Saklıkent Gorge Guide: Walking, Rafting and Trout Lunch

About an hour’s drive inland from Fethiye, a mountain river has carved a gorge so deep and narrow that sunlight barely reaches the bottom. Saklıkent means "hidden city" or "hidden town", and the name suits the place: you walk along a wooden gangway pinned to the cliff, cross a rushing stream and then wade into the canyon proper, where the water is ice cold even in August. It is a wet, muddy and very memorable half-day.

What to expect

The gorge is roughly 18 km long, but visitors only enter the first part. A ticket office at the entrance sells admission, and from there a long wooden walkway leads along the gorge wall, some of it high above the water. At the end of the walkway you reach the stream. Here you can wade in and continue on foot into the canyon, where the walls rise to around 200 m and the passage narrows to a few metres.

• Walkway: Easy, narrow in places, and can be slippery. Hold the rails and watch your footing.
• Wading into the canyon: The water is knee-deep in some places and deeper in others, with a strong current and cold water. Water shoes are essential.
• Mud baths: Some visitors cover themselves with the grey mud found near the entrance and let it dry. It is a fun photo stop.
• Rafting: Rafting trips run on the Eşen river in the spring and early summer while water levels are high. They usually combine well with Saklıkent and a lunch.

How to get there

Saklıkent is around 45 to 50 km from Fethiye and takes about an hour by car. Minibuses run from the bus station in Fethiye to Saklıkent in season, and it is also included in many organised tours, often in combination with Tlos and a trout lunch. A rental car gives you freedom to move at your own pace. Take the road towards Seydikemer; it is well signposted.

What to bring

• Water shoes with a firm sole. Flip-flops get swept away and bare feet will suffer on the stones.
• A swimsuit or quick-dry shorts, because you will likely get wet to the thigh or higher.
• A waterproof phone bag. There are rental lockers near the entrance, and cameras and phones are best left dry.
• A towel and a change of clothes.
• Sunscreen and a hat for the sections outside the canyon.

Water shoes can be rented at the entrance, though the quality varies, so bringing your own is best.

Safety

The water is cold, so people with heart conditions or who are not used to cold water should take extra care. Children should be held or accompanied throughout. If you are not a confident swimmer, stay on the wooden walkway and shallow sections. Listen to staff instructions and do not go deeper into the canyon than you feel comfortable with.

Lunch by the river

The riverside restaurants near the entrance are one of the great pleasures of the trip. Tables are built on platforms and wooden decks over the stream, so you eat grilled trout, salad and fresh bread with your feet in the cold water. Many restaurants offer sit-on-carpet platforms called "seki" where you can lounge while you eat. Prices vary, so check the menu or ask the price per portion before you order.

When to go

The gorge is open all year but the best months are May to October. In April and early May, snowmelt raises the water level and can make the canyon section difficult. In July and August the temperature outside is hot, so the cold canyon feels wonderful. Go in the morning to avoid the tour buses, which tend to arrive around midday.

Combine with Tlos and Yaka Park

• Tlos: One of the oldest Lycian cities, set on a rocky outcrop with a fortress, rock tombs and a theatre. It is about 15 minutes from Saklıkent.
• Yaka Park: A trout farm and riverside restaurant area, popular for its cold-water pools.
• Gizlikent Waterfall: A waterfall and a hiking trail to a hidden canyon, for those who prefer a quieter alternative.

If you love ancient sites, read our Amyntas rock tombs guide for more on the Lycians.