The town of Manavgat is located on both sides of the Manavgat River in the valley of the same name. The Manavgat River originates on the western slopes of the Taurus Mountains and then, flowing along the mountain slopes, flows into the Manavgat Baraj and Oymapınar reservoirs. A few kilometres above the city, several waterfalls have naturally formed on the river. The river flows through the city, then enters the coastal valley and finally flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The waters of Manavgat are full and clear, they are filled by underground springs in the mountain canyons through which the river passes. Therefore, even in summer the water in the river is cold.
The Manavgat River divides the city area into two parts. The waterfall and the delta of the river are the most significant natural wealth of this place. In addition, the artificial reservoir Oymapinar, surrounded by huge rocks, and the area surrounding it in the south of the region, in the valley between the Torossa, where the Manavgat River drains, are irresistibly beautiful. The plain covers an area of 2,500 square kilometres and is the highest yielding area in Antalya. It grows mainly cotton, but also barley, rye, wheat and 45 varieties of fruit and vegetables. In addition, in recent years, greenhouse flowers have been cultivated here. The entire eastern part of the plain is occupied by banana plantations.
The name Manavgat is derived from the word Manauva (which means "temple of the goddess" in the ancient Luvi language). At various periods of history, the city was used as a common holy place for Seleuekia and Side. In antiquity the area was uninhabited, for the first time the traveller Evliya Çelebi, who stayed near today's Güneyeğu village in the Sarısu region, informs us in his travel notes about tiger hunting. After the battle of Malazgirt in 1071, Turkmen nomads made their way in large groups through the Taurus Mountains to the Mediterranean coast and finally settled here. The Turkmen occupied the western side of the Manavgat River Tidayogullar, while Senir bey settled on the eastern side. The settlement site took the form of an estate, which developed over time, the population increased and in 1913 a district town with the same name was established here at Manavgat.
The beautiful Manavgat Waterfall is the main and most visited spot of the Manavgat River, one of the symbols of the country. Its streams falling from the height present a picturesque picture before the tourists. The waterfall was visited by about one million tourists in 2010.
The waterfall rises at a level of five metres. It is not higher than Duden, however, it is no less famous in Turkey. Images of the waterfall can be found on Turkish banknotes from the mid-twentieth century.
This wide waterfall, about forty metres wide, is a truly unique sight. The gurgling of its water fills the soul with confidence and peace, while the cheerful splashes that spread across the valley bring a sense of joy and freshness. This cool yet sunny paradise is home to a large number of fish restaurants, souvenir stalls, rest areas and cafeterias. Entrance to the territory is paid. However, despite this, the place is always crowded.
Sitting in the restaurant under the shady trees, you can enjoy the freshness of the waterfall and try the trout. Dining in such a restaurant is a real pleasure. In this respect, the Turks are generally good. Aesthetics during the meal is of great importance for them. It is not for nothing that many Turkish restaurants are located in such a way that the restaurant has a beautiful view. Restaurants in Antalya overlooking the harbour come to mind immediately. People relax from the heat in the shade of trees, listen to the sound of murmuring water and enjoy the view of the waterfall.
The Turks themselves like to visit Manavgat, so, unlike other tourist destinations, there are classic teahouses here. And Turks know where to savour the best dishes from the main product of local restaurants - trout. There are quite a lot of trout in this area. The fish are caught right here, in the purest fresh waters of the river. In the south of the region, Sorgun and Titrengel have world-class tourist facilities.
