The Natural Wonders and Rich Heritage of Seydikemer

Located in Muğla near Fethiye and Antalya, Seydikemer is a beautiful region, known for its deep historical tourist attractions and incredible natural places to visit. During your trip to this region, you can see magnificent canyons, quiet lakes, and peaceful beaches surrounded by green landscapes. Seydikemer also gives visitors a warm welcome with its friendly locals and tasty traditional food, offering a rich cultural experience you won’t forget. With this travel guide, we aim to share the best things to do in Muğla, Seydikemer as part of the Antalya Homes ® family. Therefore, you will be able to get to know the places that perfectly blend nature and history here!

Top Attractions of Seydikemer: Natural Beauties

By the locals, Seydikemer is regarded as a great place for anyone who loves nature and outdoor activities. Since it has an excellent location, most of its main attractions are easy to reach from Fethiye, usually within an hour by car. If you are planning to visit here individually, you will find the local roads well marked while many guided tours are available for those aiming to visit the region as a group. Below, you can find the best places to visit in Seydikemer we have prepared for you, proving why Muğla is a perfect destination for family vacations:

Saklıkent Canyon

One of the most famous spots in Seydikemer is Saklıkent Canyon. It is located about 45 minutes from Fethiye. This 18-kilometer-long canyon has tall cliffs and icy waters fed by mountain streams. It’s especially popular in summer when the cool air offers a break from the heat. You can come here to do some nature walks in Seydikemer along its wooden paths. If you are interested in more excitement, you can do activities like Saklıkent Canyon hiking and river rafting in this stunning landscape. Additionally, there are local restaurants near the canyon entrance offering delicious traditional dishes so you can savor the local cuisine in Seydikemer after your exploration.

Yakapark

Tucked into the cool hills near Saklıkent, Yakapark natural park is a peaceful spot, known for its icy mountain streams that flow into clear pools and gentle waterfalls. Thus, we can say that it is a perfect spot for dipping your feet or cooling off on a hot day! Restaurants are built right alongside the water, with cozy floor seating and treehouse-style platforms where you can enjoy local cuisine in Seydikemer. Here’s a hint; it often features fresh trout from the park’s own fish farms. As you wander through one of the most beautiful parks in Seydikemer, you’ll come across shady trails, gardens filled with greenery and the soothing sounds of nature all around.

Gizlikent Waterfall

Close by is Gizlikent Waterfall, around 3 kilometers from Saklıkent. It’s hidden inside a green forest and reached by walking through a short trail and a shallow stream. At the end, you’ll find Gizlikent Waterfall Seydikemer, a peaceful spot where you can stand under the water or enjoy the quiet nature around you. After enjoying the waterfall, you can relax at a nearby restaurant or grab some ice cream. What’s more, you can spend your time having a picnic here with your family as well. And last but not the least, there’s also a Seydikemer zipline platform across the ravine for visitors who want some extra adventure.

Girdev Plateau & Lake

For calm and quiet, the Girdev Plateau and Girdev Lake are definitely the perfect choice when searching for natural places to visit in Seydikemer! They’re about 60 kilometers southeast of Seydikemer, high in the Taurus Mountains. Getting Girdev Plateau and Lake means a scenic drive through winding roads, but the views make it definitely worth it! The open land and still lake are perfect for camping, birdwatching and nature walks in Seydikemer. As far as is known, more than 100 bird species live here, so it’s a favorite place for photographers and nature lovers who are interested in exploring Turkish rural culture.

Karadere Beach

Near the coast, Karadere Beach is close to the village of Kumluova. This quiet beach is known for its clean sand and gentle waves. It’s also an important nesting area for the endangered Karadere Beach sea turtles. During nesting season, parts of the beach are protected to give baby Caretta Caretta sea turtles an easier journey as they make their way to the sea for the first time. Visitors are asked to be careful and respectful during this period as well. If you’re interested in sea animals, this is a great time to visit and witness this special moment in nature. However, if your main goal is to swim, it’s better to visit in a different season when the beach is more accessible for this kind of activity. Either way, you will have an excellent memory!

Eşan River

The river flows through the region and adds even more beauty. It's easy to reach by car or from local villages. While the river has clear water and lovely scenery, Eşen River restaurants line the banks, where you can experience traditional Turkish local cuisine in Seydikemer while enjoying the view. Not only for nature lovers but also adventure seekers, the river offers plenty to enjoy. Its clear waters are perfect for rafting, canoeing, and tubing. That’s why it is a favorite spot for both adventure and relaxation in Seydikemer.

Girmeler Hot Springs

Near the village of Gebeler, Girmeler Hot Springs welcomes you with a peaceful escape where local tradition meets the natural attractions of Seydikemer. Tucked inside a limestone hill, the warm, mineral-rich water flows from a cave, creating a natural spa experience that locals have enjoyed for generations by now. The springs are believed to have a healing effect here. According to local people, they help with everything from stomach issues to kidney stones. Whether you believe the tales or just want to relax, this natural pool is a great place to unwind. What’s more, the area also has simple accommodation for those who want to stay overnight here, run by the village cooperative. If you want to stay here longer to enjoy all the historical sites and natural beauties more often, you can see our real estate listings in Seydikemer, Muğla now!

A Journey Through Seydikemer’s Ancient Past

Besides the well-known natural places, Seydikemer has many quiet, hidden areas like smaller plateaus and green valleys. While these spots are great for picnics, trout fishing, and peaceful hiking, Seydikemer historical sites Muğla offers add another layer of charm. The historical tourist attractions in Seydikemer offer a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage with several ancient cities.

Tlos Ancient City

Located near the village of Yaka, the ancient city of Tlos, is considered one of the oldest and most significant archaeological sites in the region. With a history that stretches back to the Lycian period and continued through Roman and Byzantine times, Tlos offers a fascinating experience. As you explore this ancient city in Seydikemer, you’ll come across a well-preserved theater, the remains of a stadium, Roman baths, and a series of impressive tombs carved directly into the cliffs. Also, the rock tombs here stand as powerful symbols of Lycian beliefs about death and the afterlife. And lastly, what makes Tlos Ancient City Seydikemer’s one of the most visited areas is its location since it is easily accessible.

Sidyma Ancient City

Another historical site is Sidyma Ancient City, located near the village of Dodurga. It's a quiet and less crowded spot but just as interesting as Tlos. It has ruins of a small theater and a large burial area with tombs. When you visit Sidyma ruins, you can see the reflection of old Lycian traditions. So, it can be said that this spot is ideal for those who are interested in nature and history both at the same time!

Letoon Sanctuary

In the village of Kumluova, you’ll find the Letoon Sanctuary, a religious site from ancient Lycia just like Sidyma. It is believed that this ancient site in Seydikemer was dedicated to the goddess Leto and her children, Apollo and Artemis. When you walk around the site you will be able to see temples, old writings and a sacred spring. One of the most remarkable aspects of Letoon is that it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical and cultural significance. For this reason, it attracts not only tourists but also history enthusiasts and archaeologists from around the world.

Pınara Ancient City

Lastly, the Pınara Ancient City is located on Mount Cragus and is well worth the visit. The site is famous for its large theater, where people in ancient times gathered for shows and events. When walking around the Pınara archaeological site, you can also see many round tombs carved high into the cliffs, which show the skills of the people who lived here long ago. It takes a bit of effort to climb up to the site, but the views from the top are beautiful and the calm surroundings make it a peaceful place to explore and enjoy.

Culture and Authentic Life in Seydikemer

The region is more than just sightseeing. Many visitors say it’s a wonderful place to enjoy eco-tourism in Seydikemer by experiencing nature and local culture in a respectful way. Visiting the small villages here lets you see how people live in the countryside of Muğla, giving you a deeper understanding of Turkish culture. It’s also a great opportunity if you’re thinking about living in Seydikemer after exploring all the beautiful natural places to visit.

Looking further ahead, you can also benefit from Muğla’s summer homes and rental market, not only for living but as a smart investment! The locals in Seydikemer are very friendlyand they often invite guests to share homemade meals made with fresh, local ingredients. To give you a better understanding, sharing a meal here is more than just eating, it’s also a chance to connect with the neighbours. Therefore, by buying a property in Seydikemer, you will get to taste traditional dishes every time you come around!

Seydikemer’s Natural Beauty for the Long Journey

Briefly, whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, relaxing in warm springs or enjoying a meal in a village home, you can experience a calm and meaningful travel experience in Seydikemer. And if you feel ready to make it your home already, with various investment opportunities, we are here to guide you as Antalya Homes ®. As a professional real estate company with years of experience, we specialize in finding the perfect property for buyers all around the world. Contact us to start your journey toward owning a piece of this paradise!

Bilge Sina Dalkılıç

AUTHORBilge Sina DalkılıçEditor

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