Side-Turkey.

Of all the natural sights around Antalya, the Düden Waterfalls are the ones almost everybody puts on their list - and for good reason. There are actually two of them, fed by the same Düden River but offering completely different scenes. One sits in a green park inland; the other tumbles off a cliff straight into the Mediterranean. If you are staying around Side, Manavgat or the nearby resorts, both are easy to fold into a day exploring the city. Here is what is genuinely worth knowing before you go.

Upper Düden vs Lower Düden: two very different falls

People often hear "Düden" and picture a single waterfall, but it helps to think of them as two separate visits.

Upper Düden (Yukarı Düden)

The Upper Düden Waterfall sits inland, north of the city centre, inside a shady riverside park. Its signature feature is the cave behind the curtain of water - a walkway lets you pass under and behind the falls, so you end up looking out through the cascade. It is leafy, cool in the heat of summer, and an easy stroll for most visitors. According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, it is open every day; current opening hours and entrance fees are best confirmed on the official site or at booking.

Lower Düden (Aşağı Düden)

The Lower Düden Waterfall is the dramatic one. Here the river reaches the coast and plunges off a cliff directly into the sea - a rare sight. You view it from the clifftop terraces of Düden Park, a public park that is free to enter. There is no walking down to the base from here; the spectacle is the drop itself, framed by the open Mediterranean. Many visitors also see it from the water on a boat trip along the coast.

How the falls fit into an Antalya day

The waterfalls pair naturally with Antalya's other highlights. Kaleiçi, the restored old town with its Ottoman-era houses, narrow lanes and old marina, sits in the city centre. Hadrian's Gate, the Roman triumphal arch built around 130 AD for Emperor Hadrian's visit, is right at the edge of Kaleiçi. The Antalya Museum - one of Turkey's most important archaeological collections - and the Seljuk-era Yivli Minaret are also close by. Antalya lies roughly an hour or so west of Side along the coast, so a guided day out can comfortably combine the old town with at least one of the falls.

Practical tips for visiting

Wear comfortable shoes - paths near Upper Düden can be damp and the spray keeps things slippery. Mornings are usually quieter and cooler. Bring a light layer in the cooler months, sun protection in summer, and a phone or camera you do not mind getting a little misty. Do not rely on guessed prices or times online; the Ministry's official page is the reliable source, and on a guided trip everything is confirmed at booking.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Antalya lies about an hour or so west of Side; trip length confirmed at booking
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking
• Includes: Hotel transfers and a guided Antalya itinerary (details confirmed at booking)
• Excludes: Personal spending, meals, and any entrance fees not stated; check official site / confirmed at booking
• Family Friendly: Yes - easy walks suit most ages
• Best Season: Spring to autumn for the fullest greenery and light; pleasant year-round
• Difficulty: Easy; gentle walking on park paths

Related Excursions

• Things to do in Antalya
• Tours & trips from Side
• Explore Alanya
• Discover Kemer
• Things to do in Belek
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there really two Düden waterfalls?

Yes. The Upper Düden sits inland in a riverside park with a cave behind the water; the Lower Düden drops off a coastal cliff straight into the Mediterranean. They are separate places several kilometres apart.

Can you walk behind the Upper Düden waterfall?

There is a walkway that passes behind the curtain of water at Upper Düden, so you can stand behind it and look out through the cascade.

Is there an entrance fee?

Düden Park at the Lower falls is a free public park. The Upper Düden site may charge an entrance fee; current prices and hours should be confirmed on the official Ministry of Culture and Tourism page or at booking.

How far is Antalya from Side?

Antalya is roughly an hour or so west of Side along the coast. On a guided trip the exact timing is confirmed at booking.

Is it suitable for children and older travellers?

Yes. The walks are gentle and short, though paths near the water can be slippery, so sensible footwear helps.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Spring through autumn gives the lushest greenery and good light, but the falls are worth seeing year-round.

Can you see the Lower Düden falls from a boat?

Yes, many visitors view the Lower Düden from the sea on coastal boat trips, which gives the full view of the water dropping off the cliff.

Can I combine the falls with Antalya's old town?

Absolutely. A guided day can pair at least one of the waterfalls with Kaleiçi, Hadrian's Gate and the city centre sights.

Ready to see Düden for yourself? Book DIRECT with the local Murat Atalay team - message us on WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com. Booking direct means no agency or OTA commission, plus our best-price guarantee. We will tailor your Antalya day and confirm every detail before you travel.