, near Beşkonak, northeast of the city. Most people visit on a rafting day tour that includes hotel transfer.
What else is there besides rafting?
The historic Roman Oluk Bridge over the deepest part of the gorge, the ancient city of Selge with its theatre, forest scenery, and riverside restaurants where you can cool off and eat trout.
When is the best time to go rafting?
The rafting season runs roughly April to October. Summer is warmest and busiest, while spring brings higher, livelier water. The river is cold year-round, so bring a change of clothes.