Things to do in Manavgat

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Manavgat

Side Ancient City

Side Ancient City is located on the Mediterranean coast of Antalya Province in southern Türkiye, with its ruins concentrated on a small peninsula extending into the sea. The ancient city was founded in the 7th century BC by Greek immigrants who crossed the sea, and "Side" means "pomegranate" in the local ancient language. Relying on its natural harbor, it became an important trading port in the Pamphylia region, successively experiencing the rule of the Lydians, Persians, Alexander the Great, and the Romans. During the Roman Empire, it was bustling with merchant ships and thriving commerce, and was once a hub for the Mediterranean slave trade. Legend has it that the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra and the Roman general Antony met here. Later, under the successive blows of Arab invasions, earthquakes, and fires, the ancient city gradually declined and was abandoned around the 10th century AD. Today, strolling around the peninsula, Roman-era ruins are visible almost everywhere: the large ancient theater built according to the terrain can accommodate tens of thousands of spectators; the Roman Great Baths have been converted into a site museum, displaying statues and sarcophagi unearthed from the ancient city; walking from the main city gate along the colonnaded street toward the sea, remnants of the grand market, fountain structures, and more follow the path, outlining the contours of the commercial district of that time. On the headland at the tip of the peninsula, the Apollon Temple and the Athena Temple stand side by side. Among them, the five re-erected giant marble columns face the sea. At sunset, the columns and the sea surface are dyed golden by the setting sun, which is an iconic photo spot of the ancient city.

No. 1 of Night Attractions in Manavgat

Apollon Temple

Apollon Temple is located at the southwest corner of Side harbor and is the site of the 2nd-century Apollon Temple and Athena Temple. Many columns of the Apollon Temple have been preserved and still stand in their original positions. At night, spotlights dramatically cast their shapes against the night sky.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Manavgat

Flow Manavgat Waterfall

Located on the Manavgat River, the Manavgat Waterfall attracts a large number of tourists with its broad rather than towering water flow and the natural beauty of the surroundings. Although the Manavgat Waterfall has a small drop, its wide water flow and turbulent river water form a spectacular sight, and the lush vegetation around it makes it an ideal place for leisure and sightseeing. There are several viewing platforms around the waterfall, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the waterfall up close, listen to the sound of the water flow, and enjoy the tranquility of nature. There are many cafes and restaurants near the waterfall, offering local food and drinks, where visitors can enjoy the scenery of the waterfall while tasting the food. In addition, there are some souvenir shops in the waterfall area that sell local handicrafts and souvenirs. In short, Manavgat Waterfall, with its unique natural charm and convenient facilities, provides tourists with a good place to relax and enjoy nature, and is one of the attractions not to be missed in the Antalya region of Turkey.

Köprülü Canyon National Park

Köprülü Canyon National Parkis located at the southern foothills of the Taurus Mountains in Antalya Province, Türkiye. Established in 1973, it covers a total area of over 360 square kilometers. It is famous for the spectacular Köprülü Canyon, which is approx. 14 km long and reaches depths of up to 400m in some sections, where steep cliffs on both sides and dense cedar and pine forests create a majestic natural landscape. The Köprülü River, which runs through the canyon, has clear, rushing water and is one of the most popular rafting destinations in Türkiye, attracting numerous visitors every year to experience whitewater rafting, kayaking, and other outdoor sports. The park is also home to a rich variety of wildlife, including deer, wild goats, foxes, and various birds of prey, making it an ideal location for ecological observation and nature photography. In addition, the Oluk Bridge from the Roman era and ancient city ruins are preserved here, showcasing a long historical and cultural heritage. Visitors can also go hiking, camping, mountain biking, and birdwatching along the trails, enjoying the tranquility of nature while taking in the scenery of the canyon, forests, and river.

Amfiteatr Side

The Greek Theatre was built in the 2nd century AD. The overall building is in ancient Roman style. It is one of the largest ancient Greek and Roman ruins in Asia Minor and can accommodate more than 15,000 spectators. The Greek Theater is well preserved and magnificent. Standing in the center of the theater can give you a sense of vicissitudes like standing in the center of the historical stage.

Anitsal Cesme (Nymphaeum)

Manavgat Central Mosque

Tazi Canyon

Tazi Canyon attracts countless explorers and nature lovers with its pristine beauty and deep canyon landscape. Stepping into Tazi Canyon is like entering a secret place far away from the hustle and bustle. The towering cliffs reach the sky, and the clear streams flow at the bottom of the valley. The sound of water and wind interweave into a symphony of nature. The sun shines through the treetops, dappling on the winding trails, leading tourists to explore in depth. Along the way, waterfalls pour down from the cliffs, forming silver water curtains, splashing water droplets, bringing a hint of coolness. In addition to the magnificent natural landscape, Tazi Canyon is also a habitat for wild animals. During the hike, tourists may be lucky enough to encounter some rare animals and feel the harmony and balance of the natural ecology.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Serik

Aspendos Theatre

Aspendos Ancient Theater is located about 40 kilometers east of Antalya. It was built in AD 155. Although it has experienced earthquakes, wars and other disasters for more than 2,000 years, it is still almost completely preserved. In use, concerts are often held in June and July every summer. Theater structure The theater has a diameter of 96 meters and has a stone-step auditorium that can accommodate 7,000 people. Exquisite carvings decorate the walls of the theater stage with columns in ancient Greek style, with exquisite details and exquisite carvings. According to research, the top of the stage was once covered with a roof, but unfortunately it has been damaged. Exquisite acoustic design This ancient theater has a unique acoustic design, which can clearly transmit the sound effects on the stage to the auditorium without the aid of audio equipment. It is said that even a silver coin could be heard in the auditorium back then. To, such a skill can not help but admire the wisdom of the ancient Romans. Summer Music Festival Due to this extraordinary sound design, the Aspendos Theatre is still in use today, where the Antalya Opera and Arts Festival is held every summer, with audiences sitting on stone steps from 2,000 years ago Enjoy the sound effects. Pavarotti also gave concerts here, again without any PA equipment.

Side Museum

The museum is built on a site, and although it is small, there is definitely a lot to see, the dilapidated statues and the unique exhibition hall in the bathroom all reflect the history of Turkey and the West.