Lower Düden Waterfall
Note that this article is about the Lower Düden Şelalesi (Düden Kıyı Şelalesi). There is also an Upper Düden Şelalesi (Düden Kıyı Şelalesi) right at the edge of the sea, where the water tumbles over the cliffs.
The Lower Düden waterfall is 8 km east of Antalya’s city center and is located in the Lara province. Also known as Karpuzkaldıran, this waterfall has a height of 40 meters, creating an immense sound and view. There are special places where you can take awesome panoramic pictures, and enjoy the water falling into the sea. When you approach the waterfall, if you are on your lucky day, you can spot a large rainbow, created by the intersection of the sunlight and mist.
Just next to the waterfall, there is a nice park called Gençlik Parkı, which is the perfect spot to watch the waterfall from. There you can find various cafes, picnic tables, and banks, where you can come and enjoy your day. As this place is located a bit out of the city center, it makes it an awesome, peaceful place to sit with your family, and friends, or even on your own, and set your mind at ease for a while.
Recommended Itinerary
When I visited the waterfall, I wanted to combine it with other things around, as I had quite a way to come here. I would recommend you not to come all this way just to see the waterfall. If you are planning to visit it, make a day of it.
Here’s what I did: I first came by bus and got off at the waterfall. After walking a bit through the Gençlik Parkı, I came to the waterfall and took a couple of panoramic pictures, enjoying my time there for a while. For those who would be interested, there are special photographers taking pictures of you and the waterfall.
Moreover, if you would like, you can have them shoot a picture of you with a parrot in your hands. Keep in mind that they charge you quite a lot of money, so don’t jump into it before asking the price.
After visiting the waterfall, I took the bus and went to Lara Beach, to chill and cool off. By bus, it only takes about 15 minutes, so it’s quite easy and fast to get there. You can take bus numbers; GM24, LC07A or LC07.
After spending some time at the beach, I headed up to Sandland just located on the beach. There you can visit giant sand sculptures and take pictures. It is open from 9 am to 11 pm, so you can visit it whenever you want. I didn't have the opportunity to stay till it got dark, but they say it is worth it then, as the colorful lightning adds a whole different atmosphere.
I got hungry and decided to eat something at the famous Gözleme House called Sevgi Ana Gözleme. For those who don’t know what Gözleme is, or never had it before, I highly advise you to go and have one there.
As the gözleme restaurant is very close to Düden Waterfall, you can also eat after you visit the waterfall.
Transportation
You can easily get there by bus departing from the city center;
- You can take bus numbers KL08, LF09, LF10, and LC37. These are either if you come from the city center or from the direction of Lara Beach.
- If you will take the bus from Konyaaltı, take bus numbers KL08 or VS18.
-by Julide Koca