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Just inland from Side, where the Manavgat River runs cool and green toward the Mediterranean, sits the town of Manavgat. Most visitors pass through it on the way to somewhere else, which is a shame, because Manavgat rewards anyone who slows down. As a local team based on this stretch of the Turkish Riviera, we have spent years showing guests around, and this is the honest, practical guide we wish more people had before arriving. No invented prices, no padding, just what is genuinely worth your time.

The Manavgat Waterfall and the River

Start with the landmark that gives the town its postcard image. The Manavgat Waterfall (Manavgat Şelalesi) sits about three kilometres west of the town centre, where the river spills over low cliffs of roughly five metres. Do not expect a thundering plunge; this is a wide, gentle cascade, and that is exactly its charm. The water is loud, the spray is cool, and the riverside park around it is shaded by plane trees, willows and poplars.

Around the falls you will find walking paths and riverside restaurants, several built out over the water itself. This is where Manavgat slows you down: a long lunch of grilled river trout or sea bass, with the green water sliding past below your table. Combine the waterfall with a river boat trip and you get the full picture of the Manavgat River, which official sources record as roughly 93 kilometres long, fed by cold underground springs.

Market Day, Old Town and Everyday Manavgat

The weekly Manavgat market is one of the largest in the region and a genuine slice of local life. Stalls run for what feels like forever: spices, olives, local cheeses, fresh produce, textiles and the inevitable counterfeit football shirts. Go early, bring small notes, and be ready to bargain politely. It is the best place to taste the area before you ever sit down in a restaurant.

Beyond the market, simply wandering the streets near the river, browsing the shops and stopping for Turkish tea is its own pleasure. Manavgat is a working town, not a resort, and that authenticity is the point.

Manavgat as a Gateway: Canyons and Side

Manavgat is the springboard for some of Antalya's best nature. To the north lies Green Canyon, the turquoise reservoir behind the Oymapınar Dam, where boat trips glide between steep forested walls. Further northeast is the Köprülü Canyon National Park, a protected area of around 37,000 hectares in the Manavgat district, with a river valley about 14 kilometres long and canyon walls reaching up to 400 metres. It is the home of rafting on the Köprüçay River and the famous Roman bridges.

And do not forget that the ancient city of Side sits within the Manavgat district itself, just a few kilometres toward the coast, with its seaside temples and theatre. Many of our guests pair a morning in Manavgat with an afternoon in Side.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Flexible, depending on the activities you combine; exact timing confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat and nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: For any guided excursion, transfers and guiding as specified at booking.
• Excludes: Personal spending, meals unless stated, and any entrance fees (check the official site or confirm at booking).
• Family Friendly: Yes; the waterfall park, river and market all suit children.
• Best Season: Spring through autumn for the warmest river and clearest skies.
• Difficulty: Easy for the town and waterfall; canyon activities vary by tour.

Related Excursions

• Things to do in Side
• Antalya excursions
• Alanya day trips
• Belek tours
• Kemer excursions
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Manavgat?

Manavgat is a town and district in Antalya province on the Turkish Riviera, set just inland and east of Side on the Manavgat River. The ancient city of Side lies within the Manavgat district.

Is the Manavgat Waterfall worth visiting?

Yes, if you arrive with the right expectations. It is a wide, low waterfall, not a dramatic plunge, but the riverside park and restaurants make it a relaxing, scenic stop, especially over a long lunch.

How much does it cost to enter the waterfall?

We do not quote fees, as they can change. Please check the official site or confirm any costs at booking.

When is the Manavgat market?

The main market runs weekly. Day and exact hours can change, so confirm the current day at booking or with your hotel before you go.

Can I do a river boat trip in Manavgat?

Yes. Boat trips run on the Manavgat River, and separate boat tours operate on the Green Canyon reservoir to the north. Details are confirmed at booking.

How far is Side from Manavgat?

Side sits within the Manavgat district, only a few kilometres toward the coast, which makes pairing the two in one day very easy.

What should I bring?

Comfortable shoes, sun protection, a hat and water. For the market, bring small cash. For river or canyon activities, bring a change of clothes.

Ready to explore Manavgat the local way? Book DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team and skip the agency and OTA commissions. Message us on WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com for honest advice and our best-price guarantee.