Onedio Logo

6 Must-Visit Caves in Türkiye for Adventure Seekers

Ömer Faruk Kino Yazar Profil Resmi
Ömer Faruk Kino
Onedio Member
0
Kapak Görseli

Türkiye is a paradise for caving enthusiasts. The country offers a thrilling adventure through its more than 40,000 caves. With its unique geography, exploring these hidden gems means discovering underground lakes, cisterns, stalactites, and stalagmites that sometimes seem straight out of a fantasy film.

Caves are much more than voids in the ground. They're portals to the wonders of nature, and exploring them can be a unique experience.

Here are six Turkish caves that are sure to make your adventure unforgettable.👇

1. Go on a mystical journey with boats in Altınbeşik Cave

1. Go on a mystical journey with boats in Altınbeşik Cave Görseli

Altınbeşik Cave, located near Ürünlü Village in Antalya, boasts Türkiye's largest underground lake and Europe’s third largest. A visit here allows you to explore a 350-meter section of the cave by boat, greeted by a stunning 125-meter-long lake as soon as you board. Be cautious not to touch the limestone surfaces, as body heat can darken them. Inside, you’ll find waterfalls and natural bridges, although some have been damaged by water pressure over the years.

2. Take a healing breath in Ballıca Cave

2. Take a healing breath in Ballıca Cave Görseli

Ballıca Cave, located in Tokat’s Ballıca village in the Black Sea region, is believed to be 3.4 million years old and could easily make the UNESCO World Heritage list. The high oxygen levels inside make it a place where people with breathing problems come for relief. Its honey-colored stalactites, stalagmites, and dripstones offer breathtaking beauty, while its healing properties draw visitors from near and far.

3. Go deep into history with Damlataş Cave

Located in Antalya’s Alanya district, Damlataş Cave is the first cave in Türkiye to open to tourists after its discovery in 1948. The cave is right by the famous Kleopatra Beach, which adds to its charm. As you walk through the 50-meter passage and descend through a cylindrical gap, you’ll be transported back in time by the 1,500-year-old stalactites.

4. Follow underground rivers in Dupnisa Cave

Dupnisa Cave, located in Kırklareli’s Demirköy district in the Thrace region, features a constantly flowing underground river and deep lakes that will take your breath away. The cave is divided into two parts—the dry upper cave, called Kuru, and the lower, water-filled cave, called Sulu or Dupnisa. Despite the many stairs, the sight of massive stalactites, stalagmites, and dripstone ponds makes the effort worthwhile. Once home to the largest bat colony in Eastern Europe, Dupnisa offers a unique underground experience.

Source: www.ahmetbaris.com

5. Step into the unknown in Karaca Cave

Karaca Cave, located in Gümüşhane’s Cebeli Village, sits 1,550 meters above sea level and feels like an underground palace. With travertines in colors ranging from white to dark blue, Karaca Cave is rare and mesmerizing. Its vast color palette and diverse motifs are sure to transport you to a fantastical world.

6. Witness the traces of history in Karain Cave

Karain Cave, located in Antalya’s Yağca Village, has been around for over 500,000 years. This cave not only offers natural beauty but also holds significant historical importance as a key Paleolithic center. Artifacts discovered here are among the earliest examples of Anatolian art, providing a glimpse into the region's ancient past.

These caves offer a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making them a must-see for any adventurer visiting Türkiye.