🌿 Top Rated 5 in 1 Nature Tour
Free Cancellation
Side Tazı Canyon Tour: Eagle Canyon, Selge & Avatar Rocks
Discover the breathtaking 400-meter cliffs of Tazı Canyon (Eagle Canyon) on a scenic mountain tour from Side including Selge Roman Theater, Adam Kayalar Avatar Rocks, and riverside lunch.
Duration
8 Hours
Pickup
08:30
Operates
Tue & Thu & Sat
Meeting Point
Tazı Canyon, Köprülü Canyon National Park · Get Directions
Child Price
€35
Experience Highlights
Free hotel pickup and drop-off from all hotels in Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Titreyengöl, and Manavgat
Stand atop the dramatic 400-meter vertical cliff viewpoint of Tazı Canyon (Eagle Canyon / Adler Kanyon)
Scenic mountain drive aboard an open-top Cabrio bus or safari vehicle through pine-forested Taurus peaks
Explore the ancient Pisidian ruins of Selge Ancient City and its 2,000-year-old Roman mountain amphitheater
Walk among the surreal geological monoliths of Adam Kayalar, known locally as Turkey's "Avatar Rocks"
Cross the ancient Roman Oluk Stone Bridge over the turquoise waters of the Köprüçay River
Enjoy a delicious riverside lunch featuring fresh grilled trout or chicken at a cool mountain restaurant
About This Tour
Hidden in Köprülü Canyon National Park, high in the Taurus Mountains, Tazı Canyon is one of the most impressive natural sights you can visit from Side. The canyon drops more than 400 metres towards the Köprüçay River and gives you wide views across the mountains and pine forests. International visitors may also know it as Eagle Canyon or Adler Kanyon.
Our Side Tazı Canyon Tour brings five different highlights together in one day, combining nature, ancient history and mountain scenery without having to plan several separate trips.
We pick you up from your hotel in Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Titreyengöl or Manavgat in the morning. After leaving the coast, we head into the Taurus foothills and change to an open-top Cabrio bus or safari vehicle for the mountain section of the trip. This part of the journey is as much about the scenery as the stops themselves, with pine forests, mountain streams and small traditional villages along the way.
One of our first stops is the ancient Roman Oluk Bridge (Taşköprü), which crosses the Köprüçay canyon and dates back to the 2nd century AD. From here, we continue deeper into the mountains towards Selge Ancient City, located at around 1,250 metres above sea level.
At Selge, you can explore the Roman amphitheatre and the remains of this old mountain settlement while taking in the views over the surrounding Taurus Mountains. Your local guide will share the main stories behind Selge and point out some of the details that are easy to miss when visiting on your own.
We then continue to Adam Kayalar, an unusual area of tall conglomerate rock formations. Their shapes have earned them the nickname “Avatar Rocks”, and they make for some great photos.
The main stop of the day is Tazı Canyon. You will have free time to walk to the viewpoints, enjoy the scenery and take photos above the Köprüçay River. On clear days, you may also spot eagles riding the air currents below the cliffs.
Before heading back towards Side and Manavgat, we stop at a riverside restaurant beside the Köprüçay River for a fresh grilled lunch. After lunch, we take the scenic route back and drop you at your hotel, finishing a full day in the mountains.
What's Included
Round-trip hotel transfers in air-conditioned vehicles & mountain safari buses (Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Titreyengöl, Manavgat)
Professional licensed English-speaking tour guide
Guided visits to Tazı Canyon viewpoint, Selge Ancient City, Adam Kayalar, and Oluk Roman Bridge
Freshly cooked riverside lunch (grilled trout or chicken breast with rice and salad)
National Park entry fees and local transport insurance
Cold soft drinks, beers, and fruit juices during lunch
Optional activities (such as ziplining or rafting if booked as add-ons)
Personal souvenir expenses and professional photo services
Itinerary
Hotel Pickup
Morning collection directly from hotel entrances across Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Titreyengöl, and Manavgat (approx. 08:30).
Mountain Ascent & Oluk Bridge
Drive into Köprülü Canyon National Park and stop at the 2,000-year-old Roman Oluk Stone Bridge spanning Köprüçay.
Selge Ancient City & Amphitheater
Ascend to 1,250 meters altitude to explore Selge's ancient Roman theater with panoramic Taurus mountain views.
Adam Kayalar (Avatar Rocks)
Guided walk among surreal conglomerate rock towers resembling natural human monoliths.
Tazı Canyon (Eagle Canyon) Lookout
Arrive at the main cliff viewpoint of Tazı Canyon. Enjoy free time for photos overlooking the 400-meter gorge.
Riverside Lunch Break
Relax at a mountain restaurant beside the Köprüçay river and enjoy a freshly cooked lunch of trout or chicken.
Hotel Return Drop-off
Board our vehicles for a comfortable drive back down to the coast, returning to your hotel around 16:30 to 17:00.
Good to Know
Tazı Canyon (Eagle Canyon) and Adler Kanyon all refer to the same 400-meter deep gorge located in Köprülü Canyon National Park
The cliff edges at Tazı Canyon are natural and un-fenced—please exercise caution when taking photos and keep a safe distance from the edge
Due to mountain elevation (1,250m), temperatures can be 4–5°C cooler than at Side beach level—a light jacket is recommended in spring/autumn
Walking over loose rock paths at Adam Kayalar requires closed-toe footwear like sneakers or hiking sandals (flip-flops are not recommended)
The tour is suitable for families, couples, and seniors who enjoy nature and mild walking; strollers are easy to carry in bus luggage
Sturdy closed sneakers or hiking sandals for walking on uneven rock terrain
Sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen for mountain sunshine
Camera or fully charged smartphone for breathtaking cliffside photos
Light windbreaker or sweater for the mountain altitude escarpments
Cash in Euros, Pounds, Dollars, or Lira for drinks and local souvenirs
Local Tip
Tazı Canyon is one of the most photographed spots in Turkey, but don't rush straight to the crowded central rock ledge. Walk 50 meters to the left along the marked path for an equally impressive 400-meter gorge view with far fewer people in your photos. Also, make sure to wear sturdy sneakers because the rock surfaces at Adam Kayalar can be slippery when walking over loose conglomerate stones.
Guest Reviews (4)
Marcus & Sandra B.
Germany
Absolute highlight of our holiday in Side! Tazı Kanyon (Adler Kanyon) is breathtaking. Standing on the cliff edge looking down 400 meters was unbelievable. Great guide and delicious trout lunch.
James P.
United Kingdom
Fantastic 5-in-1 day out! The open-top bus ride into the Taurus mountains was super refreshing. Selge amphitheater at 1250m altitude and the Avatar rocks were mind-blowing. Highly recommend!
Anouk V.
Netherlands
Amazing experience from start to finish. Picked up on time from Evrenseki. Tazı Canyon views are insane. Paying cash on arrival was smooth and hassle-free.
Viktor K.
Austria
Perfekte Organisation. Der Blick in die Schlucht vom Eagle Canyon ist fantastisch. Sehr freundlicher Reiseleiter und das Essen am Fluss war sehr lecker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tazı Canyon, Eagle Canyon, and Adler Kanyon the same place?
Yes, Tazı Canyon is the official Turkish name (Tazı Kanyonu), while international visitors refer to it as Eagle Canyon in English and Adler Kanyon in German.
How far is Tazı Canyon from Side hotels and how long is the drive?
Tazı Canyon is located about 65 km north of Side in the Taurus Mountains. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes each way.
Is the cliff edge at Tazı Canyon safe for children and families?
Yes, the site is safe as long as visitors follow guide instructions. The cliff edges are natural, so parents must supervise children closely and keep a safe distance from the drop.
What kind of shoes should I wear for this tour?
We strongly recommend closed-toe sneakers or sturdy walking sandals. Flip-flops or smooth-soled slides are unsafe for walking on the rocky paths at Selge and Adam Kayalar.
Is lunch included in the Tazı Canyon tour price?
Yes, a fresh lunch featuring grilled trout or chicken breast served with rice, salad, and bread at a riverside restaurant by Köprüçay is fully included.
Is this tour suitable for people with a fear of heights?
You can fully enjoy 95% of the tour including Selge theater, Adam Kayalar, and the river lunch. At Tazı Canyon, you can view the scenery from safe set-back paths without approaching the steep cliff edge.
Total
€40