Saklikent Canyon - Xanthos - Patara Beach

The tour to Saklikent canyon - Patara beach - Xanthos from Fethiye Oludeniz Hisaronu starts with a visit to Saklikent Gorge in Turkey whose height is about 1000 meters and where the Esen River flows - remarkable wild natural beauty. Saklikent national park consists of the canyon which is due to its size became famous all over the world. Saklikent canyon was recognized as longest canyon in Turkey and the second largest canyon in Europe. Its length is 18 km and the height at different sites is up to 1000 meters. Throughout its path it has charming natural beauty steep cliffs, scenic waterfalls and 16 caves. The height difference between the entrance to the gorge and exit is 720 meters.

After lunch in open buffet restaurant near Saklikent canyon we will go to the ancient city of Xanthos - the largest city of ancient Lycia in Turkey which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. To date only a small part of the ancient city has been preserved that was discovered during the excavation. The most important monuments of the Lycian culture which have reached us are typical funeral monuments.

Xanthos Fethiye

Most famous of these are the "Harpy Tomb” (VI century BC) that was named after the relief and "Nereid Monument” (V century BC) . It is no less richly decorated with plastic and is made in the shape of ionic temple standing on the high sole. Both of these tombs belong to the outstanding works of the Ionian culture. The largest monument of Lycian writing the Lycian - Milyan Obelisk (380 BC) was found here.

At the end of our adventure we will visit the ancient city of Patara (not far away from Kalkan) - one of the largest cities and the main port of the Lycian Union. Due to the proximity to the mouth of the Xanthos river which opens the way to the densely populated valley the Patara had great strategic and commercial importance. According to Strabo the city was founded by Patar - the son of Apollo and Lycia - the daughter of Xanthos. The oldest traces of human life (the remnants of ceramics) found on the Acropolis date from the VII century BC. Since ancient times Patara was a major religious center. The Greek world famous temple of Apollo with oracle was located in Patara. The Christian Church has existed here since ancient times.

Saklikent Canyon

About 270 AD the Nicholas (future bishop of Myra )was born here, he is better known as St. Nicholas or Santa Claus. There is the beach of Patara close to the city that according to the weekly newspaper The Sunday Times was named the best in the category of "classic beach". It's good idea to visit Patara beach for those who prefer a clean sea, clear water, white sand, calm and quiet atmosphere. It stretches for 18km along the coast and is considered one of the longest sandy beaches in Turkey.

What is included in the price of Fethiye Xanthos Saklikent Patara tour: transportation, lunch, professional guide service and insurance.

Extra charges: drinks, entree fees to Saklikent, Patara and Xanthos.

You need to bring: bathing suit, sunglasses accessories, camera, money for drinks and entree fees.

Approximate pick up time: Flexible from Oludeniz, Hisaronu, Ovacik, Fethiye and Calis.

Approximate drop off time: Flexible.