The Turkish province of Antalya has long been famous for its resorts with a popular all-inclusive concept, an abundance of fruits, a variety of dishes, animators and children’s playgrounds. And also there is amazingly beautiful nature, healing air and picturesque places. The main attractions of Antalya and the adjacent resorts include the waterfall and the Manavgat River.
History of Manavgat
Manavgat – this is the name of the valley, the river and the city stretching on both sides of the river. The name comes from the ancient word “Manauva”, which in translation from the Luvi language means “Temple of the Goddess”. 2000 years ago this area was not yet inhabited, tigers were hunted here.
And on the site of the city there was a holy place where the inhabitants of Seleuekia and Side came to worship. The very first buildings on the territory of the modern city date back to the 6th century BC. Later, the area was settled by Turkmen nomads, who, after the battle of Malasgirt in 1071, made their way through the Taurus Mountains to the Mediterranean Sea.
The very first mention of the city under construction dates back to 1329, it was called Melass (Karasu) and was ruled by the Sejuk Turks. In 1472 the area was annexed to the Ottoman Empire. The settlement gradually expanded and at the beginning of the 20th century received the status of the district city of Manavgat in the province of Antalya.
Town
The city of Manavgat was built on the banks of the deep and turbulent Manavgat River, 5 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea. In the province of Antalya, it is the third largest, 76 kilometers to the regional center. The population of the city is 100 thousand people.
The main natural resources of these places are: the river feeding the fertile lands, the pine forests of the Taurus Mountains and the amazingly beautiful waterfall.
Main attractions:
- Koprulu Canyon Park;
- the ancient city of Side;
- the ruins of the city of Seleucia;
- reservoir Oymapinar;
- Lake Titreyengol;
- Manavgat waterfall.
Shopping enthusiasts have plenty to do in Manavgat. On Antalya Boulevard – the central street of the city – a huge number of shops and shops with quite reasonable prices offer their services and goods.
Here you can buy:
- furs and jewelry;
- various Turkish sweets;
- footwear and leather goods;
- tea, coffee and souvenirs;
- branded items.
It is customary to bargain in shops and shops. At the same time, you can significantly reduce the price, this will be especially beneficial in the case of jewelry. There are two markets in the city, and it is worth noting that prices are slightly cheaper there than in stores.
Customers will find a large selection of Turkish sweets, Turkish delight, halva, churchkhela, nuts and fruits. And lovers of condiments and spices here will be surprised by their variety and quantity.
Manavgat Waterfall
Admiring the Manavgat waterfall in Turkey, tourists do not even realize that this beauty is of man-made origin. To ensure uninterrupted water supply to the city in the 80s of the last century, a 2-meter high dam was created on the turbulent river.
A wide reservoir was formed behind the dam, and excess water began to overflow over the dam, turning into a beautiful waterfall. The width of the formed artificial waterfall is 40 meters. This is one of the most unusual and popular places in Turkey.
The waterfall is located in the middle of a forest park, 2 kilometers from the city center. Observation platforms are installed on both sides of the dam, from where both the river and the waterfall are clearly visible.
Nature effectively sets off the turquoise-green color of the water and millions of rainbow splashes. It’s worth looking at. The spray scatters in the air, enveloping the space and delighting both children and adults. Here you can take landscape photos or selfies right at the water level.
You can’t go down to the river, but you don’t need to. Anyway, nobody wants to swim in water with a temperature of +10 ° C. But in a cool microclimate saturated with moisture, you can have a good rest on a hot day. There are many fish restaurants, recreational facilities, souvenir shops and eateries.
River
The length of the Manavgat River in Turkey is 93 km. It is very full-flowing, its waters are clean, as they feed on underground sources. And even in the midst of the heat, the water remains cold. The river begins on the western slopes of the Taurus Mountains and flows into the Mediterranean Sea.
Flowing down from the mountain peaks, a stormy stream replenishes the reserves of the Manavgat and Oymapinar reservoirs. Further, the river flows through the city of Manavgat, dividing it into 2 parts, crosses the coastal valley and breaks out into the sea.
Cold and warm waters mix to create a layer cake effect. The place of confluence of waters has long been used for tonic and rejuvenating procedures. Two dams have been built on the Manavgat River: Manavgat (1987) and Oymapinar (1984).
The Manavgat River feeds the flat lands that are considered the most fertile in Antalya. It grows 45 varieties of vegetables and fruits, as well as cereals and cotton. Banana plantations are located in the eastern part of the plain.
Trout farm on the Manavgat river
Fishermen even from other countries come to fish on the Manavgat River. After all, there are a lot of fish here, and there is a chance to catch something new – something that is not found in their native lands. The cool water of the river is very suitable for trout farming.
Fishing in this place is a pleasure not only for adults, but also for little fishermen.
A cascade system of fenced turquoise lakes with a large number of mesh cages – this is how a trout farm on the Manavgat River looks like. Excursions began to be carried out here not so long ago, the main purpose of this building has always been trout breeding. The fish of the Manavgat River from here goes to numerous hotels, restaurants and shops.
The farm has become popular due to the close location of a waterfall and natural grottoes with stalactites and stalagmites. Tourists come here with curiosity after seeing other attractions. Small visitors usually show great interest.
The fish can be seen well and even fed. For this, dry food in the form of granules is thrown into the water. Local residents also pay attention to the farm and buy fresh trout here.
What to do and what to see during your visit
In addition to contemplating beautiful places, you can ride a boat, go rafting or take a breeze ride in a jeep. The area is surrounded by numerous hiking trails and picturesque parks. And for cyclists, rides are organized along a specially equipped sandy strip.
On the territory of the waterfall, you will find several viewing platforms – very convenient for photo shoots and selfies. There are many souvenir and souvenir shops nearby where you can buy something to remember.
Along the coast, there is a network of restaurants and cafes of different price categories and directions: there is a steakhouse, a kebab, a bakery, a coffee shop and even a paintball cafe. Some of the venues are located directly above the river.
Sitting at the dining table, you can breathe in the fresh air and admire the stunning scenery. Some vacationers buy food and have a picnic for themselves, right in the park in nature.
Grilled trout with Turkish flatbread is considered a specialty in local restaurants.
Tourists generally enjoy the local Harput Dibek coffee with cocoa and cardamom, while kids love the ice cream show. Trained salespeople put on whole shows with magic tricks and practical jokes.
When is the best time to go and what to take with you
The Manavgat region has a typical Mediterranean climate. In summer, especially in July and August, it can get very hot here. The air temperature rises to +40 ° C. It almost never rains in summer. But the entire annual rainfall can fall during the winter.
Therefore, the best time to visit these places with children is spring and autumn. Going with children on a trip to the river and the Manavgat waterfall, do not forget to take with you:
- hats;
- comfortable shoes;
- sunscreen;
- wet wipes;
- water and medicines.
Interesting Facts
- The Manavgat waterfall, as one of the main attractions of the country, has long been depicted on a five lire banknote. The banknote was in circulation until 1983.
- Until a few decades ago, before the tourist boom, the main occupation of the locals was fishing. Fishing is more of a popular hobby these days.
- Around the city there are coniferous forests with salubrious air and hiking trails.
- In the valley of the Manavgat River, there is the Titreyengol lake, the shore of which was chosen by funny river turtles.
- The name Titreyengol in translation means “trembling lake”. It is associated with a beautiful legend about a kind fisherman who fed ducks on the lake. When the fisherman was killed, hundreds of birds flapped their wings, and the lake has been trembling ever since, as if crying.
- In the place where the Manavgat River flows into the sea, you can swim in flaky water, like a pie, combining the warmth of the sea and the coolness of the river.
What will be interesting for children
The Manavgat waterfall is a wonderful place for families with children. Even on a hot day, there is a pleasant coolness, clean air and many opportunities for entertainment. Children love to watch the stormy river.
Falling from a height, turquoise water crumbles into thousands of splashes, turns into rainbow water dust. Near the waterfall there is a chain of shops selling souvenirs, fruits, fresh juices and ice cream. Ice cream vendors perform magic tricks and perform whole shows for children.
There are many restaurants and cafes along the coast. Open terraces overlooking the river allow you to get as close to nature as possible. The territory of the park is very convenient for holding family picnics. There is a trout farm nearby, offering excursions and fishing. Children will enjoy boating on the river and visiting the surrounding caves and caves.
The city of Manavgat has an interesting private zoo that contains both wild and domestic animals. The zoo is a contact zoo, and young visitors can not only feed, but also play with the animals.
Useful Tips
- When planning a trip, you need to take into account the seasonality, weather and time of day.
- To save money, you can go to the waterfall not with an excursion, but on your own. The round trip will cost 20 liras.
- Best time to visit: 8:00 am to 10:00 am. There are fewer tourists here during these hours.
- Avoid intrusive suggestions to take your photo for free. This can then turn into a scandal.
If you are tired of the daily hustle and bustle, go to the province of Antalya, where the turquoise waters of the mountain river Manavgat are. Where there is clean air and invigorating coolness, where there is a lot of entertainment for both adults and children.
Pine forests, mountain peaks and waterfalls will make you marvel at the beauties of nature again and again. Manavgat seems to be created for family holidays. It will help you gain strength and leave pleasant memories in your heart.
