Located in Antalya's Kepez district, 10 kilometers from the city center, Upper Düden Waterfall is a natural waterfall and walking area within a large green park; the entrance fee is approximately 100 TL.
Upper Düden Waterfall is located in Antalya's Kepez district and is sometimes referred to as Alexander Waterfall. Its proximity to the city makes it a favorite stop for both morning walkers and day-trippers. The area, surrounded by a large green park, offers a truly refreshing break on hot Antalya days.
There are two different waterfalls named Düden: this upper section in Kepez and the Lower Düden (Karpuzkaldıran) Waterfall, which flows into the sea on Lara beach. The two offer quite different experiences. Upper Düden stands out more with its park atmosphere and waterfall views, while Lower Düden can be viewed from a boat tour at the point where it meets the sea. When coming to this area in Kepez, opt for comfortable walking shoes; some parts of the park are stony and wet.
Related discoveries: Places to visit in Antalya, Natural Beauties, Antalya natural beauties, Lower Düden Waterfall.
Guide's Note
Upper Düden Waterfall is a natural area frequently visited by tourists coming to Antalya. Visitors to the waterfall state that the flow of water and the surrounding green park areas create a relaxing atmosphere. Walking paths and suitable spots for taking photos are also among the positively received features.
Food and beverage options are available within the area; one visitor reports being satisfied with the gözleme (Turkish pancake) stand. The entrance fee is currently 50 TL. There is also a cave near the waterfall, but there is feedback that this area is unpleasant due to a bad smell.
Before planning your visit, we recommend paying attention to the following points:
- Water flow is not always guaranteed: At least one visitor shared that when they went to the waterfall, the water was not flowing and they were warned about this at the entrance. This situation can be disappointing, especially for those coming from distant cities; it may be useful to confirm the waterfall's status in advance before going.
- Cave smell: It is stated that the cave within the area has an unpleasant smell.
Best Time to Visit
Although Upper Düden Waterfall is open to visitors all four seasons of the year, the most enjoyable period is between April–May and September–October. During these months, the weather is not yet scorching, the greenery of the park is at its peak, and the waterfall's flow rate is high enough to be visually satisfying.
In July-August, the park becomes quite crowded on weekends. If you plan to visit during this period, choosing weekdays and before 09:00 will allow you to move around the park comfortably and eliminate the crowd problem when taking photos. In winter months, the park is quiet; the waterfall flows stronger during rainy periods, but the ground becomes slippery.
How to Get There?
Reaching Upper Düden Waterfall from Antalya city center is quite easy. If you are coming by private car, simply head towards Kepez and follow the Düden Park signs; there is a paid parking lot near the entrance.
For those who want to come by public transport, some municipal bus lines departing from Antalya center or Kepez stop near the park. You can follow current line and schedule information from the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality's official transportation app or AntRay/AKBUS lines. Taxi or app-based car services are also a practical option; it's an average 15–20 minute journey from the city center.
How Much Time Should You Allocate?
Upper Düden Waterfall is ideal for a half-day program. 1.5 to 2.5 hours is sufficient to explore the park, view the waterfall from different angles, and take a short break in the picnic area. Those who love photography or want to walk all the park's trails can extend this period up to 3 hours.
If you want to see other natural beauties of Antalya on the same day, Upper Düden can be scheduled for the morning, and Lower Düden (Karpuzkaldıran) Waterfall for the afternoon; the distance between the two points is approximately 15–18 km.
Route Suggestion
If you are planning a short visit to Antalya, you might consider the following order: Start your morning at Upper Düden Waterfall, walk in the park, and see the waterfall up close. You can have lunch at restaurants around Kepez or bring your own food to the park for a picnic. In the afternoon, head towards Lara to visit Lower Düden Waterfall; this waterfall flows directly into the sea and can be viewed from a different perspective with a boat tour. Ending the day at Lara beach is also an option.
Photo Spots
The platforms closest to the waterfall are both the most impressive and the wettest spots; using a wide-angle lens here makes it easier to frame the entire waterfall. Shots taken from the upper sections of the park, looking up at the waterfall from below, also yield very dramatic results.
Morning light reflects the greenery of the park and the color of the water most vividly. For those who want to capture the silky appearance of flowing water with long exposure technique (using a tripod), between 08:00–09:00 or cloudy days offer the most suitable conditions. It is also possible to take satisfying shots with smartphone cameras; just be careful not to get the lens wet.
Things to Consider
The ground near the waterfall remains constantly wet and can be slippery; choosing non-slip shoes is important for both your safety and comfort. It is risky to go onto the waterfall platforms with sandals or flip-flops.
Lighting fires is prohibited outside the designated picnic areas within the park. If you are coming with children, be careful not to go beyond the fenced areas around the waterfall. In summer, remember to bring water and sunscreen; some parts of the park are unshaded. We recommend checking the official website before your visit, considering that the entrance fee may have been updated.
FAQ
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