Manavgat
A waterfall, an ancient port and a green canyon
2 tours
What to know about Manavgat
Manavgat is one of the busiest tourist districts in Antalya. The Manavgat River that crosses the town is fed by karst springs in the Taurus mountains, so it stays icy even in midsummer, and boats run all the way down to where it meets the sea.
Its best-known settlement is Side, an ancient harbour city on a small peninsula, with a 2nd-century theatre, an agora and the seaward columns of the Temple of Apollo — the busiest spot in the district at sunset.
Twelve kilometres north, the Oymapınar reservoir is known as the Green Canyon for the dark water between its steep walls, and is the classic stop on local boat tours. Titreyengöl, Çolaklı and Kızılağaç are the coastal strips where the all-inclusive hotels cluster.
When to go
The sea is warm from May to October. April-May and October suit Side and the ruins best; in July and August the stone underfoot gets very hot around midday. Spring is when the waterfall and the river are at their fullest.
Getting there
Antalya Airport (AYT) is 65 km west, a 50-60 minute transfer. Alanya is 45 km away, about an hour by bus. Side sits 7 km from the town centre with frequent minibuses between them, and the same minibuses serve the coastal resorts.
What to see in Manavgat
Side and the Temple of Apollo
The temple columns face the sea at the tip of the peninsula, beside a Roman theatre for 15,000 people and a colonnaded street. The site stays open into the evening.
Manavgat Waterfall
Three kilometres from the centre: not tall but very wide, viewed from the tea gardens around it. Flow is strongest in spring.
Green Canyon (Oymapınar)
Three to four hour boat trips along the reservoir, with swim stops, a trout lunch and quiet cruising between the canyon walls.
Manavgat River cruise
Boats leave the town quay, follow the river down to the sea and anchor where fresh and salt water meet. A half-day, budget-friendly trip.
Regions near Manavgat
- AntalyaAlanyaAntalya's easternmost resort town: a Seljuk castle on a 250-metre rock, kilometres of sand on either side of it, and canyons and cold mountain rivers just inland.12 tours
- AntalyaAksuThe district that contains Antalya Airport, the ancient city of Perge and Kurşunlu Waterfall — where most visitors to Antalya first set foot without realising it.1 tours
Frequently asked questions
Are Side and Manavgat the same place?+
Side is a coastal resort within Manavgat district. The ancient city is in Side; the waterfall and the town centre are 7 km north. Tours usually combine the two.
What is included in a Green Canyon tour?+
Most programmes include hotel pick-up, the boat trip, swim stops and lunch. Drinks are usually extra. The water stays around 18-20°C even in summer.
Is there an entrance fee for Manavgat Waterfall?+
A small fee applies to the waterfall grounds; the tea gardens and fish restaurants around it are separate. A visit takes 30-45 minutes, and most tours pair it with Side.
How much do Manavgat tours cost?+
Manavgat options range from €26 to €27, averaging around €27 per person. Prices vary with duration, group size and season.
How long do they take?+
Most tours in this list run 9 h. The full itinerary and return time are listed on each tour page.
Is hotel pickup included?+
Hotel pickup is included on 2 of these tours. Your pickup time is confirmed together with the booking.
Can I cancel?+
2 of these tours can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before departure. The exact policy is stated on every tour page.
How do I book?+
Pick a tour, choose your date and party size. Your request goes to the local operator running the tour, and confirmation arrives by email.
At a glance
- Price range
- €26 – €27
- Typical duration
- 9 h
- Average rating
- 4.6
- Options available
- 2
- With hotel pickup
- on 2 tours
- With free cancellation
- on 2 tours