Düden Waterfalls which are a set of waterfalls in Antalya are very attractive and spectacular. These waterfalls are located 12 KM northeast of Antalya and are considered one of the best and listed among the tourist attractions of this city. It is interesting to know that these waterfalls are created by the water cycle and their unique beauty draws many domestic and foreign tourists here.
Introducing Düden Waterfalls in Antalya
Düden Waterfalls is one of the most dreamy tourist attractions in Antalya, which is known as Karpuzkaldıran Cross Park among local people. The origin and source of these beautiful waterfalls, which are 40 kilometers away from them, are two springs named Pınarbaşı, which are located in Kırkgözler region. In fact, these two springs are connected to each other after a short journey and make the Duden river full of water and clear, then they sink into the depths of the earth and travel a distance of 14 kilometers at the same depth, and are sent to the ground in a pit called Varsak and are again poured into the depths of the earth.
The water that sinks into the ground in this pit, after being able to travel 2 kilometers again, flows out of the waterfall and creates the unique Duden waterfall.
Finally, after traveling 9 kilometers and passing through the beautiful city of Antalya, it goes towards the Mediterranean Sea.
Düden waterfall consists of two waterfalls, which are called Upper Düden Waterfall and Lower Düden Waterfall.
Upper Düden Waterfalls
The upper Duden waterfall, which is formed from the sum of several smaller waterfalls at a distance of 14 kilometers from the city limits, has a height of 15 meters and a width of 20 meters.
“Alexander Falls” is another name for the upper Duden Waterfall. It is said that Alexander the Great, who conquered Pamphylia between 334 and 333 BC, watered his horses while passing through this area.
This recreational place is attractive for those who want to get away from the city center and find peace in nature. The pleasure of visiting the waterfall on hot summer days is indescribable.
There are places to see beautiful views as well as restaurants and cafes. You can find many restaurants on both sides of the lake. You can also bring your own food and enjoy the picnic areas. It is refreshing to have a picnic by the creek and soak your feet in the water to cool off.
The Upper Düden Waterfall lies in the Varsak District, which is part of the Kepez District. You can take the Varsak minibusses that depart from Antalya city center. You may also take the city buses there.
Lower Düden Waterfalls
To reach the Lower Düden Waterfalls, which originates from the Duden River, we must follow the Duden River and pass through the caves to reach the beach. This beautiful and attractive waterfall has a height of about 40 meters and finally falls from the cliffs of Antalya into the Mediterranean Sea.
An interesting point about Lower Düden waterfall is that since the name of this area is Karpuzkaldıran, this waterfall is also called Karpuzkaldıran Şelalesi, which literally means the lifting watermelon waterfall. In Antalya, there are two cascades called Düden.
This waterfall flows from the Düden River, one of the largest rivers in southern Anatolia, into the sea from the Karpuskaldiran natural formation. There are several waterfalls on the cliffs, but this one is the most magnificent and draws a large number of tourists.
Düden Park, which is adjacent, provides a great view of the waterfall. This place has an observation terrace that gives a special view of the waterfall. This terrace is not a recreational place but a large green and pleasant area for visitors. There is also a café, parking, and a picnic area. One of Antalya’s most recognized attractions is having breakfast at one of the restaurants perched on top of it with a view of the waterfall.
The best time to visit Düden Waterfalls in Antalya
Antalya’s climate is usually Mediterranean; in general, air humidity is low in the spring and temperatures are not high, but in the summer, temperatures reach 35 degrees Celsius. Winter and fall are quite chilly. It is not advised to visit the Duden waterfalls during the winter. The finest seasons to see Antalya’s Duden waterfalls are spring and summer. You must bring walking shoes, a few loose and comfortable clothes, drinks and snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera, and a power bank when visiting Duden Waterfalls in Antalya.
Possible Recreations in Düden waterfalls in Antalya
Because of the area’s appealing and magnificent position, entertainments have been offered for guests to use in order to have excellent and cherished recollections of their journey to Antalya.
1. Picnic in nature
If you visit Duden waterfall early in the morning, you can have breakfast in one of the local restaurants. Breakfast with your loved ones in these places that provide you with a lovely breakfast. At the same time, hearing the gentle sound of water can bring you more pleasure. In addition, the fresh tea served in the samovar adds to its pleasure.
2. Visiting the first Duden Waterfall
When planning a picnic in this location, one of the most appealing alternatives is to visit the first waterfall and wander around the park surrounding it. You should know that this waterfall is created behind a spectacular cave and there is a bed of stone where the waterfall falls.
3. Visiting the second Duden Waterfall
After the first waterfall, you can reach the second waterfall, which is also called Karpuzkaldıran waterfall, by crossing the rock path in this area. This waterfall is located at a short distance from the Mediterranean Sea, and today they have built a park around this waterfall, which, of course, carries the name of Doden, and is a good place for fun and spending a few hours. To visit the second waterfall, just go to Duden Park.
4. Boat Riding on Duden River
The distance between the two waterfalls is 8 km. Sometimes people are not interested in walking. Some people, such as the elderly and children, are not able to walk 8 kilometers… So, in such a situation, the best possible option is to travel the route between the two Duden waterfalls with rented boats. To rent a boat, you have to go to Antalya pier and rent a boat for 6 hours for 1400 euros.
5. Cave Climbing
The caves behind the waterfall are very interesting formations and have been given the interesting name of Dilek Magarasi (Cave of dreams). The holes of the caves are like a window that displays a beautiful view, of course, you can go up to 40 meters in these caves. You can even walk under the waterfall. Remember to look at the cascade from the cave behind the rushing water. Sometimes you have to bend down in the caves and they can be quite wet. So, be careful not to slip.
6. Rafting in Doden River
Rafting in any raging river is attractive, but it is a wonderful and unique experience in Duden waterfalls. Of course, this fascinating fun is possible by buying a rafting tour.
Access to Duden Waterfalls in Antalya
You can use the following methods to reach Duden Waterfalls.
1. Bus
This means of public transportation is one of the best ways to reach the first waterfall. For this, you need to get to the bus stop in front of Terracity Antalya shopping center. Then you will travel by bus line VML 55 A to Duden waterfall in a distance of 40 minutes to 1 hour. If you take the LC07 bus, you can get off at Duden Park. Walk about 600 meters along the river and reach the parking lot. Now you reach the second waterfall. From the time you board the bus to the waterfall, you have a total of 15 to 20 minutes of walking.
2. Dolmus
Go to the eastern taxi terminal and there you will see a lot of Dolmus. Antalya city vans called Dolmush can be found in large numbers at that terminal. You can get off at the entrance of Duden Park by taking the Cv17 Dolmus.
Antalya hotels near Duden Waterfall
Among the hotels in Antalya, the Lara Antalya Hotel is 595 meters, Nazar Beach Hotel is 659 meters and Aura City Hotel is 1110 meters away from Duden Waterfalls.
