Düden Waterfalls Antalya: Upper vs Lower and How to Get There

The Düden river runs down from the Taurus Mountains and across the plain on which Antalya is built. On its way it creates two very different waterfalls. Upper Düden (Yukarı Düden) lies inland, in the northern part of the city, surrounded by a green park. Lower Düden (Aşağı Düden) is where the same river reaches the coast and falls over the high limestone cliffs directly into the Mediterranean, in the Lara area east of the centre.

They are not next to each other, so treat them as two separate stops. Many visitors see only one; if you have half a day and your own driver, seeing both is perfectly realistic.

Upper Düden is the one to choose if you want shade, greenery and a closer look at the water. The river drops into a small gorge inside a landscaped park, and a walkway and steps lead down behind the curtain of falling water, where the spray keeps the air noticeably cooler. On hot summer afternoons this is one of the pleasant places in the city to escape the heat.

• Expect paths and stairs, some of them wet; wear shoes with grip.
• Families like it because the park is easy to walk around and there are spots to sit by the water.
• It is popular with local families too, so weekends can be busier than weekdays.

Lower Düden is the more dramatic sight. The river simply runs off the edge of the cliff and plunges into the sea, and on a sunny day you often see a rainbow in the spray. There are two classic ways to see it:

• From the clifftop park in the Lara area, where viewing points let you look down on the falls and along the coast. This is quick and easy and pairs well with an afternoon at Lara beach.
• From the sea, on one of the boat trips that leave from the old harbour in Kaleiçi and sail along the cliffs. From the water you see the full height of the falls, which you cannot appreciate from above.

Boat trips vary in length and operator, so check the details at the harbour or with your hotel.

If you only have time for one, decide by what you enjoy:

• Choose Upper Düden for a shady walk, a closer, cooler experience and an easy family outing.
• Choose Lower Düden for the view of a river falling into the sea, photos at sunset and a quick stop on the way to or from Lara.

Allow roughly one to two hours at each, including a slow walk and a drink in the shade. Visiting both, plus travel time across the city, fits comfortably into a morning or an afternoon. In July and August, early morning or late afternoon is more comfortable than the midday heat.

The waterfalls work best as part of a bigger day rather than a trip on their own:

• Kaleiçi + boat trip + Lower Düden: spend the morning in the old town, take a boat from the old harbour to see the falls from the sea, then have lunch in the narrow streets. Our Kaleiçi and old bazaar guide has tips for the old town.
• Upper Düden + Kaleiçi: a cool walk at the park first, then the old town and the harbour in the late afternoon.
• Lower Düden + Lara beach: the clifftop viewpoints and the long sandy beach are in the same part of the city, ideal for a relaxed afternoon.

A driver who waits for you between stops means you do not have to look for parking or taxis between each part of the day.

How far the waterfalls are depends on where you stay:

• Lara and Kundu: very close. Lower Düden is practically on your doorstep, and Upper Düden is a short drive across the city. See the Lara transfer page for the area.
• Belek: you approach the city from the east, so Lower Düden comes first; Upper Düden adds some city driving.
• Kemer: the drive runs along the coast, through Konyaaltı and the city centre, so plan it as a full day combined with Kaleiçi.
• Side: the longest trip; combine both waterfalls with the old town to make the drive worthwhile.

We drive private vehicles only: a Minivan for up to 6, a Mercedes-Benz Vito for up to 7 or a Sprinter for 8–16 people, at a fixed price per vehicle agreed before the trip. Ask about a day trip with a driver through the booking form or WhatsApp, and look at our tours page for ideas.

• Bring a light jacket or a spare T-shirt for Upper Düden; the spray behind the falls can get you wet.
• Sun cream and water are essential at Lower Düden, where the clifftop has little shade.
• Child seats are free on request, so tell us the ages of your children when you book.
• Entry rules and opening times can change, so check locally before you go.
• On your last day you can stop at Lower Düden on the way to the airport if your flight time allows; plan it when you book the return transfer.