Twice now we’ve gone to Cyprus Canyon to hike. It’s about 30 minutes drive from our apartment and located just outside the city. In Turkish it is Kıbrıs Köyü Kanyonu. It’s an easy drive, though the last km is narrow, dirt, and looks like you’re not heading the right way! I wouldn’t drive it in the rain.

Park a little bit away from the entrance on this pull out for easier exiting (there’s only street parking and turning around is harder right at the entrance). Then walk along the road until you get to a gate. Pass the gate and head across the (empty!) parking lot to the path.

The path is narrow with lots of overgrown branches and trees. If you’re tall, or carrying a baby in a hiking carrier, you’ll be bending over some. Parts of the path get really muddy if there has been rain, so wear shoes that handle the mud well!

A creek goes along the path at the base of the valley. We like to hike all the way to the waterfall first, and then explore and play around the creek on the walk back. The walk is only about 1/2 mile to the waterfall. There is a dirt/pebbly flat area near a small water pool where we like to picnic. Kids enjoy building bridges out of rocks to cross the creek. They’re going to get wet, so bring a change of clothes in the car! And a change of shoes!

If you’re feeling adventurous, climb up the rocks to the left of the waterfall and you’ll find another path that continues along the canyon. The kids really enjoyed exploring and climbing. We went with friends the 2nd time, and ages 4 and up did fine with the hiking. They just needed a hand on some of the rocks or big mud jumps. The toddler was in a carrier for most of it.