Antalya - Köprülü Canyon National Park
NATIONAL PARKS
Location: The park is in the mountains 49km northeast of Antalya.
Transportation: Koprulu Kanyon National Park is in the Manavgat district of the Antalya province. The road along the coast from Antalya to Manavgat then passes through Tasagil and Beskonak.
Highlights: The Kopru River is ideal for rafting and camping, with trees along one side of the bank. It forms a valley between the villages of Bolasan and Beskonak, the walls of which are as high as 100m, and at 14km is the longest canyon in Türkiye. Pine, cypress and cedar trees form the ecosystem of the area, and the Mediterranean cypress forest, at 400 hectares wide, is the most significant flora characteristic in the park. Hunting in the area has meant that the number of species of animals has decreased, and now the most significant wildlife includes deer, mountain goats, bears, foxes, wolves, rabbits and badgers. There are plenty of trout in various branches of the River Kopru.
Apart from the natural beauty, the ruins of the Roman city of Selge, 12km away is an intresting place to see. The site still has the remains of a theatre, agora, temples of Zeus and Artemis, and cisterns. The Oluk and Bugrum bridges connect the remains of the ancient stone road connecting Selge to Pamphlia.
Facililities: The River Kopru is an important area for watersports, and is ideal for rafting. Camping is also popular along the shady riverbanks, and is food available.