Manavgat is the second largest district of the city, established on a flat plain to the east of Antalya. It is very attractive with its sky where the sun shines all year, its warm climate even in the coldest months of winter, lush waterfalls, and long beaches with fine sand. Although it is known for its Manavgat Waterfall, it has much more than a waterfall.
Manavgat’s trademark Manavgat waterfall, which heals the soul, flowing to the fullest every season, Oymapınar Dam with its lush nature, Köprülü Canyon, the center of rafting, Tazi Canyon, the star of social media, and Ahmetler Canyon are the most popular spots. Moreover, it is only a few hours away from iconic places such as Side, Aspendos, Perge and a paradise corner such as Kurşunlu waterfall.
Manavgat Waterfall, the fame of which exceeds the borders of Turkey, is the most popular tourism center of the district. The fine sandy and golden beaches of Side, Akçasaz and Alara are very popular in the district. The Temple of Apollo, Side Antique Theater, Side Archeology Museum and Side Bazaar in Side are worth seeing. Köprülü Canyon and Tazı Canyon, also known as Wisdom Valley, are among the places to see around Manavgat.
If you have time, stop by the Oymapınar Dam, which was built in 1984, approximately 25 km above the point where the Manavgat River empties into the sea, the Ancient City of Selge, one of the mountain cities of the Ancient Pisidia region, Tireyen Lake, Ahmetler Canyon and the Private Nomadic Museum.
Manavgat is a very lucky Mediterranean town in terms of vacation. The fine sandy and golden beaches of Side, Akçasaz and Alara are world famous. The average temperature in August is 27 degrees, and the annual average temperature is 19.2 degrees. The sea water temperature of Manavgat is 21.5 degrees. In summer, the sea water temperature rises to 28 degrees.
In Side, which is a part of Manavgat, there is almost everything one wants from a town. It is one of the rare places of our country that combines ancient ruins, sea and tourism features. A stretching beach, beautiful streets that welcome the crowds and ancient city ruins are what make Side attractive.
Side is an indispensable place on your list of places to visit in Manavgat. It has a museum in the Roman bath and even an ancient theater with a capacity of 15 thousand people. He even overshadowed Manavgat with his charm.
Manavgat places to visit
1. Manavgat Waterfall
Manavgat Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Antalya. It is 3 km from Manavgat town center and 72 km from Antalya. It was formed by the fall of the Manavgat River from a 3-4 meter cliff. Although it is poured from a small height, it exhibits a magnificent view as it flows with a very high flow over a wide area.
You can have a picnic in nature in the picnic areas around the waterfall. About 2 km downstream of Manavgat Waterfall, there is a second waterfall called Küçük Waterfall, which does not allow the passage of boats although the water flow is not high.
There is also a restaurant where you can dine by watching the flowing water in the observation area right next to the river. You can also do rafting, boat tour and jeep safari around Manavgat waterfall. Where the Manavgat River, one of Turkey’s most regularly flowing rivers, empties into the Mediterranean, there is a natural beach between fresh and salt water, with a width of 10-15 meters.
2. Private Nomadic Museum
The Private Nomadic Museum is located in the Evren District of Manavgat, on an area of 4 thousand square meters. In the museum, there are sculptures and 3 different nomadic tents in the open-air exhibition section to reenact the nomadic life and to explain their traditions and customs.
Yoruk migration, animal husbandry and oil wrestling, which is an important entertainment of the Yoruk culture, are told. Private Yörük Museum can be visited free of charge between 08.30 and 17.30 every day of the week.
3. Manavgat Kulliye Mosque
Manavgat Kulliye Mosque is the largest and most magnificent mosque in the district. Located in the Ornek neighborhood of Manavgat, the mosque was built by the river. The mosque consists of a main dome, 4 crescent-shaped domes and 27 smaller domes. The mosque, which is a nice harmony of Seljuk and Ottoman architecture, has an eye-catching visuality with its hand-drawn ornaments.
4. Trembling Lake
Shivering Lake is an artificial lake surrounded by luxury hotels, right next to the part where the Manavgat River empties into the Mediterranean. The lake on the Manavgat Stream is quite small, normally stagnant, but they named it as the trembling lake because it moves at the slightest wind.
The area around the lake is nice for walking and cycling. Surrounded by boutiques and restaurants that sell lots of luxury goods. Drop by, but don’t expect too much.
5. Reverse Villa – Upside Down House
Inverted Villa has become popular in recent years. When viewed from the outside, the two-storey house and its furniture are upside down. Its architecture is both fun and interesting. When you enter the house, you encounter armchairs, cabinets, chairs and even a toilet that seem to be stuck to the ceiling. It is surprising and enjoyable to see the items that we have positioned differently in our minds from a different perspective as we wander inside.
A great place to take creative photos. Do not forget to stand and pose like bats hanging from the ceiling in the photos and be sure to take your children, they will have a lot of fun too! The reverse house is open to visitors every day of the week from 09:00 to 20:00. The entrance fee is 15 TL.
6. Oymapinar Dam
Oymapınar Dam was built in 1984, approximately 25 km north of the point where the Manavgat River empties into the sea. Oymapınar Dam, which is the third largest dam in Turkey, has a magnificent visuality with its turquoise and green water.
A nature recognition event with tour boats is organized on the dam. The area around the dam is one of the favorite places of those who are interested in bird-watching and nature photography.
7. Köprülü Canyon National Park
Köprülü Canyon National Park is located on the Köprüçay River and its valley, which starts in the Sütçüler district of Isparta and empties into the Mediterranean Sea from Antalya’s Belek coast. Special rafting tours are organized to Köprülü Canyon National Park, one of the most famous rafting tracks in Turkey.
With its two historical bridges at the beginning of the rafting area and its unique natural beauties, the national park has a peaceful atmosphere. Even if you don’t do rafting, you can take a stroll around the river and enjoy the water in the shallow area where the springs come out.
8.Tazı Canyon
Tazı Canyon is located in Köprülü Canyon National Park, which is located between Antalya’s Serik, Manavgat and Isparta’s Sütçüler districts. The canyon, which has attracted the attention of many people due to the magnificent scenic photos shared on social media in recent years, is one of the shooting centers for wedding photographers as well as for activities such as trekking and photo safari.
The canyon, also known as Wisdom Valley among the people, is the most visited point in Köprüçay Valley after Köprülü Canyon and Selge Ancient City.
