Manavgat Waterfall and Green Canyon: Guide from Side

The Manavgat river flows from the Taurus Mountains down to the sea just east of Side, and almost every nature trip in this part of the coast follows it. There are three classics:

• The Manavgat waterfall (Manavgat Şelalesi), a short drive north of Manavgat town.
• A boat trip on the Manavgat river, from the town down towards the river mouth and the sea.
• The Green Canyon (Yeşil Kanyon), a lake formed by a dam in the hills north of Manavgat, in the Oymapınar area, explored by boat.

All three are in the same district as Side, so you can see them without a long day on the road. Our Manavgat transfer page shows where the town lies on the coast.

Do not expect a tall cascade. The Manavgat waterfall is a broad, low step in the river where the water spreads out and tumbles over the rocks across its full width. What makes it special is the sound, the cool air and the strong green-blue colour of the water, especially when the river is full in spring.

• It is an easy stop: plan around an hour to walk along the viewing areas and sit in the shade.
• It is close to the town, so it pairs naturally with a walk along the river or a visit to the market.
• The area is busy in high season; arriving in the morning is usually calmer.

A boat trip on the river is one of the most popular half-days in the Side area. Boats leave from the riverbanks in Manavgat and head downstream to where the river meets the sea. It is a relaxed trip that suits families and anyone who wants a break from the hotel pool.

Routes, durations and what is included vary from boat to boat, so compare a few options at the riverbank or ask your hotel. We do not run boat trips ourselves; we drive you there, wait or come back for you, and take you home.

The Green Canyon is a reservoir created by the Oymapınar dam, in the Taurus foothills north of Manavgat. Its water is a striking turquoise green, framed by steep forested slopes, and the best way to see it is from a boat on the lake. Most visitors come on a boat trip that cruises through the narrow parts of the canyon.

• The road climbs from the coast into the hills, so it takes longer than the distance suggests; plan it as a half day at least.
• Bring a hat and sunscreen; on the water there is little shade.
• Boat trip options change by season, so check what is running when you are there.

Manavgat is a lively working town, not a resort, and that is part of its charm. Many visitors enjoy its weekly market, with fruit, spices, textiles and souvenirs, as an authentic counterpoint to the hotel strip. The market day can change, so ask locally which day it is held before you plan.

Combining the market with the waterfall makes an easy morning. Keep small bags rather than suitcases with you, and agree a meeting point with your driver, as parking near the market can be tight on busy days.

Two ideas that work well from Side, Sorgun, Kumköy, Çolaklı or Titreyengöl:

1. Half day: Manavgat waterfall, then a walk through the town or the market, back at the hotel for lunch.
2. Full day: the Green Canyon in the morning, a stop at the waterfall on the way back, and an evening in the old town of Side. For the ancient site, see our Side ancient city guide.

In July and August, start early: mornings are cooler and the sites are quieter. With children, the half-day plan is usually enough, and free child seats are available on request.

If you prefer a slower pace, split the waterfall and the Green Canyon over two different days of your holiday.

• Side, Sorgun, Kumköy, Titreyengöl: you are close; the waterfall and the town are a short drive, and the Green Canyon is a pleasant trip into the hills. See the Side transfer page.
• Alanya, Okurcalar, Avsallar: a longer drive west along the coast; a full day with the Green Canyon and the waterfall makes sense.
• Belek, Kadriye, Boğazkent: a longer drive east; the waterfall and the market are the easiest combination.

We drive private vehicles only: Minivan for up to 6, Mercedes-Benz Vito for up to 7 and Sprinter for 8–16 people. The price is fixed per vehicle, agreed before the trip and not per person. Send your hotel, date and plan through the booking form or WhatsApp, or browse our tours page for more ideas.