Green Canyon is the largest canyon reservoir in Turkey. It is located 10 km. from Manavgat.

The reservoir is located in the Taurus Mountains, at an altitude of 350 meters above sea level, so it is always quite cool here. This place was formed as a result of the creation of a hydroelectric power station. The depth of the reservoir is about 100 meters. 27 natural springs flow here, which constantly replenish it.

Green Canyon - beautiful place for tourists' recreation. Turquoise water, dense vegetation and magnificent mountains create a stunning landscape. Here you can ride a boat, swim, go fishing or just admire the fabulous beauty of the canyon.

green canyon

Green Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in Turkey, where majestic mountain ranges surrounded by a stunning mountain lake. The canyon stretches for 14 kilometers along the Kepryu River, the depth of which reaches 400 meters. Here is the largest reservoir in Turkey, which is the third longest in the world. Nearby is the Manavgat waterfall - relatively low - about 5 meters, but it reaches a width of more than 40 meters.

Traveling through the canyon, you can enjoy the bewitching rocks covered with green trees, where you can see eagles' nests, swim in the clearest water and go fishing, as well as feel the freshness of the mountain air, which is so lacking while sunbathing under a sun lounger near the hotel pool.

If you are planning a vacation in Turkey in Side, Antalya or Alanya, be sure to visit the Green Canyon. This is a very beautiful corner, which belongs to the main attractions of the country.

Place features

Green Canyon is an artificially created object. This is the name of the reservoir on the Manavgat River, which is located in the Taurus Mountains, 350 meters above sea level and is the largest in the country. Its area is 470-500 hectares. It arose during the construction of a hydroelectric power station.

The reservoir is fed by 27 mountain springs. Can you imagine the crystal clear water there? She has an amazing turquoise color, the temperature never rises above 12 degrees. Even on the hottest day, it is fresh and cool here. There is a lot of vegetation along the banks, beautiful mountain landscapes complete the picture and make it magical. And a delicate aroma of juniper.

History of the Oymapinar Dam

This dam is a large alpine structure. The project was started in 1977 and completed in 1984. The construction was carried out by a company from Switzerland. At the time of opening, the dam was the third largest in Turkey, now it is only the fifth. The HPP on the Manavgat River has four turbines. The power of each is 135 MW. Almost half of the electricity generated here is used to supply the aluminum plant in Seydisehir.

Green Canyon in Turkey: how to get there

The easiest way is to purchase a tour. It is available to those tourists who have a rest in Side, Antalya, Alanya, Belek. From other resorts it is also possible, but it will be too far to go.

Unfortunately, public transport does not go there. Therefore, tourists who prefer independence can only use a car. The canyon is located 25 km from Side (87 km from Antalya, 10 km from Manavgat) on the territory national park. You need to go along the mountain serpentine to the Manavgat River, which flows in the city of the same name, deep into the Taurus Mountains.

The signs Manavgat, Oymapinar Dam Kanyon will help you navigate. The driver should be careful, as there are no guardrails on the serpentine, and the road is difficult, with narrow sections and sharp turns.

Rest on the reservoir

Green Canyon is located on the territory of the national park. To get on it, you need to pay 2 lira.

If you are traveling with a tour, then the entire entertainment program is made up for you. What about a solo traveler?

Of course, visit the observation deck.

On the territory of the national park there are places for a picnic, and a playground, and hammocks, and restaurants. Those who wish to go fishing are offered tackle both on the boat and on the dam.

Option independent travel The good thing is that in addition to the canyon, you can visit the most beautiful cave in Turkey, Altynbeshik, which is located 40 km from the reservoir.

Excursions

They are offered in several versions. Let's start with the most popular.

Its cost is from 40 dollars per person. The further the resort, the more expensive.

The payment includes:

• bus;
• guide accompaniment;
• boat trip through the Green Canyon;
• dinner;
• insurance.

This trip will take a whole day.

Along the way, you can enjoy panoramic views from the bus window. The road goes along a mountain serpentine, the higher you climb, the more breathtaking the landscapes will become.

The first stop is at the dam, which is called Oymapinar. From the equipped observation deck you can admire the view and take beautiful photos. There is a spring near the site, the water in it is very tasty and rich in minerals.

Then, through a mountain tunnel, the bus will take you to the pier, where a pleasure boat will already be waiting. The journey will take about two hours, you will pass about 15 km during this time.

During the walk, you can admire the water, the views and, of course, take pictures. At the end of the gorge, the boat will turn around, then the boat will make a stop in a small bay so that travelers can swim. Life jackets are mandatory for everyone, as the depth of the lake is very large.

When the captain of the ship turns off the engine, a magical silence descends on the tourists: not a single sound, not a stir, not a breath of breeze.

After the boat trip, everyone goes by bus to a cafe to have lunch (hot, salad, fruit, tea). Near the cafe there is a pier from which you can fish, tackle will be given to you. locals they assure that a huge amount of trout is found in the reservoir.

If you love nature, peace and tranquility, then such a walk will cause you a huge amount of positive emotions.

There is another option for an excursion to the Green Canyon. This is a trip by jeep to the shores of the reservoir with a visit to the mini-zoo and lunch, on the way back they are brought to see a small waterfall on Manavgat. Such an excursion does not include a trip on a boat, which causes the most positive emotions among tourists, so they get it much less often.

There may be other options for the excursion program, for example, with a stop in the ancient city of Seleukia, etc. It is better to clarify all the details on the spot.

Green Canyon (Turkey): Address, Green Canyon Reviews: 4.5/5

There are a lot of positive responses, every year they only increase. Even sophisticated tourists, who are difficult to surprise with anything, assure that the place is amazing. Travelers write that this is one of the most beautiful natural excursions in Turkey. The trip is called an unforgettable adventure and relaxation for the soul.

The pluses include a short journey. For example, from Side to go no more than half an hour. From Alanya or Antalya, of course, you have to travel much longer.

Tourists really like lunch in the fresh air, surrounded by magnificent nature, the dishes that are offered on it. The positive aspects include the absence of long journeys and pedestrian crossings. Therefore, children, the elderly, and families with toddlers will be able to take part in the tour.

There is a bar on board the pleasure boat. They offer tea, coffee and spirits, but the prices there are high.

The most vivid reviews about the Green Canyon are received by a boat trip. People enthusiastically write that the landscapes open one more amazing than the other, and the water, depending on the lighting, acquires different, incredibly beautiful shades that no photograph can convey.

Flaws

Basically, all tourists agree that the tour is easy and enjoyable. But there are a few downsides.

First, almost all the time you need to be in the sun. Secondly, drinks at a picnic are paid. Some tourists were “lucky” to get to an English-speaking guide, so they did not understand anything from his story.

Many people are afraid of the road along the mountain serpentine, they are afraid that the bus will fall into the abyss.

The disadvantages of jeep tours include a boring program.

As you can see, the minuses are minimal.

Going on a tour, be sure to bring sunscreen cosmetics, hats and dark glasses, as well as drinking water from the hotel. During the boat trip, if you want to stay on the upper deck, it can get chilly, so you need to take something warm.

If you are going to swim, don't forget your bathing suit and towel.

If you want to receive the largest number impressions, choose an excursion with a boat trip. If you are going to the Green Canyon in Turkey on your own, be sure to take a boat ride too.

You can buy a tour both from the operator and at the local tourist office. The second option is usually cheaper.

A trip to the Green Canyon in Side is a leisurely, contemplative, almost meditative event that fills you with inspiration and vivid impressions. Everyone who loves will love it here beautiful nature. Be sure to come, let yourself fall in love with these lands!

Green Canyon in Manavgat is the largest artificial reservoir in Turkey. It is located in the Mediterranean region, well known to many Russian tourists, between Alanya and Antalya. The territory of the Canyon is recognized as a national park.

The canyon appeared as a result of the construction of a hydroelectric power station. A powerful dam on the Manavgat River was built for almost a network of years and opened in 1984. At that time it was the third largest dam in Turkey and the largest alpine structure in the country.

Swiss specialists were invited to create a hydroelectric power station. 4 turbines were built, each capable of producing 135 MW. One of the main consumers of this energy is the aluminum plant in Seydishehir.

The area of ​​the Green Canyon reservoir is very impressive - a little less than 500 hectares. Thousands of tourists overcome the long way to the canyon to plunge into the incredible flavor of these places. The captivating beauty and grandeur of the emerald surface of the water are framed here by the richest nature. Depending on the season, you will witness the exuberant flowering of tangerines, oranges, almonds, languishing under the heavy fruits of pomegranate trees, olive groves, seemingly completely unreal giant cacti, whose fruits you can taste. With your head up high, look for the nests of high mountain eagles - they are very fond of this area.

Very simple people live in the mountain villages around - here you can see the completely non-glossy, non-tourist life of the country, which is much more diverse, richer and sincere.

Green Canyon in numbers:

• 350 meters above sea level;
• 100 meters deep;
• 27 sources, due to which the reservoir is updated and replenished;
• stable water temperature in the canyon is about 12C all year round (due to its underground sources).

It is especially pleasant to climb to the canyon on a hot day of the hot dry season, which in this region usually sets from mid-June to late September. Stay cool, cool down and return to a relaxing holiday under the hot sun.

Things to do in Green Canyon

There are plenty of opportunities to spend quality time here. You can admire the scenery from a large observation deck. And you can choose a wooden gulet or a boat, buy a ticket, and go deep into the canyon, where all its beauties appear in completely different perspectives. If you are planning just such a trip, it is better to come to the canyon in the morning (ideally before 10-11 am) - most often the main sightseeing ships start at this time. Don't forget to bring a good camera or camera with you so you don't beat yourself up later for missing out on so many amazing shots.

It is allowed to swim in the canyon, but, of course, this can be called swimming very roughly - rather, a quick dip. Of course, this is not well water and not an ice hole for Epiphany, but the temperature is very sobering and refreshing. Be careful: the most common holiday illness in hot countries is all respiratory problems, from mild flu to sore throats and pneumonia, and the easiest way to “catch” them is a sharp temperature difference. Anyone who wants to swim is offered to use life jackets. No matter how free you feel in the water, do not refuse - the depth here is very serious, and even a world champion in swimming can bring your leg down in cold water.

Those who like to relax with a fishing rod will be offered the necessary gear. You can fish from ships and boats or standing on the dam.

On the territory near the observation deck there are cafes, restaurants of local cuisine. Everything is organized here comfortable rest: there is a playground for children, picnic areas and hammocks for adults.

Green Canyon from a bird's eye view (video)

Excursions

The most affordable way to get into the canyon is to join one of the organized excursion groups that gather all over the coast during the high season, from Kemer to Mahmutlar. Most often tours are poisoned from Antalya, Side, Belek, Alanya.

The standard tour package includes a bus escort and a guide. The bus takes the group along the mountain serpentine to the dam, where they make the first stop to rest and visit the observation deck. The next stop is near the pier, where the group transfers to a boat or wooden gulet and continues the excursion on the water. The program usually includes lunch for participants in one of the restaurants on the beach. Please note that in most cases drinks are not included in the price. You will also be offered health insurance.

The starting price tag for such an excursion starts at $ 40 and depends on the distance of your hotel or apartment from Manavgat itself.

Don't forget sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, drinking water, bathing suits and towels, as well as warm clothes to put on on deck.

How to get to Green Canyon

In addition to sightseeing buses, the canyon can only be reached by car - public transport is not provided here.

Distance from the canyon to the main resort towns:

• to Manavgat 10 kilometers;
• to Side 25 kilometers;
• to Alanya 62 kilometers;
• to Antalya 87 kilometers.

Having left the main road following the sign, you need to move into the mountains towards the Manavgat River. The road surface here is good, just keep an eye on oncoming traffic on the serpentine and be careful when overtaking. The entrance to the territory of the hydroelectric power station is guarded, but free for everyone. The car can be left in the parking lots before or after the tunnel.

Panoramic view of the Green Canyon from Google Maps

Trips

Green Canyon (Turkey, Side): overview, features, attractions and Interesting Facts

October 11, 2017

If you are planning a vacation in Turkey in Side, Antalya or Alanya, be sure to visit the Green Canyon. This is a very beautiful corner, which belongs to the main attractions of the country.

Place features

Green Canyon is an artificially created object. This is the name of the reservoir on the Manavgat River, which is located in the Taurus Mountains, 350 meters above sea level and is the largest in the country. Its area is 470-500 hectares. It arose during the construction of a hydroelectric power station.

The reservoir is fed by 27 mountain springs. Can you imagine the crystal clear water there? She has an amazing turquoise color, the temperature never rises above 12 degrees. Even on the hottest day, it is fresh and cool here. There is a lot of vegetation along the banks, beautiful mountain landscapes complete the picture and make it magical. And a delicate aroma of juniper.

History of the Oymapinar Dam

This dam is a large alpine structure. The project was started in 1977 and completed in 1984. The construction was carried out by a company from Switzerland. At the time of opening, the dam was the third largest in Turkey, now it is only the fifth. The HPP on the Manavgat River has four turbines. The power of each is 135 MW. Almost half of the electricity generated here is used to supply the aluminum plant in Seydisehir.

Green Canyon in Turkey: how to get there

The easiest way is to purchase a tour. It is available to those tourists who have a rest in Side, Antalya, Alanya, Belek. From other resorts it is also possible, but it will be too far to go.

Unfortunately, public transport does not go there. Therefore, tourists who prefer independence can only use a car. The canyon is located 25 km from Side (87 km from Antalya, 10 km from Manavgat) in the national park. You need to go along the mountain serpentine to the Manavgat River, which flows in the city of the same name, deep into the Taurus Mountains.

The signs Manavgat, Oymapinar Dam Lake, Green Kanyon will help you navigate. The driver should be careful, as there are no guardrails on the serpentine, and the road is difficult, with narrow sections and sharp turns.

Rest on the reservoir

Green Canyon is located on the territory of the national park. To get on it, you need to pay 2 lira.

If you are traveling with a tour, then the entire entertainment program is made up for you. What about a solo traveler?

Of course, visit the observation deck.

On the territory of the national park there are places for a picnic, and a playground, and hammocks, and restaurants. Those who wish to go fishing are offered tackle both on the boat and on the dam.

The option of independent travel is good because, in addition to the canyon, you can also visit the most beautiful cave in Turkey, Altynbeshik, which is located 40 km from the reservoir.

Excursions

They are offered in several versions. Let's start with the most popular.

Its cost is from 40 dollars per person. The further the resort, the more expensive.

The payment includes:

• bus;
• guide accompaniment;
• boat trip through the Green Canyon;
• dinner;
• insurance.

This trip will take a whole day.

Along the way, you can enjoy panoramic views from the bus window. The road goes along a mountain serpentine, the higher you climb, the more breathtaking the landscapes will become.

The first stop is at the dam, which is called Oymapinar. From the equipped observation deck you can admire the view and take beautiful photos. There is a spring near the site, the water in it is very tasty and rich in minerals.

Then, through a mountain tunnel, the bus will take you to the pier, where a pleasure boat will already be waiting. The journey will take about two hours, you will pass about 15 km during this time.

During the walk, you can admire the water, the views and, of course, take pictures. At the end of the gorge, the boat will turn around, then the boat will make a stop in a small bay so that travelers can swim. Life jackets are mandatory for everyone, as the depth of the lake is very large.

When the captain of the ship turns off the engine, a magical silence descends on the tourists: not a single sound, not a stir, not a breath of breeze.

After the boat trip, everyone goes by bus to a cafe to have lunch (hot, salad, fruit, tea). Near the cafe there is a pier from which you can fish, tackle will be given to you. Local residents claim that a huge amount of trout is found in the reservoir.

If you love nature, peace and tranquility, then such a walk will cause you a huge amount of positive emotions.

There is another option for an excursion to the Green Canyon. This is a trip by jeep to the shores of the reservoir with a visit to the mini-zoo and lunch, on the way back they are brought to see a small waterfall on Manavgat. Such an excursion does not include a trip on a boat, which causes the most positive emotions among tourists, so they get it much less often.

There may be other options for the excursion program, for example, with a stop in the ancient city of Seleukia, etc. It is better to clarify all the details on the spot.

Green Canyon (Turkey): Address, Green Canyon Reviews: 4.5/5

There are a lot of positive responses, every year they only increase. Even sophisticated tourists, who are difficult to surprise with anything, assure that the place is amazing. Travelers write that this is one of the most beautiful natural excursions in Turkey. The trip is called an unforgettable adventure and relaxation for the soul.

The pluses include a short journey. For example, from Side to go no more than half an hour. From Alanya or Antalya, of course, you have to travel much longer.

Tourists really like lunch in the fresh air, surrounded by magnificent nature, the dishes that are offered on it. The positive aspects include the absence of long journeys and pedestrian crossings. Therefore, children, the elderly, and families with toddlers will be able to take part in the tour.

There is a bar on board the pleasure boat. They offer tea, coffee and spirits, but the prices there are high.

The most vivid reviews about the Green Canyon are received by a boat trip. People enthusiastically write that the landscapes open one more amazing than the other, and the water, depending on the lighting, acquires different, incredibly beautiful shades that no photograph can convey.

Flaws

Basically, all tourists agree that the tour is easy and enjoyable. But there are a few downsides.

First, almost all the time you need to be in the sun. Secondly, drinks at a picnic are paid. Some tourists were “lucky” to get to an English-speaking guide, so they did not understand anything from his story.

Many people are afraid of the road along the mountain serpentine, they are afraid that the bus will fall into the abyss.

The disadvantages of jeep tours include a boring program.

As you can see, the minuses are minimal.

Going on a tour, be sure to bring sunscreen cosmetics, hats and dark glasses, as well as drinking water from the hotel. During the boat trip, if you want to stay on the upper deck, it can get chilly, so you need to take something warm.

If you are going to swim, don't forget your bathing suit and towel.

If you want to get the most impressions, choose an excursion with a boat trip. If you are going to the Green Canyon in Turkey on your own, be sure to take a boat ride too.

You can buy a tour both from the operator and at the local tourist office. The second option is usually cheaper.

A trip to the Green Canyon in Side is a leisurely, contemplative, almost meditative event that fills you with inspiration and vivid impressions. Everyone who loves beautiful nature will really like it here. Be sure to come, let yourself fall in love with these lands!

An excursion to the Green Canyon is available for tourists vacationing in resorts located near Antalya.

Having bought an excursion or going on it yourself, you can visit the Green Canyon reservoir (Green Canyon), which is located in the Taurus Mountains. It is the largest in Turkey. It appeared during the construction of a hydroelectric power station. The reservoir is constantly fed with water from 27 mountain springs. The combination of turquoise water with dense green vegetation against the backdrop of a mountainous landscape creates a stunning picture.

Price - from $ 50 per person (the more remote the resort from Antalya - the higher the price).

Included in the price:

• transfer (bus)
• guide accompaniment
• canyon boat trip
• medical insurance

Excluded:

• beverages
• stopover costs

If you decide to visit this excursion, then keep in mind that it will take the whole day in time. As part of a group of tourists, you will go by bus along a serpentine road to a magnificent reservoir. Along the way, you can see panoramic views.

The first stop is usually made at the dam. Here is a specially made Observation deck for tourists, which offers a magnificent view of the Green Canyon. After admiring the beauty, you will set off through the tunnel to the pier, where a pleasure boat is waiting to continue the excursion along the water surface.

While sailing, you will meet on the way small rocky areas that protrude from the water, covered with trees and shrubs. The length of the walk route in one direction is about 15 km, and it will take about 2 hours. All the way you will be accompanied by wonderful landscapes, and the water will constantly change its color from dark blue to green. The boat, having reached the end of the gorge, turns around and swims in the opposite direction. Having sailed to a small bay, tourists are offered to swim in the water.

After a boat trip through the Green Canyon, the bus takes the group to a cafe for a meal. Nearby is a pier where you can fish. The reservoir is teeming with fish and, of course, many dishes are prepared from it for guests (you have to pay extra for ordering a dish from freshly caught fish).