Köprülü Kanyon Milli Parkı

Köprülü Kanyon National Park is 63 km northwest of Manavgat district of Antalya province, and 85 km northeast of Antalya province. This area, located within the borders of Manavgat district and covering an area of 366.140 decares where the Köprüçay (Köprü) river and the historic city of Selge are located, was set aside and declared as a National Park in 1973. The gorge formed by Köprüçay, which constitutes the resource value of the National Park, between Bolasan village and Beşkonak, is one of تركيا's longest canyons with its 14 km length and wall height exceeding 100 m.

Rising from the Taurus Mountains and passing through canyons that are natural wonders, Köprüçay flows into the Mediterranean south of Serik. Fed by underground waters in the canyons whose two sides are steep and almost impossible to climb, Köprüçay constitutes one of Turkey's most beautiful natural recreation areas. In addition, the ancient city of Selge located in the mountainous terrain west of the river; many archaeological resources such as castles on the riverbank, aqueducts, bridges belonging to the Roman Period and historic roads increase the importance of Köprülü Kanyon. Among the resource values of Köprülü Kanyon National Park are;

The Köprüçay river, fed by countless springs within steep-walled canyons; suitable for rafting and water sports due to having a high flow rate in summer and winter, The theatre, agora, Zeus and Artemis temples, cisterns and aqueducts of the ancient city of Selge, founded in the 5th century B.C.; the Oluk and Büğrüm bridges on the Köprüçay river and Koca Çay, and the stone-paved historic road connecting Selge to the coastal cities of Pamphylia, With the 400-hectare area it covers within the National Park, the largest natural cypress forest in the entire Mediterranean region, The very interesting geomorphological Adam (also known as Şeytan) rocks, Its rich flora, containing 48 rare and endangered species (44 endemic), 5 species endangered on a global scale, 39 species endangered on a European scale, and 4 species endangered on a national scale, found at elevations of 150 to 2500 metres within the area it covers, Its rich fauna containing Mountain Goat, Anatolian Nuthatch, Anatolia's only endemic bird species, the endangered Red Vulture, and the Black Salamander species living only in this area, The Saint Paul Trail, known as the road walked by Saint (St.) Paul during his first missionary adventure in Anatolia, 45 km of which remains within the boundaries of the National Park, can be counted.

Köprülü Kanyon National Park offers its visitors many activity options thanks to the natural, historical and cultural riches it contains. Especially rafting, canoeing and canyoning on Köprüçay, one of Turkey's most important rafting routes; there is the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities such as swimming, nature walks, rock climbing, orienteering, cycling, angling, etc. sporting activities, as well as botanical-wildlife observation, geological structure observation, camping, photography, picnicking, jeep safari, plateau tours... Visitors coming to the region can also include the ancient city of Selge within the National Park and the Saint Paul Trail, part of which is within the National Park, in their tour programs.

For rest and accommodation in Köprülü Kanyon National Park, food and beverage facilities located on both sides of the river, day-use and tent camping areas, and guesthouses serving with bungalow houses within the Park boundaries can be considered. There are travel agencies in Antalya city centre, its districts and within the National Park that organize daily tours with programs covering rafting and other activities. Entrance to the National Park is free.

Sources:

“Köprülü Kanyon National Park”, website of the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry VI. Regional Directorate, 2019

“Antalya Köprüçay”, Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism General Directorate of Investments and Enterprises, website, 2019.

“Köprülü Kanyon National Park”, Dünden Bugüne Antalya, Antalya Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, 2012, Volume: II, p. 120-121.

Places to Visit in Antalya

Address: Köprülü Kanyon National Park Address: Bozyaka Mahallesi Manavgat / ANTALYA ---- Republic of Turkey Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry VI. Regional Directorate Antalya Branch Directorate Address: Sedir Mah. Vatan Bulvarı Muratpaşa / ANTALYA