Adrenaline-filled adventures in breathtaking landscapes

Türkiye's canyons are waiting to be discovered

Türkiye's gorgeous canyons offer a stunning combination of nature and history. With clear turquoise streams meeting steep rocks, these canyons are favourite destinations in Türkiye, especially for extreme sports enthusiasts.  

Brought to life by tenacious rivers that flow for centuries carving into steep rocks, Türkiye’s canyons – some of which are many kilometres long and with heights reach thousands of meters in places – are among the first addresses for adrenaline-laden experiences. Whether travellers want to cool down in ice-cold waters or raft, zipline and climb, Türkiye's canyons promise adventures that cannot be refused.

At the same time, nature and history offer a unique harmony in the country’s canyons. The ruins of ancient cities, churches and tombs whisper the stories of the past today. Let's listen to these whispers and take a brief journey into the five most beautiful canyons in Türkiye – where the adventure never ends...

Köprülü Canyon National Park (Köprülü Kanyon Millî Parkı)

Located 85 km from the Antalya city centre, Köprülü Canyon (Köprülü Kanyonu) is a true natural wonder created by the turquoise waters of the Köprüçay River. The area, which draws visitors with its natural beauties, breathtaking scenery, and numerous nature activities, was declared a national park in 1973. Köprülü Canyon, at 14 kilometres long and more than 100 metres high, is also among the longest canyons in Türkiye.

The most remarkable aspect of Köprülü Canyon is undoubtedly the Köprüçay River, which makes the region one of the most attractive natural recreation areas in Türkiye. In the Köprüçay River of Köprülü Canyon, visitors can enjoy water sports such as rafting, angling and swimming – exciting activities in a peaceful setting. In addition to the river, the surrounding area offers many adventures. As well as water sports in the canyon, guests can trek and rock climb, orienteering and cycling, botanical and wildlife watching, photography, camping and picnics. Highland excursions and jeep safaris are also available.

Köprülü Canyon is a stop on St. Paul's Road, which is the second longest walking track in Türkiye. On this route, which follows the path walked by St. Paul on his journey to spread Christianity to Western Europe, travellers can rest near the Köprülü Canyon and visit the ancient city of Selge to the west of the river.

The Köprülü Canyon National Park features food and beverage facilities and camping areas on the riverside for rest and accommodation. A more comfortable stay is also possible; wooden bungalows within the park's borders serve as hostels.

Ihlara Valley (Ihlara Vadisi)

The Ihlara Valley (Ihlara Vadisi) is in Cappadocia, the region famed for its fairy chimneys and underground cities – and considered by many to be one of the most fascinating places on Earth. The 14-kilometre-long valley along the Melendiz River is famous for its history and natural beauties.

The Ihlara Valley was an important centre of Christianity throughout history, thanks to the sheltered structure created by the Melendiz Stream. The region’s many churches, some notable for their decorative arts, include those such as Sümbüllü, Yılanlı, Kokar, Ağaçaltı, Pürenliseki, Eğritaş, Kırkdamaltı and Bahattin Samanlık.  Ihlara Valley also has terrific trekking trails. After visiting the churches in the valley, visitors can relax at the foot of the Melendiz Stream. As well, there are cafes and restaurants by the water.

Saklıkent Canyon (Saklıkent Kanyonu)

The Saklıkent Canyon (Saklıkent Kanyonu) in the Seydikemer district of Muğla is a natural canopy created for adventurers.

In the 18-kilometre-long valley, which is among the deepest valleys in the world, the height of the stone walls exceeds a thousand meters in some places. Accompanied by the soothing sounds of flowing water, a walk around Saklıkent offers only sky views amid the rocks.

Only the first two kilometres of the valley can be visited by inexperienced trekkers. Wooden piers attached to the canyon walls in this section enable visitors to access a magnificent view. The remaining 16 kilometres of the canyon, which shrink to two meters wide in places, are mainly explored by professional canyoners with appropriate equipment.

In addition to canyoning, Saklıkent offers rafting, zipline and bungee jumping. Saklıkent Canyon also features seating areas on wooden platforms, where visitors can dine on fresh pancakes (gözleme) and trout.

Arapapıştı Canyon (Arapapıştı Kanyonu)

Arapapıştı Canyon, located on the borders of the Aydın, Denizli and Muğla provinces, is also known as İnceğiz Canyon. It is a genuine natural wonder, formed by erosion caused by the Akçay Creek, and a delight to explore. In the Arapapıştı Canyon, six kilometres long and 380 metres high, there are city ruins from the Roman and Eastern Roman periods. A mysterious 2,500-year-old tomb believed to date from the Persian area is also in the canyon, as are "row lair" caves formed by the waters of the Akçay, and the historical Kemer Bridge, built by the armies of Alexander the Great.  

It is also possible to explore Arapapıştı Canyon by boat in certain sections. These boat tours generally last from ninety minutes to two hours. Trekking trails offer a more active sightseeing experience, but both types of excursions present incredible landscapes and untouched nature.

Şahinderesi Canyon (Şahinderesi Kanyonu)

Şahinderesi Canyon is in the Ida Mountains, known in Turkish as the “Kaz Dağları”. This natural wonder of Türkiye is also the subject of legends:  The Ida Mountains were considered the "Mountains of the Goddesses" in ancient times and, therefore, sacred. They owe the fame of today's oxygen paradise to Şahinderesi Canyon. Şahinderesi, about 27 kilometres long, is considered the second most oxygen-producing region in the world after the Swiss Alps. In addition, medicinal plants and herbs are abundant in the canyon.

Şahinderesi Canyon is within the borders of Mount Ida National Park (Kaz Dağları Millî Parkı) and has been taken under protection. Visitors can trek, swim in ice-cold waters, and enjoy numerous photo opportunities. For a deeper exploration of the canyon, guided tours are available.