Ören Canyon ist a gorge 25 miles outside of Fethiye in the southern Aegean Region of Türkiye. Although not as large as its counterpart Sakklikent some twenty miles to the south, it shines through spectacular views, and as opposed to it’s more famous sister, is almost completely void of tourists.
Driving from Fethiye in the west, the best approach is via Üzümlü, paying a visit to the ruins of Cadianda on the way, through Ortakoy and up to Araksa. Passing through the village of Ören, follow the Esen stream up towards the Kanyon Restaurant, passing the large fish farm to the right up to the restaurant. Park there and cross the bridge. After enjoying a refreshment at the restaurant, or maybe something more substantial (the restaurant is famous for its excellent salmon dishes) exit through the back door, and follow the path alongside the stream to the spot where this is dammed.
Some wading is needed
At this point you have to cross the stream if you want to continue up into the canyon. The way into it is not easy, there is a lot of climbing and making your way through bushes involved. But you will be rewarded with the most spectacular views, as you can see in the pics below. And the best thing is, you might meet a few of the locals on your way, but that is about it. No mass tourism as in Sakklikent.
The proprietor of the restaurant told us that at the end of the canyon it opens out into a cave through which the stream flows. Apparently you can swim in there. But we didn’t get that far. In hindsight a pity. But to undertake such a journey, which is more than 4 kilometers, you need to be dressed appropriately. But I am sure that we will make it one day.
Cadianda
The drive up to Cadianda is arduous. The road is steep and narrow. Passing other vehicles coming the other way is not easy and takes time and nerves. This is certainly not for the faint hearted.
In comparison to other ruins in this area, Cadianda is maybe a little unspectacular. But highly interesting nonetheless. Originally a Lycian city built on the top of a hill, it is today little more than a ruin with a series of necropoleis. There are also the ruins of an heroon, parts of the city wall, and a cistern, just to name a few.
To get to the top of the site takes time and a bit of effort. The climb is pretty steep in parts.
Araksa
is not really worth a visit on its own. But if you are driving to Ören anyway, take the time to stop and have a look at this row of old Lykian Graves. Araksa was once the intersection of an important street, not much has survived apart from these graves and the ruins of a castle about a kilometer to the North.
