The Best Waterfalls in the Middle East

Kayseri and Mersin

Kapuzbaşı Waterfalls stand side by side in Aladağlar National Park near Yahyalı, Kayseri. Seven large falls get water from underground streams and rock cracks. The winding road from Yahyalı or Kayseri takes two to three hours, and vehicles can drive up to the falls. The entrance fee is about 225 TL per vehicle. Crowds gather on weekends, so weekdays are quieter. Yerköprü Waterfall lies near Mut in Mersin. Its drop of about 30 metres pours over limestone into a gorge on the Göksu River. Visitors walk 1.5 km down steep paths, then climb back uphill.

Düzce and Erzurum

Samandere Waterfall sits in a forested canyon about 25 km from Düzce or Kaynaşlı. Several tiers drop from giant rocks and caves into deep cauldrons. Steep, narrow stairs lead down, so sturdy shoes help. The entrance fee is about 65 TL per adult, and the strongest flow runs from early April to mid-June. Tortum Waterfall is a roughly 50-metre fall on the Tortum River, reached from the Erzurum-Artvin road. Spray soaks visitors at its base. Parking costs 50 TL, and entry is 30 TL, or 20 TL for students. Most water flows in spring.

Golestan, Iran

Kaboudval Waterfall falls about six metres from a spring on the slopes of Mount Harun. The fall sits inside a Hyrcanian forest, and its rock is covered in moss. A paved road from Aliabad-e Katul ends at a parking lot. From there about 300 stone steps climb to the fall. A car entry fee applies, and the amount varies. Weekends and holidays bring crowds.