Places to visit in Manavgat, where to go and see

Places to visit in Manavgat, where to go and see

Places to visit in Manavgat, where to go and see

Where to go in Manavgat

If you want to embrace the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and its lush nature, you should definitely head to Manavgat. Hosting tens of thousands of local and international visitors every year, Manavgat offers a rich mosaic with its waterfalls, ancient cities, caves, lakes, beaches, and themed museums. Since the 1960s, it has managed to remain one of the top destinations, especially for summer tourism. Are you ready to get to know Manavgat more closely?
 

1.Manavgat Waterfall

Manavgat Şelalesi muhteşem manzarası

Just 5 km from the town center, the famous Manavgat Waterfall is one of the region’s best-known landmarks. Unlike taller waterfalls, its lower height allows for a closer, more intimate experience. Visitors can enjoy observation decks and dine in fish restaurants near the refreshingly cold waters. Adventure lovers can also join activities like rafting and jeep safaris, while picnic areas nearby offer a peaceful retreat in nature.
 

2. Side Ancient City

Side Antik Kenti tarihi kalıntılar

Located around 80 km from Antalya’s center, Side is an ancient port city full of well-preserved ruins. Once part of the Pamphylia region, the city has stood for over 9,000 years and has been shaped by civilizations ranging from the Byzantines to the Seljuks. Its name is believed to relate to the pomegranate, symbolizing abundance. Among the standout features is the majestic Temple of Apollo — a must-see for history enthusiasts.
 

3. Koprulu Canyon National Park

Köprülü Kanyon Milli Parkı görünümü

Even though Köprülü Canyon National Park is quite far from the Manavgat district center, it contains details that are worth exploring. Located right in Bozyaka Neighborhood, the national park can be reached by Bozyaka minibuses. This area is generally famous for hosting rafting competitions. You can witness rarely seen animal and plant species in Köprülü Canyon National Park, which gained national park status in 1973. This impressive area, which is generally preferred for water sports, is adjacent to Köprüçay. The fact that Selge Ancient City is also located in the park makes this place even more special. Köprülü Canyon National Park covers a total area of ​​37 thousand hectares.

4. Side Museum

Side Müzesi iç görünümü

Side Museum is known as the first museum established in the village area. The museum, which was opened by restoring a historical structure (Agora City Bath), is located directly within the archaeological site. You can reach the entrance of the museum by following the Monumental Fountain and Columned Street. Architect Selma Devrez played a major role in the construction of the museum, which has been in service since 1962. Artworks from different periods from the Hellenistic period to the Late Hittite period are exhibited in the museum. Exciting inscriptions, weapon reliefs, altars, portraits, sarcophagi, statues and tomb steles await you. You should definitely not miss the Statue of Goddess Nike located in the garden section of the museum. Visiting hours Open to visitors every day between 08:30-19:00.

 

5. Trembling Lake

Titreyen Göl akşam ağaçların göle yansıması

Titreyen Lake, meaning "Shivering Lake," earns its name from the light ripples caused by even the gentlest breeze. Situated in Sorgun, this charming lake is home to a thriving bird population and resident ducks that visitors can feed. Surrounded by restaurants and recreational areas, the lake spans about 3,000 square meters and is steeped in local legends.

 

6. Oymapinar Lake

Oymapınar Gölü görünümü

Also known as a dam lake, Oymapınar is ideal for scenic boat rides, hiking, and rafting. The lake forms a boundary between Manavgat and Oymapınar and features a panoramic viewpoint accessible via a mountain tunnel. The viewing terrace provides breathtaking vistas, especially popular with photographers and nature lovers.

 

7. Altinbesik Cave

Altınbeşik Mağarası görünümü

The most important feature of Altınbeşik Cave is that it hosts the largest underground lake in our country. The lake is also the 3rd largest underground lake in Europe. The cave, which is 125 meters long in total, can reach a depth of 15 meters at some points. However, swimming in the cave is strictly prohibited. The cave, located in Altınbeşik National Park, is 54 km away from the town center. Opened to tourism since 1995, 2200 meters of the cave can be examined. Archaeological studies in the lake are still ongoing today.
 

8. Bosphorus Beach

Boğaz Plajı görünümü

Bosphorus beach, where you can witness the dance of the Mediterranean and Manavgat River, is an extremely quiet place. The most important reason for this is that it is quite far from residential areas. If you want to spend your holiday in a peaceful environment, you should definitely give this beach, where you will observe every shade of blue, a chance. There are mostly fish restaurants around the beach. Since there are many trout farms in this area, you can find fresh trout in restaurants at any time of the day. The sand of the 3 km long beach is quite fine.
 

9. Sorgun Beach

Sorgun Plajı havadan görünümü

Sorgun Beach, also known as Çamiçi Beach, is a public beach that offers both sandy and pebbly areas. Free to enter and park, this Blue Flag beach is noted for its cleanliness and accessible amenities, including showers, changing rooms, and toilets. Managed by the local municipality, it’s a great spot for families and solo travelers alike.
 

10. Lyrbe (Seleukeia) Ancient City

Lyrbe (Seleukeia) Antik Kenti duvar kalıntıları

Although lesser known than other ancient cities, Lyrbe, one of the most impressive cities of the Pamphylia Region, is 15 km away from the town center. Also known as a mountain city, Lyrbe Ancient City is located on the top of Bucakşeyhler Village. The bathhouse, temple, agora and certain parts of the city wall are still intact today. You can find traces of the Roman, Byzantine and Hellenistic Periods in Lyrbe, also known as the Ancient City of Seleukeia. Some of the artifacts obtained from the work done in the region are exhibited in the Side Archaeological Museum. The hilltop area where Lyrbe is located is known among the public as “Dedekalesi”.
 

11. Upside Down House

Ters Villa-Upside Down House dış görünümü

The Upside Down House in Manavgat turns the rules of architecture upside down — literally. A favorite photo spot for social media users, this creative attraction features every item (including the house itself) flipped on its head. Located in Sorgun and operating since 2018, it’s the largest of its kind in Turkey and an entertaining stop for families and curious travelers.

 

12. Side Underwater Museum

Side Sualtı Müzesi görünümü

The design phase of the Side Underwater Museum bears the signature of the Antalya Branch of the Chamber of Shipping. The museum, which is recorded as the first underwater museum in our country, is located approximately 1.5 miles offshore. The museum, which reaches a depth of 20 meters, comes after the Mexican Underwater Museum in terms of the number of works in its own branch. There are a total of 117 collections in the museum. There are also 5 basic themes in the Side Underwater Museum. All the pieces in the Side Underwater Museum have features compatible with the underwater environment. It is known that more than 50 thousand people have visited the museum, which was opened in 2015.

CATEGORIES

OTHER BLOG ARTICLES

All Blog Articles