Köprülü Canyon National Park is 63 kilometers northwest of Manavgat district of Antalya province. This region, which covers an area of 366,140 decares where the Köprüçay (Köprü) River and the historical Selge Ancient City are located within the borders of Manavgat district, was declared a National Park in 1973. The split valley formed by Köprüçay between Bolasan village and Beşkonak, which constitutes the resource value of the National Park, is one of the longest canyons in Türkiye with a length of 14 kilometers and a height of more than 100 meters.
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Köprüçay, which originates from the Taurus Mountains and passes through natural wonder canyons, flows into the Mediterranean from the south of Serik. Köprüçay, fed by underground waters in canyons that are steep on both sides and almost impossible to climb, is one of the most beautiful natural recreation areas in Türkiye. The ancient city of Selge, located in the mountainous terrain to the west of the river; Many archaeological resources such as castles on the banks of the river, aqueducts, bridges from the Roman period and historical roads increase the importance of Köprülü Canyon.
Among the resource values of Köprülü Canyon National Park;
Fed by countless springs in steep-walled canyons; Köprüçay River is suitable for rafting and water sports due to its high flow rate in summer and winter.
The theatre, agora, temples of Zeus and Artemis, cisterns and aqueducts of the ancient city of Selge, which was founded in the 5th century BC; Oluk and Büğrüm bridges over Köprüçay and Kocaçay and the stone-paved historical road connecting Selge to the coastal cities of Pamphylia,
The largest natural cypress forest in the entire Mediterranean Region, with an area of 400 hectares within the National Park,
Adam (Devil) Rocks, which have very interesting geomorphological features,
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Its rich flora, which includes 48 rare and endangered species (44 of which are endemic), 5 globally endangered species, 39 European endangered species, and 4 nationally endangered species found at altitudes between 150 and 2500 meters within the area it covers,
Its rich fauna, including the Mountain Goat, the only endemic bird species of Anatolia, the Anatolian Nuthatch, the endangered Griffon Vulture, the land salamander species that live only in this region,
The St. Paul Road, known as the road that St. (St.) Paul walked during his first missionary adventure in Anatolia, 45 kilometers of which remains within the borders of the National Park, can be considered.
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Köprülü Canyon National Park offers many activity options to its visitors, thanks to its natural, historical and cultural riches. Particularly rafting, canoeing and canyoning on Köprüçay, one of the most important rafting routes in Turkey, as well as swimming, hiking, rock climbing, orienteering, cycling, angling, etc. It is possible to participate in a wide range of sports activities such as botanical-wildlife observation, geological structure observation, camping, photography, picnics, jeep safaris and plateau trips. Visitors to the region can also include the Selge Ancient City within the National Park and the St. Paul Road, part of which is within the National Park, in their travel programs.
For rest and accommodation in Köprülü Canyon National Park, there are food and beverage facilities located on both sides of the river, daily and tent camping areas, and hostels serving bungalow houses within the park borders. There are travel agencies that organize daily tours with programs including rafting and other activities in Antalya city center, districts and the National Park. Entrance to the National Park is free.
Sources:
“Köprülü Canyon National Park”, T.R. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry VI. Regional Directorate website, 2019
“Antalya Köprüçay”, T.R. Ministry of Culture and Tourism General Directorate of Investment and Enterprises, website, 2019.
“Köprülü Kanyon National Park”, Antalya from Past to Today, Antalya Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, 2012, Volume: II, p. 120-121.
Places to Visit in Antalya
Source: Antalya Provincial Culture and Tourism Directorate
