The Green Canyon is the lake formed by the Oymapınar Dam on the Manavgat River, in the mountains north of Manavgat and Side. The water is a deep, opaque green, hemmed in by pine-clad cliffs, and visitors explore it on quiet excursion boats.
Because both are sold as “canyon tours” in Alanya, the Green Canyon and Sapadere are often confused. Sapadere is a walk through a narrow gorge to a waterfall; the Green Canyon is a boat cruise on a reservoir. Choose by temperament — or do both.
Top things to do: Green Canyon
Cruise the lake
Boats spend several hours on the reservoir, entering the “Grand” and sometimes the “Little” canyon arms.
Swim from the boat
There are swim stops in the fresh water, which is pleasantly cool rather than icy.
Lunch with a view
A buffet or fish lunch at a lakeside restaurant is normally part of the day.
Add Manavgat
Many tours stop at Manavgat Waterfall or the town’s market on the way back.
How to get to Green Canyon
- From Alanya the dam is roughly 85 km west — about 1.5 hours by road — so most people come on a tour with hotel pickup.
- From Side or Manavgat it is a 30–40 minute drive.
- See the Green Canyon boat trip on our best tours page.
Insider tips
- Bring swimwear, sun cream and a hat; the boats have limited shade on the upper deck.
- Check whether drinks are included — it varies by operator.
- If you only have one day for a “canyon”, Sapadere is closer to Alanya and more varied.
Best tours & tickets: Green Canyon
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Green Canyon:
Boat trip from €8 Green Canyon Boat Trip with Lunch & Soft Drinks
The other “canyon” sold in every Alanya hotel lobby — in fact a reservoir cruise in the mountains behind Manavgat. Very different from Sapadere: no walking, just boats, swimming and lunch.
- Cruise on the Oymapınar dam lake
- Swim stops in emerald water
- Lunch with a lake view
Adventure from €10 Side/Alanya: Köprülü Canyon Rafting Tour with Lunch
The region’s rafting river is the Köprüçay, a long drive west of Alanya. A fun, splashy day rather than a technical one.
- Grade I–II white water suitable for beginners
- Lunch by the river
- Hotel transfers
