Köprülü Canyon Rafting: How to Get There by Private Car

Köprülü Canyon (Köprülü Kanyon) is a national park in the Taurus Mountains, inland from the Side, Belek and Serik coast. The Köprüçay river has cut a deep gorge through the limestone here, and its cold, clear water flows between steep walls and pine forest. For most visitors the canyon means one thing: rafting. The river sections used by the rafting operators are suitable for beginners and families, which is why it has become one of the most popular active day trips on the Antalya coast.

The park is more than the river, though. An old Roman stone bridge still spans the gorge, and higher up the mountain lie the ruins of Selge, an ancient city surrounded by a village and big mountain views. Even if you do not want to get wet, the drive along the valley and a lunch by the water make a relaxed change from the beach.

The canyon sits north of the main coastal road, so every trip starts with a drive inland into the mountains. Typical road times are:

• From Side, Manavgat or the Kumköy and Çolaklı hotels: ≈ 1–1.5 hours
• From Belek and Kadriye: ≈ 1–1.5 hours
• From Antalya city, Lara or Konyaaltı: ≈ 1.5 hours
• From Alanya or Kemer: noticeably longer, so plan a full day

The last part of the route follows a winding valley road. In high season, traffic on the coastal road can add time, so it is worth leaving earlier than you think. If you are staying further along the coast, the day is still very doable, but expect more time in the car.

Rafting in Köprülü Canyon is run by local operators who provide the boats, helmets, life jackets and the guides who steer each raft. You book the rafting itself with an operator; we do not sell rafting and we do not run activities. Our part is the drive: we take you from your hotel to the meeting point you have agreed with the operator, and we bring you back afterwards.

Before you go, ask your operator about the starting point, what time you should arrive, minimum age for children and what is included. Then simply tell us the address and time when you book the car. On the water, always follow the guide's instructions and wear the equipment you are given. The guides know this river well, so listen to the safety briefing before you set off.

Many hotels sell a rafting package with a coach that collects guests from several hotels. That works, but it often means an early pick-up, a long round of stops and a fixed return time. A private car changes the day:

• Your own start time: leave when it suits your family, not when the coach route reaches your hotel.
• No collections: the car comes only for you, from your hotel straight to the canyon.
• Stops when you want: the Roman bridge, a photo stop in the valley or a riverside lunch.
• Room for everyone: Minivan for up to 6, VIP Mercedes-Benz Vito for up to 7 and Mercedes Sprinter for 8–16 people — useful for groups of friends or two families together.
• Fixed price per vehicle: agreed before the trip, not per person.

Agree the pick-up and return times when you book. If you want several stops, tell us when booking and we will tell you what is possible on the day.

Because the canyon lies inland from the Serik and Manavgat area, it pairs well with sights that are already on the way. The famous Roman theatre at Aspendos is close to the road between Belek and Side, and many people stop there on the way back. Read our Aspendos theatre guide for what to expect.

If you are not rafting, a slower day could include the Roman bridge, a short walk along the river and a drive up to Selge. Selge is a quiet site with scattered ruins and a theatre set against the mountains; the road up is narrow and climbs steadily, so allow extra time. For more ideas on what you can do with a car and driver, see day trips from Antalya by private car.

• Clothes: a swimsuit under light clothes, plus a full set of dry clothes and a towel for the drive back.
• Shoes: closed shoes or sandals with straps that will not come off in the water — no flip-flops.
• Sun protection: sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses with a strap; the valley gets hot in summer.
• Valuables: leave them at the hotel or in the car; phones in a waterproof pouch if you take them.
• Children: check the operator's age limits first. Free child seats in the car are available on request.
• Water is cold: even in July the river feels cool, which is part of the fun.

Spring and early summer usually bring more water in the river; late summer is warmer and calmer. Ask your operator what to expect for your dates.

Send us your hotel, the date, the number of people and the operator's meeting point and time via WhatsApp or the booking form. We reply with a fixed-price quote within 1 minute. There is no prepayment — you pay in the vehicle — and cancellation is free. If you are still choosing a hotel area, our pages for the airport transfer to Side and the airport transfer to Belek show the typical drive and live prices.