Göynük Canyon Hike & Zipline

About 4 km above the village of Göynük, north of Kemer, a mountain stream has carved a canyon roughly 4.5 km long. With its turquoise natural pools, narrow passages you swim or scramble through and a zipline across the gorge, it is the area's most popular nature-adventure spot. The canyon lies on an alternative branch of the Lycian Way.

What to do in the canyon

• Canyon hike: A 2–3 km trail leads from the drop-off point up to the canyon entrance. Inside, the route goes partly through water and over rocks; the first section is easy and enjoyable, while deeper in you'll need to swim and scramble.
• Natural pools: Turquoise pools line the canyon. At the end of the trail a large natural pool awaits, but because the water comes from the mountain it is ice-cold even in midsummer.
• Zipline: A line about 40 metres above the ground, reaching speeds of up to 65 km/h, takes you across the canyon.
• Canyoning: A sportier guided version where you move through the water wearing a helmet and life jacket.

Getting there

Göynük is north of Kemer, about an hour's drive from Olympos and Çıralı. From the centre of Göynük you can walk to the canyon entrance in about 45 minutes, or rent a jeep, ATV or motorbike in the village. There are restaurants and rest areas at the entrance. The canyon is run as a paid facility, with safety equipment and guided tours available.

Visitors' tips

• Bring at least 1.5 litres of water per person; the path up to the entrance is steep and sunny, and you will sweat.
• Pack a spare T-shirt and dry clothes, and assume you will get wet.
• Wear non-slip shoes that can get wet (water shoes or sports sandals); flip-flops are not suitable.
• Take a waterproof phone case.
• The water is very cold; if you feel the cold easily, don't stay in the pools too long.