Hidden Antalya Waterfalls - Your Travel Guide
When heading to Turkey’s Antalya, the beauty of the trip is incomplete without visiting its magnificent waterfalls. The waterfalls of this region form an astonishing natural tableau among the mountains and lush Mediterranean forests. In this guide, we explore the most prominent waterfalls in Antalya—both famous and hidden—and how to visit them at minimal cost, so you can enjoy the splendor of nature without much effort.
Kurşunlu Waterfall: A Green Oasis in the Heart of Nature
Kurşunlu Waterfall (Kurşunlu Şelalesi) is located about 20 kilometers northeast of Antalya city center. Here, water flows from a height of approximately 18 meters between rocky slopes, surrounded by a dense pine forest that enhances the site’s beauty. The natural park around the waterfall (covering roughly 33 hectares) forms a tranquil oasis for picnics and boat rides on its crystal-clear pool. Kurşunlu is a favorite spot for families and nature lovers to camp and photograph, with its tropical greenery and small caves where water trickles gracefully.
The site offers walking trails, picnic areas, and an observation terrace, allowing visitors to stroll amid nature and enjoy the clear water flow. To reach the waterfall, you can take a bus directly from the Antalya main station to Kurşunlu, or drive via the D400 highway in a short trip. (Note: there is an entrance fee to the nature park—about 75 Turkish lira for adults.)
Lower and Upper Düden Waterfalls: Twin Beauties
The Düden Waterfalls (Düden Şelalesi) are located about 12 kilometers northeast of Antalya. This group includes two distinct falls: the Upper Düden and the Lower Düden. The Upper Düden begins from a karst river source within the city and drops about 20 meters, surrounded by green spaces and a tranquil promenade.
The Lower Düden is the more famous and spectacular of the two, where the Düden River plunges roughly 40 meters directly into the Mediterranean Sea. The Lower Düden appears as a unique natural canvas at the meeting point of Antalya’s shore and the cold mountain waters. The area around the Lower Düden has been developed into a free public park with walking paths, rest areas, and small eateries, making a visit an unforgettable experience. You can view the cascading water from above the cliff or walk along the wooden boardwalk in the park for a panoramic view of the coastline and surrounding mountains.
Manavgat Waterfall: Natural Splendor and Easy Access
Manavgat Waterfall (Manavgat Şelalesi) lies on the Manavgat River in the Manavgat district (east of Antalya), about 72 kilometers from the city. This fall features a relatively short drop (around 4 meters), but its wide channel and abundant flow make it impressive. The river runs over limestone rocks, creating smooth cascades and tranquil water colors among its natural stones. The waterfall is surrounded by an open area with expansive green spaces and live fish restaurants, where visitors can stroll and taste fresh trout while enjoying the mesmerizing water flow.
Manavgat Waterfall is known for its easy accessibility, served by a central road and reachable by local buses heading to Manavgat. Once there, you can wander along the riverbank or enjoy a meal near the waterfall while relishing the calm nature and cool breeze.
Hidden Waterfalls Worth Discovering
In addition to the main waterfalls, Antalya hosts quieter, lesser-known falls away from the crowds. One of the most notable is Uçansu Waterfall (Uçansu Şelalesi) in the village of Akçapinargöl, about 60 km northeast of Antalya. Known as the “Flying Waterfall,” it consists of two cascades—one around 70 meters high and the other about 51 meters—fed by snowmelt and spring sources. A walking trail through pine and oak trees surrounds the falls, giving visitors a sense of mystery amid the wild.
Another waterfall that deserves a visit is Kocaçay Waterfall (Kocaçay Şelalesi) in northwest Antalya. This fall hides within dense forests and requires a short hike along a mountain path. Along the way, you’ll see the golden hues of autumn leaves and the green mantle of spring, accompanied by the rustle of trees and a serene atmosphere. Some adventurers prefer to camp nearby to breathe in nature’s fragrance and wake up to the roar of a hidden cascade flowing between rocks.
Tips for Visiting Waterfalls on a Budget
To enjoy a waterfall trip in Antalya on a limited budget, make use of public transportation. Antalya’s bus and tram network covers most tourist destinations. You can use bank cards or the Antalyakart to pay fares at reasonable prices (around 35 lira per ride), which is cheaper than private taxis. For example, you can take direct buses from the city center to Kurşunlu, Düden, or Manavgat at a low cost.
You can also plan to visit free-access waterfalls first—for instance, the Lower Düden Park is free, and you can spend several enjoyable hours there without any fees. In contrast, other waterfalls like Kurşunlu charge an entrance fee (around 75 lira for adults), so you can invest that by walking or picnicking in the surrounding park and enjoying the views without extra expenses. It’s also advisable to bring snacks with you to avoid high tourist restaurant prices.
Finally, if you are traveling with family or a group of friends, renting a car for day trips can be an economical option, allowing you to visit multiple waterfalls in one day and save on transportation costs.