Manavgat travel guide
Manavgat Tourism | Manavgat Guide
You're Going to Love Manavgat
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.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Manavgat
1. The Manavgat Waterfalls
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.
2. Serene River Cruises
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.
3. The Bustling Grand Bazaar
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.
4. Side Is a Few Miles Away
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.
5. There Are Some Great Beaches in the Area
The Mediterranean coast near Manavgat is lined with exceptional beaches, including two at the port of Side as well as resort villages like Kızılağaç.
What to do in Manavgat
1. Get Your Feet Wet
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.
2. Picturesque Ancient City
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.
3. Adventure Of Historic Proportions
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.
4. Ancient Seaside Splendor
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.
5. Family Fun
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.
1. Get Your Feet Wet
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.
2. Picturesque Ancient City
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.
3. Adventure Of Historic Proportions
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.
4. Ancient Seaside Splendor
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.
5. Family Fun
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.
Where to Eat in Manavgat
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.
When to visit Manavgat
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.
How to Get to Manavgat
Plane
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.
Car
If you are driving from Antalya, take the D400 (which also runs from Adana to the south).
Bus
Havas provides bus services along the Turkish Mediterranean coast.
Airlines serving Manavgat
Where to stay in Manavgat
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.
Popular Neighborhoods in Manavgat
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.
Where to stay in popular areas of Manavgat
Most booked hotels in Manavgat
How to Get Around Manavgat
Public Transportation
Manavgat offers a choice of dolmus (minibuses) or standard public buses.
Taxi
Expect to pay a meter drop of ₺3.10, followed by at least ₺4 per mile after that.
Car
Car rental options in Manavgat include Avis and Europcar, and rates can be as low as ₺20 per day.
The Cost of Living in Manavgat
Shopping Streets
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.
Groceries and Other
Local supermarkets include MM Migros and Bim, where 12 eggs will cost around ₺6.