Saklikent Gorge
Saklikent Canyon
Saklikent (Turkey)
| | | | Saklikent (Hidden City) Canyon is 300 meters deep and 18 km long, resulting from the abrasion of the rocks by flowing waters over thousands of years. It is the second-largest canyon in Europe and the longest and deepest one in Turkey, about a 40 minutes' drive (50 km) from Fethiye. It is a spectacular place, with sculpted walls soaring high above. | | Saklikent Gorge : Virtual tour |  | 2 sections and 4 items |
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| Saklikent Gorge : Description | |
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As the level of water rises during winter months, visitors can enter the canyon only in the summer. Four kilometers of the canyon are walkable after April, when most of the snow in the Taurus Mountains has melted and passed through on its way to the Xanthos River. Summer is the best time to visit as the canyon is deliciously fresh and shady with cold water.
Tour operators in the coastal resort towns offer tours to Saklikent Gorge, often in conjunction with a visit to Tlos.
By car, from Fethiye, exit the Fethiye-Antalya Highway after Kemer, where the signpost indicates the road to Saklikent. Drive down this road for 21 km without turning off towards Tlos and you arrive at Saklikent. From Kalkan/Kas, take the main highway to Fethiye, turn right at the sign Saklikent, in the village of Alaçat, 45 km from Kalkan. Turn South at the T intersection, always following the Saklıkent signs. 12 km after leaving the main road to Fethiye, turn right and continue for 3 km. When you arrive, the entrance to the canyon is under the bridge over the large stream. A narrow walkway suspended from the rock wall will take you into the canyon. Once inside, you reach the Ulupinar springs where water bubbles up under great force from the base of the cliffs and you wade across the stream into the canyon proper to begin your walk.
Outside of and tucked within the canyon locals have set up small restaurants with seating areas on wooden platforms suspended just above the rushing waters. These are a great place to kick back upon Turkish rugs and cushions with a beer under shady trees. Among other things on the menu, they offer fresh trout. Outside of the gorge you will also find treehouse accommodation, small relaxed bars and river tubing. River tubing rides last from 45 minutes to about two hours, depending on which ride you join.
The canyon is open from the April 1 to September 30. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon to avoid tour groups in the high season (mid-summer). Be sure to wear shoes that you don't mind getting wet or sports sandals as the rubber shoes available for rent at the river bar but are not very comfortable. You may also want to bring a change of clothes with you in case you get wet. |
