Saklikent Gorge
Europe's second-deepest canyon, offering an icy river trek through towering limestone cliffs. A natural wonder!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler water
Saklikent Gorge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler water
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Europe's second-deepest canyon, offering an icy river trek through towering limestone cliffs. A natural wonder!
"Amazing experience to walk through the canyon. Every spot or corner you turn to you want to take a photo its picturesque."
👟 Essential Water Shoes
Rent or bring water shoes! The river is freezing and the rocks are slippery.
⏰ Arrive Early!
Beat the crowds and enjoy the gorge in peace. Aim for before 10 AM.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Gorge Walk
Saklikent Gorge
Trek through Europe's second-deepest canyon, wading through ice-cold river waters. An unforgettable adventure!
Wooden Platform Trail
Entrance to the Gorge
A suspended walkway offers initial views and access before you brave the river. Great for photos!
Riverside Dining
Near the Gorge Entrance
Relax at charming restaurants serving local trout and gözleme by the gurgling river. Perfect after your hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & the Cold
+1Footwear is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Essential Water Shoes
Rent or bring water shoes! The river is freezing and the rocks are slippery. +1
⏰ Arrive Early!
Beat the crowds and enjoy the gorge in peace. Aim for before 10 AM.
🎒 Pack Light
You'll be wading through water. A backpack can be tricky to manage.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Every corner offers stunning views. Bring a waterproof phone case!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Essential Water Shoes
Rent or bring water shoes! The river is freezing and the rocks are slippery. +1
⏰ Arrive Early!
Beat the crowds and enjoy the gorge in peace. Aim for before 10 AM.
🎒 Pack Light
You'll be wading through water. A backpack can be tricky to manage.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Every corner offers stunning views. Bring a waterproof phone case!
💰 Entrance Fee
There's a small entrance fee for the park and parking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Saklikent Gorge is overwhelmingly praised for its stunning natural beauty and unique adventure, with visitors loving the experience of walking through the deep canyon and wading in the icy river. However, some reviewers express concern about litter, particularly cigarette butts, detracting from the pristine environment.
"Saklıkent Kanyon Gorge is one of those places that truly makes you feel small in the best possible way. Carved deep into the mountains, it’s a breathtaking natural wonder where cool, rushing water snakes through towering rock walls that seem to scrape the sky.
It’s the perfect place to escape the summer heat, as the icy water running through the gorge keeps everything refreshingly cool. You can walk barefoot through the shallow parts, clinging to the ropes and laughing as the current splashes up around you. There’s something wonderfully primal about wading between the cliffs with sunlight flickering high above.
For the more adventurous, there are areas for climbing, river tubing and even a few hidden waterfalls. Those looking for a gentler pace can relax by the riverside restaurants, where you sit on raised platforms over the water and enjoy traditional Turkish food with your feet dangling in the stream.
It’s a day out that manages to be both peaceful and exhilarating. Whether you come for the views, the adventure, or just the excuse to get completely soaked, Saklıkent Gorge is an unforgettable slice of Turkey’s natural beauty."
Neil F
"The authorities have to take action urgently. A such beautiful place, but unfortunately being destroyed by smokers. Even locals, even Turkish people aren't respecting the nature. Not only dirty by cigarettes but its disgusting smell during the whole canyon. You don't have option to breath a pure air. Inatead go there and enjoy the nature, people prefer take your cigarrete to look nice. In areas like this, it should by banned. How is there no law prohibiting this? Not even a sign. It is impossible that a person can't wait to get out to smoke. What world this people live?"
Felipe Lima
"Nice viewing. Very busy during high periods, but it thins out the further you walk into the gorge. Bring water/ rock shoes as you will need them going deeper."
William S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Saklikent Gorge from Fethiye by car or by taking a dolmuş (shared minibus). The journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
Yes, dolmuş services run from Fethiye to Saklikent Gorge, making it accessible for those without a car.
Many visitors opt for a rental car for flexibility, but dolmuş are a budget-friendly option. Some tours also include transport.
Saklikent Gorge is approximately 50 km from Ölüdeniz, making it a feasible day trip.
Absolutely! Saklikent Gorge is about an hour's drive from Kalkan and is often combined with other local attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entrance fee for Saklikent National Park, and an additional charge for parking if you arrive by car. Prices can vary, so check current rates upon arrival.
Tickets can typically be purchased at the entrance to the park. It's advisable to arrive early to avoid long queues, especially during peak season.
While there are no strict age restrictions, the challenging terrain and cold water might make it difficult for very young children or individuals with mobility issues.
Saklikent Gorge usually opens early in the morning, around 8:30 AM, and closes in the late afternoon or early evening. Arriving early is recommended.
Yes, water shoes are available for rent at the entrance to the gorge. This is highly recommended for navigating the slippery rocks and cold water. +1
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The water in Saklikent Gorge is famously ice-cold, even in the summer months. It's a refreshing experience but can be a shock at first! +1
The first 2 km of the gorge are generally accessible. Exploring this section can take 1-2 hours, depending on how far you go and how often you stop for photos.
The initial part of the gorge is safe to explore independently. For the deeper sections requiring climbing and navigating waterfalls, a guide is recommended.
Wear quick-drying clothes and sturdy water shoes. Avoid flip-flops or sandals. Consider a waterproof bag for your valuables. +1
Yes, visitors can enjoy tubing and rafting on the river near the gorge entrance, offering a different kind of adventure.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, several charming riverside restaurants are located near the entrance of Saklikent Gorge, offering local specialties like trout and gözleme.
You can typically find fresh river trout, gözleme (Turkish flatbread), and other local dishes. It's a great spot to refuel after exploring the gorge.
While there are dining options available, bringing some snacks and water is always a good idea, especially if you plan to spend a longer time exploring.
📸 📸 Photography
The towering canyon walls, the wooden platform, and the icy river itself offer incredible photo opportunities. Capture the dramatic scale of the gorge.
It can be challenging due to the water and slippery surfaces. Using a waterproof phone case or a durable camera is recommended.
Early morning offers softer light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for photography. The dramatic shadows within the gorge can also create striking images.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The riverside restaurants offer a relaxed setting for a family meal afterwards. 💰 Budget Travelers
+1 While there's an entrance fee and parking charge, these are generally reasonable. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Saklikent Gorge
+1 Formed over thousands of years by the relentless flow of the Esen River carving through limestone, the gorge presents a dramatic landscape of towering, sheer cliffs. Visitors can experience the gorge via a suspended wooden walkway that hugs the canyon walls, offering breathtaking initial views and a safe way to begin the exploration. For the more adventurous, the real thrill lies in wading through the ice-cold river that flows through the gorge.
+1 The water temperature is a bracing shock, especially during warmer months, providing a unique and invigorating experience. Beyond the main gorge walk, the area around Saklikent offers additional activities. Tubing and rafting on the river provide a fun, albeit faster, way to experience the water.
+1 The surrounding area also boasts charming riverside restaurants where you can relax and enjoy local delicacies like fresh trout and gözleme after your adventure. Practicalities for Your Visit
+1 This also means the water might feel less intensely cold if you're one of the first to enter. Footwear is paramount. The slippery, uneven riverbed demands appropriate gear. While you can rent water shoes at the entrance, many travelers find that bringing their own well-fitting, sturdy water shoes or even old sneakers that you don't mind getting wet offers better comfort and grip.
There is an entrance fee for Saklikent National Park, and a separate charge for parking if you are arriving by car.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit