Natural wonders of Lycia
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Lycia is where the pine-clad Taurus mountains meet a turquoise sea, and nature does not hold back on contrast. Icy canyon narrows, flames that burn straight from the rock, trout springs and wild capes all sit within reach of the trail. The table below lists the key natural sights with their type, highlight and nearest town, while the FAQ covers when to go and how to stay safe in the heat.
Lycia's natural sights: type, highlight and nearest town
| Feature | Type | Highlight | Near |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saklıkent | canyon | walls up to 300 m, ~18 km of icy narrows | Fethiye |
| Butterfly Valley | valley-beach | gorge below Faralya with a waterfall and rare moths | Fethiye |
| Yanartaş (Chimaera Fires) | eternal flames | natural gas has burned from the slope for millennia | Çıralı |
| Göynük Canyon | canyon | cold pools and narrows, a canyoning classic | Kemer |
| Ulupinar | springs | trout streams in a shaded pine forest | Çıralı |
| Cape Gelidonya | cape | rocky headland with a lighthouse above sea and islets | Adrasan |
| Yediburunlar (Seven Capes) | cape | "seven capes": a lookout over wild coastline | Kabak |
Places7
Articles5
FAQ5
What are the eternal Chimaera flames (Yanartaş) and why do they burn?
These are dozens of natural flames on the slope of Mount Chimaera above Çıralı. Gas, mostly methane with some hydrogen, seeps through cracks in the rock and ignites in the air. The fires have burned for at least 2,500 years; the ancient Greeks saw in them the breath of the monster Chimaera.
Can you walk Saklıkent Canyon on your own, and what should you bring?
The lower, most-visited stretch can be done on your own without a guide: wooden walkways lead from the entrance to a river crossing, after which you wade up the bed itself. The water is icy and waist-deep in places and the rocks are slippery, so you need shoes with wet grip (water shoes or old trainers) and a dry bag for your phone. Going deeper into the gorge without experience and gear is not advised.
When is the best time to go, and how do heat and canyon water change with the season?
Canyons run fullest in spring as snow melts off the Taurus: in April and May the water is high and icy and passage may be partly closed. By summer the level drops and walking is easier, but the open stretches and capes get genuinely scorching. The sweet spot is late spring and September to October, when the water is moderate and the heat eases.
Canyoning in the Harmony canyon (Göynük) - who is it for?
Göynük near Kemer is offered as active canyoning: sliding into pools, jumps off low ledges, passing narrows with cold plunge pools. Routes are guided, with helmet and wetsuit, so they suit healthy adults and teenagers who are comfortable in water; being able to swim helps. For small children or anyone avoiding cold water, there is an easier walking section of the canyon.
Staying safe in summer: how do you avoid heat and dehydration?
The main hazard on Lycian trails and capes is not height but the sun. Start early, carry at least two litres of water per person, wear a hat and sun protection, and sit out the hottest hours (noon to 4 pm) in the shade. Canyons add a sharp swing: icy water straight after the heat, so do not plunge in while overheated. Signs of heat stress (headache, nausea, cramps) mean stop, cool down and drink.