Alara Stream Canyon

History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore Alara Stream Canyon is a historical water valley that rises from the heart of the Taurus Mountains and reaches the Mediterranean and has been the lifeblood of trade, civilization and defense since ancient times. The paths along the canyon provided caravan passage between the Alara Castle and Alara Inn on the coast and the inner Taurus Mountains during the Roman and Seljuk periods. According to local legends, the water of the emerald green natural pools formed by the Alara Stream on the canyon floor has been seen as an elixir that rejuvenates the skin and heals diseases, as it is fed by the thousand-year-old snow of the Geyik Mountains. The hum of the river as it crossed the canyon rocks was considered the symphony of the water gods in ancient times. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features The canyon extends between steep limestone cliffs, between elevations of approximately 600 and 850 meters above sea level. The height of the canyon walls reaches 100 meters at some points. There are 'giant cauldrons' and turquoise colored natural swimming pools formed by the erosion of huge rocks at the bottom of the stream. Oleanders, grand plane trees, wild vines, thyme and laurel trees grow throughout the valley. Freshwater chub and natural trout live in the river. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees