Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with the Altinbesik Cave Tour from Side! Nestled in the heart of the stunning Turkish Mediterranean, this tour takes you deep into one of the most breathtaking underground caves in the region. If you love nature, exploring, and a little bit of adventure, this is the perfect trip for you!
Altinbesik Cave is a true hidden gem, named after the mountain it sits on. Step inside and be amazed by its towering 40-meter-high chambers, mesmerizing rock formations, and underground wonders. You’ll glide across subterranean lakes, witness a stunning waterfall, and marvel at the unique white travertine formations that make this cave truly magical. From sparkling stalactites and stalagmites to crystal-clear waters, every corner of Altinbesik Cave is a sight to behold.
Whether you’re a fan of soaking in nature’s beauty, this tour is a must-do. So, grab your camera, embrace your adventurous side, and experience the natural wonder of Altinbesik Cave Tour from Side!
Picture yourself stepping onto a scenic forest trail, surrounded by rolling hills and towering trees. The air is filled with the refreshing scent of thyme, lemurs, and laurel trees, setting the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable hike. As you follow the path, you’ll discover stunning viewpoints and hidden gems along the way. If you have any questions about the region, don’t worry—friendly tour guides are there to share their knowledge and make your adventure even more enjoyable.
Your journey leads to one of the most mesmerizing sights—Green Lake, an artificial reservoir tucked away in a canyon, soaring 1,200 meters above sea level. Its striking emerald color comes from the lush greenery surrounding it and the algae thriving in its waters. Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating local myths and historical tales that bring the landscape to life. This trip isn’t just about beautiful scenery—it’s also an opportunity to connect with Turkish culture and the lives of the villagers who have called this area home for centuries.
After a delicious lunch in a charming village—complete with sweet treats, rich coffee, and fragrant tea—it’s time for the next adventure: the Altinbesik Cave tour. Led by an expert guide, you’ll board a boat and set off to explore one of Turkey’s most incredible underground lakes. Sunlight filters into the cave, illuminating breathtaking formations of stalagmites and stalactites that create an almost magical atmosphere. To top it off, you’ll also visit a six-century-old mosque, adding a touch of history to this remarkable experience.
Altinbesik Cave National Park is a true hidden gem. Nestled at the western edge of the dramatic Manavgat Valley, 678 meters above sea level, this park is a stunning mix of rugged mountains, caves, and wetlands. The crown jewel of the park is the Altinbesik Cave itself—home to Turkey’s largest subterranean lake. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or adventure seeker, this place promises memories that will last a lifetime.
The journey continues to the charming village of Ormana, famous for its unique “button houses.” Built from wood and stone, these traditional homes have stood for over 300 years, preserving the architectural heritage of Antalya’s Akseki region. Inside the cave, different levels offer varying experiences depending on the season—dry in summer and filled with water in the wetter months, adding to the cave’s mystique.
Your adventure wouldn’t be complete without a boat ride into the depths of Altinbesik Cave. Operated by the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, these tours start from a quaint lakeside café, where you’ll set off on a 15-minute boat journey across a turquoise pond that can plunge as deep as 15 meters. Along the way, you’ll pass under a natural rock bridge and marvel at the towering travertine walls. With its high humidity and constant 17-degree temperature, the cave is a spectacle of nature’s artistry, boasting impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Open only during the summer and fall, the cave naturally closes during winter and spring due to flooding. Since its discovery in 1966, Altinbesik Cave has been recognized as one of the world’s most significant caves, forming part of an extensive underground water system that spans over 100 kilometers. It’s no wonder travelers from around the world come to experience its wonders!
This isn’t just another sightseeing tour—it’s a journey through nature, history, and culture all wrapped into one. Whether you’re captivated by stunning landscapes, intrigued by ancient stories, or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, the Altinbesik Cave tour from Side has something special in store for you. So lace up your hiking boots, bring your sense of wonder, and get ready to explore one of Turkey’s most magical hidden treasures!
The Side Altinbesik Cave Tour pricing is as follows:
Adult Price: €45 per person.
Child Price (ages 6-11): €25 per child.
Children under 5 years old: Free of charge.
Side Hotels ≅ 08:30
“Please note that we have no hidden costs”
What do you need to bring with you?
Hat, Sun Cream, Sunglasses, Camera, Comfortable Shoes.
Your adventure begins with a morning pickup from your accommodation in Side. Hop onto a modern, air-conditioned bus, where your friendly tour guide will greet you with a warm smile. They’ll walk you through the day’s itinerary, making sure you’re excited and ready for the journey ahead!
Your first destination is the stunning Green Canyon, perched 1,250 meters above sea level. From this incredible vantage point, you’ll be treated to unforgettable panoramic views of the Oymapinar Dam. The lush greenery and peaceful surroundings make it the perfect spot to take in nature’s beauty. Be sure to snap some photos—this is one of those places you’ll want to remember forever!
Next, prepare for an incredible underground adventure at Altinbesik Cave. This fascinating cave has three levels, with the middle and lower sections filling with water during the rainy season. The real highlight? A boat ride across a mesmerizing turquoise pond, sometimes reaching depths of 15 meters!
Inside, you’ll find a natural rock bridge, leading into a 44-meter-long chamber, enclosed by dramatic rock walls. The temperature remains a cool 17°C year-round, creating a refreshing escape from the heat. If you’re visiting during summer or autumn, you’re in luck—this natural wonder is only accessible during these seasons, as winter and spring bring rising waters that temporarily close it off.
The journey continues into the Taurus Mountains, where you’ll visit some of the region’s most charming villages, including Ormana, Ibradi, and Sarihaliller. These historic communities are known for their “buttoned houses”, a fascinating architectural style using wooden frames without any cement!
As you wander through these villages, you’ll get a real sense of traditional Turkish life, where time seems to slow down, and hospitality is second nature. You might even meet some friendly locals and hear their stories about life in these mountains.
Set at 678 meters above sea level, Altinbesik Cave National Park is a breathtaking slice of nature, located on the western slopes of the Manavgat Valley. The area is a mix of rugged mountains, lush marshlands, and dramatic caves, making it a dream for nature lovers.
The park’s main attraction is, of course, Altinbesik Cave, but the entire area is packed with stunning landscapes waiting to be explored. Take in the fresh mountain air, admire the untouched beauty of the valley, and let nature work its magic on you.
As the day draws to a close, your bus will be waiting to take you back to Alanya in the late afternoon. After a full day of exploration, adventure, and stunning scenery, you’ll return to your hotel feeling refreshed, inspired, and filled with beautiful memories.
This isn’t just a sightseeing trip—it’s an experience that will stay with you forever! 🌿✨
Highly recommend it if you are in the area. The caves are really impressive.
It’s a really great place, the caves, the micro bats, the tour itself, our wonderful tour guide, amazing place!
Exceptional views of rich natural heritage.
We had a fantastic time! And our guide was fantastic too.
Today’s excursion was very interesting and well-structured. The pick-up was on time, and the payment was made to the tour guide at the agreed price. I want to emphasize that there were no additional costs apart from the cost of drinks. The tour followed the program exactly.
Our tour guide, Murad, provided information about the country, its people, and of course, the highlights of our tour. Every question was welcomed and answered in detail. Murad accompanied us throughout the day with a friendly and cheerful attitude, making sure to cater to the individual needs of all participants.
He explained everything English, including fascinating little details that made the experience even more engaging. The tour was well-planned, with pleasant small breaks that Murad made interesting, helping to shorten the travel times.
We had the opportunity to see the button houses in various conditions, from ruins to fully restored homes. As a special highlight, we even visited an inhabited house, where the residents kindly gave us insight into their home.
The visit to the Altinbesik Cave was the absolute highlight for us. Even with my mild mobility issues, I was able to participate in the boat tour, which was an impressive nature experience.
Since I have visited small village mosques before, I wasn’t particularly excited about this part of the tour. However, I was amazed by the unique architecture, especially the minaret. Murad also shared new information, such as details about Islamic burial rituals, which I found very interesting.
Throughout the tour, we were warmly welcomed by the locals, and we felt very comfortable as guests. All in all, a successful trip that I can definitely recommend!
The Altinbesik Cave is breathtaking. The stalactites and stalagmites look like something from another world. The tour was well-organized, and our guide shared many interesting facts about the cave and its history. A must-see for nature lovers!
The cave is a natural wonder that you should not miss. The tour was well-organized, and the guides were very friendly. The boat ride in the cave was an unforgettable experience. Thank you!