Köprülü Canyon Rafting from Side – 14 km of Cold, Clear Rapids, a Roman Bridge & Riverside Lunch
The Manavgat River near Side drifts lazily to the sea; the Köprüçay, further west, does the opposite. In Köprülü Canyon National Park you paddle about 14 km of cold, turquoise water with a skipper at the back of the raft – rapids, calm pools for a swim, an old Roman bridge and lunch at a riverside restaurant.
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Operating days
- Daily
- Pickup
- 08:00 → 18:00
- Destination
- Köprülü Canyon
Side, then the Köprüçay valley
Köprülü Canyon lies about 80–85 km from Side: west along the coast towards Serik, then north up the valley of the Köprüçay. The minibus collects guests along the Alanya coast first, so in Side you are picked up later than many others and your time on the bus is shorter. The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking. Rafting runs on every day of the week.
On the river
- Helmet, life jacket, paddle and a safety talk at the rafting base
- A first stretch of rapids with calmer pools where you can jump in
- Lunch at a restaurant on the riverbank
- A second stretch with more white water and the Roman stone bridge
- Dry clothes, a look at the photos and videos, then the drive back to Side
Who can come and what to bring
No experience is needed – the skipper steers and calls the strokes. Please give children’s ages when you book; rafting is not advised in pregnancy or with serious heart or back problems. Wear swimwear under your clothes and shoes that may get wet, and pack a towel, a full change of clothes and sunscreen; drinks, photos and videos are paid on the spot. Valuables are best left at the hotel – there are lockers at the base. For an extra dose of action, the rafting, buggy and zipline combo from Side adds wheels and a wire.
Highlights
- About 14 km of white-water rafting on the Köprüçay
- Köprülü Canyon National Park scenery
- Historic Roman stone bridge
- Swimming stops in crystal-clear river water
- Professional skippers and full safety gear
- Traditional lunch at a riverside restaurant
Hotel pickup from Side
Pickup times depend on where your hotel is and change from season to season, so we confirm your exact pickup time by WhatsApp or e-mail after booking. Please be ready at the hotel entrance 5 minutes early.
Hotels we pick up from in Side
- Acanthus Cennet Barut Collection
- Club Melas Privé
- Megasaray Resort Side
- Barut Hemera
- Adalya Bliss
- Novum Garden Side Hotel
- VONRESORT Golden Coast & Aqua
- Voyage Sorgun Hotel
- Liu Resorts
- Barut GOIA
- Side Star Beach Hotel
Your hotel is not on the list? No problem – just tell us its name when booking and we will arrange your pickup.
Itinerary
-
Hotel pickup
Pickup from your hotel in Side – we confirm the exact time after booking.
-
Rafting base
Arrival in Köprülü Canyon, equipment and safety briefing.
-
First rafting section
Rapids, calm stretches and swimming stops.
-
Riverside lunch
Traditional lunch at a restaurant by the river.
-
Second rafting section
More rapids and the Roman bridge area.
-
Photos & return
Change clothes, view photos and videos, start the return.
-
Hotel drop-off
Transfer back to your hotel in Side.
Included / Not included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional rafting equipment (helmet, life jacket, paddle)
- Expert rafting skipper and safety briefing
- Traditional lunch
- Insurance
Not included
- Drinks
- Photos and videos of the rafting
- Personal expenses
Good to know
Good to know
- The river water is cold even in summer – a refreshing experience.
- Please tell us the ages of children when booking.
- Not recommended for pregnant women or guests with serious heart or back problems.
- Leave valuables at the hotel; lockers are available at the base.
What to bring
- Swimwear worn under your clothes
- Towel and a full set of dry clothes
- Shoes that can get wet (sports sandals or old trainers)
- Sunscreen
- Cash for drinks and photos
Frequently asked questions
How far is Köprülü Canyon from Side?
About 80–85 km to the north-west – closer than from the Alanya resorts, which is why you are collected later in Side.
Is the water cold?
Yes, refreshingly so even in midsummer – it comes down from the mountains. The swim stops are short and lively.
Can beginners do it?
Yes. Your skipper explains everything at the base and steers the raft; you only paddle when called.
What do we pay for on the day?
Drinks, photos and the rafting video. Lunch, equipment, skipper and insurance are included.
