Manavgat is not just a resort, but a unique corner of nature and culture, located in Antalya province, just 5 km away from the famous Side resort and about 75 km away from Antalya city.
The town is known for its waterfalls, orange orchards, river with emerald water and warm climate, as well as developed tourist infrastructure, combining natural beauty and modern comfort.

📍 Geography and climate

• Region: Mediterranean coast of Turkey (Antalya province)

• Population: about 250,000 people

• Climate: typical Mediterraneanclimate

  • Summer is hot and dry (+30-36°C)

  • Winter is mild and humid (+10-18°C).

• Feature: The combination of sea, river and mountain valleys makes Manavgat one of the greenest places in Turkey.

The Manavgat River, the second largest watercourse in the region, originates in the Taurus Mountains and flows directly into the Mediterranean Sea, creating magnificent views and opportunities for walking, rafting and photography.

💦 Manavgat Waterfall (Manavgat Şelalesi)

The main natural attraction of the city is Manavgat Waterfall, one of the most famous waterfalls in Turkey.
It is low, but wide and powerful, and the landscape around it looks like a postcard.

• It is about 2 meters high and up to 40 meters wide

• There are cafes, rest areas and viewing platforms around it

• You can go down to the river and listen to the sound of water in the shade of plane trees.

• Popular place for picnics and photos

Nearby is the second, less famous waterfall - Little Waterfall (Küçük Şelale) - a secluded place to relax.

🏛 History and Culture

Next to Manavgat is the ancient city of Side, the center of ancient Pamphylia.
This makes Manavgat a great base for excursions:

• Side - amphitheater, temples of Apollo and Athena, ancient harbor

• Selge - ruins of an ancient city in the Taurus Mountains

• Aspendos - legendary Roman theater, where concerts are still held.

• Oymapınar Barajı (Oymapınar Barajı) - a giant reservoir and dam built in the 1980s

Thus, Manavgat combines the natural and archaeological beauty of Turkey.

🌊 Manavgat River and walks

The river is the heart of the city. Here you can:

• Take a boat ride on the river until it reaches the sea.

• Visit the Manavgat Delta, the place where salt and fresh water meet.

• Swim in the river and then in the sea - a unique contrasting experience

• Try rafting and canoeing, especially in the upper reaches of the river

• Dine in a floating restaurant overlooking the green banks

🏖 Beaches and recreation

Although Manavgat itself is slightly inland from the sea, there are plenty of beaches in the area:

• Side Beaches - golden sand, gentle entrance

• Kumköy and Titrejengöl beaches - ideal for families.

• Evrenseki - secluded bays

• Trembling Lake - a lake with hotels and walking areas.

All beaches are equipped, Blue Flag awarded and surrounded by gardens and palm trees.

🍽 Cuisine and gastronomy

Manavgat cuisine reflects the richness of the region's nature:

• Fish and river trout baked with lemon and herbs

• Oranges and pomegranates grown on the banks of the river

• Köfte Manavgat - meat patties with yogurt sauce

• Gozleme and menemen - Turkish breakfast specialties.

• Local honey and olive oil

Manavgat Pazarı market offers fresh produce, spices, honey, halva and homemade cheeses.

🛍 Markets and Shopping

One of the largest markets in the region, Manavgat Bazaar, is open on Mondays and Thursdays.
Here you can find:

• Fabrics, clothes, handicrafts

• Leather bags, carpets, spices

• Souvenirs and sweets

• Turkish jewelry and antiques

The market is divided into fruit and textile sectors - an atmospheric place to immerse yourself in local life.

🕌 Culture and spiritual life

• Manavgat Central Mosque (Manavgat Merkez Camii) is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the Mediterranean

  • 4 minarets

  • Luxurious white marble interior

  • Accommodates more than 3000 people

• The city has a lot of greenery, parks, promenades - everything creates a sense of calm and coziness

🏨 Recreation and accommodation

Manavgat offers a wide range of accommodation:

• Hotels along the river and along the coast of Side

• Boutique hotels and apartments in the center

• Spa resorts and all-inclusiveresorts in Titrejengöl and Kumköy areas

• Eco-guesthouses for those seeking privacy

🚍 How to get there

• ✈️ The nearest airport is Antalya (AYT), 70 km away.

• 🚗 By car or transfer - about 1.5 hours

• 🚌 Regular buses and dolmushas from Antalya and Side

• 🚤 River tours and boat trips along the coast are possible.

✅ Why go to Manavgat

✔ Natural beauty: waterfalls, river, greenery and sea
✔ Comfort and well-developed infrastructure
✔ Proximity to the ancient cities of Side and Aspendos
✔ Real Turkish atmosphere - less noise, more authenticity
✔ Ideal for family vacations
✔ Opportunity to combine sea, history and outdoor activities

📌 Conclusion

Manavgat is a balance between nature and culture, betweenriver and sea, between antiquity and modernity.
It gives a feeling of lightness and coziness, rare for popular resorts.
Here you can relax your soul, swim in the cool river, dine on the water, stroll through orange orchards and see one of the most picturesque places in Turkey.