Turks joke that any path from the port city leads to unique natural monuments and ancient ruins. This is not an exaggeration. The first answers to the question of where to go from Antalya by local guides will be: deep canyons, beautiful waterfalls, mysterious caves, and ancient open-air theaters.
The latter are much better preserved than fortress structures. They remind of the bygone era of gladiatorial fights and cruel entertainment in honor of the Olympian gods. In this part of the country, giant necropolises and medieval burials closely coexist with modern hydroelectric dams, high-speed highways, and hotel complexes. However, all this does not create a heavy impression. This happens because the very nature of the region sets you up for a calm, positive, and somewhat philosophical mood.
Kursunlu Waterfalls
The natural monument and park with the same name are located 22 km from the resort city. You can easily reach Kursunlu by taxi or rented car if you do not want to book an excursion directly at the hotel and also decide to save on additional surcharges from local guides.
It is important to know: in Turkey, as everywhere in the East, a system of mutual assistance operates. If a guide and a hotel cooperate with each other, the first charges more for their services and pays a commission to the second for organizing orders. The establishment, in turn, provides the partner with work and actively promotes it.
The park is open every day from 08:00 to 19:00. Ticket prices here are purely symbolic. Children under 6 years old can visit for free if accompanied by adults. In various guides, Kursunlu is called either a waterfall or waterfalls. This is because its water does not descend in one powerful stream from a height of 18 meters but is divided into separate flows.
Notably, people lived near Kursunlu 2,000 years ago. Today, archaeological excavations are actively underway at the site of this settlement. The water in Kursunlu constantly changes its color depending on the weather, the amount of precipitation, and sunlight. It can be gently green and dark gray, gently murmuring in clear weather and roaring menacingly after heavy rains. At the foot of the waterfall, there is also a small beautiful lake where fish and ducks live, but swimming here is prohibited under threat of fines.
Aspendos
The most budget-friendly option for a trip to the ancient monument: a bus on the “Antalya – Manavgat” route. If tourists name the landmark to the driver, he will stop “near” it without any problems. From this point, you will have to walk about 4 km. There is also a backup solution: a taxi, which usually waits for independent travelers right at the popular bus stop.
Aspendos reminds of the ancient past of the modern Muslim state, which, in turn, arose on the ruins of Christian Byzantium conquered by the Ottoman Empire. The attractions of the once majestic Greek city are open for visits daily from 08:00 to 19:00. However, from October to April, the amazing museum closes 3 hours earlier. Entrance to its territory is paid for adults, but free for children.
The main attraction of Aspendos: a giant amphitheater where 17,000 people can attend a performance simultaneously. The ancient city is almost the same age as the legendary Troy. Here, in their time, they worshipped the god of winemaking Dionysus and the three goddesses who, having drunk at a feast, argued for the title of the most beautiful and unleashed a bloody war.
The history of Aspendos is somewhat similar to that of Troy. The main difference is that different peoples fought for possession of the first city for many centuries. From its magnificent buildings remain the theater, a huge arch bridge, an aqueduct, and ruins, but even with a small number of surviving objects, it looks stunning.
Manavgat
Antalya and the city are separated by 76 km. This resort town is famous for its unique historical and natural sites. In the province of Manavgat, you can see dams, ruins of ancient cities, and incredibly beautiful water bodies.
Here is also located the eponymous waterfall, which is often compared to the country’s calling card. Turks depict Manavgat on their banknotes. It is among the 100 most charming waterfalls in the world.
The height of the water flow drop is relatively small (2 m), but it is very wide (up to 40 m), so it looks extremely interesting. During a flood, it completely hides in the water and then “emerges” from it along with the rocks.
Manavgat is surrounded by numerous souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. There are 2 convenient viewing platforms: upper and lower. They are open from 8:00 to 19:00. Visiting the natural monument is paid for adults and children. However, there is a place from which you can admire Manavgat for free. This is the opposite part of the riverbank, where there are usually no crowds of tourists.
Side
The ancient city neighbors the Manavgat waterfall. Nowadays, it has turned into a tourist resort that is popular with travelers from different countries. The word “side” in Eastern languages means “pomegranate.” Indeed, the ancient layout of the settlement somewhat resembles the inside of the fruit.
In ancient cultures, the pomegranate symbolized marriage. It also reminded of the underworld of Hades. The inhabitants of Side (the city has existed on the map of the planet for about 3,000 years) worshipped various Olympian gods, including the formidable god of the dead. They were quite educated for their time. There are versions that the townspeople possessed unique construction technologies.
There are even legends about how local craftsmen made statues from stone, and they came to life. Today, about 12,000 Muslims live in Side. The city has gone the typical path for many local settlements: from a huge metropolis (where there was its own mint) to a small resort whose life revolves around tourists. Only the miraculously preserved remains of ancient structures remind of its former greatness.
They allow us to imagine the conditions in which the townspeople lived back then. Fragments of powerful defensive structures can be seen everywhere in Side. Around Side, a large number of necropolises have been preserved. In its central part, the structures of the Roman theater for 22,000 spectators and the market still stand. Among the city’s famous attractions are also the columns of the Temple of Apollo, which have stood here after numerous earthquakes.
Kas
This word is used to denote several geographical objects: a city, a port, and a district of the province. Kas and Antalya are separated by almost 200 km. However, this does not stop travelers whose main goals are the maximum number of interesting experiences or diving.
A tip for gourmets: if you love vegetables and fruits, be sure to stay in Kas for a few days and enjoy the sweets, vegetarian dishes, and vegetable sauces with meat. They are incredibly delicious here. Each year, more and more Germans and English people come to Kas, so it has started to acquire European characteristics these days. Perhaps this happens due to the elite elegant villas that foreigners build everywhere here.
Residents are very proud that the city has ancient ruins. To be honest, few fragments of ancient structures have survived, but each of them is associated with a whole bouquet of mystical stories. The most famous objects of the old part of the ancient city are: the Doric tomb with images of dancers, a similar Lycian monument (decorated with lions), and an amphitheater for 4,000 spectators.
Mount Chimera (Yanartas)
One of the most mysterious, mystical places in the country was known even in the times of Homer. The blind poet attributed its origin to Chimera – a terrible monster that could breathe fire. There are also legends that the god of blacksmithing lives in the depths of Yanartas and forges wonderful armor for brave heroes.
In any case, natural fires constantly burn in various parts of the mountain. They represent a mesmerizing sight. Access to the natural monument is open to tourists around the clock. Unfortunately, the ancient temple of the god of blacksmithing has not been preserved here. And the question of whether there was an altar here remains very controversial.
Entrance to the mountain is paid. Experienced tourists advise coming to the natural monument in the dark when it looks especially interesting and mysterious. The paths on Chimera are well visible in the morning, daytime, and twilight. If you go there at night, there is a risk of injury due to poor visibility.
Mystics also consider Yanartas an excellent place to get rid of various negatives. They explain this property of the mountain quite logically from the perspective of lithotherapy. The fact is that the elevation almost entirely consists of serpentine. The stone frees the human body from negative emotions and the consequences of stress. In folk medicine, the mineral is used against headaches, migraines, and energy vampires.
Tazy Canyon
The landmark is located almost in the coastal zone between Antalya and Side. It is in the territory of the Manavgat resort. Beginner travelers often confuse it with the Koprulu Canyon, but these are completely different objects.
Tazy was discovered a little over 5 years ago by pure chance. The natural object was found by a photographer who was taking pictures in the reserve zone of the Koprulu park. Note: Tazy is still not a place adapted for the influx of tourists. Tourists here take risks because there are no protective barriers yet.
The most beautiful time in the canyon is in the mornings. Especially it is beautiful in spring when nature awakens and the mountain peaks are covered with green vegetation. The depth of the canyon is 500 meters. Standing on its top literally takes your breath away.
Visiting the amazing place does not require buying tickets, but all entertainment here is paid. The most popular among tourists are local jeep safaris and rafting, whose route starts in the neighboring Koprulu Canyon. Tazy is also a cult place for rock climbers. Famous professionals constantly train here. They are happy to share their mastery secrets with “risk colleagues.”
Koprulu Canyon
The natural monument 82 km from Antalya is known far beyond the country’s borders. It is a kind of regional tourist brand and attracts travelers from different corners of the planet to Turkey. Koprulu has officially been given the status of a reserve.
The boundaries of the park and the canyon almost entirely coincide. The length of the reserve zone reaches 14 km, and its total area is about 500 hectares. The Koprucay River in its flow formed 7 canyons here. However, the most famous and popular among tourists to this day remains Koprulu.
Various living creatures live on its territory, feeling safe and almost not afraid of people. You can even see giant sea turtles in Koprulu. And the number of bird species living on its slopes, scientists and ecologists have probably already grown tired of counting. Otherwise, how to explain the fact that to the official figure (over 100), publishers of many tourist booklets often add another zero?
Around the crevice leading to the water are ruins of ancient buildings and forest thickets consisting of coniferous trees. The most popular entertainment in this area: rafting, horseback riding, hiking, and visiting the caste cave Altinbesek Magarasi with its underground lakes.
The place is ideal for rock climbing enthusiasts of all ages. The reserve management has ensured that experienced instructors who have undergone special training work on the Koprulu routes.
Mount Tahtali and Olympos Cable Car
The citizens of the country proudly call this peak the most important in the Mediterranean. This fact is, of course, an exaggeration, but for Turkey, it is a kind of record holder in height. The distance between Tahtali and Antalya: approximately 50 km.
Experienced travelers advise getting here either by bus (public) or by taxi. In this case, you will not get stuck in a traffic jam at the lower station of the Olympos cable car, where all the excursion transport heads en masse.
Entrance to Tahtali is free, but each ascent and descent by cable car must be paid separately. There is also another option: comprehensive payment for the ascent and descent. It will save you significantly. And note: for children under 6 years old, its services are free. The cable car’s working hours change according to the seasons, so it’s better to check the schedule on the official Olympos website in advance.
There are legends that once the ancient gods sat on the peak of Tahtali. They turned it into their throne, creating 3 peaks, each over 200 m above sea level. Below this mark, there is still vegetation and various types of coniferous trees, above – only bare rocks. Climbing the latter is not for every professional rock climber. However, they still attract those who need huge doses of adrenaline.
Lake Salda
To see this unique monument, you need to travel about 160 km from the port city. Salda is surrounded on all sides by mountains and represents a huge water-filled crater located 1,316 m above sea level.
It is a very mesmerizing place. Here in the air, you can often see optical effects. They do not resemble mass hallucinations, but only a small part of them remains on the photo and video recordings (even if the shooting was done with wide-angle cameras).
There is a theory: the lake flows into an underground sea. It has ardent supporters and opponents. And scientists are still trying to scientifically explain why small rivers and streams flow into Salda, and its level remains strictly at the same marks.
The depth of the amazing freshwater body is almost 200 m. It is the deepest of its kind in Turkey.
The road to it goes straight between ancient quarries. With the onset of twilight, it really becomes creepy here. Local drivers assure that ghostly slaves, who (as in ancient times) chip away at the stone with a pickaxe, are often seen here.
Alanya
The resort cities are 122 km apart. Transport communication between Alanya and Antalya is well established, so experienced travelers choose intercity buses and cover the distance in one direction in 3.5 hours. For comparison: a taxi reaches an hour faster, but its services cost 8-10 times more.
The word “Alanya” in Turkey denotes a resort city and a region on the Mediterranean coast. It is located on a small peninsula, rich in natural and historical attractions. The legendary Damlatas cave is located here. The air in it is healing. It literally saves from asthma attacks and treats skin and lung pathologies.
Another attraction of the region is the Dim cave. Its underground halls are so beautiful that after visiting the natural monument, deep peace comes to the soul, and prayerful silence in the thoughts.
In Alanya, mosques coexist with Christian churches and prayer houses. Many of them are built on the ruins of ancient altars and fortresses. Of the old defensive structures, the medieval fortress is best preserved here. It is just over 800 years old. It can still turn into a full-fledged defense line because it is located at an altitude of 250 m and is surrounded by the sea on three sides.
In the city, you can see Ataturk’s house and a monument to the great Turkish dictator. Many compare him to Lenin or Stalin. Let’s be honest: Mustafa Kemal brought the country out of a series of severe crises, not shying away from mass repressions, laying the foundations of its prosperity.
It should be noted that many buildings related to medieval history and the late antiquity period have been preserved in the region. An important nuance: only in the local archaeological museum can you see luxurious, unique, 2,200-year-old floor mosaics.
Sapadere Canyon
To reach this beautiful place, experienced travelers usually do the following: arrive by bus in Alanya and book a spot in a group tour or a personal jeep tour. You can visit the reserve any day of the week. Note: the time spent on its territory is strictly limited. Tourists can stay here from 8:30 to 19:30.
Inside the gorge, a special pedestrian route has been created. It runs along a wooden deck. Its elements and structures are made of natural materials. A tip for gourmets: and here, the food is very tasty in the fish restaurant, which is part of the tourist trail’s infrastructure.
Sapadere has a special energy. A large number of coniferous trees grow here, so the air is easy to breathe. In different parts of the gorge, you can see crystal-clear water streams. They soothingly murmur and literally calm the nerves. Locals and tourists come here to escape the city hustle and heat. Mystics consider Sapadere one of the most powerful regional places of power.
The total length of the route through the canyon: 700 m. It started functioning relatively recently, but there are specially equipped places for daytime swimming and leisurely evening walks by lamplight. If you decide to swim in the river, consider: the speed of the current is very high.
The water in the gorge’s reservoirs (even on the hottest days) is about the same temperature as in a Russian Epiphany hole. So the risk of catching a cold is very high.
Phaselis
The distance to the ancient city from the resort in a straight line: 45 km. On the road, it is 15 km more. The most budget-friendly option for a trip here has been and remains the intercity bus. Tickets for this type of transport on average cost 3 times less than a taxi ride.
Phaselis was founded about 2,700 years ago by Greek colonists. It entered ancient and medieval history with a not-so-good reputation, as it was a typical pirate nest. Historians assert that military-commercial settlements existed here earlier. They became the starting points for the construction of the ancient port city. In ancient sources, it is mentioned as Phaselis, but in general, it is the same settlement.
Today it is a huge open-air museum where you can see the ruins of ancient temples right in the forest. Once there was the altar of the immortal centaur Chiron, who became famous for his wisdom, courage, and nobility. Notably, many tourists claim that near the ruins of the temple of the legendary creature, they suddenly come up with the right solutions to complex questions and problems.
Visiting the open-air museum is paid. According to legends, the great Homer once visited here. Another mystery of the ancient city that excites the minds of scientists and adventurers: somewhere here, possibly, lies the remains of Alexander the Great in a golden sarcophagus. The fact that his ghost is periodically seen among the ruins of the city adds fuel to the fire.
Demre
This name is associated with ancient tombs, tomatoes, and Santa Claus. A monument to Saint Nicholas with children is erected in the city, as the miracle worker lived and preached here. As for tomatoes: Demre is among the largest suppliers of tomatoes in Turkey and beyond.
The population count of the town is even more interesting. According to some data, official state statistics say 16,000 people live here, according to others – 25,000. With ancient tombs, it is even more paradoxical. They are located… on the territories of 3 cities and one suburban point.
First of all, it is about Kale in its old boundaries, relatively recently renamed Demre. Part of the necropolis belongs to the ancient city of Myra. It is often erroneously equated with Demre in guides and directories. Another part of the local burials is located directly in the rocks. And in the suburbs (Sure), archaeologists also discovered a complex of tombs that were not looted by black diggers.
Many tourists consider Demre and Myra to be the same city. This is not entirely accurate, as the latter is located on a separate territory and is essentially an open-air autonomous museum. The distance between Demre and Antalya from the port in a straight line is 45 km. There was a time when the ancient settlement was on the verge of complete disappearance, but gradually everything changed for the better.
Today, you have the opportunity to visit the Santa Claus Museum, the medieval Church of St. Nicholas, the Simena Fortress (Simena), and a large exhibition dedicated to Lycian civilizations. Ruins of ancient settlements are everywhere here. You can view most of the monuments in Demre for free.
Ancient City of Myra
It should be clarified right away: the distance between Demre and this open-air museum is 3 km. The fate of this beautiful city, built 5 km from the sea, turned out to be quite tragic. It once again reminds us of how unpredictable life can be.
Once, there was a bustling settlement here where perfumes were made, gold coins were minted, and the secrets of skillful stone processing were known. Wars and natural disasters destroyed almost all the buildings. However, the theater and tombs survived. Looking at them, you get goosebumps, and there is a strong feeling that harsh time did not touch the beautiful monuments. It simply decided to bypass them.
The history of Myra is closely tied to the biographies of St. Paul and Nicholas the Wonderworker. It was here that the cult of Santa Claus was born. 1,300 years ago, the city began to decline, but even in such conditions, it managed to leave a great spiritual heritage to the world.
Attempts to revive Myra were made by representatives of the Russian imperial dynasty of the Romanovs.
Among those who dreamed of restoring the local monastery was even Emperor Alexander the Liberator. It was here, according to legends, that a mysterious elder predicted his death at the hands of terrorists and that the work on restoring the monastery would be stopped.
Pamukkale
Every year more than 1 million tourists rest here. To get to the resort, you need to travel more than 230 km from Antalya by car or bus. The distance in a straight line is shorter, but there is no other (shorter) route yet.
Pamukkale is famous for its thermal springs. Travelers come here primarily for health improvement. The white travertine plateau, where pools with healing water are located, is the calling card of the region. Nature here has incredibly harmoniously combined the pleasant with the useful: the fantastic (almost alien) beauty of the landscapes with the amazing healing properties of the springs.
In Pamukkale, the ruins of the ancient city with its numerous burials have been preserved. There is an open-air museum and an exhibition where unique artifacts are displayed. Sections of the ancient theater, ancient gates, sarcophagi, and other monuments of the necropolis have miraculously survived here. They survived wars and earthquakes and today impress travelers with their magnificence.
This city entered biblical history and became an important part of the development of the modern SPA industry. The resort is an excellent confirmation of the old truth: many innovative beauty novelties have their roots in the distant past.
A typical example: there was an ancient pool built for nobles here. Then a legend appeared: Cleopatra herself, allegedly, bathed in it. It does not matter if it was true or not. The main thing is that the water here really rejuvenates the skin. As a result, a huge SPA complex, famous far beyond the borders of the country, is now operating here.
Goynuk Canyon
The optimal way to get here quickly for those who like to save money: head towards Kemer and inform the driver that you need to go to the gorge. He will drop you off 4 km from the natural landmark. A shuttle taxi always “stands by” at this stop, and you will quickly reach the famous place. As a result, you will spend about 14 lira. If you decide to take a taxi, the trip will cost 5 times more.
Goynuk is open for visits only during daylight hours. Entrance to its territory is paid. There are seasonal restrictions, so in winter, you will not be able to participate in river rafting. The average width of the gorge is 6 m. Its sheer slopes reach 350 m.
A large number of waterfalls are located on the reserve’s territory. Many pines grow here, and the air in these places is considered very beneficial. The travel time along the local tourist trail in one direction is about 1 hour, provided that the traveler is in good physical shape. Children under 4 years old are strictly prohibited from entering here. Older children (up to 18+) can be admitted to the reserve only when accompanied by their parents.
Guides here offer full and shortened excursion programs. The latter can be considered a good option for those who do not plan to listen to the guide, climb sheer walls, dip into cold river waters, or paddle kayaks. If you want to get the full package of services, it makes sense to purchase a full excursion and enjoy a whole ocean of extreme.
Sagalassos
If you travel 100 km north, you can see the ruins of several cities where refugees (including Spartans) from ancient metropolises destroyed by wars lived. For free Greeks, it was a terrible shame to find themselves in such a state, but fate is not chosen.
This is how the history of Sagalassos began. It quickly transformed from a small settlement into a metropolis. Its population increased due to refugees. Among them were many traders, scientists, skilled craftsmen, which also contributed to the development and further prosperity of Sagalassos.
The metropolis, consisting of mountain terraces, still amazes travelers today. The Roman Empire actively established its trade connections here. Sagalassos was the unique place where the cult of the divine power of emperors reigned supreme and simultaneously strong democratic traditions existed.
But then everything collapsed in one moment. A powerful earthquake buried a significant part of the city. Then began hunger, diseases, and enemy raids. Later, Christians tried to give a second life to the metropolis, but nothing came of it.
The city was not saved from complete looting by a miracle but by its strategically correct location. The lowest tier of the settlement is located at 1,400 meters above sea level. You can still see statues, houses, palaces, columns, defensive structures, and everything that surrounded its residents in the quarters of the ancient city.
Cappadocia
This word is used to name an entire region located 550 km from Antalya. Cappadocia is in the very center of the state, where such ancient monuments have been preserved to this day that are nowhere else in the world.
Many come here specifically to ride hot air balloons and see the ancient ruins from a bird’s eye view. Another popular tourist activity is descending into mysterious caves, on whose walls you can see drawings created by primitive people. Cappadocia is known for its underground cities, temples of ancient gods, and Christian churches located so deep underground that just thinking about descending to the attractions takes your breath away.
In the historical area, there are many deep canyons where animals live, and plants grow that have long disappeared in other corners of the planet. And the area itself looks like a huge natural-historical reserve because open-air museums are adjacent to volcanic landscapes, crater lakes, and other wonders, whose visit allows you to mentally travel back millions of years to the era of dinosaurs.
Green Canyon
This is a man-made attraction, but Mother Nature also initially put her strength into its creation. This geographical term is oddly used to denote an artificial reservoir located right on the Manavgat River.
The waters of 27 more streams flow into the giant basin. It is in the Antalya region and occupies a huge area of 500 hectares. The place looks simply fantastic. The state recognized it as a reserve zone and essentially equated it to the national treasure of the country.
Green Canyon is surrounded on all sides by forest arrays. Citrus and coniferous tree species coexist perfectly here, to the surprise of biologists. The depth of the basin shocks even seasoned scientists. Initially, they claimed its maximum depth reached 100 meters, but the latest measurements showed a figure twice as large. Consequently, a rumor or scientific version arose that the bottom of the gorge is slowly sinking. And many locals believed it.
Around the canyon and on its territory, there is a pleasant coolness. Tourists sail on boats, travel on small ships, and enjoy the surroundings. Swimming here is risky even with life jackets. But fishing is always successful. All necessary gear can be rented right on site.
Termessos
The settlement is directly in the suburb of the resort city. Its first buildings were erected in ancient times. In the same era, Termessos reached its highest economic and political prosperity.
The city on the mountain peak was a trade center and an impregnable fortress at the same time. There were many temples in honor of the Olympian gods. The city’s description appears in Homer’s poems and the works of ancient historians. It was predicted a great future, but wars did their dirty work.
It all started with the city-fortress constantly participating in armed conflicts and spending huge amounts on armament. The Roman Empire considered its power and provided exclusive rights that neighboring (richer) areas did not have. Over 1,500 years ago, a powerful earthquake occurred here. Many people died. There were not enough funds to restore the settlement, and as a result, it quickly became deserted.
Now the ancient city continues to exist on the map of Turkey – as an open-air museum. Here you can see the buildings of ancient educational institutions, theaters, fortress fortifications, the market square, the place of city council meetings, and, of course, the necropolis.
Mystics believe that the altar of Artemis still functions fully here. However, no one can accurately point out its location. There is an interesting belief that the goddess of the hunt appears here with her retinue on full moon nights, feasts, and at the same time chases away black diggers.
Suluada
The surroundings of Kumluca and Antalya still argue about this island. Its territorial affiliation often causes heated discussions among local historians and politicians. What is its value?
The answer is simple: there is a famous healing spring here. Thousands of tourists come to the island. Its atmosphere somewhat resembles the Maldives. It is open for public visits only from April to November. There is no tourist infrastructure here at all. There are no electrical communications either.
But the island has the cleanest beaches. Tourists who believe in magic come here to recharge with positive energy. As for the healing water: it is not universal and is mainly suitable for treating gastrointestinal diseases.
Karain Cave
The natural monument in the suburb of the resort city seems to have come straight from the pages of an adventure novel to many. In this cave, primitive people lived and found refuge from predators and natural disasters during the Paleolithic era. Here, black diggers repeatedly tried to find the treasures of an ancient king who, allegedly, died here from a sword blow in the last century.
Karain is a place where you can see the primitive tools of ancient people. They outwardly resemble stone fragments. However, such primitive things were an important part of the lives of the cave’s inhabitants.
In the Paleolithic, it belonged to a tribe of hunters-gatherers. The bones of killed animals and dead primitive people rest here side by side. There is a version that the ancient tribe then moved north and left the bodies of their leaders in the cave to appease the forces of nature.
Saklikent Canyon
A unique attraction 190 km from Antalya attracts romantics. The canyon is part of the national park of the same name and, of course, is its main object.
Saklikent stretches for 18 km, but it is difficult to determine the exact height of its sheer walls. It is completely different and in some places reaches 1 km. The natural monument includes steep cliffs and huge caves. A mountain river flows along the bottom of the gorge, whose level can rise sharply during rains and fall just as quickly after precipitation.
The national park Saklikent has existed for less than 30 years. However, in such a short time, its staff has managed to do a lot. Scientists prevented the cutting down of coniferous forests. The staff preserved natural onion meadows, shady alleys, and reservoirs where trout live.
Note: the river current in the Saklikent gorge is very strong. Without special equipment and ropes, even adults cannot stay on their feet. The mountain river can behave capriciously. In the area of the waterfalls, its level sometimes rises sharply.
Oludeniz
The village is 200 km from Antalya. It can be described in three words: almost European tranquility. It consists of one clean, cozy street where everything essential is: shops, excursion bureaus, ATMs, bars, cafes.
The small resort is mainly visited by Europeans for its clean beach and adrenaline. The village is in a reserve zone and neighbors mountains, about whose origin there are amazing legends.
Year-round, athletes-paragliders and aerial acrobats train in this area. Here you can book an aerial excursion, go up into the sky with an instructor, and admire the sea and land from a bird’s eye view.
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