Köprülü Canyon Rafting 2026: An Adrenaline Day from Side

As the Mediterranean sun shines in all its generosity in July, an entirely different world awaits you just an hour away from Side's golden beaches: Köprülü Canyon. During this peak season, when daytime temperatures reach 33 to 35 degrees, the coolness of the mountain water flowing through the canyon's depths offers your holiday an unforgettable contrast and an invigorating break. The few hours you will spend on the foamy currents of the Köprüçay River provide an experience that will win over both adrenaline enthusiasts and guests who wish to be alone with nature.

As the Kirman Premium family, we believe that your holiday does not have to be spent solely by the pool and on the beach. A day spent stepping out of the comfortable atmosphere of our hotel and into the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, accompanied by the scent of pine forests, allows you to discover the richest side of a Mediterranean holiday. In this guide, we explain hour by hour how to reach Köprülü Canyon from our hotels in the Side region, what awaits you on the rafting course, and the adventure you can experience throughout the day, from the historic bridges dating back to the Roman era to the ancient city of Selge.

Image: Our Kirman Premium hotels in the Side region offer an ideal starting point for embarking on a canyon adventure.

What Is Köprülü Canyon and Why Should You See It?

Köprülü Canyon lies within the boundaries of the Beşkonak village, part of the Manavgat district, designated as a protected national park area. The Köprüçay River, known as Eurymedon in antiquity, carved through the rocks over millions of years to form a magnificent canyon reaching depths of up to 400 metres in places. Today, this unique geography welcomes its visitors both as one of Turkey's most popular rafting destinations and as a rich area of historical and natural heritage.

The appeal of the canyon is not limited to rafting alone. Walking trails shaded by mountain pines, stone-arched bridges that have survived from the Roman era to the present day, and an ancient city built on the slopes transform this region into a true open-air museum. This natural wonder, where water, stone and history come together, promises our guests an experience far beyond the usual boundaries of a Mediterranean holiday. For our guests planning an adventure-filled holiday in Antalya, Köprülü Canyon deserves a place at the very top of the list.

The Coolness of Mountain Water: Rafting on the Köprüçay

At the heart of the Köprülü Canyon rafting experience lie the waters of the Köprüçay River, which remain surprisingly cool even in the summer months. The water temperature at the canyon's source remains around 9 degrees throughout the year; it rises to an average of 16 degrees along the course, and towards 19 degrees as it approaches sea level. Plunging into this cool water on a July noon when the air temperature exceeds 33 degrees is, in the truest sense, an invigorating experience. Our guests often remember this contrast as the most enjoyable part of the adventure.

The course is approximately 12 to 14 kilometres long depending on the flow rate, and the time spent on the water varies on average between 2.5 and 3 hours. This is an ideal distance that even beginner-level participants can comfortably complete, yet one that does not lack excitement. Accompanied by professional guides, you experience calm stretches with gentle currents followed by foamy, fast passages one after another. The Köprüçay rafting course is not one of the world's most challenging rivers; on the contrary, it is a balanced route that families and our first-time paddling guests can safely enjoy.

A Geography Stretching from Rome to Today: Oluk Bridge and Selge

It is the magnificent stone bridges scattered across the region that give Köprülü Canyon its name (the Turkish word "köprü" means bridge). The best known of these is the Oluk Bridge, rising over the Köprüçay. This elegant arched structure, dating from the Roman era, approximately the 2nd century AD, is around 14 metres long and 3.5 metres wide. Its most impressive feature is that it was built without using mortar, simply by interlocking wedge-shaped stones. Having stood firmly over the deep gorge of the canyon for nearly two thousand years, this bridge is a silent witness to ancient engineering. The nearby Büğrüm Bridge, the region's second historic Roman arch bridge, offers a similar elegance.

As you cross the bridges and climb towards the upper slopes, you encounter the Ancient City of Selge, whose roots reach back to the 5th century BC. Once one of the most powerful and wealthy settlements in the region, Selge today offers its visitors a magnificent Greco-Roman theatre with a capacity of around 9,000 people, the ruins of the temples of Zeus and Artemis, cisterns, aqueducts and stone-paved ancient roads. Set amid pine forests at the summit of the mountains, this silent city is an unforgettable stop that crowns the canyon adventure for our history-loving guests. For those who wish to get to know the historical fabric of the Side region more closely, the region's extensive ancient heritage always waits to be discovered.

Hour by Hour: An Adventure Day at Köprülü Canyon

When well planned, the Köprülü Canyon adventure turns into a full day stretching from early morning to late afternoon. So that our guests can spend their day in the most productive way, we share step by step the flow of a typical canyon day. The times below are approximate and may vary depending on the tour operator and programme you choose.

08:30 - Departure from the Hotel and the Taurus Journey

Start the day by gathering your strength with our hotel's rich open buffet breakfast. An early start ensures both that you reach the canyon before the midday heat and that you set off during the cooler hours of the day. When you depart from the Side region, you begin to climb towards the Taurus Mountains rising behind the coastline. After passing Manavgat, the road winds upwards through pine forests, and at every bend the view becomes increasingly impressive. The journey itself is an enjoyable part of the adventure.

10:00 - Welcome, Briefing and Equipment

When you arrive at the rafting centre in the Beşkonak region, a cool welcome area shaded by pine trees awaits you. Here, professional guides provide a safety briefing; how to hold the paddle, what the commands mean and how to behave should you fall into the water are all explained. Life jackets and helmets are then distributed. This preparation stage forms the foundation for a safe and enjoyable experience, so it is important to listen carefully to the guides' instructions.

10:30 - Into the Water and Rafting Begins

When the boats are lowered into the water, the real adventure begins. With the first paddle strokes, the cool waters of the Köprüçay greet you, and at that first contact all the fatigue of the summer heat instantly disappears. The first sections of the course begin with calm waters that allow you to find your rhythm and achieve harmony as a team. Then come the foamy passages, small waterfalls and fast currents flowing between the canyon walls. As you paddle to your guide's commands, the steep rock faces and lush vegetation around you offer unforgettable scenes.

12:30 - Break and Cooling Off

During the breaks given at certain points along the course, those who wish can leave the boat and enjoy swimming by jumping into the natural pools. The brave can also experience the thrill of jumping into the water from the rocks under the supervision of the guides. These breaks are also perfect opportunities to take photographs, catch your breath and listen to the enchanting silence of the canyon. Spending a few minutes in this water of around 16 degrees allows you to continue the rest of the day with a whole new freshness.

13:30 - End of the Course and Lunch

After approximately 2.5 to 3 hours spent on the water, you reach the end point of the course. Many tours also include in the programme lunch served at the facilities along the riverbank. A meal eaten beneath the pine trees, accompanied by the babbling of the stream, allows you to regain the energy you spent in the morning. After changing into dry clothes and relaxing, you are ready for the second half of the day.

15:00 - Historic Bridges and Optional Activities

In the afternoon, the canyon offers many more opportunities for exploration for our guests whose energy is still high. Visiting the historic Oluk Bridge is one of the most photogenic spots in the canyon. Those who wish to continue their quest for adventure can try the zipline running over the canyon, jeep safari, or ATV and buggy tours on the surrounding trails. Alternatives such as nature walks and canyoning are also among the rich options the region offers. For our guests who wish to map out Antalya's adventure-filled activities, the region is a true paradise of adrenaline.

17:30 - Return to the Hotel

As you set off towards your hotel in the cool of the late afternoon, the canyon views you leave behind and the exciting hours spent in cool waters are etched into your memory. When you arrive at our hotel, a warm shower, a relaxing evening and a Mediterranean sunset await you. In the Side region on July evenings, the sun sets at around 20:20 to 20:25, which means you can comfortably catch a sunset after returning from your adventure.

Who Is Köprülü Canyon Ideal For?

The best thing about Köprülü Canyon is that it can appeal to very different guest profiles. For families, this experience means an enjoyable day that introduces children to nature and team spirit. The balanced difficulty level of the course allows children to join the adventure too, provided certain age and safety conditions are met. For a family paddling together and laughing together in the boat, Köprülü Canyon creates one of the strongest memories of the holiday.

For couples, the canyon offers a romantic way to step out of the routine of a beach holiday and share excitement together. For adrenaline enthusiasts, the foamy passages and optional extra activities such as the zipline provide exactly the thrill they seek. Those who wish to be alone with nature find true peace in the silence of the canyon, accompanied by the scent of pine and the sound of water. In short, Köprülü Canyon is the right choice for everyone seeking adventure.

Side / Manavgat

Sidemarin Kirman Premium

Family-friendly - Tennis court - Close to the ancient city

Ideal for those who love an active holiday. After the canyon adventure, it offers comfortable rest and family enjoyment.

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Practical Information: Transport, Season, Cost and Clothing

The most comfortable way to reach Köprülü Canyon is through organised tours that pick you up and drop you off in front of our hotel. These tours generally offer transport, equipment, guiding services and often lunch as a package; this way, it is enough for our guests to focus solely on living the adventure. Guests who wish may also reach the region by private vehicle; in this case, an approximately 1 to 1.5 hour drive from the Side region is sufficient. For those who would like to learn more about transport and transfer options to Antalya, the region's transport network is quite well developed.

The rafting season generally extends from April to October; during this period the river's flow rate is suitable for rafting. July is both the hottest period and the time when the cool mountain water is most sought after, making it one of the most enjoyable adventure months of the summer holiday. Since tour prices vary according to the operator, the content of the programme and additional activities, rather than giving an exact price, we recommend obtaining up-to-date information from the operator before booking. Start times may also vary from tour to tour.

Being prepared when it comes to clothing is the key to fully enjoying your experience. A swimsuit or quick-drying sportswear that you will not mind getting wet, along with water shoes or sandals fastened so they will not come off in the water, are the ideal choice. Keep spare dry clothing, a towel, sunscreen, a hat and a waterproof case for your valuables with you. Waterproof bags are quite useful for protecting devices such as mobile phones and cameras. Smart, light preparation allows you to spend your day much more comfortably.

Image: After the canyon adventure, the water and entertainment facilities of our hotels await you.

Before and After the Adventure: A Day at Kirman Premium

The way to fully savour the Köprülü Canyon adventure lies in the right accommodation. Our hotels in the Side region, Sidemarin and Calyptus, offer the closest departure points to the canyon, saving our guests time. The night before the adventure, you can store up energy in our hotel's rich dinner and relaxing atmosphere; and on your return, you can shed your fatigue with our spa and wellness facilities. For our guests seeking an active holiday, our hotels are an ideal base that completes the canyon adventure.

For adventure lovers, the holiday is not limited to a single day. The sports and wellness facilities our hotels offer promise an experience across a wide range, from water sports to fitness and renewal programmes. After an adrenaline-filled canyon day, a relaxing massage or a calm wellness session renews your body. Kirman Premium's understanding of an active holiday is built on the vision of bringing movement and peace together in the same holiday.

Okurcalar / Alanya

Leodikya Kirman Premium

Mega aquapark - Beach club - Check24 award-winning

Ideal for active and energetic families. With its mega aquapark and beach club enjoyment, it crowns the adventure holiday.

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To guide our guests in their search for an active holiday, our Premium Sports & Wellness concept offers a special programme that brings sport and renewal together. For those who wish to invigorate their bodies, the various classes and activities within the Healthy Sports Club are a natural complement to the canyon adventure. For more inspiration on the spa and wellness experiences in the region, you can also explore our spa and wellness guide in Antalya.

The Adventure Continues in Antalya

Köprülü Canyon is only one part of Antalya's wealth of adventure and nature. Our adrenaline-loving guests can add far more excitement to their holiday by discovering the region's best 5 activities ranging from rafting to paragliding. For those curious about the underwater world, a journey into the underwater world of the Mediterranean promises an entirely different exploration. Those seeking calmer days, on the other hand, can choose the route that suits them from among boat trips and bay excursions.

There is so much to discover in this geography where history and nature are intertwined. For those who wish to experience Side's ancient heritage and coastal pleasure together, our guide to places to visit in Side offers a comprehensive starting point. Those planning a broader exploration can draw inspiration from our guide to places to visit in Antalya; and our guests planning an active summer should review our active holiday guide. To spend your holiday full of activities throughout the summer, we also recommend taking a look at our summer activity suggestions.

A Final Word: Heed the Invitation of the Cool Waters

In the scorching heat of July, taking a short journey from the blue of the Mediterranean to the green of the Taurus adds an entirely new dimension to your holiday. The cool waters of Köprülü Canyon, its stone bridges that have survived from Rome to the present day, and the tranquillity of the pine forests transform an ordinary holiday day into an unforgettable adventure. As the Kirman Premium family, we aim to offer our guests not only comfortable accommodation but also experiences they will recount throughout their lives.

This adventure, setting off from our hotels in the Side region, offers a perfect blend of nature, history and adrenaline. To decide which of our hotels best suits your holiday dream, you can make use of our 5-hotel comparison guide. Heed the invitation of the cool mountain waters and crown your summer of 2026 with the privilege of Kirman Premium.