Green Canyon (Oymapınar Barajı)
In Manavgat, the lake formed by the Oymapınar Dam runs between sheer canyon walls in a deep green colour. Toured by boat, it is one of the region's calmest natural spots.
Green Canyon takes its name from the intense emerald colour the water takes on between the canyon walls — a product of depth and mineral content, shifting from turquoise to deep green with the light. It lies about 20 kilometres from central Manavgat.
The standard way to see it is by boat: tours of three to four hours run deep into the canyon, stop at coves for swimming and usually include lunch. With walls reaching 400 metres in places, the scale from the water is striking.
Motorised craft are restricted here, so the water stays very still — good conditions for kayaking and paddle boarding. Surrounded by pine forest and mountains, the air runs a few degrees cooler than the coast, which is why it is a favoured escape in summer heat.
- Best time
- May–October
- Budget
- Moderate
Tips
- Tours are usually sold with transfer from Manavgat/Side hotels.
- As a reservoir it is colder than the sea; be ready for that when swimming.
- Morning light shows the water colour best for photographs.