From Kalkan to Canyon

Just a 30-minute drive from the charming town of Kalkan lies Saklikent National Park. Declared a national park in 1992, this mystical canyon is one of the deepest in the world, stretching 18 kilometres long and plunging 300 meters deep. The fresh spring water of the Bey Mountains feeds the icy stream that flows through the valley. A hinterland of lush flora, fauna, and steep slopes of sharp rock formations surrounds it.

4th July, 2024 | Travel Inspiration

Saklikent Canyon is accessible from April, once the snow from the Taurus Mountains has melted and passed through the gorge on its way to the Xanthos River. Summer is an ideal time to visit, as the canyon's calm waters and canopy of greenery provide a natural respite from the heat.

Access to the park is on foot via wooden suspension bridges pinned to the canyon walls. A short fiveminute walk leads to a small, craggy clearing with lush vegetation, natural springs, and waterfalls trickling into the gorge. Here, you can descend to the central waters; a rope is provided to keep you steady, and water shoes are essential! From this point, the hike begins. Follow the natural winding path of the gorge for about 20 minutes until you reach a series of boulders and slopes. Once navigated, you can immerse yourself in a free and natural mud bath in the canyon's waters; the mix of clay and green-tinged thermal water is believed to have endless health-giving properties and helps combat the signs of ageing. For the more adventurous, activities such as tubing-a downstream ride on rubber tubes with oars to navigate around rocks-or rafting are available. For a more relaxed experience, the waterside cafés provide a perfect break to enjoy the spectacular setting.