One of the most interesting attractions of Antalya is its caves. These caves not only provide you with a truly unique experience but also offer you a little bit of history. With that being said, in this blog post, we will share with you 7 of the best caves that you can visit in Antalya.
Located on the west coast of the historical Alanya Castle, Damlataş Cave features a unique microclimate that has been found to offer therapeutic benefits for asthma sufferers.
The cave’s name, Damlataş, translates to Dripstone, which is a fitting description for the remarkable stalactite formations created by the slow dripping of water over millennia.
This constant drip, combined with the cave’s stable temperature (22°C), high humidity (95%), and consistent atmospheric pressure, contributes to its unique air composition, which includes a high concentration of nitrogen and a low level of carbon dioxide.
The Phosphoric Cave, located near Damlataş Cave, is a remarkable natural wonder accessible by small boat. Its unique feature lies in its phosphorescent glow which is visible even during daylight hours.
This captivating phenomenon, caused by the presence of phosphorus in the water, draws thousands of tourists to Alanya each year.
The water within the cave is very clear and has a stunning turquoise hue. The cave’s formation is a testament to the enduring power of water over centuries of erosion.
If you’re visiting Alanya, experiencing the mesmerizing glow of the Phosphoric Cave is highly recommended.
The Altinbesik Cave in Antalya is a three-level cave system that is formed by karst processes in the Central Taurus Mountains. This wonderful cave offers a mesmerizing journey through a world of white travertines, impressive stalactites, and stalagmites.
The lower level, which is accessible only by boat, features a stunning 15-meter-deep lake. This unique experience includes a boat trip through a transparent blue pond, surrounded by the cave’s natural beauty.
The middle level has a 44-meter travertine formation. This level also features a 130-meter lake and smaller ponds.
The upper level, which is the only dry portion of the cave, showcases a remarkable display of stalactites and stalagmites. This level remains unaffected by the rising water levels during the winter months.
Being the largest underground lake in Turkey and the third largest in the world, Altinbesik Cave is a truly unique natural wonder.
The Zeytintasi Cave is a hidden gem near Antalya that offers a unique blend of historical and natural beauty.
Formed approximately 10 million years ago, Zeytintasi Cave features a single gallery divided into chambers by impressive columns. The interior showcases a captivating array of stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pools.
Discovered in 1997 and opened to the public in 2002, the cave features two levels: an upper level spanning 136 meters and a lower level spanning 97 meters, with a total depth of 14 meters.
Karain Cave, also known as the Black Cave, is a significant archaeological site that is located near Antalya. Situated at the foot of Mount Sam, this impressive cave system features three main chambers interconnected by narrow passages, all adorned with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations.
The cave provides valuable insights into prehistoric human habitation. Archaeological evidence, including stone tools and the remains of a religious sanctuary, suggests that the cave served as a shelter for ancient civilizations.
Apparently, its strategic location on a steep slope offered protection and access to fertile land, and that’s why, it was an ideal settlement back in the day.
Kocain Cave is another natural wonder that you can find in Antalya. This impressive cave features two large chambers adorned with massive stalactites and stalagmites.
Evidence suggests that the cave was used as a living space from the prehistoric era through the Byzantine period. A significant feature is a four-compartment cistern, a remnant of the Byzantine era, which still holds water.
What’s more interesting is that the cave contains 29 undeciphered inscriptions. This probably means that the cave had a historical and possibly religious significance in early Christian times.
Another interesting feature of the Kocain Cave is its impressive entrance which measures around 20 meters high and 75 meters wide.
Another interesting cave in Antalya is the Suluin Cave. This cave, which has an estimated dimension of 60 meters in length and 25 meters in width, remains largely unexplored.
Given that the majority of the cave is submerged underwater, it is accessible only to experienced divers with special permits.
Within the cave, the presence of stalactites indicates periods of past dryness. The underwater environment is characterized by a unique and intriguing water structure, consisting of 3-4 distinct layers.
What’s more, the water has a striking turquoise color, a pungent hydrogen sulfide odor, and a distinctly bitter and sour taste.
If you are planning a cave exploration in Antalya and looking for the best way to do so, we at ClickYourGuide can help you out.
We offer a range of exciting cave tours at affordable prices and with flexible booking options.
To learn more about our available tours and programs, check out our website. For quick and easy inquiries or bookings, you can also send a WhatsApp message to +447415268759.
