Kurudere Kanyonu

About Kurudere Kanyonu

Kurudere Kanyonu is a forested canyon at Nazarköy in the Kemalpaşa district, on the slopes of Nif Dağı east of İzmir. Nazarköy, the village at its mouth, was once called Kurudere and is known for making blue glass evil-eye beads. A stream runs along the approach to the canyon, and Visit İzmir lists the area as a recreation site managed by Kemalpaşa Municipality that suits nature walks and birdwatching. Nature Red pine dominates the vegetation, mixed with Mediterranean species such as kermes oak, mastic and strawberry tree. The canyon is rich in forest birds, including great tit, blue tit and chaffinch, and gives shelter, food and breeding ground to wild boar, jackal, fox and hare. Walking The provincial culture and tourism directorate lists a 15 km route from Nazarköy through Kurudere Kanyonu to Dede Dağı, the Nif trout farm and Kemalpaşa. It runs on footpaths, is graded medium to hard and takes about 6 to 7 hours on foot. The recommended seasons are October to April and March to May. Seasonal restrictions The directorate notes that in the rainy season the canyon carries water and cannot be crossed, and that entry to the canyon is banned from June to October because of the forest fire risk. Check current access rules with Kemalpaşa Municipality before going, and walk with an experienced group or club if you do not know the area.