Saklikent

A dreamy clutch of limestone formations frequently beaten by the adventurer type, Saklikent is one of the world’s deepest canyons. And it is arguably the most extraordinary landscape in Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Meaning “hidden city” in Turkish, Saklikent doesn’t boast an ancient city within its sheer rock walls. However, its proximity to various ancient ruins makes it a popular destination among travelers. As you wander deep in its meandering corridors, you will stumble across a trove of flora and fantastic views awash with the scent of red pine forests. There is no shortage of challenge and adventure in the canyon, either. From river trekking to canyoning, myriad activities await that will give your heart just the right dose of adrenaline.

Saklikent is 300-meters deep, 18-kilometers long, and restlessly changing from one state to other. Come in late winter to early spring, and you will find almost the entire canyon flooded with the icy spring waters of the Taurus. It resettles every May with the wild-roaming water giving way to young blossoms. Around then, flocks of outdoor enthusiasts paint the land, while even in the driest months of the summer, some parts of the canyon remain inaccessible due to high flow.

As relentless as it is, the graceful beauty nestled in Saklikent’s astounding gorges is indisputable. Its ever-brisk waters are so cold even in summer that they will take your breath away—literally. The passage gets dramatically narrow in some places, blocking sun rays from reaching the ground. You will also spot mystifying caves tucked away in the walls, where nomads dwelled in Roman times.