Koprulu Canyon Rafting: The Coldest Water in Antalya

The Kopruçay is spring-fed, which is a polite way of saying it is freezing in August. That first minute in the raft — everyone shouting, nobody paddling properly — is why this trip stays at the top of most people's Antalya list long after the beach days have blurred together.

Koprulu Canyon National Park lies inland from Serik, in the mountains behind the coastal plain. The river has carved about fourteen kilometres of gorge through pale limestone, with Aleppo pine growing right down to the water on both banks. A Roman arch bridge, Oluk Kopru, still carries traffic across the narrowest point, and the ruins of the ancient city of Selge sit on the plateau above — a reminder that this was a working route long before anyone thought to raft it.

Rafting lasts one to two hours. The rapids are the friendly variety: fast enough to soak everybody and demand genuine paddling, calm enough that swimmers can float alongside in the pools between them. Each raft carries a guide, helmets and buoyancy aids are issued, and no experience is assumed. Families with older children do this trip regularly and come off it grinning.

Between the drive and the river there is time for the canyon itself, which most visitors underestimate. Riverside restaurants are built on platforms directly above the current, trout is the obvious order, and lunch at a local restaurant is included along with entrance fees, hotel transfer and drinking water.

Wear swimwear under something quick-drying, and shoes that fasten — river sandals or old trainers, never flip-flops. Pack a towel and a full change of clothes to leave in the vehicle. Phones survive only in a sealed pouch on a strap. Unstrapped sunglasses and loose hats will be donated to the river. Put sunscreen on before you launch, because there is nowhere to reapply it halfway down a canyon.