Greetings, friends! Today we will take you on a virtual journey to the amazing natural kingdom of Turkey. Green Canyon can easily be considered one of the main attractions of the country. Going on an excursion to Green Canyon, you can enjoy the silence and relaxing beautiful scenery, swim in a mountain lake and take a boat ride along the formidable cliffs.

The excursion to Green Canyon lasted all day. We bought it at a local travel agency, not far from our hotel Grand Pearl Beach Resort for 40$. At 8 am we were picked up from the hotel and, as part of a group of tourists, we set off on an exciting journey to the Green Canyon. The route passed through resort town Side and followed the mountain serpentine towards the Manavgat River.

The Green Canyon is located about 25 km from the city of Side, in the territory of the national park. The closest cities to the Green Canyon are Antalya (87 km), Konya (145 km), Denizli (252 km).

You can visit the Green Canyon on your own; 40 km from the canyon is the most beautiful cave in Turkey - Altinbeshik. Just keep in mind that the road in the mountains is difficult, with sharp turns and narrow sections. Entry to the territory national park costs 2 Turkish lira.

Outside the window, hotel complexes in different architectural styles towered on both sides of the road.

This is the kind of hotel the Russians are building in Turkey.

Having left the city limits, our bus headed into the very depths of the Taurus Mountains. The higher we climbed, the more beautiful the surrounding landscapes became. The bus slowed down for a few minutes, and the guide drew our attention to an old, dilapidated aqueduct.

If you are interested historical monuments, of which there are a great many in Turkey, you can explore it yourself ancient building. There are no prohibiting signs near the aqueduct.

The mountain road went up all the time. After a few kilometers we came to a bridge under which the Manavgat River flowed.

Being on the bus was starting to get tiring, I really wanted to get out and breathe in the fresh air, feel the coolness mountain river. As if by choice, our bus stopped at a small parking lot and the whole group went to get a guide. As always, I trailed at the very end. The surrounding natural beauty was so intense that I wanted to stay here longer.

Our first stop was at the dam, where there was an observation deck overlooking the stunning landscape of Green Canyon. The Oymapinar Dam was designed in the USSR and built by a German company in 1977 - 1984.

The reservoir formed by the dam is located at an altitude of 350 m above sea level. An amazing view opens from the dam to Green Canyon. The panorama is amazing! I have only seen such a deep turquoise color on the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia.

27 natural springs flow into the reservoir; very close to the observation deck there is a spring with very tasty water rich in useful minerals. If you plan to visit Green Canyon on your own, take canisters with you.

The depth of the reservoir is approximately 130 m.

After leaving the observation deck, we boarded a bus and headed through the tunnel to the small Green Canyon pier. A pleasure boat was waiting for us there. We were lucky because our small group was placed on a ship that was empty of passengers. You could sit comfortably on the upper or lower deck and enjoy a wonderful holiday.

Slowly picking up speed, the boat sailed along the wide expanse of water of the Green Canyon. In the middle of the turquoise surface, large and small rocks protruded, with a variety of trees and shrubs of coniferous and deciduous species.

The whole surrounding reality relaxed me and made me forget about all the troubles of everyday life.

The length of our route along the emerald surface of the Kepryu River was 14.5 km one way. The entire walk took a little over two hours.

While we were enjoying the picturesque shores and the surrounding silence, a photographer appeared on board our ship and began, without any warning, to photograph everyone present. In a matter of minutes, he did his job and left - deftly jumping overboard... into the boat.

Later, when our boat moored to the pier, the smart photographer appeared again, in the same boat and with ready-made photographs. The enterprising Turks surprised me once again).

The further our boat sailed, the more beautiful the surrounding landscapes were. The water constantly changed its color, showing a wide variety of shades of blue and green. One rock replaced another and it was difficult to predict what was hidden around the bend of the winding path.

At the end of the gorge, our boat turned around and slowed down. A stormy stream blocked the road, however, no one was going to swim further.

On the way back, our ship moored in a small bay and the captain invited everyone to swim in the clear water of the reservoir. Let me remind you that the action took place in early May, so I didn’t have any particular desire to jump into the mountains. Those who dared to undergo such hardening procedures jumped out of the water faster than they dived into it. The temperature did not exceed 12°.

After river walk Our whole group was taken to a cozy cafe. There was a pier nearby where you could go fishing. According to the stories of local residents, the reservoirs of the Green Canyon are simply teeming with trout. We never saw the trout in its usual habitat; it appeared before us fried on coals, which was very useful after such a walk. Lunch was included in the excursion price and included a main hot dish, salad and fruit. All drinks except tea were served for a fee. Well, tea, well, tea!... :)

The cafe area was fragrant with roses, and it was only the beginning of May...

An excursion to the Green Canyon of Turkey will appeal to those who want to be alone with nature and are able to appreciate natural resources. If you remain committed beach holiday Perhaps such a walk will not impress you.

I suggest you watch my short video about an excursion to Green Canyon.

Thank you for attention!

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

By purchasing an excursion or going on it yourself, you can visit the Green Canyon reservoir (Green Canyon), which is located in the Taurian 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 background of a mountain landscape creates a stunning picture.

Price - from $50 per person (the further the resort is from Antalya, the higher the price).

Included in the price:

• transfer (bus)
• guide accompaniment
• boat trip through the Canyon
• medical insurance

Excluded:

• beverages
• expenses at stops

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

The first stop is usually at the dam. There 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 awaits to continue the excursion along the water surface.

As you swim, you will encounter small rocky areas along the way that protrude from the water, covered with trees and bushes. The length of the one-way walk is about 15 km and will take approximately 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 sails in the opposite direction. Having reached a small bay, tourists are offered to swim in the water.

After a yacht ride along Green Canyon, the bus takes the group to a cafe for a meal. There is a pier nearby from which you can fish. The reservoir is teeming with fish and, naturally, many dishes are prepared from it for guests (you need to pay extra for ordering a dish from freshly caught fish).

Green Canyon. Türkiye

Garin Canyon, located in the resort of Side, is one of the most beautiful and amazing places in Turkey! The magnificence of the landscapes and panoramic views will take your breath away!

Surrounded by majestic mountains Taurus, at an altitude of 350 m above the sea, lies the picturesque Green Canyon gorge, filled with sparkling emerald water. On a perfect surface mountain lake The wings of the clouds are fancifully reflected, and the sun's rays seem to pierce it to the bottom.

Silence, peace and tranquility reign here. Small ones swim slowly boats and yachts, carrying on board passengers mesmerized by the surrounding beauty.

Green Canyon was formed after the construction of a dam on the Manavgat River, considered the most beautiful in Turkey. In addition to Manavgat, 27 more natural springs fill the picturesque reservoir.

The majority of tourists are brought by bus directly to the observation deck, from where they take off fantastic panorama on Green Canyon.

Having descended along a winding mountain path to the water, guests transfer to small boats and embark on boat trip to amazing places.

The multi-colored mountains of Green Canyon, going under the water, islands covered with emerald vegetation, rocks of bizarre shapes and colors - all this immerses you in the world of the unreal. amazing beauty and harmony.

There are several stops along the way to swim, fish and just relax. Before returning back, all guests enter the restaurant under open air. Offered here magnificent National dishes lamb and amazing freshly caught trout prepared according to an old recipe.

Excursion to Green Canyon

Tour bureaus and tour operators in Turkey offer several types of excursions to this amazing place. The first is a jeep trip to the shores of Green Canyon and exploring nearby attractions, such as a small zoo and Antin ruins. However, this option may not include traveling through the conyon on a yacht.

The second option is the delivery of tourists to Green Canyon and a several-hour trip on a yacht with fishing, swimming and a delicious picnic. Such an excursion good for its short duration and absence of long transitions, so you can safely go there with small children and elderly tourists.

How to get there

You can go to Green Canyon either as part of an excursion group or on your own by car, following the signs “Manavgat”, “Oymapınar Dam Lake” and “Green Canyon”.

Green Canyon is located in Turkey in the province of Antalya on the territory of the resort of Side, 40 km from the same name and very beautiful city of Side and 10 km from the large

Trips

Green Canyon (Türkiye, Side): overview, features, attractions and interesting facts

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

Features of the place

Green Canyon is a man-made site. This is the name of the reservoir on the Manavgat River, which is located in the Taurian 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 how crystal clear the water is there? It has an amazing turquoise color and 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 complement the picture and make it magical. And also a delicate aroma of juniper.

History of the Oymapinar Dam

This dam is a large high-mountain structure. The project began in 1977 and was completed in 1984. Construction was carried out by a company from Switzerland. At the time of its opening, the dam was the third largest in Turkey; now it is only the fifth. The hydroelectric power station on the Manavgat River has four turbines. The power of each is 135 MW. Almost half of the electricity generated here goes to supply the aluminum smelter in Seydişehir.

Green Canyon in Turkey: how to get there

The easiest way is to purchase a tour. It is available to those tourists who vacation in Side, Antalya, Alanya, Belek. You can also get from other resorts, but it will be too far to travel.

Unfortunately, public transport doesn't 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 territory of the national park. You need to drive along a mountain serpentine to the Manavgat River, which flows in the city of the same name, deep into the Taurus Mountains.

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

Rest on the reservoir

Green Canyon is located within the national park. To get there you need to pay 2 lira.

If you are going on a tour, then the entire entertainment program is compiled for you. What should an independent traveler do?

Of course, visit the observation deck.

On the territory of the national park there are picnic areas, a playground, hammocks, and restaurants. Those wishing to go fishing are offered gear both on the boat and on the dam.

The good option for traveling on your own is that, 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 variants. Let's start with the most popular.

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

The payment includes:

• bus;
• guide accompaniment;
• a trip along Green Canyon by boat;
• dinner;
• insurance.

This journey will take a whole day.

Along the way, you will be able to admire 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. With equipped observation deck You will be able to admire the view and take wonderful photographs. There is a spring next to 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 be waiting. The journey will take about two hours, during which time you will cover about 15 km.

While walking, you can admire the water, the views and, of course, take pictures. At the end of the gorge the boat will turn around, then in a small bay the boat will make a stop so that travelers can swim. Everyone is required to be given life jackets, as the depth of the lake is very deep.

When the captain of the ship turns off the engine, a magical silence falls over the tourists: not a single sound, not a movement, not a breath of wind.

After the boat trip, everyone goes by bus to a cafe to have lunch (hot food, salad, fruit, tea). Near the cafe there is a pier from which you can fish; you will be given gear. Locals They claim that the reservoir is home to a huge number of trout.

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

There is another option for an excursion to 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 take you to see a small waterfall on Manavgat. Such an excursion does not include a boat ride, which evokes the most positive emotions among tourists, so they are purchased much less often.

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

Green Canyon (Türkiye): reviews

There are a lot of positive responses, and they only increase every year. Even experienced 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 advantages include a short journey. For example, from Side it takes no more than half an hour. From Alanya or Antalya, of course, you will have to travel much longer.

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

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

The boat ride gets the most glowing reviews about Green Canyon. People write with delight that the landscapes are one more amazing than the other, and depending on the lighting, the water takes on different, incredibly beautiful shades that no photograph can convey.

Flaws

Basically, all tourists agree that the excursion is easy and pleasant. But there are several negative points.

Firstly, you need to be in the sun almost all the time. Secondly, drinks at the 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 frightened by the road along the mountain serpentine; they are afraid that the bus will fall into the abyss.

The disadvantages of jeep excursions include a boring program.

As you can see, the number of minuses is minimal.

When going on an excursion, be sure to take sunscreen cosmetics, hats and sunglasses, as well as drinking water from the hotel. During a boat trip, if you want to stay on the upper deck, it can get chilly, so you need to take something warm.

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

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

You can purchase a tour either from the operator or from the local tourist office. The second option is usually cheaper.

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

About 10 kilometers from Manavgat up the river there is a canyon reservoir, one of the few in the world. Its name is Green Canyon. This reservoir is the largest in Turkey and the 3rd largest in the world. Green Canyon is located at an altitude of 350 meters in the local national park. Its maximum depth reaches 130 meters.

Actually tourist area the entire reservoir is not. The Green Canyon is considered to be the part farthest from the dam, narrow and long mountain gorge with cliffs hanging over the water. Since the reservoir is located in a national park, entry here is paid, but inexpensive. Due to its accessibility, this place is constantly visited by tourists, for whom local businessmen have organized the most comfortable conditions for their stay here.

The set of services for tourists includes a small cruise along the Green Canyon itself, trout fishing, swimming on a small beach, lunch prepared from local fish, and photography. The ride takes place for an hour on board small double-decker catamaran-type boats, which make their way to the farthest part of the gorge. There, one of the many rivers flows into the lake formed by the dam, forming a small waterfall. Of course, due to the shallow depth in this place, the ship does not approach the shore, so the mouth of the river can only be photographed from afar.

In one of the small coves, where the depth allows, swimming in the waters of this amazing mountain lake is organized. It makes it easier to endure the sultry temperature of a summer day, which is especially sensitive in these places, to take a break from the salty sea water of the coast and get true pleasure.

The mountains around Green Canyon are covered with a variety of vegetation, sometimes miraculously hanging on to the cliffs overhanging the water. Sometimes the rock formations are so narrow that it seems you can reach them with your hand from the side of a cruise catamaran. There are roads along the mountains on both sides of the lake, which you can take if you have access. own car independent travel. The view from above of the reservoir is impressive, perhaps even more impressive than the journey through it itself. The sight of tiny white boats sailing on blue and green water, surrounded by huge peaks, really makes a stunning impression.

You can get to Green Canyon by excursion bus which is ordered travel companies. In addition, taxis also go here. And although this option is somewhat more expensive, a limited company is sometimes much more convenient than a large group of people.

Calendar of low prices for tours in Side (all tour operators)

Our selection of last-minute tours to Turkey

• For 7 nights for 12,500

  Most cheap tour to Turkey (Side) for 11 nights in a hotel (November 26 - December 7) for 12,500 per person at the Palmiye Garden Hotel 3*. The hotel is located in the center of Side, 300 meters from the sea.