Walking beside ancient Roman bridges spanning the emerald Köprüçay River through dramatic limestone canyons before or after whitewater rafting. The canyon walls reach 400m and the forested trails are beautiful in spring and autumn.
Köprülü Canyon National Park (Köprülü Kanyon Milli Parkı) is located in Antalya Province, approximately 100 km northeast of Antalya city, protecting a dramatic limestone canyon carved by the Köprüçay River — the ancient Eurymedon. Canyon walls reach 400 m in height, framing an emerald-green river that has been a centre for whitewater rafting for decades. Walking trails of up to 10 km or more thread through the canyon beside two extraordinary Roman bridges and the ruins of the ancient city of Seleukeia ad Eurymedon, combining outdoor recreation with substantial archaeological interest. The park is reached from Antalya via the D695 highway northeast toward Serik, then inland via Taşağıl. Private car is the most practical approach; organised day tours from Antalya and Side operate daily during spring and autumn. No permit is required; a vehicle entry fee of approximately ₺80–120 is charged at the park barrier. Ample parking is available beside the main Oluk Bridge (Oluk Köprüsü). Hiking terrain ranges from gentle riverside walking beside the Köprüçay to more demanding forest paths and ridge routes above the canyon rim. The main accessible riverside itinerary covers approximately 10 km on compacted earth track, pine-forest path, and rocky canyon-floor terrain, with minimal elevation gain at around 200 m. Routes climbing to the canyon rim are steeper, offering views across the Taurus foothills. Walking shoes are adequate for the river trail in dry conditions; trail shoes or boots with grip soles are advisable near the water where limestone becomes extremely slippery when wet. The principal landmark is the Oluk Bridge (Oluk Köprüsü), a remarkably intact 2nd-century Roman arched structure still crossed daily by pedestrians — one of the best-preserved Roman bridges in Turkey. Approximately 12 km upstream, the Bugrum Bridge (Kesme Köprüsü) is a second Roman bridge of similar age. Above the canyon, the ruins of Seleukeia ad Eurymedon preserve colonnaded streets, a theatre, cisterns, and scattered inscriptions amid pine forest. Spring months bring cascading waterfalls and wildflowers along the canyon walls; autumn foliage peaks in late October. Riverside fish restaurants operate near Oluk Bridge from April to October.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Antalya
- Best season
- March to May and October to November
Highlights
- Roman Oluk Bridge (2000 years old)
- Emerald river views
- Seleukeia ruins
- Pine forest trails
- Rafting combination
Tips for visiting
- Visit in spring (March–May) for waterfalls, wildflowers, and ideal river levels — the canyon is at its most photogenic and the air temperature is comfortable.
- Combine the hiking trail with a half-day whitewater rafting trip on the Köprüçay — multiple operators are based beside Oluk Bridge and same-day bookings are usually available.
- Wear grip-soled shoes; wet limestone near the river is extremely slippery and accounts for most minor injuries at the site.
- The Seleukeia ruins above the canyon are rarely visited — allow an additional two hours and bring sturdy shoes to explore the site above the treeline.
- Midday in July and August is extremely hot on south-facing canyon walls; a dawn start or late-afternoon timing is strongly preferable in summer.
- Carry sufficient water for the full trail; there are no water sources on the forest and rim trails above the river, and the canyon can become very warm.
When to visit
March to May offers the most spectacular conditions with seasonal waterfalls, wildflowers, and excellent river levels; October and November are also highly recommended for autumn foliage and cooler air temperatures.
Accessibility
The riverside trails near Oluk Bridge are relatively flat and suitable for walkers with moderate mobility, though the uneven stone and packed-earth surface is not wheelchair-accessible. Routes above the canyon rim and to the Seleukeia ruins involve steep rough terrain unsuitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Köprülü Canyon from Antalya?
The park is approximately 100 km northeast of Antalya by car via the D695 toward Serik and then inland. Organised day tours depart daily from Antalya and Side in spring and autumn and are the most convenient option for visitors without a rental car.
Is Köprülü Canyon primarily a rafting or hiking destination?
Both activities are popular and complement each other well. Rafting on the Köprüçay is the most-booked activity; the hiking trails alongside the Roman bridges and through pine forest are less crowded and suit visitors seeking a quieter experience.
What is the Oluk Bridge at Köprülü Canyon?
Oluk Bridge (Oluk Köprüsü) is a 2nd-century Roman arched bridge spanning the Köprüçay, still crossed by pedestrians today. It is one of the best-preserved Roman bridges in Turkey and the focal point of the hiking area.
Is there an entry fee for the national park?
A vehicle entry fee of approximately ₺80–120 is charged at the park barrier. Individual hiking and use of riverside areas does not carry a separate admission charge; rafting tours include operator fees independently.
Are the Seleukeia ruins worth visiting?
Seleukeia ad Eurymedon is an undervisited ancient city above the canyon with an intact theatre, colonnaded streets, and water cisterns. Combining it with the canyon walk adds two to three hours and requires a climb above the treeline on a rough path.