The Mediterranean Region of Turkey offers travelers a rich mix of adventure, natural beauty, and fascinating landscapes. This area is especially known for its rugged mountains, crystal-clear waters, and lush forests, making it an ideal playground for outdoor tours. Whether you’re craving an adrenaline rush on white-water rapids or a relaxing cruise amidst stunning scenery, this region has a lot to offer. We particularly like days spent rafting in Köprülü Canyon and exploring Green Canyon by boat, thanks to their spectacular views and active itineraries. Plus, the variety of options makes it easy to tailor your experience to your level of adventure.
In this guide, you’ll find a selection of the best tours the Mediterranean Turkey has to offer, each with its own unique appeal. From family-friendly river adventures to full-day adrenaline-packed combos, these tours promise memorable experiences. For a closer look at some options, check out the Rafting, Lunch, Free Time or Green Canyon Boat Tour. Let’s dive into what makes each of these adventures stand out.
1. From Antalya, Lara, Belek, Side: Rafting, Lunch, Free Time
Starting off our list is the rafting tour in Köprülü Canyon, a favorite for its combination of adrenaline and stunning scenery. This 7-hour experience includes transfer options from Antalya, Belek, Side, and nearby hotels, making it accessible no matter where you’re based. The highlight is navigating through adrenaline-pumping rapids in one of Turkey’s most famous national parks, Köprülü Canyon. This area boasts one of the rare rafting routes suitable for families, meaning even kids can enjoy the splashes and thrill.
The tour also features a delicious lunch amid pine forests, giving you a break to relax and refuel. The canyon itself is one of Turkey’s greenest and bluest spots, offering breathtaking views of towering cliffs and lush foliage. Reviewers mention that the canyon’s beauty is matched by the excitement of the rapids, with one reviewer calling the boats “extreme but very fun.” The tour’s balance of adventure and natural beauty makes it a top choice for active travelers and families alike.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a great mix of high-energy fun and scenic calm, perfect for those wanting an accessible yet exciting outdoor experience.
2. Antalya/Side: Green Canyon Full-Day Boat Tour Lunch & Drinks
For a more relaxed day immersed in nature, the Green Canyon Full-Day Boat Tour is hard to beat. This 5-7 hour outing takes you on a cruise through one of Turkey’s most beautiful water landscapes. You’ll glide across the emerald waters of Green Canyon, marvel at the towering cliffs and forests lining the banks, and enjoy several swimming stops in the clear water.
This tour shines with its combination of comfort and natural beauty. You’ll enjoy a lunch at a waterside restaurant and have plenty of chances to cool off by swimming or just relaxing on the deck. The boat often encounters local wildlife, adding to the sense of being in a pristine environment. Guests appreciate the relaxing pace and the chance to disconnect while taking in some of Turkey’s most striking scenery.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who prefer a leisurely day with scenic views, swimming, and good food, all within a well-organized boat trip.
3. 5 in 1 Super Combo: Rafting, Zipline, and Tazi Canyon Etc.
If you’re looking for a full-throttle adventure, this 5-in-1 super combo is hard to beat. Over a 12-hour day, you’ll experience raftings, ziplining, and visits to Tazi Canyon and Köprülü Canyon, all packed into one seamless itinerary. The tour begins with pickup from Side, Antalya, Alanya, or Kemer, then takes you into the Taurus Mountains where the real fun starts.
You’ll feel the rush of rafting down mountain rivers, then soar over canyons on exhilarating zipline rides. The bus ride through the Taurus Mountains offers incredible scenery, especially at the Tazi Canyon, which is known for its spectacular views and natural beauty. The tour includes a delicious lunch of chicken shish kebab and seasonal fruits, perfect for refueling after a busy morning. Reviewers rave about the organization and the variety, noting it’s “worth every penny” for the sheer number of activities.
This adventure suits thrill-seekers who want a comprehensive outdoor experience with excellent value for the amount of activity packed in. It’s best for those fit enough to handle a long day with multiple activities.
Bottom Line: For active travelers wanting a full day of adrenaline, this combo delivers variety, excitement, and great scenery all in one.
4. From Alanya: Green Canyon Tour
Travelers staying in Alanya can enjoy the Green Canyon Tour, an 8-hour boat trip that highlights the stunning Oymapınar Dam area on the Manavgat River. This is a rare opportunity, as Oymapınar Dam is one of the few locations in Turkey that allows boat tours on its waters, making this tour especially special.
The experience includes cruising through steep canyons and lush woods, with several stops for swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Green Lake. The tour also offers a lakeside lunch at a scenic restaurant and a chance to try fishing in the canyon reservoir. Reviewers note the tranquility of the environment and the impressive scenery, making it a relaxing yet scenic day out.
This tour is perfect for those who want a peaceful escape into nature with some light activity. It’s suitable for families, couples, and anyone interested in enjoying Turkey’s natural beauty without intense physical exertion.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful day on the water, combining scenic beauty with leisurely activities and good food.
5. From Side: Quat Safari with River Swim
For those who prefer off-road excitement, the Quat Safari with River Swim offers a two-hour ATV adventure through the Taurus Mountains. Starting from Side or Belek, the tour takes you on a 45-minute bus ride into the mountains, where you’ll hop on an ATV for a thrilling ride along rugged trails.
The highlight comes with a refreshing swim in the Kőprülüçay River, giving you a chance to cool off after the bumpy ride. The tour also provides stunning mountain views and plenty of photo opportunities. Reviewers often mention how exciting and scenic the ride is, making it perfect for adrenaline junkies who want to explore Turkey’s natural landscapes in a fun, active way.
This tour is best suited for those comfortable on ATV bikes and looking for a quick, energetic escape into nature. The 2-hour duration makes it a good choice for travelers with limited time but still craving adventure.
Bottom Line: Great for active travelers wanting a quick but exhilarating experience with scenic mountain views.
How to Choose
When selecting the best tour for your trip, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. If your top priority is adventure and adrenaline, the 5 in 1 Super Combo offers the most variety and excitement. For a more relaxed day with stunning scenery, the Green Canyon boat tour is ideal. Families or those seeking moderate activity might prefer the raft adventure in Köprülü Canyon, which balances water fun with scenic beauty.
Budget-conscious travelers may find the rafting tour at only $26 per person to be a real bargain, especially given the included lunch and scenery. Conversely, the Green Canyon Tour from Alanya at $57 provides a longer, more peaceful experience perfect for those who prefer gentle exploration.
Booking early is advisable during peak season, especially for full-day tours or combo experiences. Check availability for your preferred dates and consider combining a couple of trips if your schedule allows.
Final Thoughts
Turkey’s Mediterranean region is packed with outdoor activities that cater to all tastes. For those craving action, the full-day super combo or rafting trips will satisfy. If you prefer softer adventures or relaxing scenery, the Green Canyon boat tour and Oymapınar Dam cruise are excellent choices. For a quick adrenaline hit, the ATV safari provides a fun off-road experience.
Whatever your interest, these tours offer a chance to see Turkey’s natural beauty from many exciting angles. Be sure to book ahead, especially during the busy summer months, so you don’t miss out on these memorable adventures in Turkey’s stunning Mediterranean landscape.
