Koprülü Kanyon National Park
Working hours: 08:00-18:00
How to go:
- by car- drive to Serik, drive 5 km more from Serik and turn on Beşkonak intersection and go around 37 km more to reach the destination;
- by bus-go to Otogar with tram from İsmetpaşa station on Işıklar, then take bus which goes to Manavgat, do interchange for Beşkonak – Köprülü Kanyon bus on Beşkonak intersection ;
How long does it take: around 2 hours
Koprulu (Köprülü) Canyon National Park is Turkey’s most popular watersports area. The national park is perfect for hiking, or to explore the ancient ruins, or just to enjoy the dramatic Mediterranean scenery.
Koprulu Canyon National Park is at the middle of many natural beauties in a fertile valley. Koprulu Canyon continues for 14 km along with the Kopru River, reaching a maximum height of 400 m.
Koprulu Canyon National Park take place high in mountains, 96 km northeast in the province of Antalya. Northeast of Antalya on the Side road take the turn off for Tasagil and Beskonak (Beşkonak), for the beautiful circular, scenic route that leads to the National Park. The road crisscrosses over the clear, flowing water of the mountain river and passes through virgin forests and over rippling waterfalls. You will want to stop often and give your camera workout in this picturesque valley. At the rest area there are fish restaurants offering delicious selections. Mountaineers will be unable to resist climbing, exploring and camping in this rudged, scenic spot. Return to Antalya via the other half of the scenic route.
Oluk Bridge on Kopru River and Bugrum Bridge on Kocadere Stream are noteworthy samples of Roman engineering. Oluk Bridge was built 27 m above the canyon by using stone blocks and overlapping technique. The bridge dates back to the 2nd century AD. Koprulu Canyon National Park has a rich flora including red pine, black pine, cedar, fir, oak varieties and wild olives. Koprulu Canyon National Park also hosts the largest cypress forest of Asia minör.
Selge Antique City and Bozburun Mountain are located within the limits of National Park. Oluk Bridge or Beskonak town is where the raftsmen get in the river for rafting in Kopru River. Village kind guesthouses are available in the area.
Koprulu Canyon is one of the longest canyons in Turkey. Kopru River is famous with its salmon trouts. Cypress, cedar, red pine and black pine trees form the ecosystem of the area, and the Mediterranean cypress forest, at 400 hectares wide, is the most significant flora characteristic in Koprulu Canyon National Park. The Roman Oluk Bridge over the canyon and the Bugrum Bridge over the Kocadere stream were engineering feats of their time.