Caves, full of secrets waiting to be unlocked, are abundant in the karst regions of Turkey. More than 30 caverns such as Karain in Antalya province, İnsuyu in Burdur, and Kurudağ near İzmir are open to touristic visitation. Some of the caves can be explored only with special equipment and in the company of guides, making the adventure even more thrilling.

Top Caves to Explore in Turkey

Karain Cave, Antalya Province

Karain Cave, located in Antalya province, is one of Turkey’s most significant caves due to its archaeological and historical importance. It has been continuously inhabited for more than 25,000 years, offering a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric human life. Visitors can explore its vast chambers and see the ancient artifacts and fossils displayed in the nearby museum.

İnsuyu Cave, Burdur

İnsuyu Cave in Burdur is known for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites, as well as its underground lakes. This cave is Turkey’s first cave to be opened for tourism, and it offers an enchanting journey through its well-lit pathways. The cave’s natural beauty and geological formations make it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Kurudağ Cave, Near İzmir

Kurudağ Cave, situated near İzmir, is another fascinating destination for cave explorers. This cave is known for its unique rock formations and crystal-clear underground pools. Due to its complex structure, Kurudağ Cave can only be explored with the help of special equipment and experienced guides, ensuring a safe and exciting adventure.

What to Expect

Fascinating Geological Formations

Turkey’s caves are renowned for their stunning geological formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes. These natural wonders create a magical atmosphere and provide a unique experience for visitors.

Historical and Archaeological Significance

Many of Turkey’s caves, such as Karain Cave, have historical and archaeological significance. Exploring these caves offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, with ancient artifacts and fossils providing insights into prehistoric human life.

Guided Tours and Special Equipment

While some caves can be explored independently, others require special equipment and the company of guides. These guided tours ensure a safe and informative experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the cave’s beauty and secrets.

Unforgettable Adventures

Exploring Turkey’s caves offers an unforgettable adventure. From the enchanting beauty of İnsuyu Cave to the historical significance of Karain Cave and the thrilling exploration of Kurudağ Cave, each cave provides a unique and exciting experience.

Turkey’s abundant caves, particularly in the karst regions, offer a wealth of exploration opportunities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Whether you are fascinated by geological formations, intrigued by historical significance, or eager for an adventurous journey, Turkey’s caves have something to offer. Plan your visit to the mesmerizing caves of Karain, İnsuyu, and Kurudağ, and unlock the secrets that lie beneath the surface.

Explore Turkey’s Fascinating Caves: A Comprehensive Guide

Turkey, with its abundant karst regions, is home to numerous caves full of secrets waiting to be unlocked. Here is a comprehensive list of some of the most notable caves in Turkey, many of which are open for touristic visitation.

Top Caves to Explore

Antalya Province

• Buzluk Cave, Ağrı
• Aşıklar Cave
• Altinbesik Cave: 5,481 m (17,982 ft)
• Beldibi Cave
• Büyükdipsiz Cave
• Çimeniçi Cave
• Damlataş Cave: Located in Alanya
• Derya Cave
• Dim Cave
• Fosforlu Cave, Alanya
• Geyikbayırı Cavern
• Gürleyik Cave, İbradı: Located in İbradı
• İnilti Pazarı Yaylacık Caves: 5,929 m (19,452 ft)
• Karain Cave: Located in Döşemealtı
• Kocadüden Cave
• Kocain Cave: 633 m (2,077 ft)
• Korsaniar Cave
• Küçükdipsiz Cave
• Mahrumçalı Cave
• Orçudüdeni Cave
• Papazkayaşı Cave
• Peynirdeliği Cave
• Tilkiler Cave: Located in Manavgat, 6,818 m (22,369 ft)
• Yalandünya Cave
• Yerköprü Cavern
• Zeytintaşı Cave

Aydın Province

• Aslanlı Cave
• Karaca Cave, Kuşadası: Located in Kuşadası

Balıkesir Province

• Yazören Cave, Savaştepe: 3,554 m (11,660 ft)
• Baltalıın Cave
• İnkaya Cave (Balıkesir)

Bartın Province

• Gürcüoluk Cave

Bingöl Province

• Zağ Cave
• Kalkanlı Cave

Burdur Province

• İnsuyu Cave

Bursa Province

• Ayvaini Cave, Ayvaköy: 4,866 m (15,965 ft)
• Oylat Cave

Çankırı Province

• Tuz Cave

Denizli Province

• Kaklık Cave
• Keloğlan Cave

Eskişehir Province

• Beyyayla Cave
• Cindi Cave
• İnönü Cave
• Kara Cave
• Karakaya Cave
• Karamıkini Cave
• Köçekkıran Cave
• Manasır Pit
• Mayıslar Cave
• Sarikaya Cave
• Yelinüstü Cave
• Yelini Cave

Elazığ Province

• Buzluk Cave, Elazığ

Gümüşhane Province

• Karaca Cave, Torul: Located in Torul

Hatay Province

• Sariseki Cave

Isparta Province

• Ayiini Cave
• İnönü Cave
• Kuz Cave
• Pınargözü Cave, Yenisarbademli: 5,275 m (17,306 ft)
• Zindan Cave

Istanbul Province

• İkigöz Cave, Çatalca: 4,816 m (15,801 ft)
• Yarımburgaz Cave, Başakşehir

İzmir Province

• İnkaya Cave
• Kurudağ Cave
• Yediuyurlar Cave

Kahramanmaraş Province

• Eshab-ı Kehf Cave, Afşin: Located in Afşin

Karabük Province

• Mencilis Cave, Safranbolu: 5,250 m (17,220 ft)

Karaman Province

• Düdenağzı Cave, Başyayla: 2,528 m (8,294 ft)
• Gürlevik Cave, Taşkale: Located in Taşkale
• Hislayık Cave
• İncesu Cave

Kastamonu Province

• Ilgarini Cave
• Sarpunalınca Cave
• Kuyluç Cave

Kırklareli Province

• Dupnisa Cave, Demirköy: 3,150 m (10,330 ft)
• Yenesu Cave

Konya Province

• Balatini Cave
• Büyükdüden Cave
• Derebucak Çamlık Caves Natural Monument
• Körükini Cave
• Pınarbaşı Cave
• Suluin Cave
• Susuk Güvercinlik Cave
• Tinaztepe Cave System

Kütahya Province

• Caves of Frig Valley

Mersin Province

• Akhayat sinkhole
• Cehennem Cave
• Cennet Cave
• Çukurpınar Sinkhole, Anamur: 3,350 m (10,990 ft)
• Dilek Cave
• Eshab-ı Kehf Cave, Tarsus: Located in Tarsus
• Gilindire Cave
• Köşekbükü Cave
• Morca Cave, Anamur
• Narlikuyu Cave
• Peynirlikönü-EGMA Sinkhole, Anamur: 3,118 m (10,230 ft)
• Yalan Dünya Cave

Muğla Province

• Fosforlu Cave, Marmaris: Located in Marmaris
• Nimara Cave
• Yerküpe Cave

Niğde Province

• Kuzgun Sinkhole: 3,187 m (10,456 ft)

Sinop Province

• İnaltı Cave

Tokat Province

• Kunduz Cave
• Ballıca Cave

Trabzon Province

• Çalköy Cave
• Akarsu Village Cave

Zonguldak Province

• Cehennemağzı Caves, Karadeniz Ereğli: Located in Karadeniz Ereğli
• Çayırköy Cave, Çayırköy: Located in Çayırköy
• Cumayanı Cave, Çatalağzı: Located in Çatalağzı
• Erçek Cave
• Gökgöl Cave: 3,350 m (10,990 ft)
• Ilıksu Cave, Ilıksu: Located in Ilıksu
• İnağzı Cave
• Kızılelma Cave, Ayiçi: 6,630 m (21,750 ft)
• Sofular Cave, Sofular: Located in Sofular

Turkey’s karst regions offer an abundance of caves, each with its unique features and attractions. From the historical significance of Karain Cave to the stunning stalactites of İnsuyu Cave and the adventurous exploration of Kurudağ Cave, there is something for every cave enthusiast. Plan your visit and unlock the secrets hidden beneath the surface in Turkey’s fascinating caves.