Just a few minutes' walk from Turunç's bustling waterfront lies a stunning mountainside canyon with wet season waterfalls, a summer river-bed walk, and amazing mountain views. This is a moderate walk to the back of the village on paved roads then on an easy to follow track with some loose eath and stone in places.
In the wet winter months the riverbed can become a torrent with water flowing from the mountain, so care is required if there has been recent heavy rain. When water is flowing in the river you should NOT attempt to walk along the river or get too close to the waterfalls. For most of the year, however, the riverbed is either completely dry, or dry with some isolated pools of crystal clear water suitable for a summer dip! The route passes a newly constructed dam. Under no circumstances go onto the dam walls.The walk starts at the village Mosque in the middle of Turunç. From here, proceed south along the main street (with the sea on your left), cross over the canal bridge toward Palette Bar.
At Palette Bar turn right until you reach Atatürk Caddesi with Şok supermarket in front of you on the right. Go straight across Atatürk Caddesi to enter 48 Sokak. Follow this road, bending to the right and past the weekly Turunç Market site and children's play area on your left. Keep straight ahead until you reach a T-junction where you turn right into Vatan Caddesi.
Cross over the culvert on Vatan Cadessi, passing 50 Sokak on your left and the Physkos Town Houses on your right until, after 100m, you reach the junction of Sokak 76 and Sokak 75 on your left. There is a spring water tap with a plaque for Alanpinar on the corner between the two roads and you need to take the left fork into Sokak 76.
After 40m turn right into Sokak 72 and climb the steep paved road to the top where the road turns right. On your left is a dirt track rising steeply. Take this track to leave the road.
The track is rutted and loose under foot and climbs steadily before levelling out.
Shortly the dam will come into view below you on the left. Continue past the dam and the track drops down to your left to a flat area on the far side of the dam.
The track proceeds on your right up the hill, parallel to the river bed, but is rather indistinct here so look out for the tree stump cairn that marks the start of this section.
From the tree stump cairn proceed up the track which is indistinct and loose under foot in parts.
The river bed, dry for much of the year with a few clear water pools in the spring, is on your left. In the winter months, or after heavy rain in the mountains, the area is prone to flash flooding so please take great care and avoid approaching the river.
The clearly marked track ascends gently at first, becoming steeper near the top. The track divides occasionally to bypass obstructions but always rejoins a little further ahead. Take care on loose or wet rocks underfoot.
Take some time to stop and appreciate the tranquillity and views of the sea and the canyon, looking down into the river valley below, and also forwards to the rugged mountain tops. It is hard to believe you are only a few minutes away from the bustling Turunç village centre!
As the track becomes steeper, and you approach the top, a rusty water tank appears, capturing spring water from the mountains, and still in use today.
Just beyond this tank the track disappears and you CANNOT proceed safely beyond this point. Please do NOT try! Enjoy the views and then turn around and retrace the track down the mountain.
From the canyon top water tank, retrace your steps taking care over loose or wet rocks until you reach the open area with the dam in front of you.
From here the route diverges from the outbound route.
With the dam in front of you, and to your right, proceed towards the left (near) side of the dam.
Pass by the left hand side of the dam, keeping to the left of the protective fence, and descend the dirt track with care.
After descending from the dam the path opens up ahead. You will pass through an open walled area and see houses ahead.
As you approach the houses there is a large boulder on your right – a reminder of the dam building. Bear right here onto the paved road to pass Hitit 2 Sitesi on your left and carry on to the end of the road where the route joins Vatan Cadesi and you turn right to retrace the route to the Mosque.
Having turned right onto Vatan Caddesi, cross over the culvert and turn immediately left into 48 Sokak. Follow the road past the Turunç Market on your right, until the road bends left and you come to Ataturk Caddesi, with Şok supermarket on your left.
Go straight ahead passing new build shops and apartments on your right until you reach the cross roads with Palette Bar on your right. Turn left here and continue along the main street (Cumhuriyet Caddesi) until you reach the village mosque opposite a second Şok supermarket and the end of the route.