Things to Do in Seydikemer

Seydikemer, which became an independent district by separating from Fethiye in 2012, is literally a hidden treasure in the southwest of Turkey. Although it remains in the shadow of its neighbors such as Ölüdeniz and Fethiye, it is actually here that hosts the most impressive natural wonders, ancient cities, and adventure activities of the region. In this geography where the Mediterranean and the Aegean meet, it is possible to construct a holiday program that appeals to every taste and every level of courage in a range extending from the Eşen Stream valley to the peaks of Akdağ.

So, what exactly is done in Seydikemer, where does one start? Here is a comprehensive guide appealing to everyone from adrenaline enthusiasts to history buffs, from nature photographers to gastronomy lovers.

ATV and Adventure Tours in Saklıkent Canyon

Saklıkent Canyon is undoubtedly the first place that comes to mind when Seydikemer is mentioned. This natural wonder, known as the longest canyon in Turkey and the second longest in Europe with a length of approximately 18 kilometers and a height reaching up to 300 meters, creates a cool microclimate where sun rays cannot reach even in the summer months. The canyon, formed by the Karaçay Brook eroding the rocks over thousands of years, is literally a natural miracle with ice cold spring waters gushing from under the stones.

While walking inside the canyon is an exciting activity in itself, the real adrenaline is in the adventure tours around the canyon. At this point, Saklıkent ATV Tour, which you can reach at saklikentatvturu.com, is one of the most rooted and professional adventure tour operators in the region. The team, which has worked with more than 5,000 customers since 2015, offers a wide variety of options such as ATV safari, UTV tours, buggy tracks, and rafting. The ATV tours, which proceed by the river in the impressive atmosphere of the canyon and include water crossings and offroad tracks, last approximately 35 minutes. There are also safe tracks designed specifically for families; children aged 9 and over can participate together with their parents. Additionally, it is possible to experience adventure as a group on the forest and landscape route with UTV vehicles. If you buy a full day adventure package, you can spend an unforgettable day both on land with an ATV and with rafting in the Karaçay River. For those seeking adventure in Saklıkent, these tours should definitely be the first stop.

There are also many things to do in the canyon itself: canyon walking in ice cold waters (canyoning), zipline, mud bath, clay mask, and breakfast on the sedirs over the river are just a few of them. It is also possible to stay in tree houses or bungalows at the facilities at the canyon entrance.

Gizlikent Waterfall: The Hidden Paradise

Gizlikent Waterfall, located only a few kilometers from Saklıkent Canyon, is a natural wonder that deserves its name. To reach the waterfall, which is approximately 18 kilometers away from the district center, you need to descend about 300 steps. Then, you arrive at the waterfall with a short walk in the cool water filtering through the rocks. Standing under the ice cold waters in the summer heat erases city stress in an instant. I suggest you coincide your visit to the waterfall, where entry is free, with the same day as your Saklıkent visit; the two points are very close to each other.

Yakapark: Peace in Spring Waters

Yakapark, located on the Saklıkent road, is a natural relaxation and food and drink area known for its cold spring waters. This green area, where the local people have gathered for generations to escape the summer heat, today offers visitors fresh trout, handmade pancakes called gözleme, and local delicacies. Eating trout in the coolness of the water flowing through the trees while stretching your feet into the water is one of the most enjoyable rituals of Seydikemer.

Ancient Cities: The Heart of the Lycian Civilization

Living in Seydikemer means living among ancient cities. More than one Lycian city is located within the district borders, and each offers a separate history lesson.

Tlos Ancient City: Tlos, which was one of the six large cities of the Lycian League with three voting rights, has a history exceeding 4,000 years. Built on a hill dominating the Eşen Stream valley, the city is known as the home of the mythological hero Bellerophontes and his winged horse Pegasus. Rock tombs, a Roman period theater, stadium, bath ruins, and a castle structure belonging to the Ottoman period can be seen together. The panorama extending from Fethiye Bay to the Taurus Mountains when viewed from the hill is breathtaking. It is in a position that can be easily visited while going to or returning from Saklıkent Canyon.

Letoon Ancient City: Letoon, located in the Kumluova Neighborhood, was the religious center of the Lycian civilization. Three temples dedicated to the Goddess Leto, her son Apollo, and her daughter Artemis, the ancient theater, and the nymphaeum (fountain structure) are located here. Letoon, which was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List together with Xanthos in 1988, is also famous for its trilingual inscription written in Greek, Aramaic, and Lycian that guided the world of linguistics. The frog sounds around the sacred water in the spring months remind of the legend that Goddess Leto turned the shepherds into frogs.

Xanthos Ancient City: Xanthos, located only 4 kilometers from Letoon, was the capital of the Lycian League. The city under UNESCO protection is a favorite of history lovers with its structures such as the parliament building, theater, and Roman Triumphal Arch.

Pınara Ancient City: Pınara, near the Minare Village, draws attention with its magnificent rock tombs and its position on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. The city, where entry is free, is ideal for photography enthusiasts along with its valley views.

Sidyma Ancient City: A history scene hidden right in the middle of village life in the Dodurga Neighborhood. Giant Lycian sarcophagi rising suddenly among olive trees and vegetable gardens, rock tombs, and ancient theater ruins welcome you here. Entry is free and it is perfect for those who want to take a journey through history in an atmosphere away from the crowds.

Lycian Way: One of the Best Trekking Routes in the World

The 509 kilometer Lycian Way, starting from Fethiye and extending to Antalya Hisarçandır, is considered one of the 10 best long distance walking routes in the world. A significant part of this track, which was marked with the work of British traveler Kate Clow and volunteers in the early 2000s, passes through Seydikemer. The stage descending from Xanthos to Letoon and from there to the Patara dunes is one of the most preferred parts of the route. Walkers take a break in the sacred atmosphere of Letoon and proceed towards the 12.5 kilometer long beach of Patara. Ancient cities, bays, highlands, and villages follow one another along the way. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most ideal periods for trekking lovers. It is important to set out with sturdy trekking shoes, sufficient water, and sun protection; hostels and tent areas are available in the villages along the route.

Girdev Highland and Erendağ

Girdev Highland, one of the important highlands of Seydikemer, is a great option for those who want to camp, observe the stars, and be alone with nature at a high altitude. Setting up a tent by the lake and watching the highland covered with fog in the first lights of the morning is a reason for a holiday in itself. However, since the night air cools down considerably, it is useful to go prepared with a sleeping bag and warm clothes. The highland also offers an ideal ground for cycling, horse riding, and nature photography. In the winter months, the Erendağ Ski Training Center serves daily skiers. As a region where one swims in the sea in the summer months and skis in the winter months with a 1,650 meter long line, Seydikemer maintains its charm in all four seasons.

Beaches and Water Sports

Although Seydikemer district center is approximately 55 to 60 kilometers away from the sea, Karadere Beach within the district borders (also known as Özlen Beach or Çayağzı Beach among the public) extends to Patara with its fine sandy coast. At this point where the Eşen Stream meets the sea, the sea is quite shallow and suitable for swimming. This beach, which is a nesting area for Caretta Caretta turtles, is also quite suitable for surfing thanks to wind conditions. Kumluova Beach is similarly one of the few beaches in Turkey where water sports can be performed. Ölüdeniz, which is at a close distance, can be easily reached with a distance of 30 kilometers. Paragliding flights from Babadağ, Butterfly Valley boat tours, and swimming in the turquoise waters of the world famous lagoon are just a few of the activities offered by Ölüdeniz.

Girmeler Spa and Local Delicacies

Girmeler Spa, located in the Girmeler Neighborhood south of the district center, has been a frequent destination for the people of the region for generations with its natural healing waters. The spa water contains minerals thought to be good for rheumatism and skin diseases. Relaxing in the spa waters after an active day can be a final point to crown your Seydikemer program.

Seydikemer will not leave you empty regarding food and drink. Eating fresh trout on the sedirs established over the river in the facilities around Saklıkent, having handmade gözleme and a local breakfast must be on your list. The organic products of the region are also of separate value: olive oil, pomegranate molasses, honey, pine honey, and thyme are among the natural riches offered by the soil here. You have the chance to buy these products directly from the producer at the Seydikemer market. Also, do not pass by without tasting the thin gözleme rolled out by the women of the region accompanied by a tea at the gözleme stalls on the road.

Important Information About Seydikemer

Seydikemer is approximately 90 kilometers from Dalaman Airport and 51 kilometers from the center of Fethiye. Transportation by private vehicle is the most comfortable option in the region, but there are also minibus services from Fethiye to Saklıkent and surrounding villages. For accommodation, there are villa, bungalow, and pension options in the district and its surroundings.

The best visiting time is between May and October for canyon and walking activities; and the spring and autumn months for ancient city tours and Lycian Way trekking. In the winter period, you can ski in Erendağ and relax in the spas.

Seydikemer is one of the rare places that gathers everything you look for in a holiday in a single geography. Whether you pass through the canyon with an ATV, dive into watching the valley from the top of a 4,000 year old ancient city, or trace history step by step on the Lycian Way; this district will continue to surprise you every time.