The Altınbeşik Cave tour from Alanya is a fascinating day trip that combines spectacular natural landscapes with the deep-rooted history of the Mediterranean region of Türkiye. Located approximately 130 km from Alanya, this tour takes you into the heart of the Taurus Mountains.
ALTINBEŞIK CAVE TOUR FROM ALANYA-HIGHLIGHTS:
Green Canyon Landscape:
Enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Oymapınar Dam, also known as Green Canyon, from an altitude of approximately 1,250 meters. The emerald-colored reservoir surrounded by pine-covered mountains creates one of the most impressive landscapes in the region.
İbradı, Ormana, Sarıhacılar (Nomad) villages, and Buttoned houses:
Akseki and Ibradi villages of Antalya are known as the first settlements of the Turks in the Taurus Mountains. The historic houses of the villages are also famous for their unusual architecture, where juniper, cedar, and tar trees are used as skeletons. These cement-free houses are in the form of masonry. It is called buttoned houses because the outer parts of the skeleton made with a locking system resemble buttons. These nomadic villages are also on the historical caravan migration routes (silk road).
Altınbesik Cave (Golden Cradle Cave):
Located approximately 130 km from Alanya, Altınbeşik Cave is Türkiye’s first and Europe’s third-largest underground lake cave. Altınbesik cave is 450 meters long and has a water of depth of 15 meters. Its water is salty and the fish can not survive. Pigeons and bats live in the cave.
So far, approximately 5.5 km of the cave system has been explored, revealing around 20 small underground lakes. However, experts estimate that the total length of the cave may extend to at least 50 km. Altınbeşik Cave is a horizontal and partially active cave system, fed by underground springs connected to Lake Beyşehir, located about 90 km away.
Inside the Altınbeşik cave, the air is humid and the temperature remains constant at around 16°C throughout the year, whether in summer or winter. Especially during hot summer days, you will immediately feel the refreshing coolness as you approach the cave entrance.
Altınbesik Nationalpark:
The area where Altınbesik cave is located was declared a national park in 1994. Altınbesik National park is very rich in terms of vegetation diversity. Within the park, a total of 605 plant species grow, including 69 endemic species found only in this region. Old footpaths have been restored for eco-tourism, botanical exploration trips, and organized nature walks, making the park an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
During the tour, you will have free time to explore the forested surroundings of Altınbeşik National Park and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere. Lunch is served at a local restaurant near the national park, allowing you to relax and fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
Altınbesik cave tour from Alanya is definitely a recommended trip for nature lovers to discover unusual buttoned houses and beautiful and wild nature of Taurus mountains.
ALTINBESIK CAVE TOUR FROM ALANYA - ITINERARY:
- Pick up from your hotel or apartment in Alanya.
- Visit to the ancient village of Sarıhacılar
- Visit to traditional button houses
- Visit to the ethnographic museum (optional)
- Visit to Sarnch (antique cisterns and reservoirs)
- Visit to the village mosque, get information about the mosque and the Islamic religion
- Tour of the Ormana village
- Lunch break
- Arrival at Altinbesik cave
- Get on inflatable boats and sail in the cave.
- Drop-off to your hotel and apartment in Alanya.
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Pick up/drop off from hotels and apartments in Alanya
- Tour guide
- Lunch
- Boat trip in the cave
- Entrance fees to Altınbesik Cave and National park.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
- Drinks
- Personel expences
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & TIPS:
- It is allowed to take your camera with you
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress according to seasonal conditions.