Travel to Manavgat: profitable shopping, Ali Bay Club Park and photos of the most beautiful waterfall in Turkey. The city of Manavgat - shopping and entertainment for vacationers in Side Manavgat Side
Manavgat is a small Turkish town located 3 kilometers from the Mediterranean coast.
Its agglomeration includes, located on the coast. Side can be called a suburb of Manavgat, since there is no division between them, they smoothly flow into one another. Therefore, if you are going to relax in Side, then visiting Manavgat will be very easy.
Minibuses run between Side and the center of Manavgat, the fare is 3 lira (45 rubles), the ride takes about 10 minutes. In Side, you just need to catch minibuses on one of the central streets; as a rule, the word Manavgat is written on it. In Manavgat, it is better to get off at the beginning of the street with shops; usually everyone gets off at this stop. You can go back from Manavgat to Side by minibus from the stop opposite the LC Waikiki store. If you wish, you can even walk from Side to Manavgat - it’s about 4-5 kilometers.
On interactive map Below are all the places that are mentioned in this article: minibus stops, Manavgat waterfall, clothing market, street with shops, cafes and exchange offices, LC Waikiki clothing stores, Nova Mall shopping center, Migros supermarkets, Lunapark and a place where there is delicious döner.
Manavgat - a typical Turkish village
The city of Manavgat, with a population of about 80 thousand people, is a completely typical low-rise Turkish town, quite quiet, modern and pleasant for walking. The city consists of 4-5-story buildings, on the roofs of which there are solar panels and barrels for heating hot water by the sun.
All the buildings in the city look quite new, as if the whole city appeared at once about 15 years ago. Along the roads in Manavgat there are date palms, from which huge ripening bunches of dates hang spectacularly.
Central street of the city
Bunches of dates on a palm tree
Russian-speaking tourists most often pronounce the name “Manavgat” as Managaft or Manavgaft. Apparently the famous surname of the actor Gaft is consonant with the name of the city. At first we said that too, and in order to remember the correct name of the city, we voiced it in the English manner: Man of God, which reads “man of gad” and is translated as “man of God.” After this, the correct pronunciation of the city’s name was remembered, acquired meaning and sparkled with new colors.
Shopping in Manavgat - branded stores, market and Nova Mall shopping center
The city center is very well maintained, with main street Antalya Caddesi and the gates from it, on which there are shops, cafes, restaurants,. There are large branded clothing stores, such as LC Waikiki, as well as small specialized shops and shops with spices, soap, towels, bed linen, ceramics, clothing, bags, sweets, souvenirs and much more, all of which Turkey is rich in. There is also a large indoor clothing market.
Turks bake bread on the street in Manavgat
You can buy knives and sickles at the market
Manavgat has a large shopping center, Nova Mall, which is located on the edge of the city, right where Manavgat smoothly flows into Side.
Near the Nova Mall shopping center there is a beautiful monument with a large fountain and statues of Greek gods. The style of the shopping center building can also be traced ancient Greece. And the shopping center itself is quite ordinary - a Migros supermarket, many Turkish clothing and shoe stores, H&M, KFC, Starbucks, etc. Perhaps the monument to the Greek gods is the best thing this shopping center can boast of.
Nova Mall shopping center in Manavgat
We arrived in Turkey and found ourselves during the celebration of the Eid al-Adha holiday, which took place from September 1-4 in 2017. Manavgat was empty these days, most of the establishments on the streets were closed, including banks, currency exchange offices, shops, cafes, etc.
But still, not all the shops were closed and we didn’t go hungry either, but I must say that this was not best time for shopping. So, if you are going to Turkey, choose travel dates outside of Eid al-Adha. In 2018 it falls on August 21–24, in 2019 on August 11–14, and in 2020 from July 30 to August 2.
Fountain-waterfall in the city center
On the mountain in the center of Manavgat there is a giant fountain-waterfall; it probably once worked and it was a truly epic sight - water from a 15-meter height fell down concrete boulders. But in the fall of 2017, the waterfall fountain did not work, and judging by the photographs on the Internet, it has not been working for a long time.
However, this place is worth visiting. You can climb the mountain on which the waterfall fountain is located and see the city from above; at the top there are gazebos where you can relax in the shade and enjoy a beautiful view of the city and the mountains behind it.
Fountain-waterfall on a mountain in the city center
View from the fountain-waterfall mountain on Manavgat
View of the roofs of Manavgat from the top of the waterfall fountain
Embankment of the Manavgat River
The river of the same name, Manavgat, flows through the center of the city. It’s nice to walk along the river; it’s especially beautiful there in the first half of the day, when the water is illuminated by the sun and has an extraordinary emerald color, just a sight for sore eyes.
There are several pedestrian bridges across the Manavgat River, and between the bridges along the river there is an embankment with cafes, parks and monuments. You can travel along the river on one of the many boats, the owners of which offer their services.
Ducks and ships on the Manavgat River
This is the exit to pier No. 3
The amazing emerald color of the water of the Manavgat River
Cafe on the river embankment
Ship near the bridge over the river
Sculpture on the Manavgat embankment
Pedestrian bridge across the river
Manavgat waterfall - how to get there, cost
The most famous tourist attraction in Manavgat is the Manavgat waterfall, which is located 3 kilometers from the city upstream of the river. Previously, he was even depicted on the Turkish 5 lira banknote, issued from 1968 to 1983. The waterfall was created artificially, but still a wide stream of water falling from a small height looks very beautiful. It is also best to visit it in the first half of the day, when the water in the river has a particularly emerald color.
You can get to the Manavgat waterfall in 10 minutes by minibus from any stop on Hastane Caddesi street, which starts right at the waterfall fountain in the city center. The fare is 2.5 liras (38 rubles). In Turkish, the place where the Manavgat waterfall is located is called “Manavgat Selalesi”. If you don’t remember the name in Turkish, then you can ask the minibus driver directly in Russian: “Waterfall?” and he will tell you if he is going there or show you where to take the minibus to the waterfall. Minibus drivers, of course, do not speak Russian, but they know this word.
Manavgat waterfall
A Turk carves woodwork near the Manavgat Falls
The place near the waterfall is small but pleasant. The cost of visiting is 5 liras (75 rubles) per person, open from 8 to 19, seven days a week. Our stay at the waterfall took only 20 minutes, we walked around the area, looked at the waterfall and took photos. The place is very touristy, excursions are brought here by bus, so there are many souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants where you can have a snack or a hearty lunch. But still, I would recommend eating in Manavgat itself, it’s both tastier and cheaper.
Edible cactus fruits for tourists
Souvenir shop near Manavgat waterfall
Doners in Manavgat
There are many places to eat in the city. In places where only locals eat, the food is always tastier than in those aimed at tourists. You just have to move a couple of blocks away from the main street and you can find a place where the food is excellent and the prices are 2 times lower.
The national Turkish dish is döner, in our opinion shawarma or shawarma, in tourist places comes with chicken or lamb. In places where locals eat it, it’s only with chicken. Unlike Russia, you won’t find vegetarian döner there. In my opinion, Turkish döner is tastier than shawarma in Russia, since it is made from different bread, without mayonnaise and with the addition of spices.
We tried the best döner on this trip in Manavgat, in a place a little far from the center called “07 Berat Döner”, which is located near the intersection of Hastane Caddesi and Selale Caddesi streets.
There were no tourists there except us, but there were enough local Turks and it was clear that they went there regularly. This is a good sign, since the Turks understand a good döner. The place was run by a woman and she was helped in her work by her 2 teenage sons. One boy dealt with meat, he cut it, chopped it into small pieces and fried it a second time. The second boy worked in delivery. And the woman made doners using absolutely original bread and spices. It was an excellent lunch!
Overpass across the road with a non-working escalator
I love Turkey, I went here on vacation for the second time and I hope not the last. Besides beaches and hotels, there is a lot of interesting things to do here. Children are delighted with amusement parks and water parks, but I beautiful places and ancient cities. One day I visited - a museum under open air, you can only get here with a change in Manavgat.
By bus
On the one hand, Side is a popular resort, on the other, you can get to it with a transfer in Manavgat. The city is located on the coast and the highway bypasses it; no matter where you are traveling from in Side, you will always have to change trains in Manavgat. I have often seen that the Antalya-Managavt buses indicate arrival and arrival, but in reality they pass along the outskirts of the new city and do not call at the bus station.
Minibuses from Manavgat to Side depart from the bus station and run from 6 am to 10 pm every half hour.
They arrive at the bus station located near the fountain:
As for the route, use your own discretion, but it is better to stick to the main avenues and boulevards.
Results
Both cities are located close to each other and are connected only by bus service. My trip took literally 15 minutes, and it couldn’t have been longer, considering that the bus stations are located 4 km away.
Manavgat is a cozy town on the banks of a deep, wide river of the same name. Manavgat is located near resort area Side on the way from Alanya to Antalya.
This is a place worth visiting for anyone who dreams of a change of scenery and discovering new facets of Turkey. In this city of extraordinary beauty you will find everything you have been looking for for so long: peace and unity with nature.
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Manavgat in Turkey: general information
Manavgat is one of the most picturesque corners Turkey. The city is surrounded by coniferous forests and lakes. The rocks on the banks of the Manavgat River are cut with grottoes and caves.
The most famous natural attraction is the Manavgat waterfall. This place is so popular that in some years the number of tourists trying to see the thundering miracle reaches several million!
The resort infrastructure is well developed. This is a great place to relax as a couple or with friends. Families with children will also have a great time. It doesn’t matter how old the children are, they will be comfortable and interested. Manavgat is worth visiting for everyone who dreams of new impressions, colorful photographs and have a nice holiday reasonably priced. You can fully enjoy life in Manavgat (Turkey); the sights of this place amaze with their beauty. We also recommend visiting.
We want to show amazing beauty Manavgat in the photo in our selection: 
How to get there?
Manavgat is located in the southern part of Turkey. The Mediterranean Sea is only 5 km away. The city is located on the busy D 400 highway between popular resort centers and Alanya. Nearest cities:
- Side – 10 km.
- Antalya – 78 km.
- Alanya – 60 km.
Get from Side to Manavgat or from another nearest resort possible by bus. The most convenient way for tourists is to fly to Antalya, and from there take a bus to Manavgat without any problems. There are enough flights. The journey takes 1 hour 20 minutes. Ticket price is about $170. Find Manavgat on the map so you don’t get lost upon arrival:
Advantages of the popular resort:
- A rich selection of historical and natural attractions.
- Numerous excursion programs.
- Developed tourist infrastructure.
- Reasonable prices for many goods and services.
- Recreation opportunities for different categories of tourists.
- Excellent conditions for both active rest, and for a relaxing time in the lap of nature.
- A large number of hotels and boarding houses of various levels.
- Lots of places to visit with children.
- Excellent shopping opportunities.
- The mild Mediterranean climate and the absence of crazy heat are another compelling argument in favor of a holiday in Manavgat.
- It is always cooler here than in neighboring areas.
Weather
The holiday season in Manavgat lasts quite a long time - from May to October. The climate is suitable for the majority of people. Manavgat weather at different times of the year:
- Summer. The largest number of tourists visit these places from June to August. There is almost no rain during this period, the temperature in June is +26 C, in the middle and end of summer it rises to +29 C. But it does not reach +34 C, as in some neighboring resorts.
- Spring. In March it still rains, the temperature is no higher than +13 C. In April it is already +16 C, there is less precipitation. In May the air warms up to +21C, there are no more than seven rainy days in the month. Nature comes to life and the holiday season begins.
- Autumn. In September and October it is still quite warm +21 C...+25 C, precipitation is rare. This time is ideal for excursions.
- Winter. At this time, there are not many vacationers in Manavgat (Turkey), the weather at this time is rainy and interferes with proper rest. However, there are no frosts, the temperature does not drop below +10 C. In December, the greatest amount of precipitation falls - more than 330 mm.
Hotels
Private boarding houses and comfortable hotels have been built in Manavgat. You can rent luxury apartments. Hotels are located in different areas of the city. Anyone can settle not only in Manavgat, but also in the city of Side.
The cost of living depends on the category. There are many inexpensive hotels in the city. Fans of luxury will easily find the right one hotel. Popular hotels:
- Manavgat Motel–1385 rubles.
- River Hotel 1*– 1990 rubles.
- Irmak Garden– 2240 rubles.
- Inspiration Apartments– 2490 rubles.
- Breeze Apartments– 3870 rubles.
- Aska Washington Resort & Spa 4*– 4275 rubles.
- Starlight Convention Center Thalasso & Spa 5*– 7700 rubles.
Ali Bey to Manavgat
To everyone who appreciates high level service, stylish interiors and maximum comfort, it is worth paying attention to one of best hotels resort area - Ali Bey Club Park Manavgat. Despite the fairly high cost of living, this establishment is popular among travelers from different countries.
Luxury hotel built on Mediterranean coast. The territory of the complex is huge - 150 thousand square meters. m. Palm trees, exotic plants, and well-groomed flower beds are visible everywhere.
Waiting for guests All inclusive system and developed infrastructure. The territory has a wonderful oriental garden, large swimming pools and a modern spa center.
The sand and pebble beach has been awarded for cleanliness and good condition. Beach towels, umbrellas, sun loungers are provided at no additional charge. The restaurant serves gourmet cuisine. There is a special menu for children.
The hotel has 450 spacious rooms various categories. Family rooms are in high demand. For young tourists Excellent conditions for relaxation and entertainment have been created. You can play sports and have as much fun as you like on the water.
The newlyweds will have a wonderful time here Honeymoon. Newlyweds will receive pleasant surprises from the hotel. Guests will enjoy the warm sea, palm trees, the opportunity to retire, spa treatments, and excursions to interesting sights. Tourists note the politeness and attention of the staff. At the hotel, every traveler will feel welcome.
Reviews from vacationers:
- Irina:
“Excellent club-type hotel. This is the second time I come with my husband and 11-year-old daughter. The rooms are cozy, recently renovated. The food is varied. I believe that the living conditions and entertainment justify the prices. In my opinion, this establishment is ideal for families with children. The water park is excellent, there are playgrounds and special dishes for children.” - Marina:
“My husband and I spent two weeks here after our wedding. The staff is friendly, we checked in very quickly. The rooms are clean and comfortable. The area is large, there are a lot beautiful corners. I was impressed by the spa treatments. The hotel gave us cake and fruit. The sea is clean, there is plenty water activities. We had a great time."
Attractions
Many ancient monuments have been preserved in Manavgat; the sights of this city are famous throughout the world. The sights of Istanbul can be seen in the video.
Manavgat waterfall in Turkey
In the area of the waterfall, the stormy river widens and turns into a wide, smooth rapid. It seems that part of the earth simply sank into the abyss. The height of the rapids is only five meters, but the view at the Manavgat waterfall is fantastic. 
Cozy cafes and restaurants have been built on the right bank. There are a lot of trout in the river. Restaurant staff will prepare original dishes from freshly caught fish. Most establishments are built in close proximity to the waterfall. The aesthetic pleasure of contemplating falling water complements the taste of traditional dishes (
The surroundings of Manavgat also deserve attention, where such attractions as:
Guests can enjoy hiking and cycling, hiking, swimming in the Manavgat River, excursions on a pleasure boat, and jeep safaris. A lot of pleasure will come from exploring the slopes of the Taurus Mountains, covered with coniferous forests.
Shopping
You can buy a lot of interesting things in Manavgat in Turkey; shopping in this town will pleasantly surprise you. Souvenirs are sold both in the city and near the famous waterfall. Be sure to check out the market. Buy tea, herbs and spices here. Try exotic fruits, they are inexpensive.
There are shopping centers and shops in Manavgat where you can buy quality items. It’s worth bargaining on the market; the price can fall almost twice. Visit famous retail chains. At Tiffany you will find Knitwear, T-shirts, T-shirts, and a wide range of summer dresses.
Migros, a shopping center in Manavgat, is popular among tourists. Check out jewelry stores. There are several of them in the city, from where you can bring fur and leather goods. Finding Migros in Manavgat on the map will make it easier for you to navigate.
Manavgat Waterfall is a charming corner of the planet, located in the area resort town Side in Turkey. Millions of tourists come here every year to admire the mountain river streams and take unforgettable pictures against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes. It is noteworthy that you can visit this excursion on your own, saving a lot of money. But to do this, you should find out in advance how to get to the place and study its infrastructure. You will find all the necessary information about the object below in our article.
General information
Manavgat Waterfall is located on the river of the same name, 4.4 km from the city of Manavgat and 8 km from the ancient resort town of Side, located in the province of Antalya. Its width is 40 meters and its height reaches 2 meters. In reality, this is not exactly a waterfall, but a stream of mountain water falling from a large river rapids. But this fact does not in any way degrade the beauty of the local landscapes. For a long time, the Manavgat waterfall even appeared on old Turkish 5-lira banknotes.
In the immediate vicinity of the river threshold there are special observation decks where can I do it beautiful photos Manavgat waterfall. Going down to the river, much less swimming in it, is prohibited here. But during the flood period, rapid river flows rise to the level of the observation platforms, and tourists have the opportunity to walk along the icy mountain waters and feel their seething onslaught. The water temperature in this area, even in the hottest months in Turkey, does not exceed 10 degrees.
Previously, entrance to the park with a waterfall was free, but today both tourists and local residents To visit the attraction you need to pay $1.5.
The facility is open daily not only during the high season in Turkey, but also in winter, and can be visited from 8:00 to 19:00.
Infrastructure
Around the Manavgat waterfall in Turkey there is a well-equipped green park, along the neat paths of which it is pleasant to take a leisurely walk and enjoy the lush landscapes. There are several cafes and restaurants here where you can taste the famous Turkish flatbread “gozleme”, try grilled trout, and then leisurely sip strong and invigorating Turkish black tea and contemplate the local beauty.
There are also shops and souvenir shops near the waterfall, where they sell both standard Turkish souvenirs and products self made. As a rule, in Turkey, prices in shops in close proximity to attractions are overpriced, so we do not recommend wasting your time shopping here. But taking a photo against the background of a turquoise stream sparkling in the sun with a parrot on your shoulder will be very exciting. At the entrance to the facility there is a large free parking lot, which is convenient for those tourists who get here by rented car.
How to get there
If you are vacationing in Turkey in the resort town of Side, be sure to include Manavgat Falls in your excursion list. To enjoy the natural beauty of the area and stroll through the shady, flowering park, you will need no more than an hour. How to get to the Manavgat waterfall from Side? There are three ways to do this.
By bus
There are no direct flights from Side to the waterfall, so you can only get here with a transfer in Manavgat. The distance between these cities is just over 5 km, and the travel time takes about 10-15 minutes. You will need to take a dolmush on the Side-Manavgat route. Since this destination is very popular, minibuses arrive at the stop literally every 10 minutes, so you don’t have to languish in the scorching sun for long. The fare will be no more than $1 per person.
Upon arrival in Manavgat, we advise you to disembark on the central city street “Antalya”: your landmarks here can be an artificial multi-meter waterfall located in the city center, a large Waikiki store or a bridge over the Manavgat River. Near these facilities you will find stops, some of which are air conditioned. A bus with a sign “Şelale” (translated from Turkish as “waterfall”) runs along the main street every half hour, which is exactly what you need. The cost of travel to the facility will be $1 per passenger.
If upon arrival in the city you are disoriented, then you can always find out where and how to get to the Manavgat waterfall from the driver of any dolmush or from numerous tourists walking around the city surroundings.
The simplest and in a comfortable way You can get from Side to the waterfall by taxi. The cost of such a trip can range from $12-15, which, of course, is more expensive than travel public transport, but more convenient and faster. Many taxis in Turkey in Side are designed for 7 people, so if there is a full car of passengers to the waterfall, this option will be quite profitable. Well, don’t forget to bargain if you don’t have the opportunity to get acquainted with the fixed price list, and you feel that the price tag is clearly too high.
By rented car
Renting a car in Turkey is not difficult. This can be done at the airport, at the hotel, in offices in Side and Manavgat. The cost of daily rental of a budget car is $25-30. This option would be logical if you plan to visit several attractions in the Side area in one day. But before you get behind the wheel, it is worth considering that Turkey has its own unofficial laws on the roads, which often contradict established traffic rules. Therefore, it is important to study in advance the specific behavior of motorists on the road in resort areas.
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If you were fascinated by the photo of the Manavgat waterfall in Turkey, and you decided to definitely visit this attraction, you should take into account a few nuances so that your excursion does not become a bitter experience.
- Go to the waterfall yourself. If you are vacationing in the Side area, then visiting the attraction on your own will not be a problem for you. Above, we have already described the ways to get to the object and given all the prices, so you just have to clarify the location of the Manavgat waterfall on the map and, in fact, hit the road. Your guide will definitely offer you this excursion route, but, firstly, the cost of a tour with an agency will be several times more expensive than even a taxi ride to the waterfall. And secondly, most time, they will take you around shopping centers in the hope that you will buy some unnecessary product at exorbitant prices, from which the guide will receive his coveted percentage. As a result, you will spend the whole day on an excursion, which, if you visit it on your own, will take you 2-3 hours at most.
- You go on an excursion early in the morning. IN high season in Turkey, the Manavgat waterfall is literally swarming with tourists. Crowds of people fill the observation decks so densely that sometimes it is not even possible to take a decent shot. Usually, sightseeing buses People start arriving at the parking lot at 11.00, so we recommend visiting the waterfall from 8.00 to 10.00, when the flow of visitors is not yet so strong. The ideal time to explore the attraction is from October to April: during these months there are practically no tourists here, and you can enjoy the local beauty in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Pay Turkish lira. Payment for travel on public transport and entrance tickets It is most profitable to travel to Manavgat Falls in local currency. You can exchange dollars or euros for lira at exchange offices in Side and Manavgat (the latter has a better rate).
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On the one hand, the Manavgat River, every season overflowing with water flowing from the overhanging snows of Toroslar, which subsequently flows into the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the ancient city of Side, which has a thousand-year history and a rich civilization, on the other hand tourist sites, including the civilization of today. .
These very features are the key point that highlight Manavgat and Side as a rich tourist center. Manavgat and Side have everything you need to have a wonderful holiday. They cannot be separated from each other in any way.
And if we divide, then where should we draw the line? Previously, Side was a small village inside Manavgat. Behind last years With the development of tourism, Side also grew in parallel and became separate. Now after rapid development Manavgat and Side became two separate parts of one city. The Manavgat border starts from Colakli after the Selge-Tashagil division.
Colakli, in turn, also received its share from tourism. On the shores of Colakli, very high-quality hotels operate and serve today. Along Colakli, Ylysi, Kumkoy, Selimiye, Side, Sorgun, Titreyengol and Kizilagac, hotels and holiday villages line each other.
No matter what facility you vacation here, good memories and wonderful impressions of tourist centers The Mediterranean Sea will not leave you for a long time. What will you see and meet there? We will write about them...
Side
Side has the appearance of a small town located on an incongruous peninsula of the sea. Side was founded by the Kumelians, formed by Aiol, located in the north of Izmir. According to the study, the history of the city supposedly stretches back to the 7th century. Side means pomegranate in translation. During the Roman Empire, garnets were printed on money in the city.The heyday of Side dates back to the 1st and 2nd centuries BC, when there were very good relations with the Roman Empire. This period lasts until the middle of the 3rd century AD.
The most beautiful buildings in the city today were built during the Roman Empire.
In the 4th millennium, Side's borders narrowed and it became impoverished; only towards the end of the 5th millennium did the city begin to revive after being transformed into a religious center.
The last resettlement to the city was carried out by Turkish settlers coming from Girit in 1895 to the peninsula (there is a port and a bazaar here today). To date, all the migrations have closed in on each other in Side. This closure can even be observed in photographs taken from above.
Traveling through the Ancient City
The city can be entered through the main doors of the city between its well-preserved walls. The doors, which in the old days were called very beautiful, today look like they are falling apart. The avenue begins from the main doors.The avenue stretches to Agory and the theater, it is one of two beautiful avenues stretching from the main door. In principle, it has retained its unusual beauty to this day. Another of the avenues is covered with grass.
On the left side of the avenue you can see the remains of a Byzantine basilica. The old bathhouse on the right side of the avenue, before reaching Agoria, was turned into a bathhouse after restoration. This museum exhibits antiquities dating back to the period of the Roman Empire. As we approach the Theater, we see the remains of the agora on the left side. Today, only the foundation remains, around which shops are located, fenced with columns, which turned it into a very beautiful structure.
In addition to all this, this place is also the place where the pirates held an auction. On the sea side of the Agora, there is the State Agora of Side. The courtyard is used for the bazaar, and the remaining parts of the hall are fenced off with columns and monuments. We return to the Theater. At the entrance to the Theater, which is the most ancient building, the remains of a spring catch your eye. The spring has been restored.
The remains of the Theater date back to the 2nd century AD. The stage area, reserved for 15,000 people, is in a collapsed position.
The theater, in turn, was also used for gladiator fights during the Roman Empire. The chronicles say that the theater in the 5th-6th centuries AD. was converted into an open top church. At the edge of the road near the Theater is the holy temple of Dionysus, dating back to the early period of the Roman Empire. The columns located in front of the temple were brought from Egypt.
The avenue with columns, stretching from the front door to the Theater, turns out to stretch all the way to the port. The other part of the avenue remained under the bazaar. If we walk along the avenue to the port, we will see two temples located side by side. One of them was built in honor of Apollo, and the other in honor of Artemis. In the monastery dedicated to Apollo, 6 columns have been restored. (These columns can be seen in all photographs related to Side). In front of the temples there is a Byzantine basilica.
Side Museum
At the entrance on the right side, where, after restoration, the remains of the old bathhouse are turned into a museum, objects and substances such as monuments, architectural parts, descriptions, columns, kandils, a bottle of tears, which were found during excavations since 1940, are exhibited. Special exhibition materials in the museum are the monuments to Nike, Hercules, Hermes, the monument to the Three Beauties, wall monuments indicating the birth of Zeus and the punishment of Ixion, as well as a pedestal with Eros.Sorgun
After Side we head to the east. The road in front of the travel agency soon turns into a wide wooded area. This place is called Sorgun. On the sea side of this wooded area there is a holiday village, 5,4,3 star hotels and camping facilities.There are walking paths in the Sorgun forests. You can even ride a horse here. In the vicinity of Sorgun there are various horse farms that provide horse riding training and horse rental for walking. The sandy area between Side and Sorgun is open to everyone. Along the road between Side and Sorgun you can find picnic areas and restaurants with gardens.
Titreyengol
If we drive from Sorgun to the east, after a certain period of time we will meet the most popular recreation center, Side. Titreyengol is located on the seashore among trees with numerous facilities. Actually, Titreyengol is not a lake. The Manavgat River widened before flowing into the sea and thereby slowing down the flow of water formed a lake. And since the wind shakes the water, this lake was named Titreyengol (Shaking Water). Sparsely growing spruce trees grow around it.Manavgat
Since there is a strong revival of tourist sites around Side and Sorgun, Manavgat has remained a little in the shadows. There are also hotels in Manavgat, but they are more of a boarding type. Despite everything, Manavgat with its bazaars, restaurants, and banks is developing rapidly. You can also take a boat ride on the Manavgat River. The Manavgat River divides Manavgat into two parts. Boats on the river can be used during the day from Manavgat to the waterfall and strait. This takes approximately 3-4 hours a day. These same boats, designed for 30-150 people, have food services. And there is no end to the entertainment programs. Here live music alternates with dancers and dancers. At the point where the river flows into the sea, a break is announced. Those who wish can swim both in the sea and in the river. The water on the river is very cold. Ideal for cooling. There are even those who cook barbecue and serve vacationers on the boat.Pursuing the flow of water from Manavgat to the dam BIG AND SMALL WATERFALLS, ANCIENT CITY OF SELEUKIA, MANAVGAT DAM, OIMAPYNAR DAM AND RESERVOIR Manavgat Falls (Big and Small Waterfalls) The Manavgat River, which has overflowing waters in every season, is 4 km away. Manavgata in the north forms a waterfall with very good view. The surroundings of the waterfall are very beautifully landscaped with canals and fences. You can watch the branches and roots of trees extend into the water, trees growing in the water, and while sitting in restaurants you can listen to the sound of water; in addition to all this, there are also terraces for observing nature and gardens for drinking tea. In hot summer weather, accompanied by the coolness of the water and the sound of the waterfall, you can have lunch without reaching big waterfall, 2 km. From Manavgat the road to a small waterfall divides.
After 1 km. from the road you will meet the Small Waterfall. Unlike the big waterfall, the small waterfall flows down from a small hill and its surroundings have also been turned into places for entertainment. Natural beauty also reigns here, the sounds of the waterfall are a little quieter and under this magical sound of water the Small Waterfall Restaurant and gardens for drinking tea provide their services.
Seleukia
We continue to follow the path that passes near the Manavgat waterfall and goes north to the Oymapynar and Manavgat dams. After some time, you will be able to see the remains of a historical arch near a stream merging into the Manavgat River. A very well-preserved arch, probably during the Roman Empire it was used to carry water from the Manavgat River to Side. (you can also see the remains of ancient water canals between Manavgat and Side). We continue to follow. After approximately 3 km. (after Manavgat 8.2 km.) on the left side there is a table of directions Budzhaksheykhler and Seleukia. The road to Budzhaksheykhler is paved (1 km.) The continuation of the road from the turn to the right at the village mosque is already earthen. And after about 3.5 km. we reach the entrance to the ancient city of Seleukia. This city itself is not anything special. But at the same time, the location of the city is very beautiful.Passing through a very dense pine forest, we come out into the city where the remains are located in a very wide area and look in the direction of the Manavgat plain. In clear weather, you can clearly see from here, along with the Manavgat Valley and Side, Sorgun and Titreyengol.
If you get tired of the monotony of spending time at the hotel and in vacation spots, then come to Seleukia, where you can have a great time listening to the howling of pine trees, as well as the inviting sound of water.
Among the remains that you can see here are a bathhouse, an agora with shops inside, and right next to the agora there is a very well-preserved temple. But don't go too far, as it's very easy to get lost here.
Manavgat Dam
(15 km from Manavgat) You will come across a table with the inscription Manavgat Dam immediately on the right side of the Manavgat-Oymapynar road. After the turn after 3 km. there is the Manavgat dam and immediately behind it a reservoir. There are approximately 10 restaurants in the area around the dam, as well as picnic areas. You can fish for carp on the lake. It is prohibited to fish in the months of May-July and therefore carp fish can be enjoyed in restaurants at any other time during this period. And you can eat trout and other kebabs at any time.Walk to the Oymapynar dam and reservoir (8 km from Manavgat) The road passing through the village of Oymapynar after some time leads to the entrance to the Oymapynar dam. For security reasons, you must leave your ID at the entrance. After entrance doors the road immediately divides left and right. If you follow the left road, it will take you to the front of the dam, and if you follow the right road, it will take you to the top of the dam. It is very interesting and exciting to walk on the dam, which is 180m high.
On one side there is a cliff 180 m high, and on the other side there is a reservoir whose depth exceeds 100 m, the body of which converts potential energy into electricity. A person watching all this loses his mind. You yourself can feel how everything inside you freezes after everything you have seen.
In order to get around the reservoir, located in the middle of greenery, it will be possible to drive through the dam by car. Follow the dirt road. And after about 3 km. you will reach the Green Restaurant. Here you can either eat something or drink something cold. If you manage to arrive here before 11 o’clock, be sure to take part in a tour of the lake, organized by the restaurant owners. During this tour, the boat sails into a canyon that is more than 100 meters long. Finish this exhilarating boat trip with trout cooked on tiles. Country bread is served with trout.
