Saklıkent Gorge

31/05/2025

5 / 5

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Saklıkent Gorge in İzmir, Turkey. Experience thrilling adventures, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.

Saklıkent Gorge

Nestled in the heart of Turkey's stunning landscape, Saklıkent Gorge is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Located just a short drive from the vibrant city of İzmir, this natural wonder offers a unique blend of breathtaking scenery and thrilling outdoor activities.

About Saklıkent Gorge

Saklıkent Gorge, which translates to 'Hidden City,' is one of the deepest canyons in Turkey, reaching depths of up to 300 meters. The gorge is carved by the fast-flowing waters of the Acısu River, creating dramatic cliffs and stunning rock formations. The area is a part of the Saklıkent National Park, which is home to diverse flora and fauna.

Getting There

  • By Car: Saklıkent Gorge is approximately 50 km from İzmir, making it easily accessible by car.
  • Public Transport: Buses and minibusses frequently run from İzmir to the nearby town of Selçuk, where you can find transportation to the gorge.

Activities to Enjoy

  • Trekking: Explore the gorge on foot with well-marked trails that offer stunning views of the cliffs and river.
  • Rafting: Experience the thrill of white-water rafting in the river, suitable for both beginners and experienced adventurers.
  • Photography: Capture the beauty of the gorge with its dramatic landscapes and vibrant colors.
  • Picnicking: Enjoy a relaxing day by the river with picnic areas available for visitors.

Ticket Prices

As of October 2023, the entrance fee to Saklıkent Gorge is approximately $5 USD per person. Additional costs may apply for activities such as rafting.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Saklıkent Gorge is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) months when the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor activities. Summer can be quite hot, while winter may bring cooler temperatures.

Nearby Attractions

  • Selçuk: Visit the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located nearby.
  • Pamukkale: Famous for its thermal springs and travertine terraces, Pamukkale is a short drive away.
  • Çeşme: Enjoy the beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife in this coastal town.

Whether you are seeking adventure or simply want to soak in the natural beauty, Saklıkent Gorge is an unforgettable destination that showcases the stunning landscapes of Turkey.

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User Reviews

NatnJed Travels

5/5

World class gorge. The gorge is in 3 sections. Part 1: Easy access, all flat. Extremely short walkway attached to the cliff face, with a cafe at the other end. You can play in the water. Suitable for anyone. Part 2: Wade through the larger icy cold stream to get to the smaller cool(not cold) stream. Follow the gorge upstream. Slippery rocks, and a few larger rocks to step up, but nothing difficult for physically able people. Didn't get wet above the knees. Possibly difficult for older/younger kids, or those less physically able. Part 3: Gorge gets narrower, and there's 5 or so trickier sections to climb up. It's not a hard climb, but the rocks are slippery, which can be a challenge. We got wet up to our waist. If you can't get up the first bit(which is probably the hardest), there's a few local guides for hire at the first harder part that we witnessed giving fantastic help to those less able. Can pop under the waterfall at the end. Good fun and fantastic photo opportunities. Took us a couple hours.

Kailey Parks

5/5

The natural beauty here was incredible. A few things will help you enjoy yourself: the water is FREEZING. I visited in September, it was a warm day, but the water remains absolutely ice cold. The rocks are pretty painful on bare feet, so water shoes would be good - but because of the current, flip flops were a bad choice. Your feet go numb really fast, and it's hard to keep the flip flops from falling off and floating away. We definitely saw multiple people slip and fall in, so having a dry bag for your things would be good. There are places to get food, ice cream, and souvenirs. It's cash only, and we did have to pay to park. The scale of the gorge is really hard to document, but it was incredible.

Rosie Jackson

5/5

Such a stunning place. Views were breathtaking, water crystal clear and so relaxing. Would recommend having an ice cream, taking a seat on one of the water benches and just taking in the scenery and atmosphere. Make sure you wear a hard hat and take care on the rocks. Some people who were rushing around then took a slip or tumble. Water rafting was also phenomenal, cannot stress how enjoyable it was (lift your bum though, some areas not that deep...)

Average Rating: ⭐ 5/5

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