Side-Turkey.

Some corners of the Turkish Riviera reward you for leaving the beach behind, and Koprulu Canyon is one of them. Tucked into the mountains northeast of Antalya, inside the Manavgat district, this national park stacks three very different thrills into a single outing: white-water rafting on a clear mountain river, a bumpy off-road jeep safari through pine forest and villages, and the dizzying clifftop viewpoints of Tazi Canyon. If you only have time for one big adventure during your stay in Side, this is the one that lingers in the memory.

What makes Koprulu Canyon special

Koprulu Canyon National Park sits in the mountains northeast of Antalya, within Manavgat. The Kopru river carves a long, deep canyon through the landscape, and the same valley that draws rafters also shelters ancient history. The well-preserved Roman Oluk Bridge still arches over the river here, once part of the old stone road that linked the ancient city of Selge to the wider region of Pamphylia. You feel the layers of the place as you move through it: rushing water, fragrant pine, and stonework that has stood for many centuries.

Tazi Canyon: the viewpoint that steals the show

Tazi Canyon, sometimes translated as "Greyhound Canyon," is the dramatic highlight. From the clifftops the gorge falls away far below your feet, opening out in a view that photos never quite capture. It is one of the most photographed spots in the whole park. A word of honest caution: the viewpoints are unfenced natural clifftops, so keep well back from the edge and hold children's hands at all times. The reward for a little care is one of the finest panoramas in the Antalya hills.

How the three activities fit together

A combined trip usually opens with the off-road jeep safari, climbing away from the coast through forest tracks and rural villages on the way up to the canyon. The rafting section runs on the Kopru river, the same water the national park is famous for, and it is suitable for first-timers as well as those chasing a splash. Tazi Canyon is reached by jeep and explored on foot at the viewpoints. The exact running order and which elements are included can vary by operator, so it is always confirmed at booking.

Quick Facts

• Duration: A combined Koprulu Canyon adventure; exact duration confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Off-road jeep safari, rafting on the Kopru river, Tazi Canyon viewpoint stop, transfers; full inclusions confirmed at booking.
• Excludes: Personal spending, photos/video, optional extras such as zipline; check official details at booking.
• Family Friendly: Yes, suitable for families; clifftops are unfenced, so close supervision of children is essential.
• Best Season: Spring through autumn, when the weather is warm and the river is at its best.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate; accessible to most reasonably fit travellers.

Related Excursions

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Koprulu Canyon?

It lies in the mountains northeast of Antalya, within the Manavgat district, as part of Koprulu Canyon National Park. It is an easy day trip from Side and the surrounding resorts.

Can I see Tazi Canyon and go rafting on the same day?

Yes. The combined adventure is designed to pair the Tazi Canyon viewpoints with rafting on the Kopru river and the jeep safari. The exact programme order is confirmed at booking.

Is Tazi Canyon safe with children?

The scenery is family-friendly, but the viewpoints are natural, unfenced clifftops. Keep children close, hold their hands near the edge, and never let them run on the rocks.

Do I need rafting experience?

No. The Kopru river rafting suits beginners, and qualified guides brief you and provide safety equipment. Full details are confirmed at booking.

What is the Oluk Bridge?

It is a well-preserved Roman bridge inside the park, once part of the old stone road connecting the ancient city of Selge to the wider Pamphylia region.

What should I bring?

Comfortable shoes with grip, a change of clothes and a towel for rafting, sunscreen, water and your camera. Specific advice is confirmed at booking.

Are prices and times fixed?

Timings, fees and any park charges should be confirmed at booking or checked on the official site, as they can change seasonally.

Why book directly with you?

Booking direct with our local team removes agency and OTA commission, and we back it with our best-price guarantee, so you deal with the people running the trip.

Ready to combine rafting, a jeep safari and the clifftops of Tazi Canyon? Book DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com. As a local operator we cut out the middleman commission and stand behind our best-price guarantee. Message us today and we will sort your pick-up from Side, Manavgat or your resort.