Manavgat: market town, river and canyons
Manavgat is the working town behind Side's beaches, about 75 minutes from Antalya Airport. Most visitors come for the big market, the waterfall and boat trips on the river, but it is also the gateway to the lakes and canyons of the Taurus mountains just inland.
Where to stay around Manavgat
Few holidaymakers stay in the town itself. Hotels listed as Manavgat are usually on the coast a few kilometres away.
| Area | Character | Beach | Best for | From AYT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manavgat town | A real Turkish town on the river with shops, restaurants and apartments; few hotels | No beach in town; Sorgun is 5 km away | Independent travellers, apartments, low budget | 1 h 15 min |
| Sorgun & Titreyengöl | Large resorts in pine forest between the town and Side | Long sandy beach backed by pines | Families who want shade and quick access to Side | 1 h 10 min |
| Kızılağaç & Kızılot | Spacious resorts east of Manavgat, quieter, fewer shops | Long sand and shingle beaches | Peace and quiet, longer stays | 1 h 30 min |
Times are daytime drives from Antalya Airport.
Things to do
Manavgat market
Monday and Thursday are market days, and the market is the biggest in the region: fruit and vegetables from the plain, spices, olives, cheese, textiles and household goods. Go in the morning before the heat and the coach tours. Hotels in Side and Sorgun run shuttles; the dolmuş is cheaper.
Manavgat waterfall
A few kilometres north of the town the river spreads over a low, wide step of rock. It is not tall, but the terraces with tea gardens are a pleasant hour in the shade. Small entry fee.
River boat trips
Boats leave from the riverbank in the town and cruise down to the river mouth, where the green river meets the sea, usually with a swim stop and lunch. A relaxed half day, popular with families.
Green Canyon
About an hour inland, the Oymapınar dam has flooded a deep canyon into an emerald lake. Boat tours run for a few hours between the cliffs with swim stops. Most visitors book it as a tour with transfer; on your own you need a car.
Side and Seleukeia
Side's ancient city is only 7 km away; see our Side guide. Inland in the pine forest, the ruins of Seleukeia (Lyrbe) see few visitors and make a quiet stop on the way to Green Canyon.
Getting there and around
Manavgat is about 70 km and 75 minutes from Antalya Airport along the D400; see the transfer guide. Dolmuş minibuses connect the town with Side, Sorgun, Kumköy and Kızılağaç every few minutes. Intercity buses to Antalya and Alanya leave from the Manavgat bus station.
When to go
Beach season runs from May to October. Inland trips such as Green Canyon are most pleasant in spring and autumn, when the boat is not baking in midday sun. See the weather guide for monthly figures.
Frequently asked questions
What day is Manavgat market?
Monday and Thursday. Thursday is generally the busier day; go in the morning.
Is Manavgat waterfall worth visiting?
It is low and wide rather than spectacular, but pleasant for an hour with tea, and easy to combine with the market or a river boat trip.
Is Manavgat the same as Side?
No, they are neighbouring places. Side is the ancient city and resort area on the coast; Manavgat is the town 7 km inland on the river.
How do I get to Green Canyon from Manavgat?
It is about an hour by road. Most people book a boat tour including transfer from their hotel; independent visitors need a car or taxi.