Astım Cave
Discover Astım Cave, a natural wonder with healing air and stunning stalactites. Descend into a cool, humid world of ancient formations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the heat, enjoy cool air
Astım Cave
Best Time
Escape the heat, enjoy cool air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Astım Cave, a natural wonder with healing air and stunning stalactites. Descend into a cool, humid world of ancient formations.
"Felt like Indiana Jones! The caves of Mersin are one of my favorite things in Turkey."
👟 Wear good shoes!
The spiral stairs can be slippery. Comfortable, non-slip footwear is a must for a safe descent and ascent.
🚶♀️ Pace yourself on the climb
The stairs are long! Take your time on the way up; it's a workout but rewarding.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 3,925 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stalactites and Stalagmites
Inside the cave
Marvel at ancient silicon mineral formations, sculpted over millennia into unique and giant shapes.
Healing Air
Cave interior
Breathe in the humid, clean air, believed to offer relief for asthma sufferers.
Spiral Staircase Descent
Cave entrance
Experience an adventurous descent into the earth via a unique, winding iron staircase.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Descent
Beyond the Cave
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear good shoes!
The spiral stairs can be slippery. Comfortable, non-slip footwear is a must for a safe descent and ascent.
🚶♀️ Pace yourself on the climb
The stairs are long! Take your time on the way up; it's a workout but rewarding.
📸 Capture the formations
Bring your camera! The cave's unique geological features offer fantastic photo opportunities.
💧 Embrace the humidity
The cave is naturally humid (up to 95% in winter). It's part of the experience and the reason for its name.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear good shoes!
The spiral stairs can be slippery. Comfortable, non-slip footwear is a must for a safe descent and ascent.
🚶♀️ Pace yourself on the climb
The stairs are long! Take your time on the way up; it's a workout but rewarding.
📸 Capture the formations
Bring your camera! The cave's unique geological features offer fantastic photo opportunities.
💧 Embrace the humidity
The cave is naturally humid (up to 95% in winter). It's part of the experience and the reason for its name.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the natural beauty of Astım Cave, particularly its unique stalactite and stalagmite formations and the refreshing, humid air believed to aid respiratory health. The adventurous descent via spiral stairs is a memorable part of the experience, though the climb back up requires effort. Some find the additional museum sections less compelling than the cave itself.
"Astım Cave is a natural limestone cave located near Narlıkuyu, Silifke in Mersin. It is about 200 meters long and famous for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is believed to have a healing effect on asthma patients because of its humid and clean air — which is where it gets its name (“Astım” means asthma in Turkish). Visitors can enter via a stairway and walk along a platform to explore its unique formations and cool atmosphere."
Kerim Andaç
"I love this place. I feel like I’m in an Indiana Jones movie. The caves of Mersin are just one of my favorite things in Turkey. If you’re in the area, go do this one."
Heather Clinger
"The cave is really really nice. So many pictures to take.
BUT if you are not healthy enough to walk all those stairs and especially to walk them back up again, you might just wanna watch pictures others have taken and posted 😂
I thought I'm not gonna make it upstairs again. But it was very nice downstairs.
With the ticket you can also go to the other museum part, but we didn't go due to the heat."
Nora Seegebrecht
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Astım Cave is located near Narlıkuyu, Silifke. You can reach it by car via the D400 highway. Public transport options might involve taking a bus towards Silifke and then a local dolmuş or taxi to the cave.
Yes, there is plenty of free parking available at Astım Cave, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Traveling by car offers the most flexibility. If you don't have a car, consider a guided tour or a combination of intercity buses and local transport.
Astım Cave is a short drive from Silifke, typically around 15-20 minutes depending on traffic and your exact starting point within Silifke.
Absolutely! Astım Cave is a popular stop for day trips from Mersin or nearby coastal towns, often combined with other attractions in the region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an admission fee to enter Astım Cave. The exact price can vary, but it's generally considered affordable. Your ticket may also grant access to other museum areas.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the latest information closer to your visit, but it typically operates during daylight hours.
Advance booking is usually not required for Astım Cave. Tickets can typically be purchased at the entrance upon arrival.
While there are signs and platforms to guide you, formal guided tours might not always be available. The cave's layout is straightforward to navigate independently.
Payment methods can vary. While some tourist sites accept cards, it's always a good idea to have some Turkish Lira cash on hand for tickets and smaller purchases.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Exploring the main cave takes about 30-45 minutes. If you decide to visit other museum sections, allow for additional time.
Yes, many visitors find it suitable for young children, even as young as 4 years old, though they will need supervision on the stairs. The cool air is often a hit!
The cave maintains a consistently cool temperature, offering a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Humidity levels are high, reaching up to 85% in summer.
Yes, there are WC rooms available at the site, usually located near the entrance or the cafe area.
The cave is accessed via a long, spiral staircase, which may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues. The pathways inside are generally flat once you reach the bottom.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Astım Cave, and many visitors capture the unique stalactite and stalagmite formations.
The entire cave offers stunning visuals, but focus on the larger, more intricate formations. The entrance and exit points with the spiral staircase also make for dramatic shots.
The cave is illuminated to highlight the formations. While generally good for photos, consider bringing a small portable light if you want to capture specific details or experiment with lighting.
While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography that might disturb the cave environment or other visitors. Always be mindful of your surroundings.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around natural attractions and historical sites. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
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