9 places to visit in the Manavgat district of Antalya: Manavgat Waterfall, Side Ancient City and Oymapınar Dam (Green Canyon). Plan your trip to Manavgat with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Manavgat is a district of Antalya Province. It covers 2,351 km², lies 32 m above sea level, has a population of 266,480 and was founded before the Republic. The Manavgat Waterfall lies on the Manavgat River, the most regular-flowing river in Türkiye.
History
Manaua, a bishopric listed in the Notitia Dignitatum, is mentioned from the 6th century and last appears in its Manavgat form in 1199. Side and Selge, ancient cities in the Manavgat area, are believed to have been founded in the 6th century BC. Manavgat passed to Seljuk rule in 1220 and to Ottoman rule in 1472.
Geography
The district covers 2,351 km² and its average height above sea level is 10 metres. Two hydroelectric power plants, Oymapınar Dam and Manavgat Dam, lie on the Manavgat River.
Climate
Manavgat has a Mediterranean climate: summers are hot and dry, and winters are mild and rainy. Summers are very hot, with temperatures exceeding 45 °C.
Economy and Tourism
The district’s economy rests on agriculture, livestock farming and tourism. Thousands of tourists visit the district every year, and tourism is its largest source of employment. The 64 km coastline and Manavgat Waterfall are the main factors in the development of tourism in the district.
History and Culture
Side and Selge are believed to have been founded in the 6th century BC. Side flourished in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. It came under Roman rule in 78 BC. Selge had a population of 20,000 in the Roman period. Selge contains a theatre, an agora, temples of Zeus and Artemis, and aqueducts. Kargıhan dates to the Anatolian Seljuk period.
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