While in Turkey, we set ourselves the goal of visiting one of the country’s attractions – with the condition that it should be a charming place where one can enjoy engaging leisure time. Our choice fell on Geynyuk Canyon. After spending an entire day there and gathering an enormous amount of emotions, we want to share as much first-hand information as possible so that you have no doubts about visiting it. The view at sunrise over the canyon’s peaks is so impressive that you can gaze at it for a long time, barely noticing anything around you. Let me repeat, Geynyuk Canyon is located in Turkey and is especially convenient for visitors staying in Kemer, Antalya, or the village of Tekirova and nearby towns and settlements. It’s very interesting, and the name Geynyuk is used not only for this canyon. It also refers to the surrounding area, a dried-up riverbed (at the time of our visit), and the active river – all bearing the same name. In fact, every other person in our village carries this resounding name. One more thing: on the way to the canyon, you are unlikely to see anything particularly exciting, so it’s best to use transportation.
How to Get There
Attraction Information
Address: Geynyuk Canyon, Cappadocia region, Turkey (exact address varies; located off local roads) 
Working Hours: Open 24 hours (natural attraction) 
Ticket Price: Nominal fee (approx. 20–50 TL) if managed by local authorities 
Photo Allowed? Yes 
Historical Info: A scenic canyon known for its dramatic rock formations and rugged hiking trails; offers a more secluded natural experience away from the main tourist routes. 
Guide / Excursion Info: Self-guided hikes are common; local guides available for more detailed exploration 
Recommended Visit Time: 1–2 hours 
Accessibility:
Partially 
Parking Availability:
Limited 
Public Transport Options: Best accessed by taxi or rental car; public transport options are limited
Reviews
Photos
So, I will try to gather all my thoughts, emotions, and memories into one and convey every nuance of the experience. The best time to start this journey is in the early hours of the morning. You should dedicate a full day to the trip – anything less simply does not make sense. We were lucky with the weather, although experts warn that it can be unpredictable. To account for all possible weather conditions, you should bring:
- Warmer and waterproof clothing (even in good weather, after encountering mountain water you will need something warm).
- An essential element of your gear is proper footwear. It must be comfortable, provide good grip on wet surfaces, and fit your foot securely.
Other essentials to keep your spirits high throughout your time in the canyon:
- A backpack;
- Water and food;
- Sunscreen;
- Equipment for capturing photos and videos along with waterproof cases for them. (I wouldn’t recommend taking larger cases since there are parts of the canyon where you have to wade with your belongings – for that we used an inflatable bag for our items, though it was still inconvenient).
Since my smartphone has a decent camera, I used a waterproof case for underwater use (it withstands depths of up to 50 meters). Fishermen often use such cases, though for tourists it is simply a godsend. During my solo visits to Thailand and magical Cambodia, not only my phone but also my bank card, cash, and hotel room key were kept in it.
It’s best to reach the destination by car and try not to repeat our mistake!!!!
By the way, you can buy an inexpensive safari tour in Kemer – it kills two birds with one stone, letting you enjoy the canyon and get a ton of positive emotions from a quad bike ride.
Early in the morning, after glancing at the map to the canyon, our cheerful group set out on a walk. After what felt like a MEGA distance, having covered what we thought was an enormous path, we realized that the idea was futile. Before we managed to catch a ride, the blazing sun had already thoroughly scorched us. The rocky, desolate road to the village of Geynyuk, without a single bit of shade, and the blazing sun make a volatile mix. Why does no one mention this detail in their articles or reviews?!!! After all, if you are forewarned, you are forearmed.
I must add that our cheerful group usually opts for independent hiking or trips to tourist spots. Although we do sometimes take organized tours, when you use a tour operator’s services you often end up overpaying, and the sightseeing schedule is not arranged according to your wishes. And yes, there are still those travel agency employees who try to sell you as many tours as possible upon your arrival, warning that if something goes wrong on an independent trip or when using other services, your insurance won’t cover it. Be smart – read your insurance terms carefully.
To see how to get to the canyon from Tekirova, check out the map below.
On Location
Whether it feels long or short, just like in a fairy tale… we arrived at the spot. Stepping out of the air-conditioned car, I braced myself to plunge into a realm of heat and sultriness. To our great delight, the entrance to the national park was comfortable. Trees with lush canopies shield the ground from the scorching sun, creating their own microclimate.
The cost of the walking tour was approximately 3-5 dollars per person, or 170 Turkish Lira (if my math is correct). And yes, bring some local currency – they don’t give change in dollars. There is a tourist map available at the entrance. The ascent is approximately 300 meters with over a kilometer of walking. Additionally, during your stay you can pay for extra guided excursions along a rope bridge. And if I understood correctly, there are several versions of such walks.
The walk to the destination brought only positive emotions. The designated rest areas and artificial ponds – where the water is warmer than in the canyon itself and where fish can be found – are welcoming. Nearby you can also find a small cave, which you must pass through to continue your journey. I don’t envy those with claustrophobia. Later, we crossed a stone path over another pond. And there, as the road became more open, we were once again at the mercy of the Sun – there was a risk of getting sunburned. We also came across another water source where we could refresh ourselves.
And then, with your face showing the effects of the intense heat you see at the end of the road – no, not light, but a water body. There is a small waterfall. After that, the dry road changes its character, and you transition to water trails.
A gorge is situated between large rocks. Along the shore, with crystal-clear water protected by greenery, tables with benches warmly welcome you. It’s rather modest, but I immediately claimed that landing spot as it was exactly what I needed: some shade and a snack to recharge.
After a relaxing snack, another surprise awaited us. Resourceful Turks greeted us with the information that entry to the canyon itself is allowed only in special gear – a vest and a helmet.
By the way, the price for the “gear” is 30 dollars.
There are places where you can comfortably change and store your belongings. And here, you’ll have to spend a bit because it makes no sense to carry such items with you.
It’s time for action. From the very first steps, the breathtaking experience is overwhelming – despite the heat, the water in the gorge remains quite cool, and even a wetsuit doesn’t always ward off the chill. After passing under a rope, which seemingly symbolizes the beginning of your journey, you can heroically swim in the icy mountain water or use the rope to quickly reach a shallower section. In my estimation, the depth at the deepest point was between 2.5 and 3 meters. You’re unlikely to injure your feet unless you trip – the footwear provided fit snugly and were very comfortable.
The swim takes you past the white formations of the gorge. The sound of flowing water envelops and soothes you that, even in the shallow parts, we maintained silence. Dry spots can be found near narrow passages where, like a giant pterosaur’s egg, an enormous rock is firmly wedged overhead. Then, you swim again to a mound of smooth mountain rock. Making your way through these rocky barricades, you can warm up a bit. In some narrow passages, the water current was strong, which made the passage somewhat challenging. On the way, we noticed another small cave, but we didn’t venture inside.
Do not remove your helmet in the gorge. Several times, small rocks tumbled down from above. Falling from such a height onto an unprotected head—even small stones—can cause serious injuries.
The path concludes at a waterfall, which can only be climbed with proper gear. Many spots are suitable for filming and photo sessions. Tip: do not rush to the end – that only leads to fatigue. Enjoy the view, warm up in the dry areas – otherwise, your teeth might feel the impact of the gorge’s chill.
We returned to the starting point tired, chilled, but satisfied. Many in our group were ravenously hungry after leaving the gorge. And if you don’t bring any food with you, you can purchase some on-site. Transportation from the national park to the hotel is available by car – you can catch one right near the first entrance designated for walkers.
Overall, it was a successful excursion. Whether you choose to visit this place is up to you, but it is undoubtedly worth seeing both for its beauty and its grandeur.
If you want to enjoy the views and landscapes of the canyon with the assistance of a tour company that organizes excursions, we recommend booking their tour – you’ll get a mountain of positive emotions, we assure you!
