Exploring nature's marvels: Türkiye's spectacular canyons

The centuries-long journey of Zarı Creek has formed the Horma Canyon, which resembles a natural aquarium, the Valla Canyon, considered the second deepest canyon in the world, the Ilgarini Cave, stated to be the fourth largest cave in the world, and Pınarbaşı, where the Ilıca Waterfall is located. Approximately 150,000 domestic and foreign visitors visited the area last year. With its depth reaching up to 1200 meters in some parts and its many risks, the Valla Canyon, spanning about 12 kilometers, is considered one of the most challenging canyons to pass through. It offers visitors the opportunity to observe natural beauties from observation terraces. The 'giant cliff swing,' built on a steel profile 10 meters high and 20 meters wide, has also been completed in the area where the Kerte Observation Terrace of the canyon is located. The Horma Canyon has been made passable from one end to the other with a 3-kilometer wooden platform mounted on rocks using nails. The entire beauty of the canyon can be seen while crossing the wooden platform. Social areas have also been created at the entrance of the canyon for visitors to rest. After passing through Horma, visitors reach the Ilıca Waterfall, where the water falls from a height of 10 meters, forming a natural pool, attracting great interest, especially during the summer days. The waterfall offers a visual feast to visitors throughout the year. Şenol Yaşar, the Mayor of Pınarbaşı, stated that Pınarbaşı is the flagship of the region in terms of tourism. He pointed out that the region is famous for its canyons and said, 'You don't need to go to Arizona, USA, to see canyons. In Türkiye, in Kastamonu's Pınarbaşı district, you can see something much better.' He mentioned that they had a busy Eid al-Adha, with 60,000 visitors to the Horma Canyon in just 9 days. The season started in the month of Ramadan and in four months, they have already matched the number of visitors from the previous year. With four more months left in the season, they hope to surpass last year's figures. Yaşar also talked about the investments made in the region and stated, 'The construction of the spiral terrace in the Valla Canyon, located in Muratbaşı village, is ongoing. A giant cliff swing and a glass terrace were built in a place that corresponds to a depth of 650 meters, which you will not see anywhere else in Türkiye. The operation tender will be held soon, and it will be put into service. The number of visitors will increase even more when this place opens. The Horma Canyon, along with the Valla spiral terrace in Muratbaşı and the giant cliff swing in the area where the Kerte Observation Terrace is located, will continue to attract visitors to Pınarbaşı.' He also mentioned that they will establish a connection to the sea for the district. Although they cannot bring the sea to Pınarbaşı, they will bring it closer by 60 kilometers. Currently, the distance between Cide and Pınarbaşı is 120 kilometers. They are working on a road from Kerte with the help of the forest management and DSİ to Cide. When completed, the distance between Pınarbaşı and both Cide and the sea will be 60 kilometers. This means that Pınarbaşı will be at the heart of nature tourism, with cultural tourism in Safranbolu, which is 60 kilometers away on one side, and sea tourism on the other side. Thus, Pınarbaşı will continue to grow and develop in terms of tourism.