Duden Waterfalls (Duden Selalesi)

Surrounded by beautiful gardens, the Duden Waterfalls are a popular picnic spot and day-trip from Antalya. Behind the falls, you’ll find a natural cave that is popular with swimmers. Combine a trip to the falls with a visit to Antalya Old Town to admire ancient sites like Hadrian’s Gate and the Yivli Minare Mosque. Some tours also include a cruise along the Mediterranean or a trip to the ancient ruins of Termessos and Perge.

• Remember to bring swimwear, sun protection, and bottled water to the falls.

• Duden Park, which surrounds the falls, also contains restaurants and picnic tables.

• Some tours are wheelchair accessible.

The Duden Waterfalls are about 8.5 miles (14 kilometers) southeast of Antalya, in the coastal district of Muratpaşa: Take Burhanettin Onat Cd/Metin Kasapoglu Cd./İsmet Gökşen Cd./Bülent Ecevit Blv. to 2102 Sk, which goes directly to Duden Park. The drive from the city takes about 15 minutes. Once at the park, head towards the sea; the waterfalls are on the east end. You can also reach Duden Falls on one of the public buses that leaves from the Markantalya shopping mall.

The waterfalls are open all day. Because they are nearly open to the sea and are lit, they are also lovely to visit at night. High tourist season in Antalya is during the summer (June–August) and during Easter week. To skip the crowds, visit in the fall, when the weather is still warm and the crowds have left, or in the spring (specially in May), when the flowers are in full bloom.

North of the falls, just past Antalya, is the city of Perge (Perga). Founded during the Bronze Age, Perge was settled by the Hittites circa 1500 BC, and when the Romans came to the area, the metropolis rose to become one of the most beautiful cities in the ancient world. Visit to see the excavated areas, which include a sprawling theater with marble reliefs, a 12-000-capacity stadium, an agora, public baths, and more.

There are two cascades to Duden Waterfalls: the 65-foot (20-meter) Upper Duden Waterfall and the 131-foot (40-meter) Lower Duden Waterfall, which flows over cliffs into the Mediterranean Sea. You can access both waterfalls on foot and also view the lower falls from a boat.

Spring is the best time to visit the Duden Waterfalls to see the maximum water flow, due to snow melt from the mountains. May is a particularly scenic time to visit, as many flowers also will be in full bloom. Expect lower flows over the summer and winter months.

Yes, there is an entrance fee to access the park that surrounds the Upper Duden Waterfalls, with different prices for non-Turkish and Turkish residents (with proof of residency). You can access the park around the Lower Duden Waterfalls for free, though you’d pay a fee to view them by boat.

The easiest ways to get to both Upper and Lower Duden Waterfalls are to take a sightseeing tour (some tours include a boat ride), go by taxi, or—if you have a car—drive to the falls. You also can take a public bus or tram to get to the waterfalls.

Yes, many Antalya sightseeing tours include a stop at either the Upper Duden Waterfalls, Lower Duden Waterfalls, or both. You can visit just the falls, or combine it with a tour of Antalya’s Old Town, a visit to Antalya Aquarium, a ride on the aerial tram, or other nearby waterfalls.

Yes, facilities can be found near the Duden Waterfalls. Both falls have cafés and picnic areas, with benches, restrooms, and vendors selling souvenirs at Upper Duden Waterfalls. The Lower Duden Waterfalls offer a play area on the west side of the river.