Exotic Valley in Turkey: Saklikent Canyon

Turkey, one of the hidden corner of paradise and recently coincidence rumor discovered by a goatherd Saklikent Canyon is a natural conservation area nowadays gained the status of National Park. Let’s start to tour this world wonder canyon operated by the Ministry of Forestry.

Where is Saklikent Canyon?

This supernatural place, meaning “hidden city” in English, is a must-see, especially for those who plan to spend their summer vacation on the Mediterranean coast. When you are exhausted from the heat and need a cool break while vacationing on Antalya Kaş beaches or Fethiye Ölüdeniz beaches, the ice-cold waters of Dargaz Creek flowing from Saklıkent Canyon will come to you like medicine.

Saklikent Canyon Transportation

Saklıkent Which district does it belong to? How To Get To Saklıkent? I can hear you ask. Saklıkent transportation table will be useful for you.

Bus, minibus services and Jeep Safari Tours are organized every day from Fethiye to Saklıkent Canyon. You can reach the canyon using these vehicles.

Saklıkent Canyon is located in the deep valley eroded by the Dargaz Stream, which frequently travels between Antalya and Muğla.

Saklıkent affiliated with which? If you ask, I am still not in a position to answer this even though we have gone 3 times. Antalya and Muğla and let’s leave that aside rivalry between cities Turkey’s Mysterious Valley: let’s start exploring the Saklikent Canyon.

Is Saklıkent Canyon Entrance Paid?

Saklıkent Canyon is paid and can only be entered during visiting hours. Saklıkent National Park, which can be entered between 8:00 am and 18:00 pm, is operated by the Ministry of Forestry. However, restaurant and cafe sections outside the National Park are open until late at night. The Museum Card is not valid.

Saklıkent Canyon Entrance Fees

Saklıkent National Park Parking Fees

Information About Saklıkent

According to the legend, the valley was discovered by a goat shepherd when he was grazing his animals while a few of them accidentally fell into Saklıkent Canyon, and only after years after the visit of a Minister, it gained the status of a National Park and thus gained a worldwide reputation. A lake in Şile near Ağva in Istanbul is unfortunately known as “Şile Saklıkent”. However, the name of this place is not Saklıkent but Saklıgöl.

The entrance part of the canyon consists of high suspension bridges made of wood and iron. For this reason, the entrance of Saklıkent has a very exotic atmosphere. If you wish, you can immerse yourself in the cold water below from this part.

I wouldn’t recommend it if you don’t know how to swim. As you progress, you reach the stream level and your feet meet the ice-cold waters of Eşen Stream. At first, you can see open spaces, small waterfalls and water resources in the canyon. I even recommend you to drink the underground natural spring water boiling here. The water is almost icy and rich in minerals.

What kind of place is Saklıkent canyon, what to do, what to eat, what to drink and where to stay?

We answered these questions one by one.

Phaselis Travel Guide

How Was Saklıkent Canyon Created?

It is possible to see large and small caves along Saklıkent. In the archaeological studies carried out in these caves, remains of 2500 years ago were found. Saklıkent Canyon was formed by the Dargaz River passing through it, as a result of the etching of the limestone rock base for centuries.

Saklıkent Weather?

Before coming to Saklıkent in summer, it is useful to check the weather reports. Although the summer is limited to a few days, it can be rainy days. However, the weather forecast for Saklıkent; The average temperature of 25-30 degrees in the summer season and a sunny weather await you. 80-90% humidity and 5 to 10 km/h speed winds are dominant.

When going to Saklıkent Canyon and Eşen Stream, be sure to have rubber sea shoes with you. Stones in the stream can be sharp and slippery.

Attention Please

What to do in Saklıkent Canyon? Places to visit

Saklıkent canyon is approximately 4 km long. However, after the first 2 kilometers, the area gets narrower and in places the water depth reaches up to 2 meters. You can use guide ropes in these sections. However, it is useful to be careful.

Where is Saklıkent Mud Bath?

Natural mud bath comes first among the activities to be held in Saklıkent. Saklıkent Mud Bath, which is known to be good for skin diseases, is known to have benefits such as skin care and beauty cure, especially for women. There are 2 different mud pools where you can benefit from the mud bath, which is thought to be healing.

1. Saklıkent Canyon Mud Bath Area

In the deep passages of Saklıkent Valley, sometimes you will come across areas where you can take a mud bath when you cling to the ropes from the deep and icy river beds that reach the waist level and move into the canyon.

2. Mud Bath Pools on Dargaz (Eşen Stream) River

At the end of Saklıkent Rafting activity, you can also use the mud pools located right next to the stream for mud bath.

Where is Saklıkent Rafting done? How Much Are Rafting Prices?

When you come to Saklıkent, you can experience the excitement of adrenaline-filled Rafting after visiting the mysterious canyon. Immerse yourself in the crazy waters of Dargaz Stream by riding on colorful inflatable boats in the shape of big life buoy.

There is a place called Gorge Club which organizes “River Rafting” activity in Saklıkent Canyon. An extremely safe rafting excitement awaits you with inflatable boats, oars, helmets and other safety equipment. Is it dangerous to rafting in Saklıkent Canyon? Rafting has no danger as long as it is done with experts and rafting equipment. So How Much Are Rafting Prices?

Saklıkent Rafting Price and Fee Table

*Prices are up to date and valid for the year 2021.
**Reservation is required. >>Gorge Club

Exotic Canyon Tour

One of the activities that can be done in Saklıkent is the Canyoning (canyon tour), where you will cross the suspension bridges along the canyon, you will cross the water by clinging to the ropes and sinking into the water, passing through the mud pits and drinking ice-cold spring water.

Canyon Zipline

In this activity, which I saw a similar one during the Yedigöller expedition, you can cross the other side by walking from the ropes stretched over the canyon. I would not recommend it to those who fear heights. Enjoy the adventure without any accidents thanks to the equipment such as safety rope and helmet.

Antalya Kas – Saklıkent Jeep Safari Tour

With daily Safari Jeep tours, you can go to Saklıkent Canyon from Fethiye and Antalya Kaş every day. An adventurous journey awaits you in groups of 5 or 10 with open-top 4×4 Land Rover and Jeep brand jeeps. Jeeps depart from Fethiye at 10:00 in the morning and arrive at Saklıkent. At the end of the 10-hour Safari tour, they return to Fethiye, which is the starting point, at 19:30 in the evening.

With the “Saklıkent Jeep Safari” tour organized from Kaş to Saklıkent Canyon, you will experience unforgettable moments full of fun and adventure. Participants in Saklıkent Safari Tour suitable for family;

• Water war,
• Canyon Walk,
• Bodyrafting,
• Lunch,
• Tea break
• Adventurous Tubbing Funny Rafting Activity,
• Xanthos Ancient City Tour and the last stop
• It is Kaputaş Beach and from here, we return to Antalya Kaş.

The price per person for the Saklıkent Jeep Safari Tour full of adventure from beginning to end is a very economical figure like 150-200 TL. Wouldn’t you like to spend a day on a Safari Tour?

Bungee Jumping in Saklıkent

It may sound very extreme, but another activity that can be done in Saklıkent Canyon is Bungee Jumping. To participate in this activity, you need to book and pay in advance. When the time comes, all you have to do is to let yourself go towards the Dargaz River. There is no fixed price or tariff for this. You can call by phone and get prior information. Gorge Club: +90 (252) 659 00 74

Saklıkent Ski Center

The mountainous region where Saklıkent Canyon is located is among the rare locations where winter tourism can be made not only in the summer season but also in the Mediterranean region due to its height and location. In winter, this region increases the thickness of snow due to heavy snowfall and low temperatures and allows skiing. The closest ski resort to Antalya is Saklıkent Ski Center with an altitude of 2400 meters.

In Saklıkent, you can talk to your mobile phone in the restaurant area and even use the internet. However, when you move through the canyon, the phone signals are interrupted.

Can Cell Phones Be Used In Saklıkent Canyon?

Where to Stay in Saklıkent? Hotel and Pension Advice

After visiting the canyon, you participated in the activities and ate your meal and even visited the mini market where local products were sold. It’s time for accommodation. You can visit Saklıkent for a day and return to where you came from without the need for accommodation. However, if you still need accommodation, unfortunately, there is no hotel type of accommodation in Saklıkent. Instead, Tree House, Bungalow houses, Caravan or Tent, camping solutions are offered.

Saklıkent Honeymoon idea is not very suitable for accommodation due to the inadequacy of Pension and Tree Houses. If you are having a honeymoon close to Saklıkent, it seems much more logical to come for a day to have good memories and unforgettable adventures.

What to Eat in Saklıkent?

The canyon, stream, natural scenery and many things are very good here, but when it comes to eating, I am sadly saying it is a complete disappointment. The poor quality of the food, less variety, sullen staff, indifference and despite all this, the high menu prices. The only good thing about the food business is that there are floor tables like a wooden raft set up by the river. You put your feet in ice-cold water and this pleasure is impossible to describe.

If you can find a place that does good, you can eat Saklıkent Trout (fish). I could not find such a place. If you come across, you can write to the comment section of this article.

Rolldurma: Handmade Ice Cream

I saw handmade fruit ice cream in a place called Rolldurma, which I had the opportunity to taste in a shopping mall in Istanbul. You choose the ingredients yourself such as banana, pineapple, melon, strawberry and forest fruit, and after 5 minutes you enjoy your wonderful Rolldur.

Last few important information about Saklıkent Canyon; When coming to Saklıkent, definitely come with an outfit such as shorts or capri and have rubber sea shoes on your feet. Your slippers are caught in the fast flowing water. For this reason, let it be rubber shoes that tightly wrap your feet, not slippers or sandals. Buy as little of your Digital and Electronic items as possible. Many times you will be in the water up to your waist. I recommend you to come early before noon in order to fully tour the canyon. We wish you unforgettable moments full of adrenaline and fun.