Side-Turkey.

Some places photograph well; Tazi Canyon makes you forget the camera entirely. Perched high in the hills behind Manavgat and Serik, this is the viewpoint everyone on the Turkish Riviera talks about once they've stood there. You walk to the edge of a pine-clad plateau and the ground simply falls away into a deep gorge, the red-pine slopes plunging hundreds of metres toward the canyon floor. It is dramatic, slightly dizzying, and unforgettable. This guide explains what Tazi Canyon actually is, how it sits inside Koprulu Canyon National Park, and how to visit it sensibly with the kids in tow.

What Tazi Canyon Really Is

Tazi Canyon (Tazi Kanyonu, sometimes translated "Greyhound Canyon") lies in the Manavgat district of Antalya, inside the protected boundaries of Koprulu Canyon National Park. According to Turkey's official Culture Portal, the gorge was carved over millions of years by the Kopru river, with steep cliffs and red-pine forest framing wide panoramic views. Locals also call it Bilgelik Vadisi, the "Valley of Wisdom" — a fitting name for a place that quietly puts your sense of scale back in order.

The whole park is one of the most scenic corners of Antalya province, home to wild goats, foxes and an unusually rich birdlife, all wrapped in pine forest. Tazi is the star clifftop, but it shares the park with the river, the rafting runs and the ancient bridges below.

The Clifftop Viewpoints (and Staying Safe)

The reason people come is simple: the viewpoints. From the top of the plateau the canyon opens beneath you in layers of green and grey rock, and on a clear day you can see for miles along the gorge. It is photographer heaven, especially in softer morning or late-afternoon light.

A Word on the Edge

These viewpoints are natural and largely unfenced. There is no barrier between you and a very long drop, so common sense matters more here than anywhere else on your trip. Keep well back from crumbling edges, watch your footing on loose stones, and — this is the big one — hold small children firmly by the hand at all times. With a little care it is perfectly enjoyable for families; without it, it isn't a place to be casual.

Getting There: Jeep Safari Through Koprulu

Tazi is usually reached by an off-road jeep safari that climbs through pine forest, mountain villages and dusty tracks — the journey itself is half the fun. Most trips fold Tazi into a wider Koprulu Canyon adventure, which is why you'll often see it paired with white-water rafting on the Kopru river and zipline options.

Down at river level sits the Oluk Bridge (Oluk Koprusu), a beautifully preserved ancient Roman arch over the Kopru river — a complete change of mood from the high clifftops, and a lovely place to pause. Exact route, stops and timings depend on the day and conditions, so these are confirmed at booking.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Off-road jeep safari through Koprulu, usually combined with other park activities; exact length confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Jeep safari transfer toward the Tazi viewpoint within Koprulu Canyon National Park; details confirmed at booking.
• Excludes: Personal spending, optional extras such as rafting or zipline, park/entry fees where applicable — check the official site.
• Family Friendly: Yes, with close adult supervision at the unfenced cliff edges.
• Best Season: Spring through autumn, when the pine forest and skies are at their best.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate — short walks on natural, uneven ground near steep drops.

Related Excursions

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Tazi Canyon?

It is in the Manavgat district of Antalya province, inside Koprulu Canyon National Park, in the hills behind Manavgat and Serik.

How do you get to the Tazi viewpoint?

Most visitors arrive by an off-road jeep safari through the national park's forest and villages. The exact route is confirmed at booking.

Is Tazi Canyon safe for children?

The views are family-friendly, but the clifftops are unfenced. Keep children held by the hand and stay well back from the edge at all times.

Can I combine Tazi with rafting?

Yes. Tazi sits inside the same national park as the Kopru river rafting runs, so it is often offered as part of a wider Koprulu adventure. Availability is confirmed at booking.

What is the Oluk Bridge?

It is a well-preserved ancient Roman arched bridge over the Kopru river within the park, a popular photo stop at river level.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring through autumn generally offers the clearest light and most comfortable conditions for the viewpoints.

How much does it cost?

Prices vary, so they are confirmed at booking. Booking direct with us removes agency and OTA commission, and we back it with a best-price guarantee.

What should I bring?

Comfortable closed shoes with grip, sun protection, water and a camera. Anything else specific is confirmed at booking.

Ready to stand on the edge of Koprulu's most spectacular viewpoint? Book direct with the Murat Atalay team at side-turkey.com — message us on WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com. As a local operator we cut out the middleman, so you get our best-price guarantee and honest, on-the-ground advice.