see
Aydın
Tralleis Ancient City
Located in the centre of Aydın, the ancient city of Tralleis is the city where the architect Anthemios, who designed Ayasofya Grand Mosque, and the Physician Alexandros, who has an important place in the history of medicine, were born and raised. The city hosts the historical building commonly known as “Üçgözler”, the symbol of Aydın. It is known to be one of the most magnificent Gymnasium- baths complexes in Anatolia.
A Roman bath, theater, agora and stadium are among the other buildings of the city.
Famous for its leather and red pottery, the city raised two great sculptors named Apollonios and Tauriskos. Two world-famous sculptures of the art of sculpture, the Farnese Bull and the Young Athlete, are also among the marvelous works of Tralleis that came to light.
On the tombstone belonging to a young man named Seikilos, who lived around Tralleis in the 1st – 2nd century CE, has an engraved Greek melody lyrics and musical notation. Research has shown that it is the earliest song (lament) ever put into notation.
What makes the inscription important is that there is one note on each syllable of the word. Very few melodies have survived in small pieces from ancient times, and Seikilos has been fully recovered.
Kuşadası
The district, which takes its name from the pigeon Island at the entrance of the port, is one of the important tourism centres of Türkiye. The town, which is 71 km away from Aydın, is located in an important touristic centre, including Ephesus, Virgin Mary’s house, Miletus, Didyma, Pamukkale, Marmaris and Bodrum. It offers a colourful and lively holiday experience with its marina, numerous beaches, camping areas, surrounded by nature, and entertainment venues.
With its Çıban (Yavansu), Venus, Güzelçamlı and Davutlar Thermal Springs (Davutlar Kaplıcaları); Aslanlı and Zeus Caves (Zeus Mağarası), Dilek Peninsula National Park (Dilek Yarımadası Milli Parkı) and its coves and spas within the park, Kuşadası welcomes many visitors in spring, summer and autumn every year.
Kuşadası consists of settlements that vary according to ages. At the foothill of the Dilek Hill (Dilek Tepesi) in the northeast of the national park, the walls of Panionion, known as the meeting place of the twelve Ionian cities, and the remains of the parliament building survived until today. Here, you can visit the Venetian Castle and the city of Anaia.
Pygale Ancient settlement, or known as Güvercin Island (Güvercin Adası) today, which is home to a Byzantine castle built on the rocks, and the Küçük Ada Castle (Küçük Ada Kalesi), which is a 19th century building and an important naval defence centre used against pirates of the Ottoman Empire, are among the places that should be seen. The walls surrounding Kuşadası were also built during the Ottoman Empire period.
Kuşadası Marina is an ideal anchorage and shopping area for yachts and cruise ships, thanks to its marina and beautiful harbour. Welcoming tourism with its yacht harbour and two piers where cruise ships dock, Kuşadası is Türkiye's second important sea gate. There are ferries serving continuously at the port. In addition, yachts and boats offering Blue Cruise await you in the port to take you to deep blue and cool waters.
Güvercinada Castle
Located on the island Güvercinadası, which gives its name to Kuşadası, the castle was built on a natural rock of stone and brick material, and is located at the entrance of the Kuşadası Bay (Kuşadası Koyu), protecting the port. Evliya Çelebi, one of the famous travellers of history, visited Kuşadası in 1671 and wrote in his book Seyahatname that 100,000 birds visit the Güvercinada Castle (Güvercinada Kalesi) every year, on this magical islet.
Miletus & Didyma
The capital of civilization, culture, art and science, Milet (Miletos) is one of the most important cities in human history with its 3,500-years old history. The city, which is regarded as the centre of positive science, is hometown of people who questioned nature in order to understand it. Also known as the "city of philosophers", Milet has raised many historical figures such as the philosophers Thales, Anaksimandros and Anaksimenes and the city planner Hippodamos. Milet, dominated by free thought 2,600 years ago, became a centre of attraction, and turned into the largest city of the Ionian civilization. It became a cosmopolitan city attracting people from all over the world.
Milet is located on the southwestern border of the Menderes Plain (Menderes Ovası), between Söke and Didim, in an area with no traffic density. Instead of big cities, there are several beautiful villages around it: Doğanbey in the north, Batıköy in the west, Akköy in the south and Balat next to it. Dilek Peninsula-Büyük Menderes Delta National Park (Büyük Menderes Delta Milli Parkı) extends to the Menderes Delta in the west of Miletus.
Although the Agora is hidden under the marshes today, the massive foundations of the stoas can easily be seen, giving an idea of the size of the city centre during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It is only 150 meters from the Miletus theatre and was built by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. This bathhouse, which was built by the Emperor on behalf of his wife Faustina.
The Faustina Bath (Faustina Hamamı) is quite well preserved. After extensive restoration works in recent years, the size, spatial diversity and rich interior of these complexes have emerged.
Today, beside the theatre and the castle, the caravanserai, the Faustina bath, the Serapis temple, the Agoras, the Ilyas Bey Complex (İlyas Bey Külliyesi), the Great Harbour Monument (Büyük Liman Anıtı) and the ruins of the city area can be visited in the ancient city.
The Miletus Museum (Milet Müzesi), Statuary, pottery, coinage, inscriptions and other small finds are on display under different themes..This relatively small but rich museum is right outside the ruins of Miletus.
Didim Marina
The marina, which is located on the route of yachts arriving from and departing to the Aegean Sea (Ege Denizi) in all directions, is a very popular harbour on the route of Çeşme, Kuşadası, Bodrum, Datça, Marmaris, Fethiye.
Temple of Apollo at Didyma
The Temple of Apollo, the third largest temple in the ancient world, constructed according the Ionic order, is relatively well preserved. The temple in the centre of Yenihisar district is located in the Didyma sacred area, which is an oracle centre. Herodotus, the first written source about the city of Didyma, reports that in 600 BCE the Egyptian King Nekho II and the Lydian King Croesus made offerings to the Temple of Apollo in Didyma. The Temple of Apollo was built in the name of Apollo, the twin brother of Artemis, similar to the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, for Branchid oracles. The sacred place of Apollo, which was very famous in the Archaic period, was destroyed by the Persians in 494 BCE, it was rebuilt and extensions were added during the times of Alexander the Great, Seleukhos, Pergamons and Romans. The temple, which is one of the most famous places of prophecy of the ancient world, completely lost its importance in 385 CE with the order of Theodosios, and the construction of the temple was never completed with the spread of Christianity. The foundations, that can be seen in the central courtyard today, point to the remains of the early temple.
Aphrodisias
Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List (UNESCO Dünya Miras Listesi) in 2017, Aphrodisias is named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Located in Aydin’s Karacasu district, Aphrodisias is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Anatolia. Dating back seven thousand years, the city gained prominence and wealth thanks to its marble quarries. This material lead to the founding of a sculpture school and eventually Aphrodisias became a centre for this art. Sculptors from the city became famous throughout the Roman Empire. The impressive remains of the city include the Tetrapylon Gate (Tetrapylon Kapısı), the ancient theatre, the stadium and temples. The Aphrodisias Museum (Afrodisias Müzesi) displays an impressive collection of statues from the site.
MAGNESIA AD MEANDRUM
Within walking distance to Ortaklar town (20 km to Söke) Magnesia is a well preserved ancient site.
The city had an important commercial and strategic position between the triangle of Priene, Ephesos and Tralleis. Magnesia's fame and importance today stems from the architect Hermogenes of Priene, whose designs and applications survived to the present day. Vitruvius, a famous Roman writer, says that the chief work of Hermogenes is the Temple of Leukophryne in Magnesia. Hermogenes built this temple on the ruins of the first archaic temple in the Hellenistic Period. The temple is the fourth largest temple in Anatolia in the Hellenistic period, built in Ionic order.
As a result of the excavations carried out in the sanctuary of Artemis, a marble-paved ceremonial area was unearthed between the altar in front of the temple and the agora. The Agora is accessed through a sacred door from the Artemis sanctuary. The Agora of this ancient city is among the largest bazaars of the period. It was understood in later researches that the Agora was the Roman period "Bazaar Basilica", in which the headlines depicted with reliefs describing the adventure of Skylla.x
Theatron, which was built for use in religious ceremonies but was not completed, and Latrina (public toilet) with a capacity of 32 people, among the other important buildings of Magnesia are; the Odeon, the Stadion, the Gymnasion, the Roman Temple, the Byzantine Wall and the 15th century Çerkez Musa Mosque (Çerkez Musa Cami).
Alabanda Ancient City
The name Alabanda is derived from the words Ala (horse), banda (race) in the Carian language. As cited by the Byzantine historian Stephanos cites, the city was named Alabanda, after Alabandos, the son of King Car, who won a horse race. Cicero discusses in his book “The World of Gods” that the city was named after the Carian God Alabandos. According to the first information about Alabanda after the 3rd century BCE, the Seleucid King named the city Antioch-on-the-Chrysorrhoas. After Rome completely dominated Anatolia in 70 BCE, Alabanda joined the Asian state as the 21st city. When Ephesos was declared by M. Antonius as the capital of the state in 48 BCE, it became the capital of the region and Miletus, Priene, Tralleis and Nysa have joined here. Alinda can be accessed by passing through the centre of the ancient city.
Alinda Ancient City
Although there is not much information about Alinda, it was still one of the important Carian cities. In the Hellenistic period, the city of Alinda had adopted the Greek cult. The city, which continued to be an important center during the Roman Period, minted money of its own until the 3rd century CE. During the Byzantine Period, Alinda became an episcopal centre under the Aphrodisias Metropolity.
Alinda is surrounded by city walls that are well preserved until today. The aqueducts that supply water to the city are also partially preserved. The most important building standing today in Alinda is the Agora. To the south of the rectangular planned building, there is a three-storey market building. The building extending on the southwestern skirt of the acropolis, is a theatre built on a natural slope. The theatre, of which stage building has been completely destroyed, has the Hellenistic Period characteristics. The theatre was also used in the Roman Period with some additions.
Dilek Peninsula
Dilek Peninsula Büyük Menderes Delta National Park (Dilek Yarımadası Büyük Menderes Deltası Milli Parkı) is a natural wonder with hundreds of bird species, underwater riches, historical and cultural diversity. The peninsula, which has the best examples of Maquis vegetation in Türkiye, is a unique botanical garden with its rich flora. It is also one of the important habitats for migratory birds in the Aegean Region.
Located within the borders of Kuşadası, Söke and Didim districts, the National Park has been accepted as a "Flora Biogenetic Reserve Area" by the European Council in the European Biogenetic Reserves Scheme, as it is a nature museum where flywheel plant species of entire Anatolia from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea are naturally seen together. Together with the Büyük Menderes River (Büyük Menderes Nehri), this area is of international importance due to its biological diversity, endangered species and endemic species.
The peninsula offers many alternatives from Sportive Angling to Cycling, Hiking, Wildlife and Bird Watching. The Observation Terrace (Gözlem Terası) is ideal for photography enthusiasts with its unique nature and view that you cannot get enough of.
Blue Flag Beaches with Clear Waters
Aydin, where beach-resort tourism is active throughout three seasons, with a coastline of 148 km and a deep blue sea and unique bays, stands out with blue flagged beaches in Kuşadası and Didim districts. Aydın boasts 35 blue flag beaches in total notably Pigale Beach, Güzelçamlı Beach, Kadınlar Denizi Beach, Sevgi Beach, Güvercinada Beach (Güvercinada Plajı), Altınkum Beach (Altınkum Plajı), Akbük Beach (Akbük Plajı), which attract great attention of local and foreign tourists. Underwater and water sports opportunities are very rich in Aydın, where the temperate climate of the Mediterranean climate prevails.
You can choose…
Underwater diving to explore the depths of Kuşadası Bay,
Parasailing to watch the beautiful curved shores from a bird's eye view,
Kite surfing to feel the sweet breeze of the wind, and
Boat tours to relax in its beautiful bays.
Kadınlar Denizi Beach
Kadınlar Denizi Beach, one of the most popular beaches of Kuşadası, is a very suitable beach for family holidays with its sandy beach and shallow sea. The beach, which is quite busy in summer. The beach area with many accommodation facilities that provide quality service and rental summer houses, is very close to the city centre of Kuşadası. There is also a wide variety of shopping and dining opportunities around the Kadınlar Denizi Beach, which draws attention with its colourful nightlife.
Güvercinada Beach
Güvercinada Beach (Güvercinada Plajı), which stands out with its wooden pier located at the sea, the quality food and beverage facility around the historical Güvercinada Castle, and its clean sea, is a popular and blue flagged beach of Kuşadası. Located on the route to Güvercinada Castle, the beach attracts those who want to enjoy swimming in the clear waters, despite being in a rocky area.
Pigale Beach
Surrounded by the ruins of the ancient city of Pygale in the north of Kuşadası, Pigale Beach is named after the ancient city. There is a holiday village near Pigale Beach, which is one of the public beaches, also known as Kustur Beach (Kustur Plajı).
Altınkum Beach
It is possible to take advantage of the sunshine for most of the year in Altınkum Beach which is a blue flag certified beach with its clean water and sandy beach and located in Didim. There are many alternatives for visitors on this natural wonder beach, which constantly maintains the cleanliness of its water with its natural sea current. It is possible to enjoy sunbathing on its golden sands, the coolness in its clear waters and participate in many water sports activities. You can shop from local stores and join colourful nights in bars, cafés and restaurants on Yalı Caddesi street in this coastal town, which also draws attention with its entertainment opportunities.
Didim Akbük Beach
Didim Akbük Beach (Didim Akbük Plajı), one of the pleasant holiday spots, where you can enjoy the sea and nature, is 20 km away from the centre. As one of the popular beaches, it is popular due to its clean sea and tranquillity compared to other beaches. Akbuk Beach is one of the blue flag certified beaches of Aydın.
Tavşanburnu Beach
It is one of the quieter blue flag certfieid beaches of Didim, where the sea and forest meet. Located in Didim Yalıköy, within the Tavşanburnu Nature Park. There are places to eat and drink, social facilities and a camping area around the beach.
Beşparmak Mountains and Ancient Latmos
Latmos, which had a sacred importance in ancient times, contains interesting natural rock formations formed by the erosion of the rocks eons ago The discovery of an inscription with Luwian hieroglyphs on the Latmos Mountains the present-day Beşparmak Mountains – created a big interest in the history of this region.
The Prehistoric rock paintings of human figures found in a cave at the foot of Mount Latmos date back to 7,000 – 8,000 BCE, and are the proof of the rich cultural and settled life in the region. You can reach the cave in a 45-minute walk on the pathway, which has been used for transportation to olive groves and monasteries and for ritual walks for years. Yediler Monastery (Yediler Manastırı), which seems to have disappeared among the interesting rock formations of Latmos, is a treasure worth seeing with its frescoes painted on the rocks. There are many Byzantine monasteries, monk caves and shelters on the Latmos Rocks (Latmos Taşları).
Bafa Lake Nature Park and Heracleia Ancient City
Bafa Lake, the largest lake in the Aegean Region, is located in the southeast of the Büyük Menderes Delta. The lake, formed as a result of the silting by the Menderes River of the Latmos Bay, is slightly salty and hosts many bird species. Surrounded by tamarisk, olive, and red pine trees, Bafa Lake is an important wintering ground for water birds.
Herakleia Ancient City is located east of the lake. The point where Bafa Lake and Herakleia Ancient City (Herakleia Antik Kenti) meet is one of the most impressive beauties with a magnificent combination of nature and history. Heracleia, which was the episcopal see during the Byzantine Period, is an important centre of worship for Christians. Heraklia, where traces of the prehistoric period can be seen, caused many monasteries and places of worship to be carved into the rock cavities as it provided the opportunity to hide.
Bird Watching Area
Bafa Lake, which is within the boundaries of Aydın and Muğla provinces, is one of the important areas for birds. It gained the IBA (Important Bird Area) status with the breeding populations of the collared pratincole and the spur-winged plover. The dalmatian pelicans, which come from the Büyük Menderes Delta, can be seen in the lake throughout the year. Bafa Lake is of great importance for water birds during winter. Little Grebe, Bahri, Black Necked Grebe, Cormorant, Small Cormorant, Gadwall, Pochard and Wild goose are the main wintering species. Many raptors, especially long-legged buzzard, can be seen between October and April when the water level is high. Bird watchers and those who are interested in bird watching can take a break in this region and easily observe different bird species.
Old Doğanbey Village
Located on the Dilek Peninsula (Dilek Yarımadası) 30 km away from Söke district, old Doğanbey Village is a village abandoned by the Greeks, who migrated to Greece as a result of the population exchange between Greece and Türkiye during the National Resistance. The village, which was founded under the name "Domatia", meaning ‘rooms’ in Greek, took the name of "Doğanbey" over time. The buildings such as houses, shops, hospitals and fountains in the village, which lean against the Mykale Mountains (Dilek Mountains), reflect the architectural features of the late Ottoman period. Houses abandoned by the villagers who settled as a result of the exchange in the past are being restored by their new owners. It attracts photography enthusiasts and those who want to experience authentic life.
Arpaz Castle
The castle, located in Nazilli district, is an 18th century Ottoman period building. The building group located in Esenköy, affiliated to Nazilli, was established on the skirts of the Harpasa Castle (Harpasa Kalesi), a Carian city. In some sources, the name of this place is also referred to as the Arpaz Tower (Arpaz Kulesi). It was built at the beginning of the 19th century by Arpaz Lords, the owners of the large farm enterprise, which covers the cultivated land extending to Akçay. However, the presence of Ottoman Period ruins of the 17th and 18th centuries suggests that the building was built in an earlier period and renovated later.
Körteke Castle
There are city ruins from the Roman and Byzantine periods in the villages around Arapapıştı Canyon (Arapapıştı Kanyonu), within the borders of the Bozdoğan District of Aydın. Körteke Castle (Kale Tepe) is located in the village of Körteke, one of the villages around the Canyon. On the hill where the castle is located, remains of the ancient city of Xyatis, one of the Leleg-type cities from the Carian period, can be seen. There is an acropolis on the rocky hill, a tower in the east and west and a cistern in the middle.
Öküz Mehmetpaşa Caravansarai
Öküz Mehmetpaşa Caravanserai (Öküz Mehmetpaşa Kervansarayı), which looks like a small inner castle, is used as a hotel and touristic facility today. The top of the caravanserai, which was built using rubble stone and spolia, has a triangular tip and a pointed dentil. The two-storey building has rooms lined up around the large inner courtyard. The wide and flamboyant entrance door is surrounded by marble. It has survived until today after being restored in different periods.
Cihanoğlu Mosque
Cihanoğlu Mosque (Cihanoğlu Cami), located in the Köprübaşı Quarter of Aydın city, was built by Müderris Cihanoğlu Abdülaziz in 1756. Although a mixture of rubble stone and bricks was used in the mosque, which has a square plan and was built on a sloping land, bricks are also seen on some other parts. Cihanoğlu Mosque, which was damaged during the war and occupation periods, was repaired in various years. The restoration of the mosque was completed in 2010 and gained it a more aesthetic appearance.
Balat İlyas Bey Mosque and Complex
Located in the village of Balat next to the ancient city of Miletos , the Ilyas Bey Mosque was built in 1404. For the construction of the mosque, also known as the “Cuma Mosque”, marble block stones of the ancient city of Miletos were used. Ilyas Bey Mosque, of which interior and exterior are covered with smooth marble blocks, has a lancet door, which is valuable in terms of stone workmanship. The marble mihrab of the mosque decorated with geometric patterns is the best example of its period. The restoration project of Balat İlyas Bey Complex was awarded by Europa Nostra, which aims to preserve the cultural heritage values of Europe, in the category of “Restoration and Preservation of Historical Artifacts” in 2012.
Eski Çine Ahmet Gazi Mosque
Ahmet Gazi Mosque (Ahmet Gazi Cami), located in the Eski Çine Village of Çine district was built in the first half of the 14th century. It is Aydın's known oldest mosque. Being the largest domed mosque of its period, the mosque named “Grand (Ulu)” has a dome with a diameter of 17 meters and walls of 1.70 meters thickness. Although the interior walls are quite plain, it draws attention with its wood carvings, stylized motifs and various geometric shapes.
“Cittaslow” Yenipazar
Located 40 km east of Aydın, on the south bank of the Büyük Menderes River, Yenipazar is located at the foothill of the Madran Mountain, which is covered with forests at the north. The Orthosia Ancient City, dating back to 2,000 BCE, is the first settlement. Strabon argues that the remains of Orthosia, which is one of the Carian settlement areas, can be seen, and some of the mosaics unearthed in the excavations are exhibited in the Aydın Archaeology Museum.
At the end of the 17th century, a new settlement was established in the present place of Yenipazar by the tribal lord Cihanoğulları. Since it has no connection with trade routes, Yenipazar has made a living from agriculture and animal husbandry from past to present and produces corn, cotton, olive and olive oil, figs and citrus fruits. It has become one of the 18 "Cittaslow" cities of Türkiye with its low population density, its ability to preserve its traditions and customs, original values, culinary culture, the continuity of sincere and close human relations, and the prevalence of a peaceful and calm life. Yörük Ali Efe Museum, Aşağı Dip Lake , Çamlık Picnic Park are among the places worth seeing in Yenipazar. In addition, you can experience the traditional camel wrestling and nomad festivals organized every year to keep the traditional culture alive.
Lush Highlands, Unique Canyons and Caves
Aydın, which is surrounded by mountains due to its geographical structure, has many highlands with clean air and lush nature. Nature lovers and those interested in highland tourism can take nature walks, see the highland houses and experience the local culture in the highlands, where both recreation and sports opportunities can be found. Spectacularly beautiful canyons created by the original geographical structure throughout the centuries provide opportunities of boat tours, mountain trekking, discovering interesting formations in natural wonders, and nature sports.
Paşa Highland
Located approximately 25 kilometres from the centre of Aydın, Paşa Highland (Paşa Yaylası) is at an altitude of 1,200 meters at the foothill of Cevizli Mountain. The highlands on the high slopes of the mountain, offers clean air, a rich vegetation of red pine, black pine, and juniper trees. There are also hotels, old highland houses, and camping and picnic areas to accommodate in the highland atmosphere. The highland, which takes its name from the history, is also called “Paşalar Highland” because the pashas, who ruled the Sanjak during the Ottoman Period, spent the hot summer months in the cool air of the highland.
Madran Highland
Located on the summit of the Madran Mountain (Madran Dağı), which is the highest mountain of Aydın, the Madran Highland (Madran Yaylası) is between the Çine, Yenipazar and Bozdoğan districts. It is possible to reach the top of the mountain and the highland at a 7 km hiking distance from Madran Village (Madran Köyü), which is 4 km away from Bozdoğan district. You can witness different plant and tree species on this route, accompanied by unique views of nature. You can take nature walks and visit the houses in the highland, which attracts the local people, to cool off in the summer months. Since goat breeding is common in the highland, it is possible to see goats and goat hair tents. Also, you can visit Madran Baba Tomb (Madran Baba Türbesi), which is thought to belong to an arrow hunter who lived in the Ottoman Period.
Kahvederesi Highland
Located within the boundaries of Karacasu district, on the skirts of Karıncalı Mountain, Kahvederesi Highland is among the places worth seeing with its natural beauties in different colours, highland houses in greenery, various trees and plant species. Kahvederesi Highland is an ideal place to spend a peaceful time in touch with nature, away from city life.There are also hiking and mountain biking routes for nature sports enthusiasts.
Arapapıştı (İnceğiz) Canyon
Located on the borders of Aydın, Denizli and Muğla provinces, Arapapıştı Canyon (Arapapıştı Kanyonu), also known as İnceğiz Canyon, is a natural wonder to be discovered, and one of the points suitable for domestic boat tourism.
The Arapapıştı Canyon, which was formed by the abrasion of Akçay, which feeds the Kemer Dam (Kemer Barajı) located in Bozdoğan district of Aydın, offers a unique feast of nature with its 380m depth and 6 km length. It is one of the rare areas where history and nature come together in the ruins of the ancient period, and natural formations. The canyon, located between two lakes in the Akçay Valley (Akçay Vadisi), is a region where people used to hide in order to lead a religious life since ancient times. Around the canyon you can see the city ruins of the Roman and Byzantine periods, including the Körteke Castle (Körteke Kalesi)) in the village of Körteke, which is surrounded by villages, and the ruins of the ancient city of Xyatis from the Caria period. Recently a mysterious rock tomb was discovered, which is 2,500 years old and estimated to be of Persian origin. When the water level in the dam is lowered, the “sıra inler” caves, formed by the waters of Akçay, and the historical Kemer Bridge (Kemer Köprüsü), built by the armies of the Macedonian King Alexander the Great, can be seen.
You can take boat tours for 1.5-2 hours, organized in Arapapıştı Canyon. As an alternative way of exploring the canyon, trekking along the pathways can be preferred. Either way, it is possible to take unique shots at different points of this magnificent natural wonder.
Karabağlar Canyon
Karabağlar Canyon (Karabağlar Kanyonu), which has an entrance on the road between Karabağlar village of Karacasu district and Aşağı Görle Village, joins the Görle Canyon. The length of the canyon, of which waters pour into the Kemer Dam (Kemer Baraj Göleti), is 2.5 km, and the depth of water is low at the beginning, reaching 50 meters gradually. There are three waterfalls in the canyon that require a rope descent. Nature sports enthusiasts can have a pleasant time in the canyon, which is wide enough for a person to pass in some parts.
Sırtlanini Cave
Located between the Yukari Camarası and Narlıgedik villages of the Karacasu district, the Sırtlanini Cave is approximately 10 km away from Aphrodisias. The deepest point of the cave, which has a total length of 348 meters, is 32 meters. The main cavity comes after the mouth of the entrance, which is very narrow and can only be entered by crawling. The hall in the form of a large gallery, accessed after a narrow entrance, is divided into 5-6 sections by columns. Ceramic pieces seen in the section near the entrance of the gallery suggest that it was an ancient settlement. Sırtlanini Cave, decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and columns and where bat colonies live, is a natural wonder to see.
Zeus Cave
Zeus Cave (Zeus Mağarası) is an impressive natural cave, which is 100-150 meters away from the entrance of the Güzelçamlı Dilek Peninsula Büyük Menderes Delta National Park, at the foot of the mountain, with very deep, small pool-like puddles formed by the water source coming out of it. The ancient city of Panionion is located at the top of the hill. The place where the water comes out of the cave, which is a complete wonder of nature, is not known exactly. It is guessed that the name Zeus was given to the cave based on the stories about Zeus, God of Sky in Greek mythology. It is rumoured that Zeus fled the anger of his brother Poseidon and took refuge in this cave and bathed in its waters. Zeus Cave is a hidden beauty that must be seen by those who want to visit the National Park.
