Saklıkent Canyon: Natural wonder for adventure seekers


Saklıkent Canyon in Muğla's Seydikemer district sees many enthusiastic adventure seekers every year, drawn by its sweeping slopes and unique wading experience.

Tourists visiting Saklıkent National Park, located in the Kayadibi neighborhood, have the opportunity to explore its 18-kilometer canyon.

The 200-meter bridge across the area's clear water is attached to the walls of Saklıkent Canyon and lends itself well to the spot's adventurous feel. Along the way, steep-jagged slopes and waterfalls of all sizes dominate the landscape, as local and foreign tourists move through the sometimes waist-high water filled with fallen rocks, pushed and tumbled over the centuries, now quaint features against the rugged backdrop. After their exploration, weary tourists can relax in the naturally occurring mud baths on their journey back.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), a visitor from Istanbul, Esin Ekinci, said it was her first visit to the canyon.

Expressing how mesmerized she was by the beauty of the canyon, Ekinci said: "It's great to be able to see the sky via the super small holes between the rocks. The coolness of the water is also really refreshing. This is a natural wonder. We had a hard time getting past some spots, but local people gave us a hand and arrived at the end of the parkour through teamwork."

Another visitor, Faruk Kaya, who traveled all the way from the Netherlands, said the last time he visited the canyon was 20 years ago as a newlywed. This year, he visited the canyon with his family and friends.

Reiterating that Saklıkent Canyon is a naturally occurring landmark, Kaya said: "It was a journey full of adventure. There aren't any places to rival this beauty in Holland. Now we are here and having fun. I have visited many countries. Turkey is a great country in terms of climate and nature. It is important to keep our country and natural beauties clean and to appreciate them."

Also impressed by the experience, Zeliha Konuk, said the canyon is a place full of adventure and that they were in danger of being swept away at some points.

After recalling the preciously hanging rocks and the feeling that they could fall at any moment, Konuk said their canyon journey was exciting and very delightful.