Side-Turkey.

If you have heard people in Side or Manavgat talk about a calm emerald lake hidden deep in the mountains, they almost certainly mean Green Canyon. It is one of the most photographed spots inland from the coast, yet a lot of visitors arrive unsure of what it actually is. So let us clear that up first, then walk through how a day there really works.

What Green Canyon actually is

Green Canyon (Yeşil Kanyon in Turkish) is not a wild gorge you hike through. It is the reservoir created by the Oymapınar Dam, built on the Manavgat River in the Taurus mountains north of Manavgat, in Antalya Province. When the dam was completed in 1984, the rising water filled a steep, narrow valley, and the result is a long, still lake hemmed in by forested cliffs.

The Oymapınar Dam is a concrete arch dam, around 185 metres tall, and it still produces hydroelectric power today. The famous deep-green colour of the water comes from a mix of the mineral-rich mountain water and the sheer depth of the reservoir, which is why the place picked up the name "Green Canyon" rather than anything to do with green forest alone.

Green Canyon is NOT Köprülü Canyon

This is the single most common mix-up, so it is worth being blunt. Köprülü Canyon is a separate place — a national park on the Köprüçay River, west of here, famous for white-water rafting. Green Canyon is a calm dam lake with gentle boat cruises and swimming stops. If you want adrenaline and paddles, that is rafting at Köprülü; if you want serene water, cliffs and a relaxed boat day, that is Green Canyon. Two different rivers, two different experiences.

How you actually visit

There is no walking trail along the canyon — the way to see it is by boat. Excursions set out onto the lake and glide between the cliffs, usually pausing in sheltered coves so you can swim in water that stays noticeably cooler than the sea. Most day trips include a lunch on or beside the water, and the boat winds far enough up the reservoir for the scenery to keep changing.

Getting there is straightforward as a guided day out. From Side and Manavgat the lake is a short inland drive up into the hills; the surrounding Taurus scenery is part of the pleasure of the journey. Because the canyon sits within a protected reservoir area, the practical details of access are handled through organised excursions rather than casual self-drive visits.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Full day — exact times confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Boat cruise on the lake, swimming stops, lunch (confirmed at booking).
• Excludes: Personal spending, drinks unless stated, optional extras — confirmed at booking.
• Family Friendly: Yes — calm water and a relaxed pace suit families and older guests.
• Best Season: Roughly spring through autumn, when the weather suits boating and swimming.
• Difficulty: Easy — a relaxed boat day, no hiking or rafting involved.

Related Excursions

• Tours & excursions from Side
• Things to do in Antalya
• Excursions from Alanya
• Trips from Belek
• Excursions from Kemer
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Green Canyon a natural canyon or a dam lake?

It is the reservoir of the Oymapınar Dam on the Manavgat River. The valley is natural; the lake filling it was created by the dam, completed in 1984.

Is Green Canyon the same as Köprülü Canyon?

No. Köprülü Canyon is a separate national park on the Köprüçay River known for rafting. Green Canyon is a calm dam lake for boat cruises and swimming.

Why is the water green?

The colour comes from the mineral content of the mountain water combined with the great depth of the reservoir, which gives it that deep emerald tone.

Can you swim in Green Canyon?

Yes, tours typically stop in sheltered coves for swimming. The lake water tends to feel cooler than the sea, which many find refreshing on a hot day.

How far is it from Side and Manavgat?

It is a short inland drive up into the Taurus hills from Side and Manavgat. For exact pick-up timing and route, this is confirmed at booking.

Is it suitable for children and older travellers?

Yes. It is a calm, low-effort boat day rather than an active adventure, so it suits families and less mobile guests well.

What should I bring?

Swimwear, a towel, sun protection and a camera are the essentials. The water is cooler than the sea, so bring something light to put on after a swim.

Want to see Green Canyon without paying agency or OTA commission? Book DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team at side-turkey.com via WhatsApp or info@side-turkey.com. You deal with a local operator, not a middleman — best-price guarantee, and great off-peak value.