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Düden Waterfalls are proof that a human-made feature can be just as exquisite as a natural one, and in this case, so close to the vibrant and modern city of Antalya, Turkey. Watching a rainbow appear over the waterfalls in an everlasting lush garden, listening to the water burbling and flowing away, and being able to relax in the crisp air of this sanctuary, are all the type of things you can do to experience- only 30 minutes away from the city- thanks to the Düden waterfalls.

All About Düden Waterfalls

The Düden waterfalls are actually made up of 2 separate groups of cascades known as the Lower Düden waterfalls and the Upper Düden waterfalls. They are approximately 10 kilometers away from each other and are connected by the Düden river, flowing between them. This river moves both under and overground, starting from the mountains and joining the Mediterranean sea.

The falls both originate in the same place, the Taurus mountains, where the Düden river flows from. But the Düden waterfalls are not formed naturally by a river.  They are designed and created by the city’s recycling station, and they are a part of the hydrologic system. The water is carried through canals and pushed through by turbines and payphones. This process is not a simple one, but the results are worth it.

After all, not all human-made things have to be unpleasant and artificial! As long as they are created with no harm to nature and for a good cause, they can turn out as incredible as Düden waterfalls. The environments around these two waterfalls are completely different, and each one has its own unique and captivating atmosphere.

Upper Düden Waterfall

The inner (upper) Düden waterfalls are located in a flourishing park filled with all types of leafy green plants. This breathtaking garden is also home to numerous birds whose singing makes the perfect melody, especially over the sound of the cascading water.

This marvelous park is a go-to picnic spot for most locals and even tourists. There are beautiful wooden benches and picnic tables placed all over the park, so you can sit back and enjoy this piece of heaven with all your senses.

From the park entrance through the garden, there are pavements that can lead you around the place. If you follow the pavement to the waterfalls, you’ll see a cave behind them that you can go into! It is an almost-secret cave that allows you to watch the cascades up close from a different perspective without getting that wet.

And of course, you wouldn’t be able to leave here without taking at least one picture on every corner of this stunning place. The aesthetics of the park are unbelievable, so make sure you take your time and check it all out. There’s also a small natural pond and a bridge that make the perfect photography spot!

But that’s not all! In case you feel like eating something, there are a few restaurants on the site that allow you to enjoy a meal or a drink in the outdoors, overlooking that gorgeous view. There are also a few pubs and shops selling handicrafts if you’re interested.

Lower Düden Waterfalls

The lower falls are where the journey of the flowing water ends. These waterfalls are set over a 40m cliff facing the Mediterranean sea. The water rushes down and spills over this cliff and joins the sea creating the remarkable and scenic Lower Düden Waterfalls.

Although the lower falls are much bigger than the Upper ones, they’re less visited than them. Of course, it doesn’t mean that this site has less to offer! The Lower Düden Waterfalls also has a park with the same facilities surrounding it. It might be smaller than the other garden and a bit further, but you can’t ignore what it has to offer.

Besides the activities you could do at the upper site, you have a more adventurous and exciting option here! Your excitement will start with the tourist yachts, where you will be served drinks and food and can dance to the music or chill while enjoying the view.

You also have the option to hire a boat yourself and have more privacy if you’d like. Besides, you can try different adrenaline-pumping water activities too! There are also several exciting water activities available, like snorkeling, scuba diving, and rafting. All of these options are available at the harbor of Antalya. Even if you decide not to do anything crazy, you should still catch a glimpse of this fascinating site; because the pictures are not doing them justice.

When to Go

Since Analya is really hot during the summer, this site is most visited then. The ground is often damp, but the shades and the spray of water around the waterfalls make it a perfect place to hide from the sunny hot days of the city. Also, at the Lower Düden falls, you get to enjoy a boat day at the coast. There are also several exciting water activities available, like snorkeling and scuba diving.

That’s why we recommend visiting these sites while it’s still sunny outside so you can enjoy the full experience. However, if you can’t bear hot weather, make sure to visit it in spring or summer afternoons. Also, try to avoid weekends as it gets way too crowded then. Travelers won’t be able to find an empty bench or a spot for taking a good photo!

What to Take & Wear

The cobbled (and at some points rocky) pavements to the waterfalls are usually wet and quite slippery. So make sure you put on comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. The same goes for your clothes! They’re gonna get wet by the splash of the falls, so don’t try to run away from it .just choose your outfit accordingly and try to enjoy this nature-bonding experience.

If you decide to take a boat tour to see the lower Düden falls, be sure to take some sun-screen with you and maybe a sun-blocking hat because the sun is no joke in Antalya! And no matter which waterfall you go to, don’t forget your camera! ( if you use your phone, make sure it’s fully charged) you will need it, trust us.

Costs

The Upper Düden falls site has an entrance fee of 3-5 Tl, which is really not much considering the earthly heaven you’re about to step into. On the other hand, the lower one is free to enter since fewer people visit it from the main entrance and most people take boat tours to check it out from the harbor.

How To Get There & Around

The waterfalls are about 30 minutes away from the city. There are different means of transportation you can choose to get there. There are local buses, taxis and you can even book tours that have pick-up/drop-off options.  You also have the option to rent a tourist boat from Antalya harbor and enjoy exploring the area on it privately (the captain and the crew are included, of course!) There are lots of taxis at the site entrance, so you don’t need to worry about getting back from there either.

Final Thought