TOP-5 National Parks of Antalya

Olympos Bey Mountains (Beydaglari) Coast National Park is in the west of Antalya City, and 30 km northeast of Finike. The park crosses the Antalya – Kemer – Kumluca state highway. The area is in western Taurus Mountains, with a geological structure predominantly made up of limestone and serpentine rocks, and ecological characteristics of the Mediterranean.Olympos Bey Mountains Coast National Park which has been declared by the Board of Ministers as a national park in 16.03.1972 and has a 34.425 hectares of area when the settlements have been left out of the borders of National Parks, begins from Sarisu located at the southwestern part of Antalya and reaches out to Gelidonya Foreland parallel to the Mediterranean across the Kemer-Kumluca shoreline.

Koprulu (Köprülü) Canyon National Park is Turkey’s most popular watersports area. The national park is perfect for hiking, or to explore the ancient ruins, or just to enjoy the dramatic Mediterranean scenery. Koprulu Canyon National Park is at the middle of many natural beauties in a fertile valley. Koprulu Canyon continues for 14 km along with the Kopru River, reaching a maximum height of 400 m.

Koprulu Canyon National Park take place high in mountains, 96 km northeast in the province of Antalya. Northeast of Antalya on the Side road take the turn off for Tasagil and Beskonak (Beşkonak), for the beautiful circular, scenic route that leads to the National Park. The road crisscrosses over the clear, flowing water of the mountain river and passes through virgin forests and over rippling waterfalls. You will want to stop often and give your camera workout in this picturesque valley. At the rest area there are fish restaurants offering delicious selections. Mountaineers will be unable to resist climbing, exploring and camping in this rudged, scenic spot. Return to Antalya via the other half of the scenic route.

Gulluk Mountain (Güllük Dağı) Termessos National Park is located within the province of Antalya in a valley between mountains. There is the ancient fortified city of Termessos rising 1050 m above the sea level. Gulluk Mountain Termessos National Park can be reached via the Antalya – Korkuteli highway. The National Park is in 34 km northwest of Antalya, in the Taurus mountains in the Korkuteli district. 

Altinbesik Cave (Altınbeşik Mağarası) is on the western side of the steep Manavgat Hill, 7 km from Ibradi (Aydinkent) district of Antalya, and 5 km southeast of Urunlu village. Altinbesik Cave National Park is accessible via the Antalya – Ibradi – Urunlu road, then a one-hour walk from Urunlu to Altinbesik Cave.

The Altinbesik Cave is a horizontal and partly active cave system, and its name comes from the Altinbesik Hill, on the upper side of the cave. This region of the Taurus Mountains has a very complex geological and geomorphologic structure with geological overlaps, large twists and deep valleys. The Altinbesik Cave was carved into old limestone in the upper Creosote.

Kursunlu Waterfall is a small fall set amid a cool, pine forest. The rich flora and fauna of its environs make it the prime location for ecotourism activities such as nature walking, and plant and animal life observation. Walking at Kursunlu, amidst the unique atmosphere scented with blackberries, wild roses, and the aromas of many other plants, might lead to a chance of encountering with rabbits, squirrels, woodpeckers, tortoises or other small animals.

Sources: http://nationalparksofturkey.com/

goturkey.com