From Kaş, Saklıkent Canyon offers a change from the coast to a deep gorge in the Seydikemer area of Muğla, near the Antalya provincial border. You can drive toward the canyon via the Fethiye–Antalya highway, but river access depends on water conditions, so check what is open before setting out.
- Location: Seydikemer area, Muğla, near the Antalya provincial border.
- Length: Approximately 18 km.
- Road approach: Turn from the Fethiye–Antalya highway toward Kemer, then continue 21 km to the canyon.
- Access: Winter water levels restrict entry to summer; heavy rain can limit river access.
How far is Saklıkent Canyon from Kaş?
Saklıkent Canyon is in the Seydikemer area of Muğla, and published distance figures from Kaş range from about 65 to 85 km. Plan the route using current directions and allow time for the drive and the visit. If you are arranging your trip from town, see a hotel in Kaş.
The canyon itself is approximately 18 km long. Its walls average 200–600 m high and narrow to 2 m at some points, giving the gorge a strikingly enclosed shape.
For a day-trip itinerary, leave room for the approach from Kaş as well as time at the canyon. A relaxed visit takes about 2–3 hours, including 30–45 minutes in the river; a dry boardwalk visit takes about an hour.
How do you get from Kaş to Saklıkent Canyon?
From Hotel Aysima, Kaş city centre is about 6 minutes on foot. From there, the road approach to Saklıkent Canyon branches from the Fethiye–Antalya highway toward Kemer, followed by 21 km from the turnoff to the canyon.
There is no direct public bus between Kaş and the canyon; a rental car or organized tour are options. You could pair the trip with a visit to the Lycian amphitheatre.
A Fethiye–Saklıkent bus route has departures on weekdays and weekends. If you are considering public transport, check the MUTTAŞ timetable for the current schedule and how it fits your journey from Kaş.
The municipality-operated and supervised private vehicles on that route are accessible to disabled passengers. For the separate airport leg, the Dalaman Airport to Kaş transfer guide covers route options.
What is access to Saklıkent Canyon like?
A metal walkway with wooden steps leads visitors toward the spring-water source at the canyon entrance. The visitor route continues along a wooden boardwalk to the gorge mouth; when conditions allow, you can wade into the river and walk over rocky ground.
Entering the river section means wading through cold water. You can instead visit the boardwalk without going into the river. Heavy rain or high water can limit or temporarily close access to the river section, while the boardwalk and canyon mouth usually remain open in those conditions.
Facilities around the entrance include restaurants, paid toilets, shops, shoe and helmet rental, changing cabins, showers and a rafting business. The visitor route and available services can depend on conditions, so confirm access before you travel.
For another excursion from town, a day trip from Kaş to Demre and Myra has a different route and destination.
What should you verify before travelling?
Opening hours are given as 08:00–18:00, with shorter listed hours on some days. Check the official site before you go, since the canyon’s published hours differ in places.
Credit cards and the Museum Card are not accepted. Bring another payment method and confirm current arrangements before your visit. If you are planning to swim elsewhere around town as part of your trip, Kaş’s local swimming spots offer a separate option.
Water levels restrict entry to summer, but there is no specific annual opening or closing date published by the provincial tourism authority. Conditions after heavy rain can also affect access to the river section.
FAQs
Where is Saklıkent Canyon?
It is in the Seydikemer area of Muğla, near the Antalya provincial border. The canyon is approximately 18 km long.
Can you enter Saklıkent Canyon without wading?
Yes. The entrance boardwalk can be visited without entering the river. Continuing into the river section requires wading through cold water and depends on conditions.
Is there a direct bus from Kaş to Saklıkent Canyon?
There is no direct public bus from Kaş to the canyon. A rental car or organized tour are options; a separate bus route runs between Fethiye and Saklıkent.
When can you visit the canyon?
Winter water levels restrict entry to summer, but no specific annual opening or closing date is published. High water and heavy rain can also limit access to the river section.