White Water Rafting in Köprülü Canyon: Turkey's Best Adventure Sport

Köprülü Canyon National Park, located approximately 90 kilometres northeast of Antalya, contains one of Turkey's most spectacular river gorge systems and the country's premier white water rafting experience. The Köprüçay River — known in antiquity as the Eurymedon — runs through a limestone canyon that reaches depths of several hundred metres, past ancient ruins, Roman bridges and dense forest. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people raft this river. Here is what the experience involves.

The River and the Route

The main rafting route on the Köprüçay runs for approximately 14 kilometres through the canyon. The river is generally classified as Grade III-IV, meaning it involves genuine rapids and requires some physical engagement, but is suitable for beginners and those without previous rafting experience. The rapids are exciting without being dangerous in normal water conditions.

The scenery along the route is extraordinary. The canyon walls rise hundreds of metres on both sides. Ancient plane trees line the banks. Two Roman bridges — Oluk Bridge and Bugrum Bridge — span the river at different points along the route, both still structurally intact after nearly two thousand years.

What Does a Rafting Day Look Like?

Most operators offer full-day trips that include transport from Antalya, a safety briefing, the rafting itself, lunch at a riverside restaurant in the canyon, and return transport. The rafting section takes approximately two to three hours. The full day, including transport and lunch, is typically six to eight hours.

Equipment — helmets, life jackets, paddles, wetsuits where necessary — is provided. No previous experience is required. Children from around 7 years old can participate on most routes, though age and weight restrictions vary by operator.

When Is the Best Time to Go?

The river is raftable from spring through to autumn — roughly April to October. Spring (April to June) offers the highest water levels and the most exciting rapids, as the river is fed by snowmelt from the Taurus Mountains. Summer conditions are gentler and better for beginners or families with children. Autumn offers a combination of reasonable water levels and cooler air temperatures.

The canyon is particularly beautiful in spring when the wildflowers on the upper canyon walls are in bloom.

What Else Is There to See?

Köprülü Canyon is within a national park that also contains the ruins of Selge — an ancient Pisidian city accessible by a short hike from the canyon road. The site is remarkably unvisited despite its impressive state of preservation. The theatre, city walls and agora are all standing, set against a backdrop of the Taurus Mountains.

The canyon road itself passes through stunning scenery and several traditional villages. Combining rafting with a visit to Selge and lunch at one of the riverside restaurants makes a full and rewarding day.

How to Book

Day trips to Köprülü Canyon are widely available from Antalya and the surrounding resort towns. Most large hotels can arrange bookings. For independent travellers, comparison of operators and prices online is straightforward. As with all adventure activities, choose a licensed operator with a consistent safety record rather than the cheapest option available.

If you are visiting the Antalya region on a guided tour, ask your operator whether Köprülü Canyon can be included as a day activity.

Explore the Mediterranean coast and inland Antalya on our Antalya & Mediterranean Region Tour.