Belek → Kurşunlu Waterfall Transfer

Belek to Kurşunlu Waterfall private transfer

Belek is flat and sandy country: pine woods on old dunes, fairways between the hotels, and a sea that for most guests is the only water they see all week. Kurşunlu shows water of another kind. Near Aksu, a tributary of the Aksu river drops off the edge of the plateau into a short wooded gorge, falling about 18 metres into a pool and then spilling down through seven smaller pools linked by cascades. It has been protected as a nature park since 1991. Stone steps lead down from the entrance, and wooden walkways and footbridges follow the water under pines, plane trees, laurel and oleander, so most of the walk stays in the shade. An hour or so covers the paths, which makes this a morning outing rather than a whole day.

The drive is 33 km, about 35 minutes. The car follows the resort road west through Kadriye, swings north to the D400 and runs along it towards Antalya, crossing the Aksu river on the way. At Aksu it takes the exit for the Isparta road, heads north for about five kilometres, then turns right onto a short side road that leads to the park gate and its car park. Leave straight after breakfast and you reach the gorge while it is still cool and quiet, with time to be back by the hotel pool for lunch. The booking covers the drive out; waiting time at the gate, or a return pickup at a set hour, can be arranged when you book.

• On summer weekends local families fill the park by late morning, so an early start from Belek gets you both the cooler air and the quieter paths.
• The way down to the pools is a flight of stone steps and the boardwalks by the water stay damp and slippery, so wear shoes with a firm grip and bring a baby carrier rather than a pushchair.
• The stream runs fullest in spring, and April and May are the months usually recommended; by late summer the fall is noticeably thinner, though the shade along the paths counts for more then.
• Perge lies a short drive south, near Aksu, so the ruins can be added on the way back to Belek if you mention both stops and the waiting time when booking.