A coastal town near Antalya known for its 4-meter waterfall, traditional spice markets, and river cruises. The Side ruins and pine forests lie within 10km.
Manavgat sits 75 kilometers from Antalya on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, where its namesake river creates a five-meter waterfall popular for swimming and boat trips. You can walk through 2,000-year-old marble streets in Side, raft through the 400-meter-deep Köprülü Canyon, or relax on sandy beaches along the 64-kilometer coastline. The town's twice-weekly bazaar fills several blocks with spice vendors, fruit sellers, and carpet weavers.
Swimming at Manavgat Waterfall
The Manavgat Waterfall drops five meters over a natural ledge, creating a wide curtain of white water that flows year-round. You can swim in the designated areas near the falls, where the water stays cold at 12°C even during summer months. Walk up the stepped platforms to see the falls from different angles and watch the water rush over the rocks. Stop at one of the riverside cafes for Turkish coffee, ayran (yogurt drink), or fresh-made gözleme flatbread with spinach or cheese filling.
Mediterranean Beaches
The coastline near Manavgat includes several sandy beaches that slope gradually into the sea. At Kumköy Beach, you can walk along seven kilometers of sand, swim, or try water sports like jet skiing and parasailing. Side's two beaches stretch out on either side of the ancient harbor, letting you swim while looking at the stone columns of the Apollo Temple. Most beaches have rental chairs and umbrellas available, with cafes serving drinks and snacks along the waterfront.
River Activities and Köprülü Canyon
The Manavgat River flows from the Taurus Mountains through Köprülü Canyon National Park. You can go rafting on a 14-kilometer stretch of rapids from April to October. Look up at canyon walls rising 400 meters high, with pine forests growing along the ridges and wild goats climbing the slopes. Take a river cruise from Manavgat to Side to spend six hours on the water with three swimming stops and lunch included.
Shopping at Manavgat Bazaar
Every Monday and Thursday, hundreds of vendors set up stalls in the Grand Bazaar across several blocks of the town center. Walk through the northern section for fresh produce and spices, the central area for textiles and clothing, and the southern part for household goods. Local farmers sell seasonal fruits and vegetables, while artisans display hand-woven carpets, leather bags, and metal works. Look for spice vendors with their colorful bins of seasonings, Turkish delight, and local honey.
Ancient Side
Walk through the ruins of Side, 3 kilometers from Manavgat's center, to see Roman structures from the 2nd century BC. The main theater, cut into a hillside, has room for 20,000 people and still has most of its original seats and stage. Follow the marble-paved streets through the old city gates to reach the harbor, where the temples of Apollo and Athena stand on a peninsula next to the Mediterranean Sea.
Getting Around
Catch a dolmuÅŸ (minibus) between Manavgat, Side, and the beaches - they run every 15-20 minutes during the day. Buses leave from Antalya Airport to Manavgat every hour, taking about 90 minutes along the coastal highway. You can walk to most historical sites and the bazaar within 20 minutes from the town center. Look for metered taxis at marked stands throughout town.
