canyons Aegean

Saklıkent Canyon

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.

Eşen Çayı (Eşen Creek) Canyon

Nearby Fethiye, Eşen Çayı Canyon is situated on the borders between the cities of Muğla and Antalya. The length of the canyon is 125 kilometers, and the water is generally calm.

The mud baths here are famous. After enjoying the experience of a mud bath, you can wash off in the creek’s water. The water’s temperature is a refreshing 12-13 degrees Celsius.

There are also organized canoe tours offered. The 15-kilometer tours start at Kınık neighborhood and end at the world-famous Patara Beach.

The canyon’s changing landscapes and the region’s beautiful flora will fascinate you!

Ulubey Canyon

Ulubey Canyon, situated in the province of Uşak, with a length of 77 kilometers is the second-longest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon in the United States.

The canyon was formed about 500 years after the breakdown of the graben of the Büyük Menderes River. The canyon extends up to 140-170 meters high with a width varying between 100 and 500 meters. It consists of a main canyon and dozens of side canyons. The rocks formed by wind and water erosion, the funnel-shaped karstic hills, and the terrace-shaped canyon walls are breathtaking.

Ulubey Canyon can be reached by dirt road or by foot. Depending on the season, you can enjoy water sports on Banaz Creek and rock climb. If you plan on an extended exploration, you can stay at a bungalow or boutique hotel in the city center of Uşak or close to the canyon. You can also set up a tent on the hills overlooking the canyon.

There is a glass terrace that provides unique views of the canyon’s natural beauty. Apart from the magnificence of nature, you will also have the opportunity to observe ancient water channels, rock-cut tombs, and caves. 

Arapapıştı Canyon

Located between the cities of Aydın, Denizli and Muğla in southwestern Türkiye, the Arapapıştı Canyon, also known as İnceğiz Canyon, was formed by the erosion caused by the Akçay Stream which winds off into the Afyon Kemer Dam.

The canyon is 380 meters high and 6 kilometers long, and perfectly combines nature and history. The canyon boasts caves, a monastery, ancient ruins, and rock cemeteries.

You can explore Arapapıştı by boat or canoe, accompanied by herons and cormorants. Climbing the hill will offer you incredible views of the canyon.

If you have a special interest in history, there are several ancient cities surrounding the canyon that are worth visiting.

Other Canyons in the Aegean Region

Ansızca Canyon
Cihanbeğendi Canyon
Çivril Canyon
Geyik Canyon
Gökdere Canyon
Gürlek Canyon
İnceğiz Canyon
Kapuz Canyon
Karabağlar Canyon
Çal Kısık Canyon
Taşyaran Canyon
Tokalı Canyon
Zeytinköy Canyon