Saklıkent Gorge
Explore one of Europe's deepest canyons, a 'hidden city' with icy rivers and towering cliffs. A refreshing natural wonder near Fethiye.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the heat, fewer crowds
Saklıkent Gorge
Best Time
Escape the heat, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore one of Europe's deepest canyons, a 'hidden city' with icy rivers and towering cliffs. A refreshing natural wonder near Fethiye.
"The icy cold river walk through the towering canyon is an unforgettable, exhilarating experience."
🥾 Wear Water Shoes!
Essential for slippery rocks & icy water. Rent them on-site if needed!
⏰ Arrive Early
Beat the crowds for a more peaceful experience in the gorge.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Icy River Walk
Saklikent Gorge
Brave the exhilarating, ice-cold river as you wade through the canyon, holding onto ropes for support. A true test of endurance and a refreshing escape.
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Towering Canyon Walls
Saklikent Gorge
Marvel at the immense, towering canyon walls that create a dramatic and awe-inspiring natural spectacle. Feel dwarfed by nature's grandeur.
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Riverside Dining
Near Saklikent Gorge entrance
Relax at charming riverside restaurants, enjoying local delicacies like trout and gözleme after your adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for the Best Experience
Essential Gear for Your Gorge Adventure
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Water Shoes!
Essential for slippery rocks & icy water. Rent them on-site if needed!
⏰ Arrive Early
Beat the crowds for a more peaceful experience in the gorge.
💰 Entrance Fee
There's a small entrance fee to access the gorge.
🧊 Brace for Cold Water
The water is refreshingly, but intensely, cold!
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Water Shoes!
Essential for slippery rocks & icy water. Rent them on-site if needed!
⏰ Arrive Early
Beat the crowds for a more peaceful experience in the gorge.
💰 Entrance Fee
There's a small entrance fee to access the gorge.
🧊 Brace for Cold Water
The water is refreshingly, but intensely, cold!
📸 Capture the Views
Epic photo opportunities within the canyon and along the river.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Saklikent Gorge for its stunning natural beauty and refreshing, icy waters, making it a perfect summer escape. The welcoming staff and delicious riverside dining add to the positive experience. However, some guests have expressed disappointment with the transparency of activity durations, particularly for rafting tours.
"One of my favourite places that we stayed in during our time in Turkey. The family that look after the place are so welcoming, the location is incredible right beside the gorge and river. I sat by the river until 10pm just watching the sky. Cottage was cosy and clean, perfect for what we needed. Would absolutely stay here again. Thank you!"
Jessica Richards
"The place is wonderful, the owner is very helpful and supportive, the staff are very friendly, the activities are interesting, and the food is delicious.
It is quiet and relaxing place, we took the suite bungalow.
Everything we asked for, we were afforded by.
Highly recommended!"
Aya Hammad
"The owner is very helpful, he tried to make us happy and comfortable all the time..
Even at night when the restaurant is closed, he let someone to prepare food for us ..
Food is delicious, it is the best place in the area.."
Alaa Musleh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Saklikent Gorge from Fethiye by car or by taking local dolmuş (minibuses). The journey is approximately 45-50 km and takes about an hour.
Yes, dolmuş services from Fethiye frequently run to Saklikent Gorge, making it accessible for those without a car.
Many visitors opt for a rental car for flexibility, but the dolmuş is a convenient and budget-friendly option.
Saklikent Gorge is located about 200 km from Antalya, making it a longer day trip or an overnight stay destination from Antalya.
Absolutely! It's a popular day trip destination from Fethiye and surrounding coastal towns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a small entrance fee to access Saklikent National Park and the gorge itself.
The gorge is typically open daily during daylight hours, but it's advisable to check current timings, especially outside of peak season.
Advance booking is generally not required for Saklikent Gorge; tickets can be purchased at the entrance.
There are no specific age restrictions, but the icy water and slippery terrain might be challenging for very young children or individuals with mobility issues.
While there are riverside restaurants, bringing water is recommended. Consuming food inside the gorge area might be restricted.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The most popular way is to walk along the wooden boardwalk at the entrance and then wade into the icy river, holding onto ropes for support.
Exploring the accessible first 2 km of the gorge can take 1-2 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the scenery.
Children can enjoy the initial boardwalk and the shallow parts of the river, but the deeper, colder sections might be too challenging.
Besides hiking the gorge, you can enjoy rafting and tubing on the river, and relax at the riverside restaurants.
Wear quick-drying clothes and sturdy water shoes. A waterproof bag for your belongings is also a good idea.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are several charming restaurants located right by the river at the entrance of the gorge, serving local Turkish dishes like trout and gözleme.
Yes, the restaurants are situated at the gorge's entrance, offering a scenic dining experience.
Freshly grilled trout and gözleme (Turkish flatbread) are highly recommended by visitors.
Gözleme is often a vegetarian option, and many restaurants can accommodate simple requests.
Prices are generally reasonable, especially considering the unique riverside location.
📸 📸 Photography
The wooden boardwalk, the towering canyon walls, and the crystal-clear river offer stunning photographic opportunities.
It can be challenging due to the cold water and slippery surfaces. A waterproof phone case or camera is advisable.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing your photographic experience.
Drone usage might be restricted within national parks. It's best to check local regulations before flying.
A waterproof camera or a smartphone with a waterproof case is highly recommended. A wide-angle lens can capture the scale of the gorge.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The shallow parts of the river can be explored with supervision, but the icy water might be too intense for very young children. Ensure everyone wears sturdy water shoes to prevent slips on the rocks. +1Consider the rafting and tubing options for older children who enjoy water sports. The riverside restaurants offer a relaxed setting for a family meal, with kid-friendly options like gözleme.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own snacks and water can save money, though the riverside restaurants offer reasonably priced local food. +1Many visitors find the experience of wading through the gorge itself to be the highlight, and this core activity is included with the entrance fee. While optional activities like rafting have an additional cost, the natural beauty and the gorge walk provide immense value for budget-conscious travelers.
❤️ Couples & Adventure Seekers
Holding hands while navigating the icy river can be a fun and bonding experience. Consider trying the rafting or tubing for an adrenaline rush together.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Saklikent Gorge
The initial accessible section, about 2 kilometers long, is a popular route for visitors. This part features a wooden walkway clinging to the canyon walls, offering a safe way to begin your exploration. Once you leave the boardwalk, you'll need to wade into the famously icy cold river. Holding onto a thick rope that runs along the path is highly recommended for stability on the slippery rocks.
The water temperature can be a shock, making it a perfect escape from the summer heat. For those seeking more adventure, rafting and tubing options are also available on the river. Key takeaway: Be prepared for the cold water and slippery terrain. Wearing appropriate footwear is non-negotiable for a safe and enjoyable experience.
+2Adventure Activities and Dining
After your adventures, the riverside restaurants provide a perfect spot to relax and refuel. These charming eateries offer a scenic dining experience, with the soothing sound of the river as your backdrop. Visitors rave about the delicious local cuisine, particularly the freshly grilled trout and traditional gözleme.
Important note: While many activities are advertised with specific durations, be sure to clarify what is included. Some visitors have noted that advertised times might include travel back to the starting point, so confirm details to avoid any surprises.
Social
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