Side-Turkey.

If you are staying in Side and want one day that swaps the beach lounger for pine forest, dust and a jaw-dropping clifftop view, a jeep safari to Tazi Canyon is hard to beat. This is one of the most photographed spots on the Turkish Riviera, and reaching it is half the fun. Below is an honest, practical guide to what the day actually feels like — written by us, a local team based right here on the coast, not a faceless booking site.

What the off-road ride is really like

You leave the resort strip behind and climb into the hills of Antalya province, towards Köprülü Canyon National Park near Manavgat and Serik. The 4x4 jeep heads off the smooth tarmac and onto rough forest tracks — expect bumps, dust, the smell of pine, and plenty of laughing as the vehicle pitches over the terrain. You will roll through small villages and stretches of woodland, with the open sides of the jeep giving you the wind and the views. It is bouncy and a little wild, which is exactly the point. Hold on, keep your camera in a zipped pocket between stops, and enjoy the ride.

The Tazi Canyon viewpoint

The reward at the top is the Tazi Canyon viewpoint — locally Tazı Kanyonu, sometimes translated "Greyhound Canyon." You stand on high rock ledges and look straight down into a deep gorge, with the canyon walls dropping away far below. On a clear day it is genuinely breathtaking, and the light is best earlier or later in the day for photos.

A serious word on safety

These viewpoints are natural, unfenced clifftops. There are no barriers at the edge. Please keep well back from the rim, hold children firmly by the hand at all times, and never sit or pose right on the edge for a photo. Sturdy shoes with grip matter here far more than any number we could quote you. Treat the cliff with respect and it is one of the best views you will ever get.

Combining Tazi with Köprülü Canyon adventures

Tazi Canyon sits inside Köprülü Canyon National Park, established in 1973 in the Manavgat district. The park is a hub of outdoor activity, so the jeep safari is often combined with other Köprülü highlights — white-water rafting on the Köprü (Kopru) River and zipline being the most popular add-ons. The park is also home to the remarkably well-preserved Roman Oluk Bridge (Oluk Köprüsü / Eurymedon Bridge), a 2nd-century AD stone arch over the river that is well worth a look. What is included on any given day depends on the package you choose — that is always confirmed at booking.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: 4x4 jeep safari and driver/guide; Tazi Canyon viewpoint stop (exact inclusions confirmed at booking).
• Excludes: Personal spending, optional add-ons such as rafting/zipline unless specified, any park or activity fees — check at booking / official site.
• Family Friendly: Yes, but the clifftop viewpoints are unfenced — constant supervision of children is essential.
• Best Season: Spring through autumn, with milder mornings and softer light generally best for the views.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate — the ride is bumpy and you do some walking on uneven rock at the viewpoint; reasonable mobility and grippy shoes recommended.

Related Excursions

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the jeep safari to Tazi Canyon safe?

The drive is run by experienced local drivers, but the viewpoint itself is a natural, unfenced clifftop. The main risk is at the edge — stay back, supervise children closely and wear shoes with good grip.

Where is Tazi Canyon?

It lies inside Köprülü Canyon National Park in the hills of Antalya province, near Manavgat and Serik, reached by off-road jeep through pine forest and villages.

Can I combine it with rafting?

Often, yes. Tazi Canyon and rafting on the Köprü River are both within the same national park, so they are frequently offered together. Whether your day includes rafting is confirmed at booking.

What should I wear and bring?

Comfortable clothes you do not mind getting dusty, closed shoes with grip, sun protection, water and your camera. A light layer is handy as the hills can be cooler than the coast.

Is it suitable for young children?

Families do enjoy it, but because the viewpoints are unfenced clifftops, very young children need constant hand-holding. If you are travelling with toddlers, tell us so we can advise honestly.

How long does the tour take?

Duration is confirmed at booking, as it depends on your pick-up point and the package combination you choose.

Can I see the Roman Oluk Bridge too?

The 2nd-century Oluk Bridge is in the same national park and is sometimes included or passed on the way; check your specific itinerary at booking.

Why book direct with you instead of an agency?

We are the local operator on the ground. Booking direct cuts out agency and OTA commission, so you deal with the people actually running your day — with our best-price guarantee.

Ready to ride? Book DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team here on the coast — message us on WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com. No middlemen, no agency mark-up, and our best-price guarantee. Tell us your hotel and dates and we will sort the rest.