One of the lesser-known but truly enjoyable experiences in Türkiye is kayaking in some of the most spectacular environments.

From sunken cities to caves and bays to surreal lakes and forested creeks with Amazonian swimming pools, Türkiye's southern coast has some prime spots to paddle.

Any kayak will be a fun and relaxing ride that can be added to any trip, or be the sole purpose of a trip. Türkiye has some amazing kayaking spots like these below.

1. Kargcak Bay

Kagcak Bay is a pristine, seemingly private beach club, known more for its food made from produce grown on organic farms, and for live music on weekends with residents and visiting DJs.

As for kayaking or going on SUP boards, there is a natural turquoise pool on the left where one may take a halt or proceed to Turtle Beach on the right to observe the cavernous coves along the route.

This is the best condition for sea kayaking, afternoon the wind and waves get stronger, so you want to go there early in the day or when the sun goes down because, in between, it is also unbearably hot.

2. Akapnar

To the northeast of Ula, there is a village that can easily be mistaken for a small town, its name is Akapnar, an hour's drive from Ula, and these days it is famous for the kite beach of Gkova and the subdivision of Akyaka.

With an Italian restaurant, two co-working spaces, a vintage clothes shop, and more, Kite Beach is quickly becoming a hotspot for digital nomads. The community also includes a tiny creek that runs right to Kite Beach.

Kayaks and SUP boards can be rented at Akapnar or the Mercedes Benz Kite School on Kite Beach, and the creek has a spectacular natural pool area, known locally as the "Amazon".

3. Brdübet

Speaking of the Amazon, the Amazon Club in Brdübet in Marmaris is a camp with gypsy caravans to live in and a creek to kayak down to the sea.

The Amazon Club, located in a pine forest around 500 meters from the beach, is a perfect place to spend the day kayaking from the creek to the sea and the night eating a home-cooked buffet while gazing at the stars.

This camping spot has long been a hidden haven for the hipster crowd of professionals and families looking to spend some time in nature.

4. Kekova Island

In fact, one of the most fascinating experiences in Türkiye is kayaking over the sunken city of Simena (now Kalekoy) on the island of Kekova.

This deserted island close to Demre in Antalya is one of the most breathtaking kayaking destinations ever. You can kayak on ancient buildings, tombs, and structures dating back to the fourth century BC.

The area is protected and therefore uninhabited, but guided kayak tours can take you there from popular resorts like Kaş, Kalkan, and Antalya.

5. Bafa Lake

Located near Milas in Mugla, Bafa Lake is seen from the main road and is a place with a tropical feel, graced by plants and birds.

The lake opens out to the sea and has a small islet where you can paddle around and see cormorants and kingfishers, and the rock formations around the lake are the more famous places in the area.