Saklikent, which means “hidden city” in Turkish, is around 50km from Fethiye and, at 18km long and 300m deep, is one of the deepest canyons in the world.
While you can visit Saklikent all year round, between November and March the water can get very high, which makes it impossible to walk through. From April onwards, most of the snow from the Taurus Mountains has melted, and around 4km of the gorge is typically walkable. The first thing that strikes you is the vast 10-metre crevice in the rock; it’s enormous sculpted walls towering high above. The fresh mountain water is cold and very shallow in parts but can reach up to waist height in places. At the end of the gorge, you will find a beautiful waterfall waiting for you.
Saklikent is excellent fun for all the family and is a memorable experience. However, if you have limited mobility or young children, remember that there are lots of rocks to clamber over, so be sure to take care.
When you have finished walking through the gorge, you can relax in one of the many riverside cafes or, for the more adventurous, you can set off down the river in a ring raft. They equip you with a large inflatable ring with handles and a paddle. Ensure you wear something you don’t mind getting wet! The gentle rapids carry you downstream, and experienced guides accompany you along the way.
