The Turkish city of Manavgat, in the renowned Antalya region, is a popular resort with tourists, famous for the beautiful Manavgat River that runs through it, and the surrounding landscape. It has a deep history and culture that dates back centuries, and exploring its fascinating past along with getting out into nature and discovering the mountains, beaches, and waterfalls makes for a fantastic short break holiday. As with most destinations, there’s more to this lovely place than first meets the eye.
- Explore Nature and Culture in Manavgat
- Get into Nature
- Get into Culture
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
Explore Nature and Culture in Manavgat
The beauty of Manavgat is that immersing in the two very different parts of its personality isn’t hard. There are plenty of tour operators to get you out on half-day and full-day tours of the area, and you can also go it alone if independent travel is your preference. (Although it must be said that a tour takes away all the headaches of logistics.) In terms of covering the historical and cultural highlights, the city centre is extremely accessible and easy to get around.
Even if you’re only planning on spending a few days in Manavgat, you can and should make the most of every minute.
Get into Nature
Manavgat is a popular base for travellers young and old to experience the spectacular natural beauty of this part of Turkey. And there are many ways to do it…
The waterfalls: Probably the best-known attraction here is the famous Manavgat Waterfall which is located a short distance to the north. Set within a magical oasis of greenery, this natural wonder is spectacularly beautiful and awesome in its power. You can take a dip in the cool waters, walk around the designated trails, or find a quiet place to sit (there are cafes and facilities) and enjoy the meditative sounds of the cascading water.
A boat trip: Another way to get up close and personal to nature is on one of the many available boat trips up the river. Depending on how energetic (or not) you are, there are plenty of options – from basic putt-putt type vessels to larger more luxurious ones, where lunch and numerous stops are included.
Rafting: Speaking of energy, if you’re up for the challenge, rafting along the Manavgat River offers an invigorating thrill for adventure-seekers – and a different angle on the scenery!
Köprülü Canyon: 40 minutes from the city, Köprülü Canyon is a site of breathtaking beauty where you can hike, white water raft, and even spend a night or two camping under the stars.
The Oymapınar Dam: This lovely place is known as the “green canyon”, for obvious reasons. It’s a tranquil spot where you can admire the lush, idyllic scenery, take a leisurely boat tour around the dam, fish, or wander through the surrounding pine forests.
Titreyengöl: The name of this picturesque lake translates to “Trembling Lake”, but there’s not a lot of movement in its glassy waters. It’s a wonderful palace to come and just commune with nature, with plenty of easy walking trails, and a host of hotels and restaurants lining its shores.
Get into Culture
The city itself is one of those places that seems almost untouched by time. Amid the ever-increasing numbers of tourists looking to experience the surrounding natural beauty, the locals still go about their lives much as they always have. Despite its size (around 75,000 people live there), it remains quite relaxed in terms of getting around – although it can certainly get bustling and crowded around the many small local bazaars, where the locals do their shopping.
Take a walk: Walking around the various districts is the very best way to get a feel for the architecture and general vibe, and the historic centre is entirely walkable (although there is a pretty good bus system, too). You’ll be able to see the remnants of Roman, Seljuk and Pamphylian civilizations, and it’s interesting to see the juxtaposition of eras and inspirations as they appear today in modern life. There are several notable mosques to see – particularly the Külliye mosque, the biggest and most ornate in the region – along with well-preserved civic buildings and residences, which depict the diverse architecture.
The Grand Bazaar: You can’t come to Manavgat without visiting the mind-boggling Grand Bazaar. While there are countless other small bazaars throughout the city, this is the main event – and what an event it is. This bazaar is one of the most-visited attractions of the city, but to the locals it’s simply where they conduct their everyday life. As you wander the narrow alleys of stalls and shops, you’ll see all manner of crafts, spices, rugs, ceramics, textiles, jewellery and food, along with more modern accoutrements such as electronics and designer branded handbags, shoes and clothes.
Spending a few days in Manavgat is a wonderful way to get an insight into how cities like this in Turkey manage to successfully blend the old life and the new. But alongside the ancient relics and modern trappings, the beautiful natural landscape is a constant.
Where to Stay
La Benata Beach Hotel: If you’re looking for peace, quiet and a warm and welcoming stay, you’ve found it in this fantastic beachfront hotel with direct access to the beach. Spacious, air-conditioned rooms offer all the comforts of home (and more), while the onsite facilities include lush gardens, a wellness centre, extensive fitness facilities, a pool, and an international restaurant. Quality accommodation in a spectacular setting.
Palemon Resort & Spa: A stylish and well-appointed place to base yourself to explore Manavgat, this lovely resort features large rooms with contemporary furnishings and all the mod-cons. The rooms have balconies and some have sea or garden views. Onsite you can take advantage of the outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna and spa, as well as a friendly bar and restaurant. With a 24-hour desk, the staff at Palemon are dedicated to your comfort and relaxation.
Paradise Manavgat: For anyone looking for some peace and privacy, this lovely villa offers it in abundance. Set in a tranquil position amidst lush gardens, the villa offers plenty of room to move, with a fully-equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, spacious bedrooms, a terrace, and a seasonal outdoor pool. The fully air-conditioned villa feels like a welcoming home away from home, in a setting that makes you feel surrounded by nature – there are even fruit trees to pick your own breakfast oranges. Truly lives up to its name, Paradise.
How to Get There
Getting to Manavgat is a breeze, with plenty of flights from the UK to Antalya Airport (AYT) every week. It takes around 4.5 hours from various UK airports, with the route to Antalya serviced by numerous carriers including British Airways, Jet2, easyJet, and several others.
Once you land at the airport, the fastest and most convenient way to get to your final destination to begin your holiday is by pre-booking one of the excellent services with Shuttle Direct. We make your transfer from Antalya Airport to Manavgat easy, with a range of shared or private options.
Overview
UK to AYT Flight Time: 4 hours, 30 mins approx.
AYT to Manavgat: 72 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 60 minutes approx.
Types of Transfer
Getting from the airport at Antalya to Manavgat in the best way for your needs is easy when you choose Shuttle Direct, because we understand not everyone travels the same way. Our range of shared and private airport transfers means that we’ve got you covered, no matter what your budget.
Shuttle Bus: If you’re on a tight budget, or simply want to spend your hard-earned holiday money on having fun, our affordable shared shuttle bus transfers from Antalya Airport to Manavgat are a good choice. Once you land, you’ll make your way to a designated meeting point, then travel on a comfortable modern shuttle to a central drop-off point in Manavgat.
Taxi: Pre-booking a local taxi with Shuttle Direct gives you all the benefits and convenience of a taxi without the need to stand in a queue once you land. Your professional driver will be waiting to whisk you from Antalya to Manavgat and right to the door of your accommodation as soon as you land. A well-priced, stress free door-to-door option.
Private Transfer: If you don’t mind paying a little extra for the ultimate in comfort and convenience, treat yourself to one of our private airport transfers. A driver will be waiting to greet your flight inside the terminal, then escort you to your luxury vehicle. All you’ll have to do is sit back and enjoy the passing scenery as you’re delivered to the door of your accommodation in style.
Minibus Transfer: Say goodbye to the logistical headaches of travelling with a group of friends or family with a pre-booked Antalya transfer to Manavgat in a minibus. This large capacity vehicle offers the same convenience as a private ride, with everyone in your group able to travel in the same vehicle.
Choosing the Right Transfer
It’s important to understand which Mangavat transfer with Shuttle Direct suits your needs best, and this is something only you can really decide. However, it will come down to two factors: cost and convenience.
Convenience: If your priority is a door-to-door service, then one of our pre-booked local taxis or a luxury private transfer is the best option to get you from Antalya Airport to Manavgat. While these cost a little more than a shared service, they offer the ultimate in comfort and convenience.
Cost: For those looking to save money on their Manavgat transfers to and from the airport, our reliable shared shuttle bus option is ideal. While you will travel with other passengers, and the shared rides aren’t door-to-door, you’ll be dropped at a central point as close to your accommodation as possible.
About Shuttle Direct
Here at Shuttle Direct our reputation for great communication, efficiency, and reliability has been hard won over our many years offering affordable airport transfers all over the world. With everything from economical shared shuttles to high-end luxury transfers, our friendly, professional drivers make sure you get where you need to go in a safe, comfortable, modern vehicle. Book with us today!
