Altınbeşik Cave National Park, situated in the untamed landscapes of Antalya province, presents guests with an unmatched taste of geological beauty and natural wonder. Rising on the western side of the steep Manavgat Valley, the park is located around 5 kilometers southeast of Ürünlü village and 9.7 kilometers from the İbradi (Aydınkent) district. Celebrated for its distinctive characteristics, this place captures the beauty of Turkey’s karst terrain.

Third biggest underwater lake cave in Europe and Turkey’s only one, Altınbeşik Cave is Covering about 2,200 meters in length and with its complex inner branching, this cave system exposes an amazing underground world. While the soaring travertine formations inside the cave rise to an amazing height of 44 meters, the water within some parts reaches depths of up to 15 meters. The cave’s dramatic appeal and geological intricacy are enhanced by a naturally occurring rock bridge cutting across it.

Visitors can reach the cave in the summer and early autumn; nevertheless, the rising water levels that submerge most of its interior cause the cave to close in spring and winter. The temperature inside the cave stays always between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius independent of the season, matched by high humidity. This particular microclimate gives the already fascinating subterranean environment more of a mystery.

Though remote, Altınbeşik Cave is regarded as among Turkey’s most stunning cavernues. The surrounding karst topography, covered in thick pine forests, lends a lovely scene that accentuates the appeal of the cave. It draws water from Kızılova, Kambos, and Söbüce before diverting it into Altınbeşik-Düdensuyu Cave under the Oruç Sinkhole Cave at the terminal of a vast underground water system. Over 100 kilometers, this amazing subterranean system—which ranks among the longest and most complicated karst formations worldwide—ranks among the crow flies.

Emphasizing the complex hydrology of the area, the water coming from the cave finally links to Lake Beyşehir via a maze of underground tunnels. Although the cave itself has been somewhat investigated, many of its secrets remain unknown since scientific study keeps revealing the wonders of this geological creation.

Altınbeşik Cave gets its name from Altınbeşik Hill, above the cave. The intricate geological and geomorphological characteristics of the Taurus Mountains in this area help to explain the creation of the cave. Dramatic mountains, deep valleys, and underground watercourses define this interaction of natural forces in the terrain. The karst topography of the area offers not only a great scenic appeal but also plenty of scientific curiosity.

Thanks to better infrastructure, visiting the Altınbeşik Cave has grown ever more practical. Although the trip calls for careful navigation across the rocky terrain of the area, visitors may now drive straight to the cave mouth. Arriving to Ürünlü village, roughly 90 kilometers from Antalya along the Antalya-Alanya road, comes first. From here, a recently constructed path winds to the cave across the magnificent Eynif Plain and through charming towns like Ormana.

Starting from Manavgat, the cave is 45 kilometers away, hence a reasonable day excursion from this busy area is possible for visitors. Those from Antalya city center will have to trek over 120 kilometers. Along the path, attractions include the Taşağıl-Derebucak-Konya highway and the Demirkapı Tunnel accentuate the appeal of the travel.

For those who enjoy the outdoors and those looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, Altınbeşik Cave National Park is a must-visit location combining accessibility with an adventure. Discovering its large subterranean lake, marveling at its soaring travertines, or just basking in the peace of its pine-forested surrounds will enthrall visitors to this secret treasure of Antalya.

Altınbeşik Cave’s renown as a geological wonder and tourist destination is poised to rise as investigation and study unearth the secrets of this most remarkable terrain of Turkey.