A wide, dramatic cascade on the Manavgat River set within a lovely park with tea gardens and fish restaurants. While not the tallest waterfall, the sheer width and volume of water are impressive, and the area is a popular local picnic destination with a pleasant riverside park.
The Manavgat Waterfall is located on the Manavgat River in the town of Manavgat in eastern Antalya province, approximately two kilometers upstream from the town center and six kilometers from the popular resort area of Side. Unlike the high single-drop waterfalls at Düden, the Manavgat falls are characterized by their width rather than their height. The river spreads over a low limestone shelf roughly 200 meters wide and drops only two to three meters, creating a broad curtain of white water that produces a constant roar and a refreshing mist over the surrounding area. The falls are set within a well-maintained riverside park with paved paths, a footbridge crossing above the cascade, and a series of traditional restaurants and tea gardens occupying terraced platforms over the river. The clarity and pale green color of the Manavgat River, fed by underground limestone springs rather than surface runoff, give the waterfall a particularly vivid appearance. Fish restaurants beside the river serve fresh trout, and these restaurants are popular with Turkish visitors as much as with foreign tourists, giving the site an authentic local character. Market boats at the park entrance sell spices, textiles, and produce. The waterfall park is a natural pairing with a visit to Side ancient city, less than 10 kilometers away. A typical visit to the waterfall and riverside area takes one to one and a half hours.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open 24 hours
- Best time
- morning
- Best for
- families, nature lovers, picnics
Location
Manavgat Şelalesi, Manavgat, Antalya
36.7856, 31.4438 View on map
Highlights
- Wide 200-meter curtain of white water over a low limestone shelf, unusual among Turkish waterfalls
- Crystal-clear pale green river water fed by underground limestone springs
- Traditional riverside restaurants and tea gardens on terraces directly over the water
- Market boats selling spices and produce at the entrance to the waterfall park
- Natural pairing with Side ancient city less than 10 kilometers away
Tips for visiting
- Pleasant tea gardens nearby
- Good for a riverside lunch
- Combine with Side for a full day
When to visit
Morning visits avoid the midday heat and allow a combination with Side in the afternoon. Spring and early summer offer the highest water volume; the falls can be less impressive in late August when river levels drop. The riverside restaurants are most pleasant at lunchtime.
Accessibility
The paved riverside park and main viewing areas around the Manavgat Waterfall are accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility limitations. The footbridge above the falls is accessible. Restaurant terraces vary in accessibility. The market area has a slightly uneven surface.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Manavgat Waterfall impressive compared to Turkey's other falls?
The Manavgat falls are not tall—the drop is only two to three meters—but the width of 200 meters and the clarity of the water make the site visually striking and the sound impressive. It is a different experience from the height-driven drama of the Düden falls.
Is entry to Manavgat Waterfall free?
Access to the waterfall park is free. The riverside restaurants and tea gardens charge separately for food and drinks; the market area is also free to browse.
Can the Manavgat Waterfall be combined with Side in one day?
Yes, the two sites are well suited as a combined day trip. Most visitors explore Side ancient city and the temple in the morning and stop at the Manavgat falls for lunch on the way back.