Discover Türkiye's Most Spectacular Canyons: A Guide for Extreme Sports Lovers

İrem Uğur
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Canyons, which are usually formed by the deep erosion of limestone rocks by rivers for many years, fascinate people with their natural beauty. Although America is the first country that comes to mind when it comes to canyons, you do not necessarily need to go to America to see these beauties. Turkey, which has many natural beauties, is also home to unique canyons. Let's take a look at the breathtakingly beautiful canyons where you can do many activities from paragliding to rafting, trekking to rock climbing.

Valla Canyon - Kastamonu

Located in Muratbaşı village of Kastamonu, Valla Canyon is the second deepest canyon in Turkey. The canyon, formed by the Devrekani Stream breaking the Küre Mountains, is located in the Küre Mountains National Park. With cliffs ranging from 800 to 1200 meters, the canyon hosts many trails for extreme mountaineering lovers. It also appeals to trekking and rafting enthusiasts. However, it is worth noting that the canyon is a bit dangerous. For those who enjoy taking photos, there are landscapes where both wild animals and magnificent shots can be captured.

Ulubey Canyon - Uşak

The canyon in Ulubey in Uşak, along the Ulubey and Banaz streams, is 77 kilometers long. This makes it the second longest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon in the USA! The canyon is also one of the meeting points for trekkers. You can also have the chance to see the effects of hundreds of years of formation from above thanks to the glass observation terrace. If you like taking photos, we have no doubt that Ulubey Canyon will fascinate you with its unique view.

Cehennem Deresi Canyon - Artvin

Located 7 kilometers from the center of Artvin's Ardanuç district, Cehennem Deresi Canyon is one of the few canyons in the world. The canyon is 70 meters wide and 500 meters long. With a height of 200 meters, the canyon, which you can choose for trekking and photography, has a challenging hiking trail. In order to reach the canyon, you have to cross stony, steep paths where sometimes even one person can hardly fit. On the way, which is as enjoyable and full of adrenaline as it is difficult, you are likely to encounter wild animals living in the region. For this reason, you may need to carry items such as sticks and bells for your safety against possible animal attacks.

Köprülü Canyon - Antalya

One of the first places that comes to mind when you think of canyons in Türkiye is Köprülü Canyon. Located in Manavgat, one of the most beautiful districts of Antalya, this canyon was declared a national park in 1973, but it is quite difficult to reach, almost impossible! You can enjoy rafting in the canyon, which is fed by various sources throughout the year, accompanied by ice-cold waters. The canyon is 14 km long and has a wall height of over 100 meters. In this way, you can also do activities such as mountaineering, rock climbing and trekking. Photography enthusiasts can capture unforgettable shots. If you want to see this beauty, you should definitely visit the nearby Selge Ancient City.

Saklıkapı Canyon - Elazığ

Saklıkapı Canyon, which has a karstic structure, fascinates those who see it with its unique flora and fauna. The canyon, located within the borders of Akuşağı village in Elazığ, is about 4 km long. You can do many activities such as trekking, canoeing, boat tours, photography or wildlife observation in the canyon that opens to the Euphrates River. The biggest feature that distinguishes this canyon from other canyons is that the entire area can be completed by walking. We have another good news for those who want to visit the canyon: You can also visit Kelaynak Canyon, which is very close to Saklıkapı Canyon and has karst and historical caves! These two canyons offer you a pleasant trip with many living fossils that lived millions of years ago.

Arapapıştı Canyon - Aydın

Our next stop is Aydın. Arapapıştı Canyon, formed by Akçay, which feeds the Kemer Dam, is 380 meters high and 6 km long. In the canyon where history and nature are intertwined, natural caves, ancient city ruins and monasteries offer you a visual feast. By the way, while you are in Arapapıştı Canyon, do not forget to take a boat or canoe ride and see the observation hill.

Saklıkent Canyon - Muğla/Antalya

Saklıkent Canyon, located on the border between Muğla and Antalya, was discovered by a shepherd. The canyon, which is thought to have been formed by a geological formation, has variable rock intervals. With a height of 200 to 600 meters, the canyon is 18 km long. In the canyon where Eşen Stream welcomes you, you can discover fascinating natural beauties and enjoy the ice-cold water by rafting. You can also enjoy the pancakes made by the local people while taking a breather in the couches built on the waters in the canyon.

Tazı Canyon - Antalya

Are you afraid of heights or do you love them? Tazı Canyon, one of the canyons of Antalya, attracts adventure lovers with its height ranging from 200 to 400 meters. You can do nature walks and rock climbing in the canyon, which was found by chance by extreme sports lovers, and you can also photograph unique landscapes. You can camp here and wake up to a magnificent view. Although it is not one of the first ones that come to mind when it comes to Antalya canyons, Tazı Canyon, which has become increasingly popular recently, is also home to wild goats, eagles, rabbits and rock pigeons.

Yazılı Canyon - Isparta

Our last stop is Yazılı Canyon, which is full of history. Yazılı Canyon Nature Park, located in Sütçüler District of Isparta, spreads over an area of approximately 600 hectares. In addition to its natural beauties, there are worship areas, altars and many inscriptions dating back to the Byzantine period. The depth of the canyon, which is called Yazılı Canyon because of these inscriptions, varies between 100 and 400 meters. In the canyon where King's Road is also located, you can take a nature walk or stay in camping areas and photograph wildlife with its natural beauty. This canyon, which has magnificent beauty, is a unique place you can visit in four seasons.