Manavgat, located on the southern coast of Turkey, is a town that combines natural beauty, historical sites, and authentic Turkish culture. Do you want to enjoy hiking, waterfalls, and impressive canyons? Or are you more drawn to historical monuments, shopping at a vibrant market, and relaxing on the beach? In this guide I will share with you Manavgat, Turkey: 15 Best Things to Do and See.
Then I’ll tell you that in Manavgat, you’ll find all of the above. Let’s take a look at what you definitely shouldn’t miss here.
When to Go to Manavgat
The best time to visit Manavgat is between April and October, when temperatures are pleasant and suitable for exploring the city. During the summer season, temperatures can be high, but ideal for a seaside holiday.
Spring and autumn can be a great choice for those who prefer milder temperatures and want to explore natural beauties without tourist crowds.
TIP: Pamukkale – information, swimming + entrance fee
Manavgat: where to Stay + Tips for the Best Hotels
In Manavgat and its surroundings, you’ll find various accommodation options, from luxury resorts to family hotels and apartments. I recommend staying either directly in the city center or perhaps in nearby Side if you want to be closer to the sea.
You might also be interested in: 15 tips on what to do in Side.
Manavgat, Turkey: 15 Best Things to Do and See
If you’re planning to visit Manavgat, then I’ve put together 15 tips on what to see and do there.
Read also: The Ancient City of Hierapolis.
Manavgat Waterfall
One of Manavgat’s most famous attractions is the Manavgat Waterfall (Manavgat Şelalesi). It’s not very high, but it’s a nice trip. Around the waterfall, there are several restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy something good while taking in the view of the water.
Local Bazaar
If you want to experience an authentic Turkish market, visit the local bazaar. You’ll find everything from fresh fruit, vegetables, and spices to handmade carpets and souvenirs. Don’t forget to bargain – it’s part of Turkish culture.
Shopping
If bargaining and the hustle of the market get tiresome, then I recommend shopping in the city center at classic shops and boutiques. Prices here are very favorable, and the clothing material is high quality and very pleasant (I still have some pieces in my wardrobe to this day, and it’s been a few years🤗).
Manavgat River Cruise
For nature lovers, I recommend a cruise on the Manavgat River. On the boat, you can admire the beautiful surroundings, see local wildlife, and stop at beaches along the river.
Oymapınar National Park
Just a short distance from Manavgat, you’ll find Oymapınar National Park, where breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains await you. The park is ideal for hiking, picnics, or simply relaxing amidst nature.
Külliye Mosque
The Külliye is one of the largest and most impressive mosques in the region. If you’re interested in Turkish architecture, culture, and religion, be sure to visit it. Entry is permitted for tourists, but it’s important to observe the dress code. Women may only enter completely covered, including their hair.
Head to the most Beautiful Beaches
Around Manavgat, you’ll find several beautiful beaches with lovely white sand and clear sea. For example, Titreyengöl Beach or Sorgun Beach are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Altinbesik Cave
Altinbesik Cave, located about an hour’s drive from Manavgat, is one of the largest underground lakes in Turkey. I recommend this trip to all adventurers. You’ll travel through the cave by boat and be able to admire magnificent rock formations.
Aspendos
Aspendos is an ancient theater considered one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world. It’s located near Manavgat and is worth visiting not only for its history but also for its magnificent views.
Tazi Selge Canyon
If you love adventure and enjoy discovering lesser-known places, head to Tazi Selge Canyon. This natural formation will absolutely captivate you, and you can also take some great photos here.
Köprülü Canyon
Köprülü Canyon is another amazing natural phenomenon just a short distance from Manavgat. It’s popular not only for its beautiful views but also for white-water rafting. If you enjoy adrenaline sports, this place will thrill you.
Green Canyon
Another tip for a trip is the Green Canyon, which is surrounded by emerald green water. It’s an ideal place for a boat trip or a nature walk.
Excursions in the Surroundings
From Manavgat, you can easily take various trips around the area. You can choose from the offerings of the GetYourGuide portal or get inspired by my tips. But I also recommend visiting traditional Turkish villages, where you can taste Turkish specialties and get to know the local way of life.
Side
The ancient city of Side is literally a living open-air museum. Visit its ancient ruins, the famous Temple of Apollo, or stroll through picturesque streets full of restaurants and cafes.
Alanya
Alanya, about an hour away from Manavgat, is primarily known for its hilltop castle, accessible by cable car, and beautiful beaches. It’s a perfect destination for a day trip.
Antalya
Antalya, often called the pearl of the Turkish Riviera, is one of the most significant tourist cities in the country. It’s located only about an hour’s drive from Manavgat and offers beautiful beaches, historical sites, and rich culture.
FAQ
How long should I stay in Manavgat?
I recommend at least 4-5 days to see all the main sights and enjoy the beaches and nature.
What are the costs of a holiday in Manavgat?
Prices in Manavgat are generally lower than in more touristy areas like Antalya or Side, but it depends on your choice of accommodation and activities.
How to get to Manavgat?
The nearest airport is in Antalya, from where you can reach Manavgat by car or bus in about an hour.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
