Kursunlu: Day Trips and Tours from Antalya

Southern Turkey’s Antalya region is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations—with the area offering a variety of dazzling beaches, ancient ruins, metropolitan cities, mountainous landscapes and cascading waterfalls.

Kursunlu is a tiny town in the province of Çankırı that is home to a favorite attraction among tourists and locals alike—the Kursunlu Waterfall Nature Park.

There is no better way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city than with a Kursunlu day trip from Antalya. Make the short journey to the peaceful waterfalls and nature park, located at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, and enjoy the serene beauty of untouched nature!

Here's all you need to know about Kursunlu, one of the most exciting day trips from Antalya.

How to get to Kursunlu from Antalya?

The Kursunlu Waterfalls are located within a deep canyon on a tributary of the Aksu River. Kursunlu can be found roughly 20 kilometers away from Antalya’s city center.

From Antalya to Kursunlu by car

If you plan to drive from Antalya to Kursunlu you’ll need to drive in a northeasterly direction on the D400, passing the airport, until you reach the town of Aksu. Soon after Aksu, you’ll turn left and follow the signs that lead you to Kursunlu and its natural park. The drive should take you roughly 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

From Antalya to Kursunlu by public transport

Getting from Antalya to Kursunlu using public transport is fairly straightforward, but requires you take a tram and bus. The first step is taking tram T1A or T1B from Antalya to Aksu Station.

From here you make your way to Ismail Ogan Street and take the MK81 bus to Kursunlu. This mini-bus takes you directly to the waterfall and leaves every hour. The entire journey, including the tram and bus trip, should take around 1.5 hours.

Guided tour to Kursunlu from Antalya

Avoid the hassle of hiring a car or navigating public transport by booking a guided tour from Kursunlu to Antalya. Your professional guide will arrange your hotel transfers for you and ensure that you have a fun-filled excursion. Guided tours to Kursunlu typically last 8 hours, as other attractions are also included in the itinerary.

What is the typical itinerary?

Begin your adventure by getting picked up from your Antalya accommodation in a private minivan by your professional guide. Enjoy views of the picturesque Turkish countryside as you make your way to the waterfalls and nature park at Kursunlu.

Explore the waterfalls and surrounding natural areas for about an hour before heading to your next destination. Some of the other attractions that may be included in your tour’s itinerary include Side, Perge and Aspendos among others.

Along the way, you’ll make a stop for lunch and enjoy a delicious Turkish meal at a local restaurant. At the end of a busy day exploring the region, you’ll be taken back to your accommodation in Antalya.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Kursunlu?

Day trip to Kursunulu plus Aspendos and Perge from Antalya

See Antalya’s ancient cities when you book a guided tour that includes Aspendos and Perge in its itinerary. Both cities are thousands of years old and provide a fascinating insight into the area’s Roman rule. Make stops at these historic sites before ending off your excursion at the calming Kursunlu Waterfalls.

Guided tour to Kursunulu plus Duden Waterfalls from Antalya

Experience southern Turkey’s natural beauty in all its glory with a guided tour that visits both the Kursunlu Waterfall Nature Park and the famous Duden Waterfalls, which flow directly into the Mediterranean Sea.

How much does a day trip to Kursunlu from Antalya cost?

Guided Kursunlu day trips from Antalya, which include the Duden Waterfalls in the itinerary, typically cost around US$50 per person.

Day trips to Kursunulu that also visit the ancient cities of Perge and Aspendos usually cost between US$60 and US$100 per person, depending on the length of the tour.

Whichever option you choose will be inclusive of hotel transfers and all entry fees.

What will you see and do?

As you make your way to the Kursunlu waterfalls from Antalya, you may notice water mills on the side of the road. These mills are over 400 years old and were once used by the surrounding villages for grinding.

The Kursunlu Waterfalls are 18 meters high at their highest point and are located in a deep canyon surrounded by untouched natural beauty—making this the perfect destination for a relaxing day in the countryside.

In addition to simply enjoying the picture-perfect views, you can explore the natural ponds and have a peaceful picnic under the pine trees.

Thanks to the healthy ecosystems found in Kursunlu, the area is home to a number of plant and animal species, including rabbits, tortoises, lizards, turtles, bats, wild olive trees, lotus flowers, thyme, mint, beech trees, reeds, ivy and even wild roses.

The nature park has all the amenities that you may require for a comfortable visit, such as a picnic area, bathrooms, pavilions, walkways and benches.

What are the opening times?

The Kursunlu Waterfalls are open to the public from 8 AM until 7 PM between May and October, and from 8 AM until 5 PM between the colder months of November and April.

When is the best time to visit Kursunlu?

The best time to visit Kursunlu is during spring and early autumn, when the weather is generally mild and pleasant. The vegetation is also lush and vibrant, while the waterfalls are more impressive, due to the increased water flow from winter and spring rainfall.

Visiting during these months also means you'll avoid the major crowds and heat of the summer tourist season, making for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. Regarding the time of day, it's recommended to go early in the morning when the park first opens. This is when the park is at its quietest, providing a more serene experience.

Travel tips

• The terrain at the Kursunlu park can be uneven and you will be doing quite a bit of walking. As such, comfortable shoes suitable for walking on different types of terrain are essential.
• The Kursunlu nature park is a great spot for a picnic. There are picnic tables available, but they can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. Pack your favorite foods, snacks and plenty of water.
• It's important to note that swimming is not allowed at the waterfall, both for safety reasons and to protect the local ecosystem.
• Remember to leave no trace on your visit to Kursunlu. Keep to designated paths, do not disturb wildlife, and take any trash with you when you leave.