Just 10 kilometers from Kemer, beyond the town of the same name — Göynük, which translates as "fertile valley" — lies one of the most picturesque places on the Turkish coast. Göynük Canyon is a true natural oasis where mountains, pine trees, and turquoise waters create an amazing microclimate that provides relief from the summer heat.
The gorge, carved over millennia by the mountain river that shares its name, impresses with its scale: with a width of only 6–15 meters, its walls rise to a height of 350 meters. In places, they overhang directly overhead, painted by nature in all shades of reddish, green, and even black.
Two Routes: For a Walk and For an Adventure
Göynük Canyon is interesting because it offers visitors two completely different activities: hiking and a boat trip.
The first part of the route is a equipped hiking trail, 2.4 kilometers long from the entrance to the final point accessible to pedestrians. The path winds through the picturesque gorge along the river, sometimes climbing onto rocky ledges, sometimes descending to the water`s edge, but remains quite comfortable for most travelers.
From the very first steps, you are surrounded by the majestic Taurus Mountains — their slopes rise to the sky, covered with dense pine forests, and the sheer cliffs are painted by nature in ocher, reddish, and gray tones. In places, the mountains hang directly over the path, making you tilt your head back in awe of their power. This spectacle is mesmerizing.
Right at the entrance to Göynük Canyon, where the trail begins, there is a small recreation area with decorative ponds. Ducks swim in the cool water here, and the mountain peaks are reflected on the surface. Hand-fed rabbits run around, ready to pose for photos and accept treats from guests. Nearby is a small aviary with peacocks fanning their tails and dignified geese. But this is just a fleeting diversion — the main action unfolds further, in the depths of the gorge.
In one of the dammed sections of the river, many fish live. Nearby, turtles swim leisurely, giving the landscape a resemblance to a primordial body of water. For adrenaline lovers, Göynük Canyon has suspension bridges swaying over the stream, and a zipline stretches across the gorge itself — flying over the mountains at a height of 30–40 meters at speeds up to 60 kilometers per hour is worth the experience.
Along the entire trail in Göynük Canyon, there are rest areas with benches and tables where you can catch your breath, listening to the sound of the river and inhaling the aroma of sun-warmed pines. Toilets and small cafes operate, serving freshly squeezed pomegranate and orange juice, boiled corn, and light snacks. But the main thing here is not the bustle, but the opportunity to slow down and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Taurus Mountains, which accompany you further towards the heart of the canyon.
The Water Part of Göynük Canyon: Where the Real Magic Begins
But the most interesting thing awaits those who do not limit themselves to a walk. At the final point of the hiking route through Göynük Canyon, beyond the picturesque lakes, there is an equipment rental station. This is where the journey into the very heart of the canyon begins — a narrow gorge accessible only by boat.
To navigate the water part, you need to put on a life jacket and get into a boat guided by a professional instructor. It is not permitted to visit this part of the canyon independently.
Inside the narrow corridor of the canyon, the water takes on an incredible azure hue, contrasting with the multi-colored walls. The most impressive attraction is two giant rocks wedged high between the cliffs. On the boat, you will float under these enormous boulders, which seem about to fall on your head but have held firm for millennia.
Dozens of small waterfalls cascade down the walls of Göynük Canyon, sparkling in the sun`s rays. And in one of the narrow passages, you can see a rock that tourists have nicknamed the "Stone Heart."
Cost and Activities in Göynük Canyon
The nature park "Göynük Kanyonu Tabiat Parkı" has been managed by a private company since 2009, which has created excellent infrastructure here while preserving nature. Visitors have access to several activity options:
• Entrance ticket — about $5–8. Includes a walk through the equipped part of the park, access to the lakes, cave, and aviary.
• Canyoning (body rafting) — about $30. Self-propelled swimming through the canyon. Equipment rental is usually not included in the price.
• Boat tour — about $20. This is the main part of the excursion. Don`t skimp on this expense.
• Zipline — about $25. A high-speed descent over the gorge.
• Combo tours — $35–45. Include zipline and canyoning or a boat trip.
• Rental of wetsuit, helmet, and life jacket is paid separately — approximately $13–15. There is free parking at the entrance, and free jeeps run from the ticket office to the start of the trail, a distance of about one and a half kilometers.
Practical Information
How to get there: By car from Kemer, take the D400 highway towards Antalya to the town of Göynük. Before the bridge over the Göynük River, turn east and drive another 3–4 kilometers along a dirt road to the park entrance.
By public transport from Antalya or Kemer, dolmuşes (minibuses) go to the town of Göynük — buses KA07 or TA08. You need to get off in the town center, from there either walk about four kilometers or take a taxi.
The easiest option is to buy an excursion at the hotel or from street agents. Usually, transfer and guidance are included in the price.
Opening hours and best season: The park is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is May-June and September-October, when there is no sweltering heat. In summer, July-August, it is cool in the canyon, but there are many people. After rains, the water level rises, the water gets colder, and the stones become slippery.
Göynük Canyon fits perfectly into the itinerary of any traveler vacationing in Kemer or its surroundings. Unlike many natural attractions in Turkey, Göynük Canyon stands out favorably for its accessibility and versatility. There is no need to choose between extreme activities and comfort here — the canyon offers both in different proportions.
