The Turkish town of Dalaman is buzzing with activity and makes for a fantastic getaway destination for any type of holidaymaker. The lively town is perfectly positioned to allow easy exploration of the surrounding areas, and a visit to Saklikent Gorge should be at the top of any keen-adventurer’s itinerary. This beautiful spot is located just over an hour from Dalaman, and since there are so many simple, accessible routes on offer, there’s no reason not to visit this attraction – perhaps even more than once.
There are a number of flights scheduled every week from major UK airports to Dalaman airport. Transfers from there will be available to take you straight to your accommodation, so pre-book in advance and prepare for a stress-free start to your jam-packed adventure holiday in Turkey.
The Gorge
Translated to English as “hidden city”, Saklikent is a true gem of Turkey. At a phenomenal 18km long and 300m deep, it is one of the deepest canyons in the world. It is made up of towering rock crevices, organically sculpted walls and turquoise waters of varying depths, making it the ideal spot for daring hikers and swimmers. Even if you weren’t planning to swim, you should still prepare to get wet on your visit – before you begin your trek you will need to cross the river, which is the deepest section of the gorge (the water can be up to eight metres deep).
Saklikent has been a National Park since the 1960s, and because of this it is incredibly popular with tourists. If you prefer to avoid the masses, travel during the spring. April is the ideal month to beat the crowds, and is also a little warmer, so the mountainous snow will have melted and passed through the gorge, allowing access to most of the paths.
Make the Most of Your Day Trip
Grasp the opportunity to engage in some adrenaline-fuelled water sports while you’re at the gorge – thrill-seeking visitors will not want to miss out on river-rafting through the ravines. Whether you are brand new to rafting or a nautical newbie, you will be taught the basics before being swirled around the rapids in your inflatable rubber ring, with the experienced guides following behind you to make sure you’re heading in the right direction.
If you’d rather not hit the rapids, explore the ancient city of Tlos and become captured by the historic secrets of the Lycian people. You can grab a delicious BBQ lunch at the comfortable nearby Trout Restaurant while you’re there.
Top Tips
•Bring suitable footwear: Owing to the volume of water constantly pouring onto the paths, the gorge can be very slippery and wet, so you will definitely need a suitable pair of water-resistant shoes.
•Get ahead: Start your trip early in the day to avoid getting slowed down by crowds of hikers.
•Leave the valuables at home: You will be getting wet! Save yourself the disappointment of discovering your belongings soggy.
How to Get There
Dalaman airport transfers are the most efficient and comfortable method of starting your holiday as soon as you hop off the plane. You can book in advance to ensure your driver is waiting for you as you come through the departure lounge, and you will be transported smoothly to your door. With flight times close to four hours from London to Dalaman airport, transfers are the best option for a stress-free onwards journey.
Get thinking about how you will make the most of your exciting visit to Saklikent Gorge during your holiday in Dalaman – it’s sure to be a day trip to remember!
Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for affordable Dalaman airport transfers, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.
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