Turkey is a true paradise for cave enthusiasts. Discovering the country's hidden caves is an exciting adventure. With its unique geography and more than 40,000 caves, Turkey welcomes those who want to discover underground lakes, cisterns, stalactites and stalagmites.
Visiting underground caves will make you feel like you are in a fantasy movie set. Fortunately, there are many impressive and mysterious caves to explore throughout Turkey. A cave is more than just a hole in the ground; it is a portal to mysterious nature. We have listed some Turkish caves that we think you will enjoy exploring.
Altınbeşik Cave
You will see the largest underground lake in Turkey and the third largest underground lake in Europe. It is near Ürünlü village in Antalya. You can visit the 350-meter section of Altınbeşik Cave by boats. A 125 meter long lake greets you as you board the boat. The stalactites at the entrance to the cave were once a swallow's nest. The rocks of the cave are made of limestone. It is important not to touch surfaces with bare hands as your body heat can darken the stones. There are waterfalls and natural bridges in the cave, some of which were destroyed by the water pressure.
Ballıca Cave
This castle-like cave is located in Ballıca Village of Tokat in the Black Sea Region. It is both a natural beauty and a healing spring. People with breathing difficulties find relief here thanks to the high oxygen content in the cave. The mesmerizing natural beauty of the cave such as honey colored columns, stalactites, stalagmites and dripstones create a dazzling atmosphere.
Damlataş Cave
Damlataş is a seaside cave in Alanya district of Antalya. It is the first cave in Turkiye to be opened to tourists. It was discovered in 1948 as a result of dynamite detonation. In front of it is Cleopatra Beach, which contributes to its popularity and fame. You walk through a 50 meter long passage when entering the cave. Then you can reach the bottom of the cave by going down the cylindrical gap. Its 1500-year-old stalactites take you back in time.
Dupnisa Cave
Dupnisa Cave is located in Demirköy District of Kırklareli, Thrace Region. It has a constantly flowing underground river as well as deep lakes that are breathtaking. Although there are many stairs to climb, the massive stalactites, stalagmites and stalactite ponds make the effort worthwhile. The Dupnisa Cave is divided into two sections. The upper cave is called Kuru Cave, which literally means the dry cave, and the lower cave is called Sulu Cave or Dupnisa, indicating the existence of water. This cave once housed the largest colony of bats in Eastern Europe.
Karaca Cave
Karaca Cave is located in Cebeli Village in Torul, Gümüşhane. Karaca Cave looks more like an underground palace than a cave. This underground palace at an altitude of 1550 meters above sea level fascinates its visitors. The cave contains travertines of various colors ranging from white to dark blue. It is a rare cave type in the world in terms of variety of colors and motifs and is sure to transport you from the real world to a fantastic realm.
Karain Cave
Karain Cave is located within the boundaries of Yağca village in Antalya. It stands out not only for its natural beauty, but also for its 500,000-year history. The Karain Cave is an important Paleolithic center for the history of Anatolia and the Middle East. The artefacts discovered in the cave represent the first examples of Anatolian art that are sure to impress.