Tazi Canyon (Eagles Canyon):
Turkey’s Most Dramatic Viewpoint Near Side

While Side is best known for its golden beaches and ancient ruins, a completely different world rises deep within the Taurus Mountains. Tazi Canyon, also known as Eagles Canyon, is not just another scenic stop — it is one of the most dramatic natural viewpoints in Turkey, with sheer cliffs plunging nearly 400 meters into a wild river valley below.

What makes Tazi Canyon truly special is the feeling it creates the moment you step onto the viewpoint. The silence, the scale, and the raw power of nature instantly separate this experience from crowded tourist attractions. Located inside Koprulu Canyon National Park, this hidden gem has quickly become one of the most searched destinations for travelers staying in Side, Manavgat, and Antalya.

In recent years, social media exposure and the discovery of nearby landmarks like Adam Kayalar (the Avatar Rocks) and the Ancient City of Selge have transformed Tazi Canyon into a must-see destination for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers alike. Many visitors now combine their trip with white water rafting on the Koprucay River, turning a simple canyon visit into a full-day outdoor experience.

This complete travel guide to Tazi Canyon is designed to answer every question before you go — from the best viewpoints and photo spots to safety tips, the best time to visit, and how to reach Eagles Canyon from Side. If you’re looking for a destination that feels untouched, powerful, and unforgettable, your journey starts here.

Tazi Canyon is located in southern Turkey, within the boundaries of Koprulu Canyon National Park, one of the most protected and untouched natural areas in the Antalya region. Although it feels remote and wild, the canyon is surprisingly accessible from popular holiday destinations such as Side, Manavgat, Belek, and Antalya.

Geographically, Tazi Canyon sits high above the Koprucay River valley, surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Taurus Mountains. This elevated position is exactly what gives Eagles Canyon its legendary views — dramatic cliffs, deep limestone formations, and endless layers of green stretching into the distance. Unlike coastal attractions, the temperature here is often cooler, making it an ideal escape during hot summer months.

From Side, the journey to Tazi Canyon usually takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, passing through scenic mountain roads, pine forests, and traditional villages. This route alone is part of the experience, offering a glimpse into rural Antalya far away from mass tourism. Many travelers are surprised to discover that such a powerful natural landscape exists so close to the Mediterranean coast.

Because Tazi Canyon lies inside a national park, development is limited. There are no hotels, shops, or crowded facilities near the viewpoint — just raw nature, silence, and space. This untouched setting is a major reason why visitors describe Tazi Canyon as one of the most authentic and awe-inspiring places near Side.

Over the past few years, Tazi Canyon has transformed from a little-known local viewpoint into one of Turkey’s fastest-growing natural attractions. The main reason behind this sudden popularity is visibility. As drone footage, panoramic photos, and travel reels began circulating on Instagram, YouTube, and travel blogs, Eagles Canyon quickly captured global attention.

One of the biggest contributors to this rise is the nearby Adam Kayalar, often referred to as the “Avatar Rocks.” These surreal rock formations resemble landscapes from another planet, creating a powerful visual contrast with the deep canyon cliffs. Travelers searching for unique, cinematic destinations now frequently discover Tazi Canyon while looking for hidden places in Antalya or off-the-beaten-path nature near Side.

Another reason for its growing appeal is accessibility without overdevelopment. Unlike many popular viewpoints, Tazi Canyon has managed to stay raw and authentic. There are no large crowds, no commercial buildings, and no artificial platforms — just nature in its purest form. This balance between easy access and untouched scenery is exactly what modern travelers are searching for.

Additionally, adventure tourism has played a major role. The ability to combine a canyon visit with white water rafting in Koprulu Canyon has turned Tazi Canyon into a full-day experience rather than a short stop. For travelers staying in Side, this combination offers something rare: adrenaline, nature, photography, and culture — all in one unforgettable day.

The Eagles Canyon viewpoint is the exact moment when Tazi Canyon reveals its true power. As you step closer to the edge, the landscape opens into a dramatic abyss where towering limestone cliffs drop nearly 400 meters straight down into the valley of the Koprucay River. This is not a staged attraction or an artificial platform — it is raw, untouched nature.

What makes this viewpoint so unforgettable is the scale. The human eye struggles to measure the depth, and photos rarely capture the full intensity of the scene. Layers of rock, carved over thousands of years, stretch endlessly into the distance, while the river below appears almost motionless from this height. The silence is often broken only by wind and the distant sound of birds — a detail that reinforces the name Eagles Canyon.

Unlike crowded scenic spots, the Eagles Canyon viewpoint allows visitors to move freely along the natural edge, choosing their own angles and perspectives. This makes it one of the most photographed locations in the Antalya region, especially for landscape and drone photography. The lack of barriers adds authenticity, but it also requires awareness and respect for the environment.

For many travelers, this viewpoint alone is worth the journey from Side. It is the defining image of Tazi Canyon — powerful, humbling, and impossible to forget.

🏛️ Just a short distance from the main viewpoint of Tazi Canyon lies a lesser-known world that feels almost unreal. The area surrounding the Ancient City of Selge is home to striking rock formations known as Adam Kayalar, often nicknamed the “Avatar Rocks.” Their towering, pillar-like shapes rise dramatically from the landscape, creating an atmosphere that feels both ancient and otherworldly.

These rock formations are the result of thousands of years of erosion, shaped by wind and water into surreal silhouettes. While they have existed for centuries, they only recently gained attention after being featured in travel videos and social media posts comparing them to the landscapes of science-fiction movies. Today, many travelers search for Avatar Rocks Turkey without realizing they are part of the greater Tazi Canyon region.

Next to these formations sits Selge, an ancient Pisidian city founded in the 13th century BC. Perched high in the mountains, Selge once controlled important trade routes through the Taurus range. Scattered ruins, including a theater, city walls, and temples, still stand among pine forests and rocky terrain, offering a rare combination of history and wilderness.

Visiting Adam Kayalar and Selge adds depth to the Tazi Canyon experience. Instead of a single viewpoint stop, travelers gain insight into the region’s geological and historical layers — a journey through time as well as nature.

Choosing the right time to visit Tazi Canyon can dramatically change your experience. Because the canyon is located high in the Taurus Mountains, its climate is noticeably cooler than the coastal areas of Side and Antalya, especially during summer months.

The best overall season to visit Tazi Canyon is from April to June and September to October. During these periods, temperatures are comfortable, visibility is clear, and the surrounding landscape is at its most vibrant. Spring brings fresh greenery, while autumn offers warmer tones and softer light.

Summer visits are still possible and popular, particularly for travelers escaping the coastal heat. However, midday hours can be crowded, especially between 11:00 and 14:00. Early mornings provide calmer conditions and better photo opportunities. Winter visits, while quieter, can be unpredictable due to rain and occasional fog, which may limit visibility at the viewpoint.

For photographers, the most magical moments occur during golden hour — either shortly after sunrise or in the late afternoon. The angled sunlight enhances the canyon’s depth, creating dramatic shadows along the cliffs of Eagles Canyon. This lighting also helps capture the true scale of the landscape, something that flat midday light often fails to do.

Reaching Tazi Canyon may feel like an adventure — and that’s part of its appeal. Located deep within Koprulu Canyon National Park, the canyon is accessible both by private car and guided tours, each offering a different type of experience.

Travelers coming from Side usually face a journey of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, passing through mountain roads, forests, and rural villages. While the route is scenic, the final sections can be narrow, uneven, and unfamiliar to first-time visitors. Navigation apps may not always provide accurate directions near the canyon, which can add stress to the trip.

For those driving independently, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially after rainy periods. Parking areas near the viewpoint are informal, and facilities are limited. This option suits experienced drivers who are comfortable navigating rural terrain.

Alternatively, many visitors choose a guided Tazi Canyon tour from Side or Antalya, which removes logistical concerns entirely. Tours typically include hotel pickup, transportation, and the expertise of a local guide who knows the safest routes and best viewpoints. These tours often combine the canyon visit with Selge Ancient City, Adam Kayalar, or even rafting on the Koprucay River, turning the journey into a full-day experience rather than a simple transfer.

For travelers who want to focus on the scenery, photography, and experience — rather than directions and timing — a guided option is often the most relaxed and efficient way to explore Tazi Canyon.

A visit to Tazi Canyon is not physically demanding, but a little preparation can make a big difference in comfort and safety. Because the canyon is located inside Koprulu Canyon National Park, facilities near the viewpoint are minimal. There are no cafés, shops, or shaded seating areas, so arriving prepared is essential.

Comfortable footwear is one of the most important considerations. The ground around the canyon edge and nearby walking paths can be rocky and uneven. Sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes provide better grip and stability, especially when moving closer to viewpoints. Light, breathable clothing is recommended in summer, while a light jacket can be useful even on warm days due to wind at higher elevations.

Sun protection should not be overlooked. The viewpoint areas are exposed, and shade is limited. Bringing sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses will make your visit far more enjoyable. It’s also a good idea to carry enough water, particularly during hotter months.

For photography lovers, a wide-angle lens or a phone with a panoramic mode works best to capture the canyon’s scale. If you plan to visit multiple stops such as Selge or Adam Kayalar, allowing extra time will help you avoid rushing and fully enjoy the experience.