Wisdom Valley
Tazı Canyon, set in the Köprülü Canyon National Park in Antalya’s Manavgat district, is also known as Wisdom Valley – an appropriate name for this recently discovered gem. Located on the upper part of Köprülü Canyon, Tazı Canyon features dramatic 200-meter-high cliffs, along with stunning views and sunsets.
Although it retains its tranquil atmosphere, Tazı Canyon has become rather popular in Antalya, especially for rock climbing, rafting, trekking, and camping. Do note that, if you plan to camp, this is an area better suited for more experienced campers.
To learn more about Türkiye’s most beautiful canyons, click here.
Kekova
Kekova, a small, uninhabited island in the Demre district of Antalya, is just 4.5 square kilometers. Despite its tiny size, the island features historical ruins and a sunken city. Visitors are permitted to swim and dive only in certain locales around this fascinating island, which was declared a protected area in 1990.
On Kekova, visitors will find churches and chapels, towers and ancient harbors from the Hellenistic period, as well as ruins from the Roman and Byzantine eras. Guided tours are also available.
Kekova is accessible by a two-hour boat ride from Kaş or a 10-minute boat ride from Üçağız. Some vessels feature glass bottoms, through which visitors can observe the sunken city. Also, the Theimussa Ancient City in Üçağız is worth a visit.
For more information about Türkiye’s incredible ancient cities, you can browse the blog entry: A tapestry of stories: 8 famous ancient sites in Türkiye!.
Çığlıkara Forest
Probably one of Antalya’s least frequented hidden paradises, Çığlıkara Forest encircles the mountain range to the west of Beydağları, approximately 15 km south of the Antalya city center. Located on the Elmalı – Finike border, Çığlıkara Forest is a protected natural area: the 15,000-hectare forest includes trees that are more than two thousand years old.
Çığlıkara Forest is one of the most beautiful cedar forests not only in Türkiye, but also in the world. The suppleness, durability and scent of cedar wood are renowned – and are the most well-known characteristics of the Lebanon Cedars found in the Çığlıkara Forest. Allegedly, this wood was used by Antalya’s shipbuilders to craft the ancient world’s most beautiful and fastest ships.
To spend a quiet summer day listening to the sounds of birds among cedar and juniper trees, Antalya’s hidden paradise, Çığlıkara Forest, should be on your list.
Sazak Bay
Peace, quiet and serenity are also found along Sazak Bay, another hidden paradise of Antalya. Visitors must bring their own food and drinks – there are no facilities in Sazak Bay, no electricity and no mobile phone reception. Just tranquility.
Set in the western part of Beydağları Coastal National Park, Sazak Bay is at the foot of Mount Musa, with a wide sandy beach that extends into the forest and one of the calmest bays in Antalya. It is possible to camp in the area – the ultimate calm experience.
Sazak Bay is connected to the Kumluca district of Antalya. It is accessible via by boat tours from Adrasan or by land via the forest road. However, the land route is difficult; it is only around eight kilometers, but about an hour’s drive.
Oymapınar Lake
Located in Antalya’s Manavgat district, Oymapınar Lake is nestled behind a dam on the northern side of Manavgat Stream. The lake’s turquoise color and unique flora are notable; the Green Canyon lies behind the rock islets in Oymapınar Lake and can be visited by boat. Altinbesik Cave is also here. Around Oymapınar Lake are boat companies that provide tours to the Green Canyon, and there are trekking routes along the lake. If you want to go hiking, Oymapınar Lake is a great option.
Phaselis Bay
A 15-minute drive from Kemer and a 45-minute drive from Antalya, Phaselis Ancient City and Phaselis Bay are a charming summer holiday destination. Phaselis Bay, one of Antalya’s hidden paradises, is set amid the Beydag Mountains Sahil National Park. If you are dreaming of a tranquil summer vacation intertwined with nature, Phaselis Bay will exceed your expectations, particularly if you are intrigued by ancient history.
Also known as Faselis, the Ancient City of Phaselis is believed to have been founded in 700 BC by colonists from the island of Rhodes. Phaselis was an important commercial center in antiquity, with ports in the north, northeast and southwest of the peninsula. At the same time, the Ancient City of Phaselis is also renowned for its water distribution channels, which are among the finest examples of the advanced engineering of that period. Keep it in mind during your visit!
Phaselis is a superb alternative for a peaceful summer vacation intertwined with history and the sea. For more information on the historical development of the region, and the excavations and research carried out in the ancient city, please visit phaselis.org.
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