Düden Waterfalls is a beautiful and spectacular waterfall in Antalya, 12 km northeast of the city. It is considered one of the best and is listed among the city’s tourist attractions. 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 locals. The origin and source of these beautiful waterfalls, which are 40 kilometers away from them, are two springs named Pınarbaşı, which are located in the Kırkgözler region. These two springs are connected after a short journey, making the Duden River clear and full of water. They sink into the depths of the earth and travel a distance of 14 kilometers at the same depth. They 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 Upper Düden Waterfall and Lower Düden Waterfall.
Upper Düden Waterfalls
The upper Duden waterfall, formed from several smaller waterfalls 14 kilometers from the city limits, is 15 meters high and 20 meters wide.
“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 escape the city center and find natural peace. 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. Many restaurants are on both sides of the lake. You can also bring your food and enjoy the picnic areas. Having a picnic by the creek and soaking your feet in the water to cool off is refreshing.
The Upper Düden Waterfall is in the Varsak District, part of the Kepez District. To reach it, take the Varsak minibuses from Antalya city center or the city buses.
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 attractive waterfall is about 40 meters high 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 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. Several waterfalls are on the cliffs, but this one is the most magnificent and draws many tourists.
Düden Park, which is adjacent, provides a great view of the waterfall. This place has an observation terrace that gives an exceptional view of the waterfall. This terrace is not recreational 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; generally, air humidity is low in the spring, and temperatures are not high, but temperatures reach 35 degrees Celsius in the summer. Winter and fall are pretty chilly. You are not advised to visit the Duden waterfalls during the winter. The finest seasons to see Antalya’s Duden waterfalls are spring and summer. When visiting Duden Waterfalls in Antalya, you must bring walking shoes, loose and comfortable clothes, drinks and snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera, and a power bank.
Possible Recreations in Düden waterfalls in Antalya
Because of the area’s appealing and magnificent position, guests have been entertained 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 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. This waterfall is created behind a spectacular cave, and there is a bed of stone where it falls.
3. Visiting the second Duden Waterfall
After the first waterfall, you can reach the second one, also called Karpuzkaldıran waterfall, by crossing the rock path in this area. This waterfall is located a short distance from the Mediterranean Sea, and today, they have built a park around this waterfall, which carries the name Doden. It is a good place to have fun and spend a few hours. To visit the second waterfall, go to Duden Park.
4. Boat Riding on the Duden River
The distance between the two waterfalls is 8 km. Sometimes, people are not interested in walking. Some people, such as older people and children, cannot walk 8 kilometers… In such a situation, the best option is to travel the route between the two Duden waterfalls with rented boats. To rent a boat, you must go to Antalya pier and rent a boat for 6 hours for 1400 euros.
5. Cave Climbing
The caves behind the waterfall are fascinating formations named Dilek Magarasi (Cave of Dreams). The holes of the caves are like windows that display 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 must bend down in the caves, which can be pretty 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. You must get to the bus stop in front of the Terracity Antalya shopping center to do this. Then you will travel by bus line VML 55 A to Duden waterfall for 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. When you board the bus to the waterfall, you have 15 to 20 minutes of walking.
2. Dolmus
Go to the eastern taxi terminal, and you will see many 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, the Nazar Beach Hotel is 659 meters, and the Aura City Hotel is 1110 meters from Duden Waterfalls.