# Saklikent Canyon (Saklıkent Kanyonu) — A Frozen Adventure in the Hidden City

Saklikent Canyon is a majestic 18km gorge featuring a freezing mountain river, sheer cliffs, and wooden footpaths suspended over the water.

Saklıkent Canyon, whose name translates to "Hidden City," is one of the deepest and longest canyons in Turkey. The height of its sheer cliffs reaches 300 meters, while its width narrows to just a few meters in some sections. It is a unique national park offering a refreshing refuge even during the hottest summer days. The main highlight here is a hike deep into the canyon directly through the freezing waters of the mountain river.

The entrance to the gorge is equipped with wooden footpaths suspended from the cliff face. Walking along them for about 200 meters brings you to a spacious island-like clearing where spring waters gush from the rocks. To continue further into the wild parts of the canyon, you must wade across a strong, icy-cold river current while holding onto a safety rope. Beyond this crossing, the current calms down, and a walk over smooth boulders and through shallow water begins. Near the park entrance, you will find cafes, souvenir shops, and tube rafting activities.

Practical Information

• Location: 45 km southeast of Fethiye (approx. 50 minutes by car)
• Road: Asphalt (excellent road conditions suitable for all vehicles, regular dolmuş minibuses run from Fethiye)
• Infrastructure: Ticket office, toilets, changing cabins, water shoe rentals, souvenir stands, and numerous platform restaurants built over the river. Rafting and ziplining are available nearby
• Entrance: Paid (approx. 500 TL for foreign tourists, 85 TL for Turkish citizens, Turkish Museum Card / Müze Kart is not valid), paid parking is available
• Tip: Water shoes with a backstrap (not flip-flops) are mandatory for safety; you can rent or buy them at the entrance. Keep your phone and valuables in a dry bag, and wear clothes you do not mind getting wet.