If you are near Fethiye or Kaş, the best place to have fun and be amazed by a beautiful natural landscape is the famous canyon in Saklıkent.
The wild natural environment and breathtaking scenery are a unique paradise for nature lovers and adrenaline enthusiasts.
Indeed, the canyon in Saklıkent National Park is one of the most distinctive natural wonders in the Mediterranean.
In this article, you will find all the important information you need to know for your visit to he canyon in Saklıkent, including entrance details, tours, tickets, and tourist tips.
What Can I Do in Saklıkent Canyon?
Saklıkent Canyon National Park covers 1,643 hectares and will captivate you with its steep cliffs, wild river rapids, natural springs, and picturesque vegetation.
If you are a food lover, don't miss the many rural restaurants on your way to Saklıkent. There you can try traditional food called gözleme, and drink ayran to cool off. After passing Kayadibi village, you can park your car at the canyon entrance.
There is a sulfurous water source at the entrance of the canyon. The hot spring in this part is beneficial for skin diseases.
When you explore Saklıkent, you will be able to walk on foot through ice-cold waters in the heat of summer. In some places it is not possible to walk against the water because of the high flow rate. That's why the canyon can also be explored in a single line on the wooden pathways attached to the canyon wall.
Suspension bridges fixed to the canyon wall are used in areas where walking is difficult. At the end of the bridge, you will see karstic springs. This area is mostly used as a recreational area. You can sit comfortably in the restaurants here and listen to the relaxing sound of the water. It's possible to find fresh trout, meatballs, gözleme, and many other kinds of food here.
The canyon is sometimes narrow and sometimes wider in places. It's famous for its dramatic 18 km long gorge. Walking a few hundred meters and turning back is usually enough to have a nice experience, of course, professionals may want to explore more. Since the bottom of the stream is full of pebble stones, it is important to wear suitable shoes.
Natural Mud Ponds
Inside the gorge, along the path, you will encounter natural mud ponds every now and then.
You can apply the mud on your face to enjoy a free mud bath. The minerals in the mud are said to soften the skin, tighten pores, and draw out toxins.
Dumanlıdağ & Forest
The National Park also includes Dumanlıdağ Mountain, several plateaus, and a forest that are covered with lush vegetation all year round. The landscape consists of steep slopes, cedars, cluster pines, and black pines. There are also climbing routes in the forest.
Activities
Rafting and canyoning are the most popular activities in Saklıkent Canyon National Park. Bungee jumping and ziplining are also great activities for adrenaline enthusiasts. Camping is possible in specific areas.
The national park and its plateaus, such as Aklar and Girdev Plateaus, are also good places for nature walking, mountain climbing, and trekking.
Those who prefer a calmer pace and do not want to cross the river to get deeper into the canyon can linger in the idyllic open space with outdoor seating after passing the wooden platform. It's a nice place to sit and relax.
Attractions in the Area
In addition to its natural treasures, the area around Saklıkent Canyon National Park also offers historical sites that are worth seeing. For example, you can visit the ancient city of Letoon.
A Few Tips for Your Visit:
Entrance, Tickets, and Tours
Hotels Around Saklıkent Canyon National Park
The closest hotels to the national park are in Kaş and Fethiye. Here are four accommodation options in the surrounding area.
George Club Saklıkent: If you are looking for accommodation near Saklıkent Canyon National Park, George Club is right for you. You can stay in tree houses or bungalows and join activities like ziplining, paragliding, mud baths, canyoning, and river rafting. Address: Andifli, Kayadibi Köyü, Saklıkent Mevkii, 48300 Kaş/Antalya
Apollon Hotel: Apollon Hotel is just a 35-minute drive from Saklıkent Canyon National Park. It's a family-friendly hotel with a great location close to Patara Beach and the ruins of the ancient city of Patara. Address: Gelemiş, 07950, 07976 Patara Merkez, 07950 Patara Merkez/Antalya
Mogons Exclusive: Located in Kalkan/ Kaş, Mogons Exclusive is 37 km from Saklıkent National Park and 900 m from the public beach in Kalkan. It has elegant rooms with a sea views, a Turkish hamam, and sauna. An 8-minute drive takes you to Kaputaş Beach. Address: Kalkan Mah. Ortaokul Cad. No:34 Kaş/Antalya
Yengeç Hotel Restaurant: This charming boutique hotel in Ölüdeniz/ Fethiye is a great starting point for day trips. The famous Blue Lagoon of Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley, and Ölüdeniz Nature Park are in the surrounding area. Saklıkent Canyon National Park is about a one-hour drive from here. Address: Ölüdeniz, Molla Hasan Cd. No:13, 48300 Fethiye/Muğla
How to Get to Saklıkent Canyon
Saklıkent Canyon National Park is situated in the middle of Muğla's Fethiye and Antalya's Kaş districts. It is 46 km from Fethiye and 200 km from Antalya city center.
- Minibus: You can reach the national park in an hour with minibuses from Fethiye. They depart from the smaller Fethiye bus station near the mosque and go to Saklıkent
- By car: Driving a rental car is a good option. Saklıkent Canyon National Park is less than one hour’s drive from Fethiye and Kaş, and only a 25-minute drive from Kalkan. There are plenty of parking spaces on site. The parking fee is paid in cash.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Summer is the best time to visit Saklıkent Canyon. The fact that the air temperature is at the peak in July and August is one of the most important reasons people choose to come at this time, to escape from the heat! Moving in the canyon becomes difficult due to heavy visitor traffic on weekends and public holidays. Spring months and weekdays are relatively calmer.
Saklıkent Canyon is located in Saklıkent National Park in Muğla's Fethiye and Antalya's Kaş districts. It's exact location is in the Foca District of Fethiye.
The entrance fee to Saklıkent Canyon National Park is 10 TL per person in 2021. The Museum Card is not valid here. There is also a fee to park in the canyon.
You can reach the canyon in 1 hour with Fethiye-Saklıkent minibuses departing from the smaller Fethiye bus station near the mosque.
The History of Saklıkent Canyon
The land where the canyon is formed consists of limestone masses. A steep and deep canyon was formed by fault cracks in the calcareous land, which was easily eroded by water. Its length is 18 km and its height is 200 m. Its narrowest part is as small as 2 meters. The height of the land above the canyon is over 1000 meters.
The canyon was discovered only recently. According to rumor, the canyon was discovered by a shepherd following a fleeing goat. The shepherd then became curious about the surrounding area.
Following the notification from the shepherd, Turkey's Ministry of Environment and Forestry declared Saklıkent a National Park. Then, with the support of private companies, Saklıkent took its current form.
Saklıkent was a place only known by the surrounding villages until 1990. Since then, it has become a world-renowned tourism attraction.
Saklıkent Canyon National Park is visited by 180,000 - 210,000 tourists per year.
Discover more canyons in Antalya and National Parks in the Antalya Region.