17.08.2026 01:40
As temperatures in Antalya rise to 45 degrees Celsius and humidity reaches 99 percent, those looking to cool off are flocking to Göynük Canyon. While activities such as swimming, boat tours, canyoning, and ziplining are offered in the canyon along the Lycian Way, its water, ranging between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius, provides visitors with a chance to cool down in the hot weather. Approximately 70 percent of visitors are foreign tourists.
Göynük Canyon, located on one of the important routes of the Lycian Way in the Kemer district of Antalya, attracts adventure enthusiasts with its natural structure and various activities.
In the city, where air temperatures occasionally reach 45 degrees Celsius, seawater temperatures reach 31 degrees Celsius, and humidity levels reach 99 percent, visitors head to the canyon to cool off and spend time in nature.
ACTIVITIES ARE ENDLESS
Visitors, who advance approximately 2.5 kilometers through forest and dirt roads with safari vehicles, participate in various activities in the canyon. Visitors who complete the course with activities such as boat tours, swimming, canyoning (a nature sport aiming to traverse canyons from start to finish using techniques of different nature sports), proceeding with ropes, and climbing rocks, reach the waterfall at the end of the canyon.
Visitors cool off in the water, whose temperature varies between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius, and also have the opportunity to observe wildlife such as mountain goats, birds, butterflies, and rabbits in the region in their natural habitat.
Canyon visitors also discover nature from a different perspective by zip-lining on a course extending meters high above the pine trees.
VISITOR NUMBERS INCREASE EVERY YEAR
Doğukan Ak, an operator conducting tourism activities in Göynük Canyon, said the canyon, located half an hour from Antalya city center, was formed over approximately 2 million years.
Stating that the canyon is located in Beydağları Coastal National Park, at the point where forests meet the sea, Ak said they operate in an area of approximately 3,000 acres.
Ak, explaining that the area, which initially served only as a walking trail, was brought into nature tourism over the years, said they offer visitors a more comprehensive experience with various adventure activities.
Ak stated that they have built a team specialized in the field over 17 years and that the facility is operated in harmony with nature, and said they carry out activities such as canyoning, boat tours, and zip-lining.
70 PERCENT OF VISITORS ARE FOREIGN
Ak, drawing attention to the fact that the number of visitors increases every year, stated that approximately 30 percent of the guests are domestic and 70 percent are foreign tourists.
Noting that they host tourists from England, Poland, Russia, as well as various other countries, and that the canyon's cool water attracts visitors, Ak said, "The water in the canyon is very cold. It seeps through the cracks in the rocks and comes out ice-cold and very clean. Since it's a valley, the wind constantly blows."
Ak emphasized that Antalya tourism should be diversified with nature tourism in addition to sea, sand, and sun, and pointed out the importance of bringing the region's natural heritage into tourism.
"SWIMMING HERE FEELS LIKE WE ARE IN A FAIRY TALE"
Darina Bondarchuk, who came to Antalya from Kazakhstan, said she visits Göynük Canyon every time she comes to the city for vacation.
Bondarchuk, stating that she was impressed by the natural beauty of the canyon, said, "It has emerald green water and wonderful nature. Swimming here feels like we are in a fairy tale. The ice-cold water feels very good."
Levent Tetik, one of the visitors, said he enjoyed the activities in the canyon and participated in the swimming activity. Tetik, who explained that they walked in the water in different parts of the canyon, progressed using stairs, and that there was a waterfall and cave at the end of the course, said, "It's amazing inside. It's the best activity you can do in hot weather."