In the heart of the Mediterranean, a natural wonder where the roaring waters meet a lush oasis and cascade from the cliffs into the sea.
One of Antalya's landmarks, the Düden Waterfall is in fact made up of two natural wonders that complement each other: the Upper Düden and the Lower Düden. Close to the city centre, the Upper Düden is a peaceful stop with a picnic area surrounded by rich vegetation. The Lower Düden pours from cliffs about 40 metres high straight into the blue waters of the Mediterranean, creating a view that is rare anywhere in the world.
For guests staying in Belek, the Düden Waterfall in Antalya is one of the easiest ways to combine a city trip with nature. Below you will find where the waterfall is, the spots not to miss at both falls, places to visit nearby and how to get there from Belek.
The Düden Waterfall is located close to central Antalya, on the Düden River. The Upper Düden Waterfall lies inland on the northern side of the city, while the Lower Düden Waterfall is on the coast towards Lara, where the river meets the sea. As the two falls are not far apart, you can easily visit both on the same day.
For directions, simply enter "Upper Düden Waterfall" or "Lower Düden Waterfall" in your navigation app. Both areas are easy to reach from the city and are laid out with walking paths and viewpoints.
The story of the Düden Waterfall begins with its name. It is said to come from the word "düden", which describes natural formations where water disappears underground and resurfaces. This path of the water from the Taurus Mountains through limestone terrain is one of the most remarkable features of the Düden Waterfall.
The Upper and Lower Düden offer quite different experiences. When planning your visit, we recommend adding both falls to your route.
The Upper Düden Waterfall lies within a park surrounded by trees. Footpaths where you can walk to the sound of the cascading water, shaded rest areas and small bridges make it a pleasant stop for families too. On hot summer days, the coolness of the water creates a refreshing atmosphere.
The Lower Düden Waterfall is where the Düden River drops from the cliffs directly into the sea. From the park along the coast you can watch the falls from above and see up close the moment the foaming water meets the Mediterranean. It is one of the rare waterfalls that can also be admired from the sea.
Both falls have viewing terraces that let you see the scenery from different angles. Rainbows that appear when sunlight meets the spray offer the best shots for photos. A visit to the Lower Düden towards sunset creates a special atmosphere with the colour of the sea.
One of the most popular parts of the Upper Düden is the cave passage that runs behind the waterfall. In the cave section you can watch the water fall like a curtain from the inside. As the ground can be wet and slippery, walk carefully and wear non-slip shoes.
The Lower Düden Waterfall is close to the Lara coastline. A walk along the coast lets you see the water pouring from the cliffs and the Gulf of Antalya in the same frame. This view is especially impressive in the late afternoon.
You can combine the Düden Waterfall with other Antalya landmarks for a fuller day.
Antalya's historic heart, Kaleiçi, with Hadrian's Gate, the Yivli Minaret and the ancient harbour, is ideal for rounding off your waterfall trip with history. To get to know its narrow streets and historic houses, see our Antalya Kaleiçi page.
Right next to Kaleiçi, Karaalioğlu Park on the cliffs overlooking the sea is a quiet stop with walkways and sunset views towards the Taurus Mountains. After the Lower Düden, you can end your day here with the sunset.
Close to the Lower Düden, Lara Beach with its long sandy shore and seaside promenades is a good stop for anyone who wants to cool off after the waterfall trip.
About 33 km from Belek, the Kurşunlu Waterfall offers a different, quieter nature experience than Düden, with green pools and trails in a forested nature park.
The Düden Waterfall is about 25 km from Belek. From Belek, you can reach the Düden Waterfall by following the Antalya–Alanya highway west towards central Antalya. As the Lower Düden is on the Lara side, it can be the first stop when coming from Belek; you can then continue to the Upper Düden in the north of the city. Hotel transfers, taxis and rental cars are the most practical options.
Starting your trip early in the morning means a visit away from both the heat and the crowds in summer. Bringing water, a hat and a small bag for items that might get wet also makes things easier.
If you would like to combine your visit to the Düden Waterfall with a stay in Belek, you can browse many options, from family-friendly resorts to luxury hotels with spa and golf facilities, on our accommodation in Belek page. Spend the day in the cool air of the falls and return to your hotel in Belek in the evening to enjoy nature and comfort on the same holiday.
BETUYAB is the strongest supporter of environmental projects and nature-friendly tourism approaches that protect the region's water resources, keep the natural life cycle sustainable and pass on these unique geological formations to future generations intact.
The Upper Düden is the waterfall inland, set in a park and known for the cave passage behind it. The Lower Düden is the coastal waterfall where the Düden River drops from the cliffs straight into the Mediterranean. The first offers a shaded nature walk, the second an impressive viewing experience with sea views.
An entrance fee may be charged for the waterfall areas. As fees can change from season to season, we recommend checking the latest information before your visit.
Both falls can be seen in a short visit. Seeing the Upper and Lower Düden on the same day, including walks and photo stops, takes a programme of a few hours. If you want to combine it with Kaleiçi, plan a half or full day.
