Located only 50 kilometers from the popular holiday district of Fethiye in southwestern Türkiye, Saklıkent Canyon stretches across the middle of Saklıkent National Park. When you enter the national park, you traverse a bridge with the Saklıkent River under your feet. The vast walls of the canyon will envelop you and the sound of the rushing water will enchant you.
Saklıkent is Fethiye’s hidden wonder (Saklıkent means “hidden city”) and is one of the deepest canyons in the world. Saklıkent Canyon is a true testament to nature's magnificence. The canyon is 300 meters deep and 18 kilometers long. It was formed through the abrasion of rocks by the flowing waters over the course of thousands of years. After April when most of the snow from the Taurus Mountains has melted and passed through the gorge on its way to the Xanthos River, approximately 4 of the 16 km of the canyon are walkable; in the winter, the river swells up and it is impossible to cross the canyon. Summer is the best time to visit since the canyon is refreshingly cool and shady.
The canyon was discovered by a shepherd in the 1980s. There are sections of this extraordinary canyon that are so narrow it is difficult to see the sky from the inside. The pristine water at the bottom is cold even in summer, and there are ample opportunities to get wet! The path will sometimes take you on suspended wooden platforms, and there are seating areas built above the canyon waters. When you have walked through the gorge, you can enjoy a gözleme (Turkish salty crepes) or fresh trout whilst cooling your feet in the canyon’s cold water. River rafting is a popular activity with the gentle rapids aiding you along the course.
