Duden Waterfalls (Upper & Lower) 2025 Guide: Entrance Fee & How to Get There

Antalya's famous "Duden Waterfall" is actually two completely different places, a common point of confusion for visitors. There is the Upper Duden Waterfall (Düdenbaşı), a lush, paid-entry nature park with a hidden cave, and the Lower Duden Waterfall (Karpuzkaldıran), the iconic cascade that plunges 40 meters from a city cliff directly into the Mediterranean Sea.

So, which one should you visit? If you want the experience of walking behind a waterfall in a cool, cave-like grotto, head to Upper Duden. If you want the dramatic, postcard-perfect photo of a river crashing into the sea (for free), go to Lower Duden.

Upper Duden vs. Lower Duden

Before you plan your trip, here is a clear breakdown of the differences to help you decide.

Upper Duden Waterfall (Düdenbaşı): The Paid Park & Cave

The Upper Duden Waterfall is a beautiful oasis located in the Kepez district, about 10-12 km north of the city center. This is where the underground Duden River re-emerges and flows through a serene park. Visitors typically spend 1 to 3 hours here.

A view from inside the cave behind the Upper Duden Waterfall, showing the water's turquoise color and the hidden passages. Expert Tip: The cave floor is constantly damp and can be very slippery.

Entrance Fee & Opening Hours 2025

The Upper Duden Waterfall is open daily from 09:00 to 19:30 in the summer and 09:00 to 18:00 in the winter.

The Cave Experience & Expert Tips

The main highlight of Upper Duden is the ability to walk through a hidden cave system directly behind the main cascade. You can feel the roar of the water and get a unique view from the inside out.

• The steps leading down to and inside the cave are stone, constantly damp, and very slippery. We strongly recommend wearing trainers or water shoes, not flip-flops.

A view from inside the cave behind the Upper Duden Waterfall, showing the water's turquoise color and the hidden passages. Expert Tip: The cave floor is constantly damp and can be very slippery.

• Accessibility Warning: This section is not suitable for visitors with limited mobility, strollers, or wheelchairs due to the large number of steep, wet steps.
• In the Park: You can also see small fruit bat colonies in the trees and the ruins of an ancient settlement (Lyrboton Kome), which adds a historical touch to the visit.

Lower Duden Waterfall (Lara / Karpuzkaldıran): The Free Sea Cliff

This is the iconic waterfall you’ve likely seen in photos. Known locally as the Karpuzkaldıran Waterfall, it's located in the Muratpaşa district (Lara) where the Duden River dramatically plunges 40 meters off a cliff into the Mediterranean Sea.

The surrounding Duden Park is a public city park, so viewing the waterfall from land is completely free, and it's accessible 24/7.

Best Viewing Points (From Land & Sea)

You have two main options for seeing this magnificent natural display:

• From Land (Free): The Duden Park has numerous viewing platforms and walkways along the cliffs. These offer fantastic, free views and great photo opportunities, especially in the afternoon when the sun often creates a rainbow in the mist.

The view of the Lower Duden (Lara) Waterfall, which can be viewed for free from the cliffs in Duden Park. The best photo spots are located on these viewing terraces.

• From the Sea (Highly Recommended): The absolute best way to experience the scale and power of the waterfall is from a boat. Boat tours departing from the Kaleiçi (Old Town) Marina will take you right up to the base of the falls, a truly impressive sight.

The most impressive, direct view of the waterfall, captured from a boat tour departing from Kaleiçi (Old Town). This is the best way to feel the 40-meter power of the cascade.

What to Do in Duden Park

The park itself is a popular spot for locals and tourists, with walking paths, children's playgrounds, and picnic areas. You'll also find cafes, ice cream kiosks, and even a zipline.

Tourist Tip: Be aware that some cafes and ice cream vendors in this high-traffic area can be expensive. It's always a good idea to check prices before ordering.

How to Get to the Duden Waterfalls (Transport Guide)

The two waterfalls are in different parts of the city, so they use different transport routes.

Getting to Upper Duden (Kepez)

• By Bus: This is the most direct public transport. Look for bus numbers CV17, MK80, MK80A, MZ78, VF66, or VML55 from the city center. The closest stops are 10804 - Düden Şelalesi-1 or 16325 - Şelale Mh-9, which are only a 2-minute walk from the entrance.
• By Tram: You can take the T3 (Varsak) tram line to the 15110 - Karşiyaka2 stop. However, this stop is a 1.5 km (approx. 19-minute) walk from the waterfall, so the bus is a much more practical option.
• By Car: Use Sütçüler Caddesi. There is a paid car park (50 TL) at the entrance.

Getting to Lower Duden (Lara)

• By Bus: Look for bus numbers GCK76A, LF09, TC16A, or VL13. The closest stop is 16341 - Yali Cd-28, which is only a 1-minute walk from the park entrance.
• By Tram: The T1C tram stops at 15191 - Meydan2, but this is an 18-minute walk away. The bus is the recommended public transport option.

The Secret of the Falls: The Karstic Journey

The Duden Waterfalls are a fascinating natural phenomenon. The water originates from springs in the Taurus Mountains, flows underground (a "karstic" system), and disappears at a sinkhole called Bıyıklı Düden. It then travels 14 km underground before re-emerging at the Upper Duden Waterfall.

The river's flow is powerful, with a minimum of 10 cubic meters per second, peaking at 94 cubic meters per second. This impressive river flows through the city before reaching its final, dramatic destination: the 40-meter plunge into the sea at the Lower Duden Waterfall.

If you're exploring the region's other natural wonders, the lush forests of Kurşunlu Waterfall and the wide, powerful cascade of Manavgat Waterfall also offer fantastic alternative day trips.