Are you looking for a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of Antalya? Do you want to witness one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Turkey? If yes, then you should not miss the Manavgat Waterfall, a stunning natural attraction that will take your breath away. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about visiting the Manavgat Waterfall, including how to get there, what to do and see, and what else to explore nearby. Whether you are a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or a culture enthusiast, you will find something to enjoy at the Manavgat Waterfall.
What is the Manavgat Waterfall and Why is it Famous?
The Manavgat Waterfall is a waterfall located on the Manavgat River, about 3 km north of the town of Manavgat, and about 80 km east of Antalya. The waterfall is not very high, only about 4 meters, but it is very wide, about 40 meters, and has a very powerful flow rate, especially in spring and autumn. The waterfall creates a misty and rainbow-filled atmosphere, and produces a thundering sound that can be heard from a distance.
The Manavgat Waterfall is famous for its natural beauty, diversity, history, and culture. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, colorful flowers, and diverse wildlife, such as turtles, ducks, fish, and birds. The waterfall is also a popular spot for swimming, rafting, safari, boating, dining, and picnicking. The waterfall has a rich history and culture, as it is located near the ancient city of Side, which was once a major port and trade center in the Mediterranean. The waterfall is also a symbol of the Manavgat region, which is known for its agriculture, tourism, and cuisine.
How to Get to the Manavgat Waterfall from Antalya and Other Locations
There are different ways to reach the Manavgat Waterfall from Antalya and other nearby locations, depending on your budget, time, and preference. Here are some of the most common options:
- By minibus: You can take a minibus (dolmus) from Antalya to Manavgat, which takes about 1.5 hours and costs about 10 TL. From Manavgat, you can take another minibus to the waterfall, which takes about 15 minutes and costs about 3 TL. The minibuses run frequently and are easy to find.
- By car: You can rent a car from Antalya and drive to the waterfall, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You can follow the D400 highway, which is well signposted and scenic. The parking fee at the waterfall is about 5 TL.
- By boat: You can take a boat from Antalya to the waterfall, which takes about 2 hours and costs about 50 TL. The boat ride is a relaxing and enjoyable way to see the coastline and the river. The boat stops at the waterfall for about an hour, giving you enough time to explore and take photos.
Some tips and advice on how to plan and prepare for the trip are:
- The best time to visit the waterfall is in spring or autumn, when the water level is high and the weather is pleasant. The summer can be very hot and crowded, and the winter can be cold and rainy.
- The opening hours of the waterfall are from 8 am to 8 pm, every day of the week. The entrance fee is 10 TL for adults and 5 TL for children. You can also use the Museum Card, which gives you free access to many museums and attractions in Turkey.
- The waterfall is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, so it can get very busy, especially on weekends and holidays. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
What to Do and See at the Manavgat Waterfall
There are plenty of things to do and see at the Manavgat Waterfall, whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or fun. Here are some of the most popular activities and attractions:
- Swimming: You can swim in the cool and refreshing water of the river, which is a great way to beat the heat and enjoy the nature. There are designated swimming areas, with changing rooms and showers. You can also rent a locker to store your belongings. The water is clean and safe, but be careful of the strong currents and rocks.
- Rafting: You can experience the thrill of rafting on the rapids of the river, which is a fun and exciting activity for all ages and levels. You can join a guided rafting tour, which provides you with the equipment, instruction, and safety measures. The rafting tour lasts about 2 hours and costs about 100 TL per person.
- Safari: You can explore the countryside and the wildlife of the Manavgat region, which is a scenic and adventurous activity for nature lovers. You can join a safari tour, which takes you on a jeep or a quad bike, through the forests, fields, and villages. The safari tour lasts about 3 hours and costs about 150 TL per person.
- Boating: You can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the river, which is a relaxing and romantic activity for couples and families. You can rent a boat, a canoe, or a pedal boat, and cruise along the river, admiring the views and the wildlife. The boat rental fee is about 20 TL per hour.
- Dining: You can taste the delicious and authentic cuisine of the Manavgat region, which is a satisfying and cultural activity for foodies. You can find many restaurants and cafes near the waterfall, offering a variety of dishes, such as grilled fish, meatballs, salads, soups, and desserts. You can also try the local specialties, such as the Manavgat pilaf, the Manavgat cheese, and the Manavgat honey.
- Picnicking: You can have a picnic in the shaded and grassy areas near the waterfall, which is a cozy and enjoyable activity for friends and families. You can bring your own food and drinks, or buy them from the nearby shops and stalls. You can also rent a picnic table, a barbecue, or a hammock, for a small fee.
Some of the best spots and views to admire and photograph the waterfall are:
- The observation deck: You can get a panoramic view of the waterfall and the river from the observation deck, which is located on the right side of the entrance. You can also see the bridge and the boats from here. This is a great spot for taking photos and videos, especially in the morning or evening, when the light is soft and the colors are vivid.
- The bridge: You can get a close-up view of the waterfall and the river from the bridge, which is located on the left side of the entrance. You can also feel the spray and the breeze from here. This is a great spot for taking selfies and group photos, especially with the rainbow effect in the background.
- The riverbank: You can get a different perspective of the waterfall and the river from the riverbank, which is located on both sides of the bridge. You can also see the wildlife and the vegetation from here. This is a great spot for taking candid and natural photos, especially with the water and the greenery in the foreground.
What Else to Explore Near the Manavgat Waterfall
There are many other places of interest and attractions that you can explore near the Manavgat Waterfall, if you have more time and curiosity. Here are some of the most recommended ones:
- The ancient city of Side: You can visit the ancient city of Side, which is located about 10 km south of the waterfall, on the Mediterranean coast. Side was once a major port and trade center, and has many historical and cultural monuments, such as the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Theater, the Agora, and the Museum. You can also enjoy the sandy beaches, the turquoise sea, and the lively nightlife of Side.
- The Manavgat River: You can follow the Manavgat River, which is the longest river in Antalya, and flows from the Taurus Mountains to the Mediterranean Sea. The river has many scenic and natural spots, such as the Oymapinar Dam, the Green Canyon, the Green Lake, and the Delta. You can also join a river cruise, which takes you from the waterfall to the sea, passing by the ancient city of Seleucia, the fishing village of Alanya, and the turtle beach of Belek.
- The Manavgat Market: You can shop at the Manavgat Market, which is located in the center of the town of Manavgat, and is open every Monday and Thursday. The market is one of the largest and most colorful markets in Turkey, and sells a variety of products, such as fruits, vegetables, spices, textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs. You can also bargain with the vendors, and experience the local culture and atmosphere of the market.
Some of the best tours and packages that you can book to experience the Manavgat Waterfall and its surroundings are:
- Manavgat Waterfall and River Cruise with Lunch: This is a full-day tour that combines the waterfall and the river cruise, with a delicious lunch included. You can enjoy the beauty and the activities of the waterfall, and then board a boat that takes you along the river, to the ancient city of Seleucia, the fishing village of Alanya, and the turtle beach of Belek.
- Manavgat Waterfall and Side Full-Day Tour from Antalya: This is a full-day tour that combines the waterfall and the ancient city of Side, with a professional guide and a comfortable vehicle. You can explore the history and culture of Side, and see the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Theater, the Agora, and the Museum. You can also enjoy the beaches, the sea, and the nightlife of Side. You can then visit the waterfall and admire its beauty and power, and have some free time to swim, raft, or picnic.
- Manavgat Waterfall and Green Canyon Full-Day Tour from Antalya: This is a full-day tour that combines the waterfall and the Green Canyon, with a delicious lunch and a relaxing boat ride. You can visit the waterfall and experience its attractions and activities, and then drive to the Green Canyon, which is a natural wonder with turquoise water and green cliffs. You can board a boat that takes you through the canyon, and enjoy the scenery and the wildlife. You can also swim, fish, or sunbathe on the boat.
Conclusion
The Manavgat Waterfall is one of the most amazing and enjoyable destinations in Antalya, and a perfect place to escape from the city and connect with nature. The waterfall offers a variety of things to do and see, for all kinds of travelers and interests. You can also discover the other attractions and places near the waterfall, such as the ancient city of Side, the Manavgat River, and the Manavgat Market.
You can also book some of the best tours and packages that will make your visit to the waterfall more memorable and convenient. If you are planning to visit Antalya, make sure to include the Manavgat Waterfall in your itinerary, and you will not regret it.
