Saklıkent Canyon, one of the longest and most impressive canyons in Turkey, welcomes thousands of visitors every year. Located within the borders of Muğla’s Seydikemer district, this canyon offers its visitors an unforgettable experience with the natural beauties and cool waters of the Mediterranean. Approximately 18 kilometers long and up to 300 meters deep in some areas, the canyon draws attention with its impressive structure. This unique structure, which was formed as a result of hundreds of years of natural wear and erosion processes, was shaped by the cool waters of the Karaçay River flowing through the Taurus Mountains. The deep valleys and high rocky walls that emerged over time create a mysterious atmosphere that takes visitors to another world.
Saklıkent Canyon is a destination that appeals to different expectations with both its natural beauties and the adrenaline-filled activities it offers. The canyon, which is a favorite of those who want to cool off in the summer months, offers the opportunity to spend time in touch with nature and have new experiences. Here, visitors can walk in the narrow passages of the canyon and spend time with exciting activities such as rafting on cold waters. In addition, various adventurous activities such as zipline, canyon skiing and swimming make Saklıkent attractive for nature and sports enthusiasts. Saklıkent Canyon is an ideal escape for both nature lovers and adventurers, offering its visitors moments of both peace and excitement.
Saklıkent Canyon is located in the Seydikemer district of Muğla province, in the Mediterranean region of Turkey, famous for its natural beauties, and has a history of approximately 200 million years. This canyon was shaped by the Karaçay River flowing through the Taurus Mountains, which formed during geological processes. Formed by the erosion of rocks over time, the canyon is known as one of the longest canyons in Turkey with its length of 18 kilometers and depths of up to 300 meters at some points. Taking its name from Saklıkent, which means "hidden city", it offers a mysterious world intertwined with nature.
The history of Saklıkent Canyon has been shaped not only by geological processes but also by the historical journey of the region. This region, which is adjacent to the ancient Lycian civilization, bears the traces of the Lycian civilization. Ancient cities such as Tlos and Patara located in the vicinity reveal the rich history and cultural past of this region. The geographical connection between these ancient cities and Saklıkent also gains a historical dimension with some roads from the Lycian period passing through the canyon.
The story of the canyon took on a different dimension when a local shepherd discovered it in the late 1980s. When the shepherd noticed the canyon, the region was quickly opened to tourism, and Saklıkent Canyon quickly became the center of attention for local and foreign tourists. Today, Saklıkent continues to exist as a destination that fascinates its guests with its natural beauties as well as its story dating back to the past.
Saklıkent Canyon is located in the Seydikemer district of Muğla, in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey. It is approximately 50 km away from Fethiye town center. It is very easy to reach with its location close to popular tourist destinations such as Ölüdeniz and Kaş. If you want to reach there with your own vehicle, you can follow the signs from Fethiye center or easily reach the canyon with GPS. For those who will use public transportation, there are minibus services departing from Fethiye bus station.
Saklıkent Canyon is located in the Seydikemer district of Muğla, approximately 45 km from the Fethiye district center. There are several different options to reach the canyon:
Transportation by Private Vehicle: If you are setting off from Fethiye, follow the D400 highway towards Antalya. After approximately 30 km, you will reach the Seydikemer district. From here, you can reach the canyon by following the Saklıkent signs. There are directional signs along the way, so it would also be useful to use a navigation device. There are parking areas at the canyon entrance.
Transportation by Public Transportation: You can reach the canyon by Saklıkent minibuses departing from Fethiye Bus Station. These minibuses usually depart in the morning and the journey takes approximately 1 hour. It would be useful to learn the minibus times in advance for the return.
Transportation by Tour Companies: Many tour companies operating in Fethiye and the surrounding area organize daily tours to Saklıkent Canyon. These tours usually include transportation, guidance and in some cases, food services. You can consider these tours for a more comfortable experience.
Transportation by Air: The nearest airport is Dalaman Airport, which is approximately 50 km away from Fethiye. You can reach Fethiye by renting a car from the airport or by transfer services, and from there to Saklıkent Canyon by the methods mentioned above.
When planning your transportation to Saklıkent Canyon, it is important to consider the season you will visit and the weather conditions. The region can be quite busy in the summer months, so setting off early in the morning will be advantageous.
Saklıkent Canyon charges a fee at the entrance. Entrance fees are updated every year at a certain amount, and separate fees may be applied for local and foreign tourists. Discounted price options are usually offered for students and children. In addition, some activities in the canyon may be charged extra, so it would be useful to plan your budget in advance.
Saklıkent Canyon is full of activities that offer a unique holiday experience for nature lovers and adventure lovers. There are many activities in this huge canyon where you can experience adrenaline at its peak while spending time in touch with nature. Here are the activities you should definitely try when you come to Saklıkent Canyon:
The most popular and exciting activity that can be done in Saklıkent Canyon is canyon walk among its natural beauties. The canyon, which is approximately 18 kilometers long, offers a route with a certain section open to walking and its natural structure unspoiled. Surrounded by water passages, narrow paths, rocky areas and natural walls, this walking route offers visitors a natural wonder. Since you have to walk through water in some places during the walk, there may be slippery areas; therefore, it is important to be careful and wear appropriate shoes. Especially in the summer months, walking in this cool and natural wonder canyon is a great option to get away from the hot weather. In addition, you can relieve stress by being alone with nature in the fascinating atmosphere of the canyon and feel the silence of nature as you progress deeper into the canyon.
Rafting in the icy waters of Saklıkent Canyon is a perfect opportunity for those looking for an adventure and adrenaline-filled experience. Rafting in the cool waters of Karaçay flowing along the canyon is indispensable for those who want to cool off on hot summer days. Rafting tours are carried out on a 3-kilometer track accompanied by professional guides and safety equipment. The coldness of the water, combined with the natural structure of the track, offers an exciting adventure. For those who do not want to get carried away by the water, there are also calmer rafting options with a guide. Since all safety precautions are taken, this activity is suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. Rafting in Saklıkent offers a unique opportunity to have lots of fun while exploring the natural beauties of the canyon.
Canyon skiing is a great alternative for those who want to have an extraordinary experience in Saklıkent. As the name suggests, this activity is carried out on the natural water track of the canyon and offers participants a different experience. While canyon skiing, you can encounter water passages, rocks and fast currents, leave yourself in the arms of nature and enjoy being dragged along with the currents. It is recommended that you wear water-resistant equipment during this activity. Offering a different experience for adventure lovers, canyon skiing is one of the activities that visitors to Saklıkent will definitely want to try. As you progress along the water course of Saklıkent Canyon, you can find the opportunity to see the beauties of nature up close.
For those looking for adrenaline and excitement, the zipline experience in Saklıkent Canyon offers a unique option. The zipline line, which slides from a height and passes over the canyon, gives visitors the opportunity to see the canyon from a bird's eye view. Looking at the fascinating view of Saklıkent by sliding from a height is both an exciting and impressive experience. The zipline line is an unforgettable activity for those who are not afraid of heights and those who love adrenaline. The zipline, which is carried out under the supervision of professional teams, is carried out by taking all safety precautions and leaves a memorable memory despite its short duration. During the zipline experience, you can enjoy progressing quickly while watching the natural beauties around you.
Swimming in the cool waters of Saklıkent Canyon is another enjoyable activity for visitors. This activity, which is one of the best ways to cool off in the summer heat, offers a very refreshing experience due to the water temperature of the canyon. However, it should be noted that the water is quite cold; therefore, for those who do not prefer to swim for a long time, a short cool-down may be more appropriate. One of the best aspects of swimming in the canyon is listening to the sounds of nature and feeling the peaceful atmosphere of the environment while swimming in a hidden paradise, surrounded by nature. The silence of the environment and the enchanting beauty of nature during the swimming activity have a relaxing effect on the soul of the visitors.
There are many impressive and historical places to visit around Saklıkent Canyon. Gizlikent Waterfall, located very close to the canyon, is ideal for those who want to cool off after a canyon tour. This waterfall, which can be reached by walking in nature, fascinates visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauties. In addition, Tlos Ancient City is only 12 km away from Saklıkent and contains important ruins of the Lycian civilization. This ancient city, which is a must-see for history enthusiasts with structures such as rock tombs, ancient theater and stadium, is also known as the place where Bellerophon, the rider of Pegasus, lived according to mythology.
Patara Beach and Ancient City, located approximately 40 km away, is home to one of the longest beaches in Turkey and an ancient city known as the capital of the Lycian Union. This 18 km long beach is protected as a breeding ground for the loggerhead turtle and is an attractive spot for vacationers with its calm atmosphere. The ancient city of Xanthos, located 20 km from Saklıkent Canyon, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the most important centers of the Lycian civilization. This ancient city, which stands out with its historical rock tombs and ancient theater, is an ideal destination for visitors who want to explore the history of the region.
For those who want to explore the region on a larger scale, Kalkan and Fethiye Ölüdeniz are also located close to Saklıkent. While Kalkan is a coastal town famous for its white houses and cute streets, Ölüdeniz has one of the most famous beaches in the world. It is also possible to have an unforgettable experience by paragliding from Babadağ in Ölüdeniz. All these beauties will add a richness of nature and history to your explorations around Saklıkent Canyon and make your holiday unforgettable.