# Yuvarlakçay Gorge (Yuvarlakçay) — Rope Swings Over Ice-Cold Mountain River
Yuvarlakçay is a natural oasis in Köyceğiz featuring an ice-cold mountain river, giant wooden swings over the stream, and restaurants serving fresh trout.
This scenic green canyon is located approximately 30 km from the town of Köyceğiz, at the foot of the Sandras Mountains. During the height of the summer heat, Yuvarlakçay serves as the perfect escape thanks to the dense shade of the trees and the icy currents of the mountain river.
Swing Adventure and Icy Waters
The river water, originating from melting mountain snow, maintains an extreme temperature of about +6–8°C all year round. The hallmark attraction here is the giant wooden swings suspended directly over the rushing river rapids. Visitors swing out and drop into the bracing waters. The screams of joy and splashes of icy water are an essential part of the atmosphere.
Waterside Dining
Dozens of restaurants line the riverbed. Their dining tables and traditional wooden platforms ("seki") are built on stilts directly over the flowing river. The sound of the rushing water drowns out ambient noise, creating a uniquely relaxing backdrop. The signature offerings of the local establishments are:
- Baked Trout (Alabalık): Sourced from onsite trout farms and baked in clay dishes inside wood-fired ovens.
- Turkish Country Breakfast (Köy kahvaltısı): A rich spread of local cheeses, olives, homemade jams, and fresh flatbreads.
Practical Information
- Location: Beyobası district, 30 km from Köyceğiz (towards Ortaca).
- Road: Excellent highway to Beyobası, followed by a paved village road. The final 500 meters is a flat dirt track leading to the restaurant parking lots, accessible for all vehicles.
- Infrastructure: Restaurants, wooden swings, trout pools, parking lots, toilets, and changing rooms at the dining venues.
- Entrance: Free. Access to the swings and platforms is free for restaurant patrons (ordering a tea or a meal is sufficient).
- Tip: Visit during weekdays if possible. On weekends, hundreds of locals from Fethiye and Marmaris flock here, causing long queues for the swings and best tables. Bring a towel and a change of dry clothes.