Not the Tallest. Just the Most Mesmerising.
First-time visitors to Manavgat Waterfall sometimes arrive expecting dramatic heights and leave surprised — the drop is only 3 to 5 metres. But Manavgat's power was never in its height. The Manavgat River travels 93 kilometres from its source in the western Taurus Mountains, fed largely by underground springs, carrying water that is exceptionally clear, cool, and sediment-free. When that volume of water reaches the limestone ledge here and spreads across its full width, it creates a broad, thundering curtain that is genuinely difficult to look away from. The colour of the water — a translucent turquoise-green that shifts with the light — makes it worth visiting in any season.
The River Behind the Waterfall
The Manavgat River originates near Akdağ, approximately 30 kilometres south of Beyşehir Lake, and flows southward through the Manavgat Plain before emptying into the Mediterranean near Side. The waterfall is fed by the karst spring system of the Dumanlı Kaynak — a source that once emerged dramatically from rock fissures in a burst of steam and foam. After the construction of the Oymapınar Dam upstream, much of this spring system was submerged beneath the reservoir, but the waterfall's flow remains impressive year-round.
In 2023, Manavgat Waterfall was designated a Potential Natural Conservation Area by presidential decree — formal recognition of what visitors have known for decades.
What to Do Here
Manavgat Waterfall is a place to linger rather than simply photograph and leave. The fish restaurants directly beside the waterfall are part of the experience itself — eating freshly caught fish at a table beside the rushing water has become a local ritual that stretches back generations, and for good reason.
Picnic areas spread through the surrounding greenery, tea gardens line the riverbank, and walking paths follow the water's edge. The vegetation around the falls, particularly lush in spring, gives the whole area an atmosphere that feels far removed from the nearby beach resorts.
Boat tours operating from the river mouth toward the waterfall offer a different perspective on the Manavgat River and are a popular option for visitors staying along the coast between Side and Alanya.
Practical Information
- Location: Manavgat district, 3 to 4 km from Manavgat town centre. 72 km from Antalya, 10 km from Side, 60 km from Alanya.
- Getting there: Bus or minibus from Antalya to Manavgat, then minibus or taxi to the waterfall. By car, take the Manavgat junction from the D400 highway and follow signs from the town centre — approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
- Entrance fee: Paid entry.
- Opening hours: Open year-round; summer hours 08:00–19:30.
- Time needed: 30 to 45 minutes for the waterfall itself; allow half a day if you plan to eat or picnic.
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn offer the highest water flow and the most comfortable temperatures. Winter brings higher water levels and occasional flooding at the edges.
- Combine with: Side Ancient City and Aspendos lie on the same route and make a natural full-day circuit.
