Saklıkent Gorge

Saklıkent Gorge, located within Saklıkent National Park near the village of Saklıkent approximately 50 kilometers from Fethiye on the western boundary of Antalya province, is one of the deepest gorges in Europe and one of the most dramatic natural landscapes accessible to visitors in southern Turkey. The canyon has been carved through the Akdağ massif of the Taurus Mountains by the Eşen River and its tributaries, reaching depths of up to 300 meters between sheer white limestone walls while remaining narrow enough in the upper section for the walls to almost touch overhead. The gorge extends approximately 18 kilometers in total length, though visitors typically penetrate only the first kilometer or two where the experience is most concentrated. Entry involves crossing a series of wooden boardwalks and platforms spanning the rushing gorge river, which flows at close range through the entry section. Beyond the entry platforms, the gorge interior is navigated by wading through the river itself, which flows from snowmelt off the Taurus peaks and remains icy cold even through midsummer—typically between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius. The contrast between the cold water and summer air temperature, combined with the canyon walls rising overhead to block the sky, creates a distinctive and memorable environment. Within the entry section, wooden platforms extend from the canyon walls above the water, and a cluster of simple restaurants serves trout, grilled meats, and tea to visitors seated directly over the running river. A cascade waterfall is visible further into the gorge for those who wade deeper. The platform restaurants are a widely enjoyed institution, and the combination of cold river, dramatic rock walls, and traditional food above the water draws large numbers of Turkish visitors as well as international tourists. Sandals or waterproof shoes that can be fully submerged are essential, as entry into the gorge proper requires wading.