Altınbeşik Cave National Park Antalya
Discover Turkey's first and Europe's third-largest underground lake cave, a natural wonder accessible by boat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Altınbeşik Cave National Park Antalya
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Turkey's first and Europe's third-largest underground lake cave, a natural wonder accessible by boat. 
"A truly unique and breathtaking natural spectacle, exploring Turkey's largest underground lake by boat is unforgettable.
🚗 Consider a Tour
Roads can be challenging; tours offer easier access and guidance. :car:
🚤 Boat Tour Essential
The best way to see the underground lake is by boat. :boat:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Underground Lake
Inside the cave
Explore Turkey's first and Europe's third-largest underground lake by boat. A truly unique and breathtaking natural spectacle.
+1
Karstic Formations
Cave walls and ceiling
Marvel at the intricate and ancient karstic formations sculpted by nature over millennia within the cave.
National Park Scenery
Surrounding park area
Enjoy the natural beauty of the national park, offering a serene escape with opportunities for light exploration.
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to Altınbeşik Cave
Experiencing the Underground Lake
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Consider a Tour
Roads can be challenging; tours offer easier access and guidance. :car:
🚤 Boat Tour Essential
The best way to see the underground lake is by boat.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the park and potentially on uneven cave surfaces. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Beauty
Bring your camera for stunning natural formations and lake views. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Consider a Tour
Roads can be challenging; tours offer easier access and guidance. :car:
🚤 Boat Tour Essential
The best way to see the underground lake is by boat.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the park and potentially on uneven cave surfaces. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Beauty
Bring your camera for stunning natural formations and lake views. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the unique beauty of Altınbeşik Cave's underground lake, often describing it as a breathtaking natural wonder. The boat tour is a highlight, offering an unforgettable perspective of the cave's karstic formations. However, the challenging road conditions to reach the park are a frequent point of discussion, with many recommending guided tours for a smoother experience.
"Fantastic experience. Definitely worth to visit. For those who confused negative reviews: before enter to park you pay 135 tl for natural park contribution. For this price they give safety helmets for all ppl in your car + organized transfer from hill parking to the cave (every 10-15 min). For boat excursion we paid 250 tl per person (only 5€). And I think it's fair price. In Europe you will pay twice more. In the last village before park entrance you can find cafe with parking and toilet with friendly and kind staff. We bought local strawberries and fig's there to support local farmers and because of good natural taste. ❤️"
Serg S
"I had the pleasure of visiting Altınbeşik Cave, and it was a truly unforgettable experience. We had to wait in line for about 20 minutes before boarding the boat, as it was a national religious holiday in Turkey – Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice), celebrated in 2025 from June 7 to 10 – so the place was quite crowded. On other days, the line is probably shorter.
The walk toward the cave was already breathtaking – surrounded by rock formations, high cliffs with scattered trees growing on steep slopes. Near the cave entrance, there's a beautiful bay or lagoon with crystal-clear water reflecting the surrounding mountains. The water is so clear that you can see the bottom, and along the cliffs, we noticed some mud nests, probably made by swallows or house martins, although some were partially damaged.
Once we boarded the boat (about 10 people per ride), we entered a truly magical underground world. Some rock formations looked like stalactites, and in one section, a natural stone bridge crosses the cave above the water. At the end of the route, we saw white mineral deposits flowing down the rock face – very similar to a miniature Pamukkale. These are likely travertine formations, created by calcium-rich water depositing over time.
At the cave entrance, there's a small café and souvenir shop, and before the boat ride, we were given helmets and life jackets for safety.
Altınbeşik Cave is a spectacular and unique place – I absolutely recommend visiting it if you're in the region!"
Deividas Zinkevičius
"Very impressive cave, although low water around October so cant go super deep. Still worth it!
The drive from side to there is crazy, the views already are a highlight! Get a rental car and stop anywhere you like.
3 Euro entry per car into national park, 5 Euro per person for the boat tour. They round it up but its possible to pay with Euro!"
Kaiwen F.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by car, but be prepared for narrow and stony roads, especially closer to the cave. Many visitors opt for guided tours from Antalya, which handle the transportation and can be a more relaxed option. The drive takes approximately 2-3 hours depending on traffic and your starting point in Antalya.
Yes, the roads can be challenging. They are often narrow and unpaved or stony in sections, particularly the final approach to the cave. If you're not comfortable driving on such terrain, consider a tour or hiring a local driver.
Public transportation directly to the cave is limited and can be time-consuming. You might need to take a bus to a nearby town like İbradı and then arrange local transport, which can be difficult to find.
Joining a guided tour from Antalya is highly recommended. These tours often include transportation, entrance fees, and a boat trip on the underground lake, making it a hassle-free experience.
Yes, GPS can guide you to the general area, but be aware that the final stretch of road might not be perfectly mapped or maintained. It's always good to have a general sense of direction or follow signs for the national park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees typically cover access to the national park and the cave area. The boat tour on the underground lake usually has a separate fee. It's advisable to check the latest prices upon arrival or through official park channels.
The park and cave are generally open during daylight hours. However, specific operating times for the cave and boat tours can vary seasonally. It's best to confirm the current hours before your visit to avoid disappointment.
Advance booking is usually not required for general park entry. However, for the boat tour on the underground lake, especially during peak season, it might be beneficial to inquire about availability or book upon arrival to secure your spot.
Discounts may be available for certain groups such as students, seniors, or children. It's recommended to inquire at the ticket counter about any applicable concessions.
The standard entrance fee usually grants access to the national park grounds and the cave's accessible areas. The boat tour on the underground lake is typically an additional cost, offering a unique perspective of the cave's interior.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The primary attraction is the stunning Altınbeşik Underground Lake, which is one of the largest in Turkey. You can explore it via a boat tour, offering a unique perspective of the cave's interior and its impressive karstic formations.
Swimming in the underground lake is generally not permitted to preserve its natural state and for safety reasons. The primary way to experience the lake is through guided boat tours.
The cave features impressive karstic formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, sculpted over thousands of years. The underground lake itself is a significant geological feature.
Access to the cave and the boat tour might be challenging for individuals with significant mobility issues due to uneven terrain and the need to board a boat. It's advisable to contact the park management for specific accessibility information.
While the main focus is the cave, the surrounding national park offers opportunities for light walking and enjoying the natural scenery. Specific marked hiking trails might be limited, but the area is pleasant for exploration.
📸 📸 Photography
The underground lake during the boat tour offers incredible photo opportunities, capturing the cave's scale and reflections. The entrance area and the surrounding natural landscape of the national park also provide scenic backdrops.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the cave and during the boat tour. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the cave's ecosystem or other guests.
Given the low light conditions inside the cave, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod can be beneficial. Experiment with wider apertures and slower shutter speeds to capture the atmosphere.
Drone usage is often restricted in national parks and protected natural areas to preserve the environment and ensure visitor safety. It's crucial to check the park's regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
Don't miss capturing the boat navigating the serene underground lake with the dramatic cave formations in the background. The interplay of light and shadow within the cave is also a photographer's delight.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be aware that the roads leading to the cave can be bumpy, and the cave environment is dark and can be cool. Ensure children are comfortable in these conditions and supervised closely during the boat tour. Consider packing snacks and drinks as facilities might be limited. The surrounding national park area can be a pleasant spot for a picnic if time allows. While the cave itself is the main attraction, the journey there and the unique experience of the boat ride make it a memorable outing for families seeking something different.
🚗 Adventurous Road Trippers
Consider combining your visit with exploration of nearby İbradı or other natural attractions in the region mentioned by travelers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Marvel: Altınbeşik Cave
+1 The cave's formation is a testament to millennia of geological processes, with water carving out its intricate passages and chambers. The presence of a substantial underground lake adds to its scientific and aesthetic significance. The underground lake is the star attraction, accessible via boat tours. As you glide across the calm, dark waters, you're surrounded by impressive stalactites and stalagmites, creating a surreal and awe-inspiring atmosphere. The sheer scale of the cave and the silence, broken only by the gentle lapping of water, make for an unforgettable experience.
Visitors often describe the feeling as stepping into another world, a hidden realm sculpted by nature. Beyond the cave itself, the national park offers a glimpse into the natural beauty of the Antalya region. While the cave is the main draw, the surrounding landscape provides a peaceful setting for reflection and enjoying the outdoors. It's a place where geological wonders meet natural tranquility, offering a unique blend of adventure and serenity.
Navigating the Journey: Roads and Access
Many visitors find that joining a guided tour significantly simplifies the journey. Tour operators are experienced with these routes and provide transportation in vehicles suitable for the terrain. This option allows visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery without the stress of navigating potentially difficult roads.
While public transport options are scarce and can be time-consuming, the effort to reach Altınbeşik Cave is often rewarded by the unique experience it offers. The challenging access contributes to its secluded charm, making the arrival feel like a true discovery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit