Tucked deep into the Taurus Mountains, Green Canyon is a freshwater reservoir unlike any other in Turkey. Created by the Oymapinar Dam, it winds its way through striking limestone cliffs and pine-covered slopes, its waters shimmering a surreal turquoise-green hue. A day spent sailing through the canyon is quiet, relaxing, and visually stunning—ideal for those craving nature, stillness, and a slower rhythm.
The moment you step off the bus after the long journey and catch your first glimpse of the canyon’s still, vibrant waters, there’s a shift—an exhale. Towering cliffs rise from the glassy lake, trees drape over the water’s edge, and the only ripples come from birds and breeze. The whole area has the feel of something hidden, protected. It doesn’t matter how many other people are there; the landscape is expansive enough to make room for everyone.
This part of Turkey feels far from the beaches and ruins of the Mediterranean coast. Here, you’re deep in the folds of the mountains, where nature leads. The canyon stretches across 14 kilometers, and every bend offers a new composition of rock, forest, and sky. It’s the kind of place that slows your breathing, that softens your gaze.
Even before the boat begins to move, you’ll notice the way light plays off the water, casting minty green reflections onto the canyon walls. The air smells of pine and damp stone. It’s not about adrenaline or adventure. It’s about settling into the moment, letting the landscape do what it does best—quietly awe you.
A landscape shaped by water and time
Though relatively new in geological terms, the Green Canyon owes its existence to both natural and human forces. The canyon itself is carved into limestone bedrock by the ancient Manavgat River, which over time etched out this winding gorge. In 1984, construction of the Oymapinar Dam transformed the river’s course into a vast reservoir—flooding the canyon and giving birth to the lake as we know it today.
The result is a remarkable blend of engineered infrastructure and wild natural beauty. What was once a fast-moving waterway now forms a series of still, gem-colored basins surrounded by jagged peaks. Below the surface lie submerged pockets of land, tree roots, and old paths now claimed by water.
Steep cliffs, turquoise water, and trees rooted at the edge
Today, Green Canyon supplies hydroelectric power to the region and fresh water to the surrounding towns, while also serving as a haven for flora, fauna, and nature-lovers alike.
A long journey, worth the wait
It takes a couple of hours to reach the canyon from Antalya, but the drive winds through scenic countryside—a procession of citrus groves, roadside markets, and changing terrain. When you arrive at the pier, the change in pace is instant. The water is glassy, impossibly turquoise, and the only sounds are bird calls, distant chatter, and the gentle lapping of waves against the hull.
Aboard the boat: slow motion beauty
The boats themselves are relaxed and simple—open-deck cruisers with shaded canopies, lounge seating, and wide viewing angles.
As you sail, the canyon walls narrow and widen again, opening onto small coves or sheer cliff faces that plunge dramatically into the lake. Light filters through pine branches overhead, casting shifting shadows on the water.
Sheer cliffs, emerald waters, and pink oleander lining the quietest corners of Green Canyon
Two swim stops are usually included, depending on the weather and timing. These are quiet coves where the water is refreshingly cool and completely clear.
In some areas, you swim beside half-submerged trees or drift under small overhangs, feeling as though you're in a freshwater fjord.
The flora and fauna of the canyon
The Green Canyon is part of a unique ecosystem. Its shores are lined with stone pines, junipers, and wild olives. In spring and early summer, bursts of pink oleander bloom near the waterline. The cliffs are home to eagles and falcons, while turtles and waterfowl often circle the boat, unbothered by its slow drift.
The canyon is also a peaceful habitat for freshwater fish like trout and carp, and depending on the season, you might spot frogs sunning themselves along rocky ledges. With relatively little tourism impact compared to Turkey's coastline, the Green Canyon feels quietly wild.
A surprisingly good lunch
Midway through the tour, the boat docks at a restaurant overlooking the canyon. You disembark and walk into a breezy covered patio with sweeping views of the water below. The buffet-style lunch is a pleasant surprise: fresh vegetables, lentil dishes, bulgur salads, grilled mushrooms, olive oil dips, pickles, and fruit. While fish and meat are available, the array of plant-based options is generous and satisfying.
A generous and shaded canyon-view terrace midway through the Green Canyon boat trip
Sitting at a table with a canyon view, a full plate, and the breeze at your back is a highlight in itself.
Quiet magic
The landscape is almost cinematic: emerald water, craggy peaks, reflections that double the drama.
It’s a great choice if you're craving green after days of ruins and sand, or if you're traveling with a multi-generational group. There are no hard climbs, no crowded museums. Just movement, air, water, and time.
If you’re based in Antalya or Side, this full-day Green Canyon tour includes hotel pickup, a guided boat cruise, swimming stops, and a generous lunch. It’s a nature-focused experience with zero hassle and maximum visual reward.
