canyons Marmara

Ballıkayalar Canyon

A one-hour drive from İstanbul, Ballıkayalar Canyon is among the few canyons in Türkiye that you can visit every month of the year. Hiking and trekking are possible in the canyon throughout the year, and particularly from March to June, and September to November.

There are no lodging facilities at Ballıkayalar, but camping is possible. The canyon’s highest point is the best camping spot.

Ballıkayalar Canyon is a stopover for migrant birds. If you are lucky, you might be able to take some extraordinary photos here!

Şahinderesi Canyon

Nestled in the greenery of the district of Altınoluk, a popular holiday destination on the skirts of the Ida Mountains, Şahinderesi Canyon is the reason this district is called an “oxygen paradise.” The canyon is located on Mount Ida that is known in Turkish as “Kaz Dağları.”The mountain separates the Aegean and Marmara regions of Türkiye, and in antiquity it was described as the "Mountain of the Goddess” and was considered sacred. Mount Ida is mentioned in Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid.

With all its greenery and astounding production of oxygen, Şahinderesi Canyon is a favored destination of nature lovers. The canyon is approximately 27 kilometers long with healing plants and herbs. It reminds one of a paradise. Reaching the canyon is only possible with a four-wheel drive vehicle. If you would like to discover the area in more depth, joining a guided tour is highly recommended.

Harmankaya Canyon

Harmankaya Canyon is located between the districts of Yenipazar and İnhisar of Bilecik Province. The canyon has two large waterfalls – one is 25 m tall and the other is 20 m tall - and dozens of smaller waterfalls measuring between 1.5 and 2 m. The area of 260 hectares was declared a nature park in 2013.  

The Harmankaya Canyon Nature Park is popular for canyoning and rock climbing. Other fun outdoor activities are walking along the paths of varying length, picnicking, and birdwatching.

The park is the natural habitat of wild boars, wolves, foxes, coyotes, rabbits, and a variety of small mammals.

 

Other Canyons in the Marmara Region

Cennet Canyon
Harmankaya Canyon
Harmanköy Canyon
Sadağı Canyon
Sansarak Canyon
Serindere Canyon
Soğukdere Canyon
Tuzla Canyon