Side and Manavgat Day Trip from Alanya: Ancient Temples, a Waterfall and a River Cruise in One Day
Day trip from Alanya to Side and Manavgat: ancient theatre, Temple of Apollo, Manavgat Waterfall, river boat tour, transport options and practical tips.
Why is a Side and Manavgat day trip from Alanya so popular?
After a few days of beach time in Alanya, many visitors start wondering the same thing: is there somewhere different nearby that can be seen in a single day? One of the best answers is a Side and Manavgat day trip from Alanya. Side lies about 60 to 65 kilometres west of Alanya, and Manavgat is right next to it, just a few kilometres from Side. In normal traffic the drive takes around an hour each way, which makes it possible to fit history, nature and river scenery into one day.
What makes this route special is its variety. You can stroll in the cool air of Manavgat Waterfall in the morning, take a boat trip on the Manavgat River in the afternoon and end the day watching the sunset among ancient columns overlooking the sea in Side. For anyone looking for an atmosphere as impressive as Alanya's castle and beaches but completely different, this trip can easily become one of the most memorable days of the holiday. Below we walk you through the route, transport and timing step by step.
Getting there: organised tour, car hire or public transport
There are three main ways to reach Side and Manavgat. The most effortless is an organised day tour. You are picked up from and dropped back at your hotel, and the waterfall, boat trip and Side stops are all planned in advance. Since the guide also explains the history of the region, you learn details you might easily miss on your own.
If you prefer to hire a car or drive yourself, the route is very straightforward. Head west from Alanya along the D400 coastal road, pass Konaklı, Avsallar, Okurcalar and Kızılot, and you will reach Manavgat. In the summer months traffic can build up, especially around midday, so setting off early shortens your time on the road.
Public transport is also an option, but it takes more time. Buses and minibuses run frequently from Alanya bus station towards Manavgat. From Manavgat you can get to Side quickly by dolmuş. For the waterfall you will need an extra short dolmuş or taxi ride from Manavgat town centre. Because of the transfers, we recommend starting your day earlier if you choose this option.
Manavgat Waterfall: a short but refreshing stop
Manavgat Waterfall is located about 4 kilometres north of Manavgat town centre, on the Manavgat River. Rather than a tall waterfall plunging from a height, it is a low, wide and foaming cascade. Its impact comes not from its height but from the power and roar of the water. Especially in the summer heat, you feel the coolness of the water straight away.
Around the waterfall you will find viewing terraces, shaded walking paths, souvenir shops and fish restaurants along the riverbank. Around 45 minutes to an hour is usually enough to see it. If you want to take photos, the lower parts of the viewing terrace are where you can get closest to the water.
The water flow changes with the seasons. In late winter and spring, snowmelt from the mountains makes the waterfall especially lively, while towards the end of summer it can calm down a little. Wet stones can be slippery, so wear shoes with non-slip soles and take care near the railings if you are with children.
Manavgat River boat tour and Boğaz, where the river meets the sea
One of the most enjoyable things to do in Manavgat is a boat trip on the river. Boats usually depart from the pier in the town centre and travel along the Manavgat River to Boğaz, the point where the river flows into the Mediterranean. Along the way you can see eucalyptus trees, riverside houses, fishing boats and, if you are lucky, water birds.
The Boğaz area is the most fascinating point of the route. On one side is the fresh water of the river, on the other the waves of the sea, separated only by a narrow strip of sand. Many tours stop here for a swim or a break on the beach, and some also serve lunch on board.
Boat tours usually last a few hours. On organised tours they are combined with a visit to the waterfall and a stop in Side. If you are going independently, you can compare options from different operators at the pier. The sun is very strong on the river, so do not forget a hat, sunscreen and water. Wearing your swimsuit under your clothes is also a practical idea for the swimming stop.
Side ancient city: theatre, temples and streets that lead to the sea
In ancient times, Side was one of the most important port cities of the Pamphylia region. Today it is one of the rare places where ancient ruins and modern life are woven together. As you enter the town, you are first greeted by the monumental gate and the remains of the Monumental Fountain of Vespasian. A little further on, one of the most impressive structures in the region comes into view: the ancient theatre. With seating for thousands of spectators, it stands out because it was built not into a hillside but on flat ground, supported by arched substructures.
The symbol of Side is the Temple of Apollo, set right on the water at the tip of the peninsula. Its standing white marble columns take on a completely different look in the orange light of sunset. Right next to it are the remains of the Temple of Athena. Side Museum, housed in an ancient bathhouse, is a great stop for anyone who wants to see the statues and sarcophagi found in the area.
The narrow streets of the ancient city are lined with restaurants, cafés and shops. For those who prefer not to walk between the car park and the town centre, tourist shuttles are available.
Sample itinerary and timing to make the most of your day
When planning a Side and Manavgat day trip from Alanya, getting the order right has a direct impact on how much you enjoy the day. Our suggestion is to leave Alanya early in the morning and make Manavgat Waterfall your first stop. In the morning the waterfall is both cooler and less crowded.
Next, head into Manavgat town centre and join a river boat tour. The cruise and the stop at Boğaz let you spend the hottest hours of the day on the water. After the tour, continue to Side. Explore the ancient theatre and the museum in the late afternoon, then end the day watching the sunset at the Temple of Apollo. After dinner at one of the restaurants by Side harbour, you can head back to Alanya.
Manavgat's large weekly market is also one of the area's well-known attractions. You might consider adding it to your route, but check the market days and location before you go. Bear in mind that crowds and traffic will be heavier on those days.
When to go and what to bring
The most comfortable times to visit Side and Manavgat are spring and autumn. In April, May, October and early November the weather is pleasantly mild for sightseeing, and walking through the unshaded parts of the ancient city is not tiring. Swimming at Boğaz is usually possible in these months too. In July and August, however, the midday heat is intense, so it is best to shift outdoor sightseeing to the morning and late afternoon.
Be sure to bring comfortable, non-slip walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and plenty of water. If you plan to swim during the boat tour, a swimsuit and a small towel will come in handy. Keep your ID or museum card with you for entry to the museum and archaeological site. Since entry conditions and fees can change from time to time, we recommend checking the latest information before you go.
When walking around the historic centre of Side, keep in mind that the stone paving is uneven in places. Families with pushchairs will find the main paths more suitable.
Discover Side and Manavgat with Alanya Trips
If you want to enjoy this beautiful route without worrying about transport, transfers, boat times and entrances, an organised tour is the easiest option. At Alanya Trips, we care about helping our guests make the most of their holiday. With our team who know the region well, we plan every step of your day trip, from hotel pickup to drop-off.
As well as Side and Manavgat, you can browse boat trips, nature excursions and cultural routes around Alanya at alanya-trips.com. Choose the right tour by date, programme and group size and book in just a few clicks. If you have any questions, our team will be happy to help.
To leave Alanya's beaches behind for a day, walk in the shade of ancient columns, swim where the river meets the sea and feel the cool spray of the waterfall, all you need to do is reserve your place. We look forward to welcoming you on this unforgettable day.
© Dosseman, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77315022