Places of Local Interest and Days out

Saklikent Gorge ("Hidden City")

This Gorge is the longest and deepest gorge in Turkey, 18 km long and so steep and narrow that the sun does not penetrate the water, leaving it deliciously icy cold in the summer. Once inside, water sculpted limestone canyon walls soar above you. Saklikent Gorge is a beautiful place and a great place to explore. Be sure to bring submersible shoes as you will sometimes be walking in shallow water or mud. Plastic shoes can also be rented outside of the gorge.

The gorge is approached along a long wooden boardwalk above the river. Once inside, you reach the Ulupinar springs where water bubbles up under great force from the base of the cliffs and you wade across the river into the gorge proper to begin your walk. The walk is easy for 4 km, after that a rock slide blocks the passage for all except rock climbers. Outside of the gorge there is river tubing in the Saklikent River or enjoy an icy dip in the river.

Saklikent National Park can be accessed via the Kalkan - Yesilova road leading to the village of Palamut, and from the north via the Kemer road.

Green Lake

A great outing for those interested in walking in the pastures of the Taurus Mountain highlands and learning about the semi-nomadic way of life that dominates the peaks all summer-long. The brilliant Green Lake is 6,500 ft above sea level and a pilgrimage centre to which people come from every corner of the country to drink its sacred healing water. Semi-nomads live in tents near the lake with their flocks and are very hospitable to visitors. These people represent the long history of the Turkish people who migrated from central Asia.

The lake is formed by the melting snow which stays on top of the mountains until early August. It offers spectacular shots for photographers and is a cool place to visit in the summer. The area of Green Lake overlooks a stunning valley once travelled through by Alexander the Great and his troops on his Persian campaign. Green Lake is also located very near the sacred "Flying Waterfall". Like Green Lake, the water here is considered holy and people come from all over to drink its curative waters. It is believed to have been given to people as a gift by the founder of a nearby dervish monastery.

Green Lake is situated near the semi-nomadic town of Gömbe where nomads sell their products at a lively local market. Gömbe's mosque also makes an interesting visit.