Sapadere Canyon near Alanya

Sapadere Canyon – This visit has been on our itinerary for a long time, but it has been postponed repeatedly, quite unjustifiably: a visit to the waterfall in Sapadere Canyon.

We had originally planned to visit the canyon in the spring, hoping that the snowmelt would create a particularly raging torrent.

Then perhaps in the summer, when the heat on the coast makes it pleasant to escape to the mountains and a cooling river.

It turned out to be October, but as it turned out, it's also an extremely interesting time of year, as the road to Sapadere winds through seemingly endless deciduous and mixed forests, which now display a wide variety of autumn colours.

Sapadere is located about 48 km northeast of Alanya in the direction of Gazipasa, turning left through the village of Demirtas and then continuing for about 20 km above the small town. In the winter of 2007/08, the governor of the region commissioned the construction of an exploration trail in the beautiful Sapadere Canyon. This trail consists of a metal structure with a wooden boardwalk laid across it.

The aim of this facility is to showcase more of the natural beauty of the Turkish Riviera to visitors and to open up another destination for tourism. A restaurant can be found before entering the actual Sapadere Canyon, and various small shops are located in the village centre of Sapadere. These shops are, of course, not comparable to the professional tourist infrastructure of Alanya – which isn't necessarily a disadvantage.

Thanks to the construction of the exploration trail, it is now easy for everyone to enjoy the truly breathtaking beauty of this gorge, without any mountaineering equipment or risk to their health. Even the drive from Demirtas takes you through wild gorges on the winding mountain road! The Sedre Riverbed dries up from July onwards, as the water is just sufficient to supply the higher mountain villages and their fields. Water flows year-round in Sapadere Canyon; it's only diverted below the village!

In the canyon, steps lead down to the crystal-clear water at designated swimming spots, offering a refreshing dip! And we mean truly refreshing; even in the hottest part of summer, the water temperature rarely exceeds 12 degrees Celsius (feels like 0 degrees). At the very end of the 600-meter trail is the largest waterfall, which also provides another opportunity for swimming! Various rare plants thrive here, and lizards and songbirds keep us company! We frequently stop to listen to the birdsong and observe the dragonflies and butterflies flitting over the water and around the oleander bushes.

The signs to Sapadere from Demirtas are good (by Turkish standards), and it's easily accessible by car and motorcycle! A perfect destination for a day trip with the whole family. Many amateur photographers use the canyon in search of new subjects, and so did we:

Sapadere Canyon - The Value of Wonder - Excursion

“There is nothing in the world
softer and thinner than water,
Yet to conquer the hard and rigid,
nothing can compare to this,
that the weak overcomes the strong,
the hard succumbs to the soft,
everyone knows it, yet no one acts accordingly!”

(Lao Tzu)

This saying came to mind as we entered the Sapadere Canyon in awe. Much praise has already been written about this small recreational park near Alanya, so we became curious and set off one Sunday.

Shortly after passing Demirtas, the path leads into the mountains. Even here, there are beautiful, picturesque views of gorges, cliffs, and lush greenery.

It's very inviting for hiking, and one can only hope that more hiking trails will be created.

That would certainly be in the interest of Alanya's residents, as we observed that more and more people are drawn to nature.

It seems that life isn't all about the sea and concrete after all.

What struck us, and particularly pleased us, is that more Turks are now taking an interest in their homeland and nature. We encountered at least as many Turkish as foreign visitors.

The overall impression of the park is pleasant. It has a well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

At the entrance, there's a parking lot and an open area where you can satisfy your hunger and thirst amidst the greenery.

But first, we wanted to get some exercise…

Well, it's not the Grand Canyon, but for those who don't have a long drive, the trip is definitely worthwhile!

"Born to see, destined to gaze…" – to my shame, I must confess that I've forgotten the rest of the poet's lines.

What I haven't lost, however, is my childlike wonder, my imagination, and my joy in the marvels of creation.

How – as quoted above – the water shaped the rocks – how much time and history has flowed down there – and the cycle always closes again…

With awe, one gazes not only at the stones in the water and the rocks above, but also at one's own life. What is truly important?

How small humankind is in the face of millions of years, and – how presumptuously we treat creation!

I actually wanted to describe this natural wonder in more detail, but the photos speak louder than words, and there should be plenty of room for your own imagination.

I would be delighted if I have piqued your curiosity and if you are left in silent, admiring, and grateful wonder at the sight of these beauties.

Being able to feel joy, wonder, and interest—that's what keeps you young, as we all know.

You really don't need much to be happy!

One small thing is necessary, however, and I would like to recommend it: reasonably sturdy footwear!

Otherwise, you might end up like the lady who had to carry her high heels in her hand, and like our journal's editor, who lost the sole of his shoe while climbing to get a particularly beautiful photo…

Enjoy!

Please also read:

Laertes - The ancient City in Mahmutlar

Syedra - On the way to Gazipasa