Located on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, not far from Antalya, Manavgat is a tourist paradise thanks to its stunning waterfalls, ancient ruins, and nearby beaches.
Situated a few miles north of the city, Manavgat Waterfalls are an inspiring sight. Not only that, you can take a (completely safe) dip on the falls' edge, refreshing your toes in the Turkish heat.
You can take relaxing river cruises down the Manavgat River from the city to Side, incorporating swimming, fine food, and hours spent drifting in the sunshine.
One of the city's prime attractions, the Grand Bazaar is a massive shopping destination, where designer brands, electronics, antiques, and crafts are all on display for tourists to purchase.
Manavgat almost blends into Side, an ancient port that's home to a 2,000-year-old theater and the temples of Apollo and Athena.
The Mediterranean coast near Manavgat is lined with exceptional beaches, including two at the port of Side as well as resort villages like Kızılağaç.
The Manavgat River provides visitors with a wide variety of water activities from rafting to cruises, but the most popular river attraction is the falls. The waterfall is a treat for the senses. The deep turquoise water and white foaming falls span the width of the river and create a deep thundering roar. Visitors dipping their feet in the river will find it surprisingly cold and refreshing in the Turkish heat. A variety of shops and restaurants provide a chance to treat your taste buds to delicious local food.
These well-preserved ruins of an ancient Greek city are a view of life two thousand years ago and allow visitors to imagine a bustling city of the distant past. Its location in a hilly, aromatic forest is also naturally picturesque in its own right, with winding roads and scenic overlooks. The combination of historic ruins and nature make the site a can't-miss destination.
Natural beauty, history and adventure combine for an unforgettable experience at Köprülü Canyon National Park. Stretching for 8.7 miles along the Köprü River, the canyon is up to 1300 feet deep. Covered with fragrant cypress and cedar trees and rugged rock formations, its beauty is truly a sight to see. The canyon is an ideal place for white water rafting, hiking, ziplining, and even horse, donkey and ATV riding. There are also remnants of ancient Greek civilization including temples, an agora and a theater. Not to be missed is the Roman Oluklu Bridge over the canyon, an amazing engineering accomplishment for its time and still a unique and picturesque scene today.
Just south of Manavgat is Side, a peninsula on the Mediterranean Sea featuring the ruins of an ancient Greek city. The well-preserved Greek ampitheater is particularly impressive, with an original seating capacity of 15,000-20,000. Other popular sites are the Temple of Apollo and its counterpart, the Temple of Athena. Nearby resorts and beaches provide a great place to relax after a day of viewing ancient wonders.
Here's the perfect opportunity for travelers to enjoy a break from touring to simply have fun in the water. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the number and variety of waterslides and pools available in the Nashira Waterpark. Families and groups will enjoy the chance to be active and be in the water, while those who just want to unwind can enjoy a relaxing day poolside. Solar-powered heating means that winter guests can still relax, have fun and enjoy the water and rides.
The Manavgat River provides visitors with a wide variety of water activities from rafting to cruises, but the most popular river attraction is the falls. The waterfall is a treat for the senses. The deep turquoise water and white foaming falls span the width of the river and create a deep thundering roar. Visitors dipping their feet in the river will find it surprisingly cold and refreshing in the Turkish heat. A variety of shops and restaurants provide a chance to treat your taste buds to delicious local food.
These well-preserved ruins of an ancient Greek city are a view of life two thousand years ago and allow visitors to imagine a bustling city of the distant past. Its location in a hilly, aromatic forest is also naturally picturesque in its own right, with winding roads and scenic overlooks. The combination of historic ruins and nature make the site a can't-miss destination.
Natural beauty, history and adventure combine for an unforgettable experience at Köprülü Canyon National Park. Stretching for 8.7 miles along the Köprü River, the canyon is up to 1300 feet deep. Covered with fragrant cypress and cedar trees and rugged rock formations, its beauty is truly a sight to see. The canyon is an ideal place for white water rafting, hiking, ziplining, and even horse, donkey and ATV riding. There are also remnants of ancient Greek civilization including temples, an agora and a theater. Not to be missed is the Roman Oluklu Bridge over the canyon, an amazing engineering accomplishment for its time and still a unique and picturesque scene today.
Just south of Manavgat is Side, a peninsula on the Mediterranean Sea featuring the ruins of an ancient Greek city. The well-preserved Greek ampitheater is particularly impressive, with an original seating capacity of 15,000-20,000. Other popular sites are the Temple of Apollo and its counterpart, the Temple of Athena. Nearby resorts and beaches provide a great place to relax after a day of viewing ancient wonders.
Here's the perfect opportunity for travelers to enjoy a break from touring to simply have fun in the water. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the number and variety of waterslides and pools available in the Nashira Waterpark. Families and groups will enjoy the chance to be active and be in the water, while those who just want to unwind can enjoy a relaxing day poolside. Solar-powered heating means that winter guests can still relax, have fun and enjoy the water and rides.
Great Turkish kebabs, wraps, and stews are to be had at restaurants like Oba, Tas Konak, and ÖzKonya - all of which are in the center of town. Surf Bar Restaurant and Afrodit Restaurant are good places closer to the coast. Meals should come to no more than ₺25 - ₺30.
Manavgat is a joy to visit in the early summer, between May and early July, when the weather is hot - but not too hot. It's a great fall destination too.
Antalya is the closest airport, about 45 miles to the northwest. From there, you can take a couple of buses (via Antalya), which take two hours and cost ₺25, or take a taxi for ₺90 - ₺100.
If you are driving from Antalya, take the D400 (which also runs from Adana to the south).
Havas provides bus services along the Turkish Mediterranean coast.
Manavgat - the city of Manavgat is mainly residential, but has charms of its own, such as the Grand Bazaar, the falls, and the Külliye Mosque.
Side - Side is an ancient port packed with ancient temples and theaters and possessing a superb museum of Roman and Greek sculpture.
Side Beach - located at the mouth of the Manavgat River, this is where you'll find most of the best resorts, including Paradise Side Beach Hotel, as well as attractions like Nashira Aquapark.
Manavgat offers a choice of dolmus (minibuses) or standard public buses.
Expect to pay a meter drop of ₺3.10, followed by at least ₺4 per mile after that.
Car rental options in Manavgat include Avis and Europcar, and rates can be as low as ₺20 per day.
The Grand Bazaar is Manavgat's best place to shop, but you might also try Nova Mall in the west of the city. Side also has plenty of craft stores and boutiques.
Local supermarkets include MM Migros and Bim, where 12 eggs will cost around ₺6.