Photo: Fatma Şensoy (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source 7 places to visit in the Seydikemer district of Muğla: Saklıkent Canyon, Tlos Ancient City and Yakapark (Yaka Village). Plan your trip to Seydikemer with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Seydikemer is one of the 13 districts of Muğla. It borders Altınyayla and Çavdır districts of Burdur to the north-east, Elmalı and Kaş districts of Antalya to the east, the Mediterranean to the south, and Fethiye district to the west. The district covers 2,208 km².
The district takes its name from the combination of the names of the villages of Seydiler and Kemer, which were previously attached to Fethiye. Kemer town took its name from the historic Kemer Bridge in the neighbourhood. Through Law no. 6360, accepted by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM) on 12 November 2012, the town of Kemer was turned into a district and renamed Seydikemer.
The district was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in 1424. Its name is taken from the historic Kemer Bridge. The district was formed when the town of Kemer, attached to Fethiye, was turned into a district under Law no. 6360.
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Photo: Fatma Şensoy (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source Located within Seydikemer's boundaries, Saklıkent Canyon is 300 metres deep and 18 km long, making it Türkiye's longest canyon. Walks are possible through the narrow passages carved by the Eşen River over millions of years; the ice-cold spring water at the entrance is a highlight.
View on mapTlos, founded on a hill overlooking the Xanthos Valley, was one of the six major cities of the Lycian League. Bellerophon's rock tomb, a Roman stadium, a theatre and the remains of an Ottoman castle can be seen. Its history goes back to the 2nd millennium BC.
View on mapIn the village of Yaka in Seydikemer, pools and waterfalls formed by natural springs emerging from the rocks lie in a lush valley. With its trout farms and traditional restaurants, it is a favourite of day-trippers.
View on mapSidyma, near Dodurga village, is notable for its Lycian-period rock tombs, a Roman bath and a necropolis. The ancient remains mixed in among the village houses are a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.
View on mapOne of the district's important plateaus, often mentioned together with the Girdev plateau.
View on mapCounted among the archaeological and historical protected sites in the district that are open to visitors.
View on mapWhile you are in Seydikemer, you can also see the highlights of Muğla province. These places are in other districts.
Trout raised in the natural spring waters of Yaka village, served grilled or pan-fried in butter. Fish raised in cold spring water has firm, flavourful flesh.
Bread baked in traditional tandır ovens in the villages of Seydikemer, known for its thick, soft texture. It is eaten at breakfast with fresh cheese and olive oil.
Keşkek, prepared by slow-cooking cracked wheat and lamb for hours, is the traditional dish of weddings and festive meals in Seydikemer.
A significant section of the 540 km Lycian Way, chosen as one of the 10 best long-distance walking routes in the world, passes through Seydikemer. The route, linking the ancient cities of Tlos, Sidyma and Pınara, is a favourite of nature and history lovers.
The Yörük culture, still alive in the mountain villages of Seydikemer, continues the tradition of nomadic livestock farming. Yörük tents, kilims woven from goat hair and traditional dishes are living examples of this culture.
Seydikemer's economy is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Olive growing, citrus fruit and greenhouse vegetables are the main agricultural activities. Saklıkent Canyon and Tlos Ancient City generate tourism income. Beekeeping and small-scale livestock farming are the livelihoods of the mountain villages.
Dalaman Airport is 65 km away and Fethiye is 20 km away. Muğla is 110 km away. There are regular minibus services from the district centre to Fethiye.
The 7 highlights of Seydikemer are Saklıkent Canyon, Tlos Ancient City, Yakapark (Yaka Village), Sidyma Ancient City, Seki Plateau, Letoon and Pınara Ancient City.
Yaka Trout, Tandır Ekmeği and Keşkek are the standout dishes at Seydikemer's tables.
Seydikemer is known for its Seydikemer Olive Oil and the Lycian Way. Olive oil obtained by cold pressing olives grown in the district's mountain villages is known for its low acidity.
Dalaman Airport is 65 km away and Fethiye is 20 km away. Muğla is 110 km away. There are regular minibus services from the district centre to Fethiye.
Suggested visit length: 1-2 days. Best time to visit: April to October.