Manavgat (Turkish: Manavgat) — is a city in Turkey, situated on both sides of the river of the same name, 76 km from Antalya and 5 km from Side. You can come here for an excursion or stay for the entire vacation. In the latter case, the city will be an excellent starting point for traveling around the area and visiting beaches.
Accommodation, food, and shopping here are cheaper than at coastal resorts, which means it really makes sense to use it as a “base.” In 2016, they built a fairly large shopping center called Nova Mall.
Manavgat was founded in 1329 and was named Melyass (Karasu). In 1472, the city became part of the Ottoman Empire. It is currently the third largest in the region.
Manavgat is also famous for its restaurants that serve river fish and dishes made from it. It’s worth mentioning that prices are much cheaper than at seaside resorts.
The general conclusion is as follows: a vacation in Manavgat is suitable for those who want to save on accommodation and shopping, but at the same time be close to attractions and the sea, which can be reached in 8–10 minutes.
You won’t be bored here. During the day, you can go hiking and cycling along the sandy spit or pine forests, float down the river, or go on a jeep safari. Sections of the Manavgat River are suitable for rafting. If you want to swim, take a minibus to Side and in 10 minutes you’ll be at the sea. In the evening, you can hang out at a nightclub or travel to Side for the same purpose, where there are a few more options.
The most interesting places near Manavgat:
At the entrance to the city from Antalya, you are greeted by a hill with a park and an artificial waterfall. Nearby are the ruins of the ancient city of Side, where you can see the remains of a Roman amphitheater, city walls, basilica, and the Temple of Apollo.
You can also take a river excursion on a small boat. These tours last for several hours and offer the opportunity to swim in the fresh waters of the river and the salt sea.
The place can be visited both independently and as part of a tour.
The waterfall is the main attraction of Manavgat, located 4 km north of the city. Entrance to the territory costs 4 lira. It’s better to visit it at the end of summer and early autumn when there hasn’t been rain for a long time. Otherwise, after a wet winter and spring, the waterfall turns into a threshold on the river, no more than a meter high. Its usual height is 5 meters, and there are many restaurants and souvenir shops near this place.
You can get to the waterfall by minibus with the sign “Selale” from the city bus station. They run every 15–20 minutes.
Climate
Manavgat has a subtropical climate — summers are dry and hot, winters are cool and rainy. The average temperature in July is +30…+32 °C, January +13…+15 °C. If you just want excursions, the city can be visited throughout the year. If your desire is to swim in the sea in addition to everything else, it’s better to come from May to October, when the water in the sea has a comfortable temperature (in the summer months it rises to +26…+28 °C).
The nearest airport is in Antalya, 63 km away. You can get there by taxi or bus. The first option is the fastest, but the second is cheaper.
There are no direct routes from the airport, so you first need to take bus #600 or tram to highway D400, which has buses to Manavgat. Or from the airport, you can get to the bus station (Otogar) and take a direct route from there. They run from 6:00 to 21:00 every 20 minutes.
Manavgat can also be reached from Alanya by bus from the local bus station.
Dolmuş minibuses are the most convenient way to travel around the city and to nearby attractions.
There isn’t much accommodation directly in the city of Manavgat. Most of them are located in the center, near the bridge. There is accommodation with a beautiful view of the river, for example, River Hotel. You can also stay in apartments and private guesthouses. Prices there are usually cheaper.
But regular tourists usually still live on the coast, in Side. Here are the hotels we can recommend there:
In any case, it’s worth checking booking.com and finding something to your taste. It should be noted that such hotel complexes are often more advantageous to book as part of a package tour. You can search for them at Misto.travel.
Manavgat is not just a point on the map between Antalya and the world-famous Side, but a real find for those seeking authenticity. The harmonious combination of natural beauty with river and waterfalls, rich Ottoman history, and modern amenities makes this city a unique place to relax.
The peculiarity of Manavgat lies in the ability to independently shape your vacation: exploring canyons and admiring the turquoise water of the Oymapinar reservoir in the morning, enjoying river fish dishes in cozy restaurants at surprisingly pleasant prices during the day, and in the evening — being on the beaches of Side or in its nightlife in just 10 minutes.
This Turkish corner offers visitors a rare combination of economy and comfort, rich cultural program and peaceful relaxation — all without the crowds of tourists that have flooded more popular resorts.
Manavgat awaits those who are ready to step off the beaten path of traditional Turkish holidays and discover another side of the Mediterranean — authentic, colorful, and hospitable.
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