Saklikent Gorge
 Saklikent
(Hidden City) Gorge is the second-largest (20 km-long) gorge in Europe, the
longest and deepest gorge in Turkey, about a 40 minutes' drive from Fethiye.
It is a spectacular place, with sculpted walls soaring high above. Four km. of the
gorge is walkable after April when most of the snow from the Taurus
Mountains has melted and passed through the gorge on its way to the Xanthos
River. Summer is the best time to visit as the canyon is deliciously
cool and shady with cold water.
From Kalkan, take the main highway to Fethiye, turn right at
the sign Saklıkent in the village of Alaçat, 45 km. from Kalkan. Turn South
at the T intersection, always following the Saklıkent signs. 12 km. after leaving the
main road to Fethiye, turn right and continue for 3 more kilometers.
When you arrive, the entrance to the gorge is under the bridge over the
large stream. A narrow walkway suspended from the rock wall will take
you into the gorge. Once inside, you reach the Ulupinar springs where
water bubbles up under great force from the base of the cliffs and you wade
across the stream into the gorge proper to begin your walk.
Several tour operators in
Kalkan offer tours to Saklikent Gorge, often in conjunciton with a
visit to
Tlos and the very lovely and
relaxing Yakapark
Restaurant.
Outside of and tucked within
the gorge locals have set up small restaurants with seating areas on wooden
platforms suspended just above the rushing waters. These are a great
place to kick back upon Turkish rugs and cushions with a beer under shady
trees. Among
other things on the menu, they offer delicious fresh trout. Outside of
the gorge you will also find treehouse accommodation, small relaxed bars and
river tubing. River tubing rides last from 45 minutes to about two
hours, depending on which ride you join.
If you are continuing on to
Tlos (about 4 km. northwest of Saklikent Gorge), you will also find small
shady restaurants in the villages along the way, run by families that serve
fresh, home-grown produce. Items on the menu include fresh trout and
gözleme (Turkish pancakes filled with meat or cheese).
The gorge is open from the
April 1 to September 30. Be sure to wear shoes that you don't mind
getting wet or sports sandals as the rubber shoes available for rent at the
river bar are not
very comfortable. You may also want to bring a
change of clothes with you in case you get wet.
For more information,
including treehouse accommodation, see
saklikentgorge.net
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