Goynuk holidays

Holidays to Goynuk take you to a lesser-known Turkish spot where natural sights and a traditional town take centre stage.

A crowd-free corner of Turkey

Goynuk – a town plotted in Turkey’s Antalya region – is a blend of nature and tradition, so if you’re keen to explore one of the country’s lesser-trodden spots, add it to your list. Days here can be as relaxed or adventure-filled as you like. There’s Goynuk Canyon National Park and the Taurus Mountains on the doorstep, a beach to sprawl out on, and a quiet town to mooch around. And if you fancy mixing things up a bit, you can take daytrips to the likes of Antalya and the ancient city of Phaselis.

Canyons, countryside and the coast

If there’s one thing Goynuk’s known for, it’s nature. Goynuk Canyon National Park is your go-to spot for canoeing, zip-lining and cooling off in mountain springs, so add it to your to-do list if you fancy a bit of adventure. The nearby Taurus Mountains are full of thrill-seeking opportunities, too – like jeep safaris through green, waterfall-studded valleys. And if you’d rather kick back for a while, you can always head to the pebbly beachfront for sea swimming and sunbathing.

A traditional town

When it comes to the town itself, Goynuk has a local vibe – think parks, mosques, baklava-filled bakeries and restaurants serving traditional Turkish dishes. There are no big crowds around here. Instead, you’ll find quiet, residential roads and views of tree-carpeted mountains in the distance. Kemer – a 10-minute taxi ride away – delivers more of the same, as well as a quaint harbour and souvenir-laden markets.

Hop to historic hotspots

Goynuk’s a great base for exploring the whole of the Antalya region. In under an hour’s drive, you can be getting lost in the winding streets of Antalya’s old town, which is a treasure trove of tiny shops, shady courtyards and restored Ottoman houses, all tucked inside imposing city walls. And, it only takes 20 minutes to reach the ancient city of Phaselis. You can pair sightseeing with sunbathing at this historic spot – its Greek and Roman ruins are plotted just steps away from the pebbly seafront.