Göynük Kanyonu (Göynük Canyon)
For a cool, memorable day hike, pack a picnic and trek up the Göynük gorge. Drive north of Phaselis to the corner of the coast where the town of Göynük ends and Beldibi begins, a point clearly marked by blue "city limits" signs at the bridge over a riverbed. Turn inland onto the unmarked tarmac and dirt track on the northern bank of the river, and follow sporadic signs to the "wasserfall" into the gorge. When you no longer feel comfortable with the rockiness of the track, park by the side of the road and walk on up. Having a guide with you is handy but not essential—red-painted signs from a local café will keep you on the right path. Take note: when the driveable road definitively ends, take the path up the left-hand gorge—not the steeper right-hand one—follow the main river, cross to the far banks, then back again about five minutes later to a forest track carved into the side of the mountain.
Nearly an hour from the last car park, the road turns into a path, and drops down to the river. You can take a refreshing swim where the cold, clear river flows through a long, deep crevasse carved by the water through the rock. Follow the rope and walk the first section of the canyon, with chilly waist-deep water. With good waterproof shoes you can continue up some small waterfalls and rocky ledges as far as you feel safe—just observe the usual precautions like not canyoning after recent rain. A variety of organized activities is also available in the canyon, including jeep tours, rafting excursions, and zip-lining.
