Walk into the mountain

The experience

Ice-cold water, ancient stone

Saklıkent is one of the deepest canyons in Europe: a marble corridor so narrow the sky becomes a bright ribbon far above. You wade upstream through snow-fed water — gasping, laughing, steadying each other — as the walls close in and the temperature drops ten degrees.

First, though, the morning belongs to Tlos: one of Lycia's oldest cities, its rock tombs and Roman theatre stacked on a hill with the whole Xanthos valley at its feet. History before lunch, adventure after — with köfte and trout by the river in between.

• Guided canyon wade in Saklıkent
• Tlos acropolis, theatre & rock tombs
• Riverside lunch on shaded platforms
• Optional river tubing run
• Water shoes available to rent on site