Manavgat, Turkey

Manavgat, Turkey

Manavgat is located between Alanya and Antalya, 5 km from the Mediterranean Sea, on both banks of the wide and turbulent river of the same name. The very first buildings on the territory of Manavgat date back to the 6th century BC. The first mention of the resort (under the name Melas) dates back to 1329. Initially, Manavgat was under the rule of the Seljuk Turks and was annexed to the possessions of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Now this city in the eyes of a tourist is associated with the resort area Side, which is within easy reach. Check ANDYEDUCATION.COM to learn more about the country of Turkey.

It’s worth going to Manavgat if you want to take a break from a beach holiday, change seascapes to river landscapes, relax in a restaurant under shady trees, enjoy the coolness of a waterfall and swim in an invigorating mountain river, and stock up on new experiences.

How to get to Manavgat

Proximity to Antalya is the main trump card of Manavgat. One of the most popular Turkish resorts is 70 km away. In summer, dozens of regular and charter flights arrive at Antalya Airport. It takes 3 hours and 40 minutes to fly from Moscow, another half an hour will be spent on a trip to the intercity bus station. It is from there that every day dozens of buses leave for Manavgat with numerous tourists who are eager to see the main treasure of these places – picturesque waterfalls.

Manavgat Hotels

You can stay in Manavgat in city hotels, apartments and private boarding houses. Experienced tourists recommend the Villa Lapin boarding house, which is located right on the banks of the Manavgat River, in a secluded quiet place and is famous for its luxurious breakfasts.

As an alternative, you can offer accommodation in Side, which is located 5 km from Manavgat, and is almost completely built up with hotels of various levels of comfort and stardom. The most budget accommodation options in Side are private pensions that provide their guests with bed and breakfast.

Cuisine and restaurants

The city has a huge number of inexpensive cafes and eateries with huge portions and sparing prices. The restaurant near the bus station has a great grill and the thinnest cakes. {{Delicacy of taste|Manavgat is famous for its trout that lives in the waters of the river of the same name. So be sure to order fresh fish at one of the many coastal restaurants.}

Shopping and stores

On Mondays, a bazaar is held in Manavgat, which attracts local residents from the surrounding villages. Grapes, peaches, figs and cherries are fabulously cheap, and you can also buy real Turkish tea and homemade olive oil. After bargaining, you can buy inexpensive high-quality knitwear, cotton products and leather items.

Entertainment and attractions of Manavgat

Manavgat waterfall. You can get to the waterfall, located 3 km from the city, on a city dolmush with a Selale sign on the windshield. The waterfall itself is low – about 2 m, but the width of the forty-meter stream that carries its waters from the Taurus Mountains to the sea is mesmerizing. Around the waterfall, an abundance of fish restaurants and souvenir shops. Down the river from Manavgat you can go down to the sea on canoes, boats and motor boats of various sizes. The trip will take you about 3-4 hours. While swimming, you can have lunch and enjoy the folklore program, as well as see many picturesque caves and grottoes, visit the Altinbesik cave with small lakes, stalactites and stalagmites.

You can drive along the river to the dam and the Oimanpinar reservoir, admire the powerful flow of water and, of course, dine at a fish restaurant.

Lake Titreyengol in the valley of the Manavgat River, in addition to the beauties of the surrounding nature and excellent trout fish, is known for its friendly river turtles that come out of the water to bask in the sun.

In the vicinity of the city, you can see the majestic ruins of Side, especially the Roman amphitheater, the city walls, the basilica and the Temple of Apollo; the ruins of ancient Seleucia, visit the Köprülü Canyon National Park – a real paradise for rafting lovers.

Fans of outdoor activities will be interested in hiking and cycling along the sandy spit between the Manavgat River and the sea, as well as walking through the healing coniferous forests around the city. Sections of the Manavgat River are suitable for rafting. Jeep safaris are organized along its banks and its environs.

In the place where the Manavgat River flows into the sea, you can enjoy the change in temperature by combining swimming in the warm sea and the cool river.

Manavgat, Turkey

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