SAKLIKENT CANYON

Saklıkent Canyon—sometimes referred to as “Hidden Valley”— is situated on the border of Antalya and Mugla states, around 50 kilometres from Fethiye in the Mugla province, and a 20-30 minute drive from Kalkan. It’s a unique and compelling place to visit, and unlike anything else along the Turquoise Coast. The canyon itself is an impressive 18 kilometres long, and up to 300-metres-deep, with its narrowest point just two metres. An official National Park since 1992, the canyon is recognized as one of the longest and deepest in Turkey and the third largest in Europe.

Visitors enter the canyon via a suspended wooden bridge that leads quickly to a natural rocky area with direct access to the river. Brave souls can paddle around in the freezing cold ice water, which comes from the surrounding Taurus mountains and is cold even in summer due to a lack of sunlight, or even wade through up to waist height to explore further along—although most just stay around this area, taking photos, eating ice cream and enjoying the surroundings. There are snack bars and benches to facilitate this but it’s worth having lunch at one of the riverside restaurants near the entrance which serve fish caught from the river and also offer the chance to dip your feet into the river from their wooden terraces.

Note that if you plan to walk further into the canyon or wade into the water, a pair of sturdy submersible shoes is a good idea (basic ones are sold at the entrance in case you don’t have any). It is also possible to raft in the canyon via local tour companies.

Ölüdeniz, often regarded as "the most beautiful beach in the world" is the picture-postcard pop star of the Turquoise Coast. It actually consists of two main public beaches: Belcekız, open to the public and free of charge, is popular for its restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, and souvenir stalls. It’s also a starting point for local boat tours that explore the coves, beaches, and islands along the coast (including Butterfly Valley—see below) and Kumburnu, which looks out onto what’s known today as the Blue Lagoon—an official nature reserve, separated from Belcekız by a sandbar, with gloriously shallow waters and a quieter atmosphere thanks to only canoes and paddle boats being allowed.

Adventurous souls can try their hand at scuba diving here as well as paragliding from the nearby Babadag Mountain, and Ölüdeniz is also the starting point for the Lycian Way. It’s also possible to visit Gemiler Island, also known as St. Nicholas Island, on a day trip where you can swim and dive, enjoy some regional cuisine and explore ancient remains.