Green Canyon (Turkey, Side): overview, features, sights and interesting facts. Green Canyon Green Canyon green

This year, Side opened up for me from a completely different side. It turned out that these are not just expensive hotels and gorgeous sandy beaches (once upon a time, for the second time in my life, I came to Turkey in Side). If you dive deeper - there are majestic mountains, picturesque lakes and canyons ... When you see the Green Canyon for the first time, which opens right after the tunnel, it takes your breath away. Indeed, it is very beautiful!
Many words are not needed. Better - I'll show everything as it is. Moreover, I had the opportunity to visit this place three times))). Would I still go there? Yes!))

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40 km from Side, in the Taurus Mountains, there is a unique Green Kanyon Reserve, where you can go with an organized excursion, but it’s better to get there by car, following the brown signs “Manavgat”, “Oymapınar Dam Lake”. First, you pass the Manavgat waterfall (Manavgat Şelalesi), which is usually full of people in summer, and head for Oymapınar.

2.
Picnics are organized along the mountain streams.

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A dam was built here in 1977. The object is strategically important, so at the entrance you not only have to pay for a visit (about 3 lira per person), but also provide documents so that your car is fixed. This is a very common and harmless procedure.

4.
A short tunnel leads to the Green Canyon.

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After him, rarely anyone can resist admiration:

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Before the tunnel, you can leave the car in the parking lot and go to the observation deck. Extraordinarily beautiful!! Here you understand all the greatness of nature and simply bow before it ...

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You can stop there, or you can go further, take a ticket for a wooden gulet or a catamaran and go deep into the canyon. But for this you need to come here by 10 am. At this time, all excursion ships depart. The cost is 25 euros per person with lunch (as far as I remember). Return - at 4-5 pm.

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At first it was very scary - too many people)) But in fact, then somehow the people are distributed, and it turns out quite comfortably. (Even though we were in August).

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Here on such a boat you can sail, sunbathe, admire the scenery, enjoy the beauty, harmony and serenity...

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By the way, the water here at any time of the year is exactly this color, due to special underground sources:

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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 for a comfortable stay: a playground is provided for children, picnic areas and hammocks are equipped 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

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 on the territory of the local national park. Its maximum depth reaches 130 meters.

In fact, the entire reservoir is not a tourist zone. The Green Canyon is considered to be its farthest part from the dam, a narrow and long mountain gorge with rocks hanging over the water. Since the reservoir is located in the national park zone, 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 made from local fish, and photography. Skating takes place for an hour on board small double-deck catamaran-type boats that make their way to the farthest part of the gorge. There, one of the numerous 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 bays, where the depth allows, swimming in the waters of this amazing mountain lake is organized. It makes it easier to endure the hot 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 real pleasure.

The mountains around the Green Canyon are covered with a variety of vegetation, sometimes miraculously kept on the rocks hanging over the water. Sometimes the rock formations are so narrow that it seems that you can reach them with your hand from the board of a cruise catamaran. Roads are laid in the mountains on both sides of the lake, along which you can make an independent trip if you have your own car. The view from the top of the reservoir is impressive, perhaps even more than the trip itself. The sight of tiny white boats floating on the water surface of blue with a green tint, surrounded by huge peaks, really makes a stunning impression.

You can get to the Green Canyon by sightseeing bus, which is ordered by travel companies. In addition, there are also taxis. And although this option is somewhat more expensive, but a company limited in number is sometimes much more convenient than a large group of people.

Low price calendar for tours in Side (all tour operators)

Our selection of last minute tours to Turkey

For 7 nights for 12 500
The cheapest tour to Turkey (Side) for 11 nights in a hotel (November 26 - December 07) for 12,500 per person to the Palmiye Garden Hotel 3 *. The hotel is located in the center of Side, 300 meters from the sea.

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

Excursion to the Green Canyon was designed for the whole 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 went on an exciting journey to the Green Canyon. The route passed through the resort town of Side and followed the mountain serpentine towards the Manavgat River.

The green canyon is located about 25 km from the city of Side, on the territory of the national park. The nearest 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. Entrance to the territory of the national park costs 2 Turkish liras.

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

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 the old dilapidated aqueduct.

If you are interested in historical monuments, of which there are a great many in Turkey, you can explore this ancient structure on your own. There are no prohibition signs near the aqueduct.

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

Being on the bus began to tire, I really wanted to get out and breathe in the fresh air, feel the coolness of the 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 wobbled at the very end. The surrounding natural beauty was so rich that I wanted to stay here longer.

Our first stop was planned at the dam, where there was an observation deck overlooking the stunning landscape of the Green Canyon. The Oimapinar 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. A breathtaking view opens from the dam to the Green Canyon. The panorama is amazing! I have seen such a deep turquoise color only 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 and rich in useful minerals water. If you are going to visit the Green Canyon on your own, bring canisters with you.

The depth of the reservoir is approximately 130 m.

Leaving the observation platform, we got on the bus and headed through the tunnel to the small pier of the Green Canyon. There was a cruise ship waiting for us. We were lucky because our small group was placed on a ship free of passengers. You could comfortably sit on the upper or lower deck and enjoy a great vacation.

Slowly picking up speed, the boat sailed through 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 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 trip 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 to take pictures of everyone present without any warning. In a matter of minutes, he did his job and left - deftly jumping overboard ... .., into the boat.

Later, when our boat was mooring at the pier, the nimble photographer reappeared, in the same boat and with ready-made photographs. Enterprising Turks once again surprised me).

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. Some rocks replaced others and it was difficult to predict what was hidden behind 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 a particular desire to jump into the mountain. Those who ventured into such hardening procedures jumped out of the water faster than they dived into it. The temperature did not exceed 12°.

After the river walk, our whole group was taken to a cozy cafe. Nearby was a pier where you could go fishing. According to the stories of local residents, the reservoirs of the Green Canyon are simply teeming with trout. We did not see the trout in its usual habitat, it appeared before us grilled on coals, which was very useful after such a walk. Lunch was included in the cost of the tour and included the main hot dish, salad and fruit. All drinks except tea were served for a fee. Well, tea, so tea! ... :)

Roses were fragrant on the territory of the cafe, 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 the natural wealth. If you remain a fan of the beach holiday, perhaps such a walk will not impress you.

I propose to watch my short video about the excursion to the Green Canyon.

Thank you for attention!

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. 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 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).