Altınbeşik Cave From Side

• Pickup from your hotel in the morning at the scheduled time. Depart Side by comfortable shuttle towards Altinbesik Cave National Park (approximately 60 km, 1 hour drive).
• Before reaching the park, stop at a scenic viewpoint at 1200 meters altitude. From here, enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the Green Canyon and the surrounding Taurus Mountains.
• After the photo stop, continue to the historic Ibradi Ormana Village. En route, travel through a forest filled with fragrant bay trees as you descend into the valley.
• Arrive in Ormana Village and stroll through its historic streets and houses with your guide. You’ll see Antalya’s famous “button houses” up close and have opportunities to take photos and videos of these unique structures.
• During the button house visit, your guide explains the special construction technique and history of these centuries-old homes. You’ll hear the stories of how they were built and have stood the test of time.
• After exploring the village, take a break in Ormana to relax and recharge for the second part of the tour. Enjoy a complimentary lunch featuring local flavors in the shade of ancient trees.
• Following lunch, depart for Altinbesik Cave National Park. Upon arrival at the cave, head to the small wooden pier at the cave’s entrance and board boats (6-8 person capacity) to begin an unforgettable underground lake cruise.
• Spend about 30 minutes gliding through the cave’s crystal-clear waters by boat. After the boat tour, visit a nearby 650-year-old Ottoman mosque for a brief look into local history and culture.
• After the mosque visit, set off back towards Side. Arrive in Side by late afternoon, where you will be dropped off at your hotel’s doorstep, full of new memories.

Altinbesik Cave National Park and the Underground Lake

Altinbesik Cave, located in Antalya’s Ibradi district, is a natural wonder renowned for its unique geological formations and expansive underground lake. Declared a national park in 1994, this area has in recent years become one of the most popular nature tour destinations around Antalya. The cave takes its name from a naturally formed bridge inside that resembles a golden cradle (Altınbeşik in Turkish).

Sitting at about 450 meters above sea level, Altinbesik is a three-level horizontal cave system first explored in 1966 by Temuçin Aygen, a pioneer of Turkish speleology. Today, the cave is open for nature enthusiasts as a hidden paradise beneath the mountains. Its most striking feature is the enormous underground lake – the largest and longest in Turkey, and reputedly the third-longest in Europe, stretching roughly 2.5 kilometers inside the mountain. Upon entering the cave, visitors are greeted by a clear subterranean lake about 125 meters long. In places up to 15 meters deep, this lake reveals an otherworldly hidden realm beneath the surface. Thanks to the water’s clarity, you can observe travertine formations and rocks on the lake bed as your boat glides along. While much of the cave system is accessible only to experienced cavers, our tour allows you to witness a portion of this natural marvel safely and comfortably.

Inside the cave, the atmosphere is magical – filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millennia. Sharp stalactites hang from the ceiling like nature’s chandeliers, and stout stalagmites rise from below, with some joining to form columns. As you venture deeper by boat, the reflection of lights on the pristine water and the limestone formations around you create an almost otherworldly scene. It’s a veritable feast for the eyes, offering avid photographers a chance to capture truly unique shots. Your guide will point out notable rock formations and explain how water and time have shaped this underground wonder.

Ibradi’s Ormana Village and the Button Houses

Tucked in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, Ormana Village is a tranquil haven far from city crowds, known for its rich history and traditional architecture. With only a few hundred residents, this charming village welcomes visitors with genuine hospitality and a well-preserved heritage that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Ormana stands on the remnants of the ancient city of Erymna, reflecting the deep historical roots of the area. The village’s most famous feature is its collection of “button houses” – an architectural style dating back to the Ottoman era. These houses were built without mortar, using timber beams that protrude from stone walls like “buttons,” giving the structures their name​:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}. Typically two stories tall, the houses have thick stone walls reinforced by cedar wood beams, allowing them to remain standing for centuries. Many are 200–300 years old, and over 300 button houses still survive in Ormana today, some of which have been carefully restored and protected as cultural treasures.

Visiting the button houses is not just about seeing old buildings – it’s an immersive cultural experience. Stepping inside, you can observe household items and architectural details that offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of bygone generations. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the construction techniques and history of these dwellings: why they are called “button houses” and how they have endured through the ages. This encounter with Ormana’s living history will likely be one of the most memorable highlights of your tour.

The Journey from Side to Altinbesik

Your adventure begins as soon as you depart Side in our comfortable tour vehicle. We drive towards the Taurus Mountains, leaving the coastal plains behind. Along the way, you’re treated to views of the region’s natural beauty – passing orange groves, pine forests, and quaint villages dotted along the hillsides. After about an hour on the road, we reach a panoramic viewpoint perched 1200 meters above sea level. This overlook offers a bird’s-eye view of the emerald waters of Oymapinar Dam Lake and the steep cliffs of the Green Canyon below, a scene you might also recognize from the popular Green Canyon boat tour. The dramatic landscape makes for spectacular photos, and as you breathe in the fresh mountain air, your guide will share a bit about how the Green Canyon was formed and the importance of the Oymapinar Dam to the region.

After soaking in the views, we continue our journey down into Ormana Village. Arriving in this historic village, we trade paved roads for narrow lanes of stone. Surrounded by the rustic button houses, you’ll feel as though you’re walking through a living open-air museum. With your guide leading the way, every turn through the village reveals another trace of the past – perhaps an old wooden door, a carved inscription, or simply the atmosphere of a place where time moves a bit slower. Locals at the village café greet us warmly; seeing visitors in their quiet town is a welcome sight and they often return our smiles with genuine curiosity and kindness.

During our walk, we visit some of the finest examples of Ormana’s button houses. Whether we meet a homeowner or hear stories via our guide, we learn about how these structures were built and what makes the local architecture so special. Inside one of the houses, the scent of aged cedar wood and the soft light filtering through small windows create an intimate ambience. Items like old farming tools, woven textiles, or copper kitchenware displayed in the rooms hint at daily life in a bygone era. As you snap photos of these moments or simply stand still to appreciate them, you’ll realize how unique and authentic this experience is – a far cry from the typical tourist path.

After exploring the village, we pause in the central square to relax. You might browse a tiny market stall selling local jams, handcrafted goods, or dried herbs as souvenirs. Then it’s time for a well-earned lunch. We gather at a village restaurant by a plane tree, where a delicious spread of local dishes awaits. From fresh village bread and gözleme (traditional Turkish pancakes) to savory meat or chicken dishes accompanied by salads, your lunch is both a cultural experience and a feast. Enjoying these flavors in such a setting – perhaps with villagers enjoying tea nearby and the sound of a gentle breeze in the trees – is truly special. Rested and satisfied, you’ll be ready to continue our journey.

Boat Adventure in Altinbesik Cave

After lunch, we head towards Altinbesik Cave National Park, a short 20-minute drive from Ormana. Winding up the mountain road, anticipation builds as dense forests give way to the entrance of the cave park. Stepping out of the vehicle, you’re greeted by a refreshing coolness in the air and the sounds of nature all around – a hint of the cavernous world hidden nearby.

Before entering, our guide provides a quick safety briefing. We don life jackets and divide into small groups to board the inflatable boats, which hold up to 8 people each. As we push off from the little dock at the cave mouth, the first thing you’ll notice is how clear the water is beneath you. The light of our headlamps or flashlights penetrates the still water, illuminating the rock formations below. With our guide at the helm, we quietly float into the darkness of the cave. The temperature drops pleasantly – the cave water stays around 16-18°C year-round, offering a natural air-conditioning effect, especially nice on a hot summer day.

Gliding deeper inside, we pass under massive archways of rock. Majestic stalactites hang from the ceiling, and now and then the tunnel opens up into larger chambers. In the hush of the cave, you can hear the gentle splash of the oars and the occasional drip of water echoing in the darkness. The scene is both eerie and enchanting. Shine your light upwards and you might spot bats resting in crevices, or downwards to see the outlines of submerged rocks. Midway, you might notice some rocks shimmering with a golden hue – a visual trick that gave Altinbesik (“Golden Cradle”) its name. Towards the far point of our boat journey, a huge rock formation resembling a cradle comes into view – a natural sculpture shaped by thousands of years of flowing water.

After about 25 minutes on the underground lake, we slowly make our way back to the entrance, returning from the silence of the underworld to the vibrant greenery outside. Many visitors emerge from the cave wide-eyed with amazement. Witnessing such a vast underground space carved by nature is often the highlight of the day. Rest assured, our guide allows ample time for photographs, both at the cave entrance (where daylight and cave meet for a perfect shot) and inside the cave where safe and feasible. This boat trip is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll be talking about long after your vacation ends.

A Historic Ottoman Mosque

Back on land, our next stop is a 650-year-old mosque just a short distance from the cave. This small Ottoman-era mosque, with its wooden interior and simple architecture, is a quiet reminder of the region’s long history. Entering through its low doorway (a traditional Ottoman design encouraging humility), you’ll notice intricate woodwork on the columns and pulpit. The guide shares the story of this mosque – how it served the local community for centuries and the significance it holds for villagers. After taking a few moments to absorb the peaceful atmosphere and perhaps capture a photo of its quaint exterior, we prepare for our return journey.

On the ride back to Side, you’ll have time to reflect on the day’s adventures. It’s not uncommon for our guests to start exchanging photos on the bus or sharing which part of the tour they loved most. For some, the surreal boat ride inside the cave is unbeatable; for others, the warm welcome in Ormana Village leaves the greatest impression. By the time we drop you off at your hotel in Side, we’re confident that the Altinbesik Cave tour will be a standout memory from your holiday.

Why Join This Tour?

The Altinbesik Cave Tour offers not only stunning sights but also a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience. By joining this guided tour, you can explore a remote area of the Taurus Mountains with ease and peace of mind, something that would be challenging to arrange on your own. Your professional guide is knowledgeable about the region’s history and nature, and throughout the day they will enrich your experience with stories and facts – pointing out details you might otherwise overlook (like an ancient inscription on a house beam or a unique rock shape in the cave).

Another benefit is that transportation and lunch are included, so you don’t need to worry about logistics. Our experienced drivers navigate the winding mountain roads safely, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery instead of focusing on maps or road signs. Additionally, access to Altinbesik Cave is controlled and boat availability can be limited for independent visitors, but as part of our tour you have a guaranteed spot on the cave boat tour without any extra effort or booking.

In summary, this tour lets you efficiently experience the region’s natural and cultural treasures while making the most of your time in Side. With our expert team handling the details, you can simply soak in the adventure and create lasting memories. We strive to make this excursion a highlight of your trip – one that you’ll fondly remember whenever you think of Side.

Unforgettable Memories and Photo Opportunities

By the end of the Altinbesik Cave Tour, you’ll have a collection of wonderful memories and photographs to cherish. Throughout the day, we make several stops perfect for taking pictures: the panoramic terrace overlooking Green Canyon provides a dramatic backdrop; in Ormana Village, the rustic houses and friendly locals offer authentic portrait settings; and inside Altinbesik Cave, the boat ride allows for one-of-a-kind shots amid stalactites and serene waters. Our guides know all the best angles and are happy to help capture your special moments – just ask, and they can take group photos so everyone is in the frame.

You might also find that this shared adventure leads to new friendships. Experiencing the wonders of nature and culture side by side often brings people together – whether it’s exchanging travel stories over lunch or marveling at cave formations as a group. The Altinbesik Cave Tour is not just about the places you visit, but also about the feelings and connections you share along the way.

More to Discover Around Side

The Altinbesik Cave Tour is just one of many incredible experiences you can enjoy during your stay in Side. If you’re eager to explore further, there are other popular excursions that showcase the region’s beauty. For example, the Green Canyon boat trip takes you cruising on the emerald-green lake of Oymapinar Dam, offering swimming breaks and breathtaking canyon scenery – a perfect day on the water for nature lovers. Another great option is the Sapadere Canyon Tour, which brings you to a hidden gorge near Alanya where you can walk among waterfalls and even take a dip in natural pools to cool off. By adding such tours to your itinerary, you’ll enrich your Side vacation with a diverse range of landscapes and experiences.

From natural wonders to historical sites, Side and its surroundings have so much to offer. With our selection of Side tours, you can fill each day of your holiday with a new adventure. We hope your journey of discovery begins with the Altinbesik Cave Tour and continues throughout your stay, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the Turkish Mediterranean. Enjoy your travels and happy exploring!