Alanya is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist attractions in Turkey. Visitors are interested in vacationing in Alanya for quite a few reasons, one of which is certainly the caves.
If you are wondering, Alanya has some of the most fascinating and intriguing caves in Turkey. In what follows, we will tell you everything that you need to know about 5 most famous caves in the city of Alanya.
The Most Famous Caves in Alanya
If you are into visiting caves, Alanya has everything that you like in this regard. Below we will be taking a look at 5 most famous caves in Alanya. These caves are:
- Dim Cave
- Damlataş Cave
- Cüceler Cave
- Fosforlu Cave
- Korsanlar Cave
Dim Cave: A Natural Wonder
Located in the Dim Valley and named after the Dim stream, Dim Cave is a mere 14 kilometers from Alanya’s city center. Accessible by paved roads from Kestel, Tosmur, and the Dimçay Valley, the cave offers a unique adventure.
Dim Cave stretches approximately 200 meters deep and has a width of 10 to 15 meters. Known for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites, Dim Cave is considered one of Turkey’s most beautiful natural wonders.
At the cave’s end lies a tranquil lake that spans 200 square meters and reaches a depth of approximately 2 meters. While the cave was known to local villagers, who used parts of it as shelter, it was not until 1986 that professional speleologists conducted a thorough investigation and measurement.
Following several years of development, Dim Cave was transformed into a show cave and opened to the public in 1998. Nowadays it welcomes visitors daily and is accessible by both vehicles and a pleasant one-hour walk through the scenic Dim Valley.
Location: Kuzyaka, Dim Cave Administration, 07400 Alanya
See the exact location of Dim Cave here.
Rating: Dim Cave is rated 4.5 (from 1443 reviews) by tourists on the TripAdvisor website.
Damlataş Cave: A Cave of Healing and Wonder
The first cave that we are going to describe is the famous Damlataş Cave in Alanya which attracts thousands of visitors annually. Despite its accidental discovery, this natural wonder has numerous captivating features.
Notably, the cave maintains a constant temperature of 22 degrees Celsius year-round, summer and winter alike. Local folklore claims that the air within Damlataş Cave possesses medicinal properties, leading to its utilization for treating ailments such as asthma.
Moreover, the cave’s expansive passages, stalagmites, stalactites, and dripstone pools are truly awe-inspiring. So, if you are interested in exploring Alanya’s natural wonders and breathing in fresh air, Damlataş Cave is a great start.
Location: Çarşı, Damlataş Road, No. 81, 07400 Alanya
Check out the exact location of Damlataş Cave here.
Rating: Damlataş Cave has received a rating of 4 (from 1364 reviews) from visitors on TripAdvisor.
Cüceler Cave: A Hidden Gem
Dwarf Cave or Cüceler Cave, as it is called locally, is situated 18 kilometers from Alanya’s city center. This relatively small cave, with a walking path spanning 155 meters through its six galleries, holds a historical significance. In the past, locals used caves like these to shield their animals from tax collectors.
While less renowned than other Alanya caves due to its recent opening to tourism in 2012, Cüceler Cave offers a unique escape from the bustling tourist crowds.
If you are looking for a captivating day in Alanya’s natural beauty, this not-yet-famous cave is well worth considering. Located just a 40-minute drive from Alanya’s center, Cüceler Cave is also part of the famous Sapadere Canyon, another must-see natural wonder.
As you explore Cüceler Cave, you will encounter six distinct galleries adorned with thousands-year-old stalactites and stalagmites along the 170-meter-long walking path.
So if you plan to visit both the cave and Sapadere Canyon in a single day, make sure that your camera has ample memory to capture the countless photo opportunities.
Location: Tırılar, 07400 Alanya
To see the exact location of Cüceler Cave, tap here.
Rating: Travelers visiting Cüceler Cave have rated it 4 (from 115 reviews) on TripAdvisor.
Fosforlu Cave: A Phosphorescent Underwater Paradise
Fosforlu Cave is one of the most intriguing natural attractions in Alanya. The cave gets its name from the natural phosphorescence that illuminates its interior. This glow is caused by the reflection of light on the cave walls, which are rich in minerals.
The effect is most pronounced during the day when sunlight penetrates the cave, creating a mesmerizing display of light and color.
The waters around Fosforlu Cave are teeming with marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can often see a variety of fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures in the clear, turquoise waters. The cave’s underwater environment is just as fascinating as its above-water features, with vibrant coral formations and hidden nooks to explore.
Note that the best time to visit Fosforlu Cave is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and the sea conditions are ideal for boating and swimming. Early morning or late afternoon visits can provide the best lighting conditions to witness the cave’s phosphorescent glow.
Location: Cennet Island, Marmaris/Muğla
Check out the exact location of Fosforlu Cave here.
Korsanlar Cave: A Pirate’s Lair
Korsanlar Cave, steeped in centuries-old legends, is one of Alanya’s most fascinating and legendary caves. According to local folklore, pirates used this hidden sanctuary to conceal young girls and treasure.
While unconfirmed, rumor has it that there was a secret passage connecting the cave to Alanya Castle which provided a secure route for transporting their precious cargo to the peninsula.
Visiting Korsanlar Cave is a highlight for many tourists in Alanya. Boat tours often include stops at other nearby attractions, such as the famous Cleopatra Beach and the Alanya Castle.
Some tours also offer the opportunity to swim or snorkel in the cave’s waters. Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to capture the cave’s ethereal beauty.
Unlike other Alanya caves, Korsanlar Cave lacks walking paths or guided tours. For those seeking adventure, there are only two options to explore this mysterious cavern. You can take a boat excursion to its entrance or a daring dive into its depths.
Location: Hisariçi, 07400 Alanya
If you want to see the exact location of Korsanlar Cave, click on here.
Final Words
Visitors flock to Alanya for many reasons, including to bask in the warm sun, relax on its pristine beaches, and swim in the crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea. What’s more, as we discussed above, Alanya’s caves offer a captivating blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure. All this combined make Alanya a truly exciting destination. So next time you visit Analya, don’t forget to include Analya’s caves in your itinerary.
