Upper Düden Waterfall

Waterfalls in Antalya

CC BY-SA 2.0 / zolakoma

The Düden Waterfalls are among the top attractions near to Antalya, celebrated for their dramatic scenery and tranquil surroundings. These cascading waters tumble from lush greenery into the turquoise Mediterranean, creating one of the must-see places in Antalya for visitors who love nature and outdoor beauty. Divided into two main sections — the Upper Düden and the Lower Düden — the falls offer two very different experiences: one a peaceful woodland retreat, the other a spectacular coastal viewpoint where water plunges directly into the sea.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
How to Get There
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

The Düden Waterfalls are fed by a river that originates in the Taurus Mountains, flowing through karstic underground channels before emerging at various points around Antalya. Historically, the falls have been an important freshwater source for the region and a beloved recreation area for residents. Over time, the area around the Upper Düden Waterfalls has been developed into a public park, preserving its natural charm while making it accessible for visitors. The Lower Düden Falls, by contrast, are more dramatic — a stunning sight where the water drops 40 metres over the cliffs straight into the Mediterranean.

Things to See and Do

The Upper Düden Waterfalls (Yukarı Düden) are located about 10 kilometres north of the city centre, offering shaded pathways, picnic areas, and caves behind the curtain of water where you can feel the cool mist. It's a great place to visit on a walking tour of Antalya for a relaxing escape surrounded by nature. The Lower Düden Waterfalls (Aşağı Düden), also known as Karpuzkaldıran Falls, are located closer to the coast and can be viewed from the cliffs or from the sea on a boat tour.

Best time to visit: Spring and early summer, when the water flow is strongest and the surrounding vegetation is at its greenest.
How long to spend: 1–2 hours at each waterfall.
Photography tip: For the Lower Düden Falls, take a boat cruise from the marina for the best vantage point. At the Upper Falls, the caves and bridges make for stunning photos.
Facilities: Picnic tables, snack kiosks, restrooms, and small cafés near the Upper Falls; viewing platforms near the Lower Falls.
Accessibility: Upper Düden is partially accessible with paved paths; Lower Düden viewpoints are suitable for most visitors.

How to Get There

The Upper Düden Waterfalls are about 10 kilometres northeast of Antalya's city centre, accessible by car, taxi, or local bus number VF66 from the city. The Lower Düden Falls are located about 8 kilometres southeast of the centre, near Lara Beach, and can also be reached by taxi, bus (KL08 or LF09), or as part of a boat tour departing from the Old City Marina. Both locations are clearly signposted and easy to reach from the main roads.

Nearby Attractions

The Düden Waterfalls can easily be combined with other top sights near Antalya. Near the Lower Falls, Lara Beach offers long stretches of sand, cafés, and beach clubs for a relaxing afternoon. The Upper Falls are close to the ancient site of Perge, one of the region's most fascinating archaeological ruins. Visitors can also head back toward the city centre to explore the Atatürk House and Museum or Hadrian's Gate, rounding off a day that combines natural beauty with cultural exploration.

The Upper Düden Waterfall appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Antalya!

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