Anamur (Dragon) River originates as an underground river from the Catalyatak, Yellice and Kizcagiz hills on the slopes of the Toros (Taurus) mountains. The underground spring erupts in several geysers close to the village of Sugözü, spraying water hundreds of meters high. The 35 kms long Anamur River is joined by the Kas, Masat and Gökce streams before flowing into the Mediterranean Sea through a deep river bed.

The surrounding mountains of Anamur are covered with red-pine, black-pine, cedar, fir,juniper and oak trees.

COURSE

Anamur River is suitable for canoeing and rafting. The best place to start an expedition is at the junction of Kilic creek, finishing at the historic Alaköprü bridge 10 km to the south.

You can access the start of the course by a stabilized road that runs 15 km to Caltibükü from the junction at of the Anamur-Ermenek highway. When setting out from here, one should watch for stones and tree roots in the water. Generally class 1-2 water has some class 3 rapids when the water is high.


You shouldn't leave the area without seeing these:

With its natural setting and wealth of historical ruins Anamur is an attractive town. Ancient Anamur (Anemuriiium) is located at the end of a 2 km road leading towards the sea off the Anamur-Gazipasa highway. The city surrounded by a wall, encompasses churches, baths, cemeteries, ancient theater, Odeon and colorful mosaics. The fortress of Mamure, built by the Romans and repaired in Seljuk and Ottoman periods, boasts 36 towers, a moat, three courtyards and an old mosque. The fortress is located on Anamur-Icel highway.

After passing the Mamure fortress, the forest meets the sea. Here you can see the Pullu Mesire Yeri, used by the Forestry Department as a camping site and dayly recreational area. This is one of the few beaches where sea turtles (caretta caretta) come to lay their eggs.

Kösekbükü Cave, located in the vicinity of Ovabasi near Anamur and the Cukurpinar Cave, in the vicinity of Sugözü, attract visitors.

The area after the Seljuk Alaköprü bridge up to Sugözü is excellent for trekking. There are lots of things to do in this region: Mountain biking, cliff parachuting, delta-wing sports and jeep safaris.