Turkey’s Largest Underground Lake
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Side Altınbeşik Cave & Ormana Village Tour
Full-day trip from Side into the Taurus Mountains: boat ride on Turkey’s largest underground lake and a walk through Ormana’s unique button houses.
Duration
8 Hours
Pickup
08:30
Operates
Mon & Thu & Sat
Meeting Point
Altınbeşik Cave National Park · Get Directions
Child Price
€35
Ticket Type
Mobile Ticket Instant
What You'll See
Altınbeşik Cave
Ormana Village
Ürünlü Village
Taurus Mountains
Experience Highlights
Hotel pickup from Side, Çolaklı, Gündoğdu and nearby areas
20–30 minute boat ride on Turkey’s largest underground lake
Walk through Ormana village and its 300-year-old button houses
Scenic drive through the Taurus Mountains with photo stops
Traditional lunch in a local village restaurant
Professional guide and national park entrance included
About This Tour
This is one of the few day trips from Side that actually takes you away from the coast and into the real Taurus Mountains.
You leave the hotel in the morning and drive inland for about 1.5–2 hours. The road climbs steadily through pine forests and small mountain villages. Along the way there are short photo stops with views over the Manavgat valley and, on clear days, the Green Canyon reservoir far below.
The main stop is Altınbeşik Cave (Golden Cradle Cave), part of a national park. The only way inside is by small inflatable boat. The underground lake is the largest in Turkey and the third largest in Europe. The temperature inside stays around 16°C all year, so it feels noticeably cooler than the outside heat. The boat ride lasts roughly 20–30 minutes and takes you past natural rock bridges and travertine formations. Swimming is not allowed.
After the cave you continue to Ormana village, known for its “button houses” – traditional stone-and-wood buildings constructed without mortar or nails. The wooden beams that stick out of the walls look like buttons, which is how they got their name. Some of these houses are still lived in; others have been carefully restored. You walk the quiet streets, see the local architecture up close, and have lunch at a simple village restaurant.
The day is not a rush tour. There is time to walk, take photos and sit for a proper meal. It suits travellers who want a quieter, more local experience than the usual coastal boat trips or jeep safaris. Families with children who can walk a bit and older guests who prefer a moderate pace usually enjoy it. Very small children or anyone with serious mobility issues may find the village paths and boat boarding less comfortable.
Return to Side-area hotels is normally between 17:00 and 18:30 depending on traffic and exact pickup location.
Perfect For
What's Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Side / Manavgat area
Air-conditioned transport
Professional guide
Entrance to Altınbeşik Cave National Park
Inflatable boat tour inside the cave
Traditional lunch in Ormana
Insurance
Drinks during lunch
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Optional tips
Anything not listed as included
Itinerary
Hotel Pickup
Collection from hotels in Side, Çolaklı, Gündoğdu, Evrenseki, Kumköy and nearby areas (approx. 08:30–09:30)
Scenic Mountain Drive
Journey into the Taurus Mountains with short photo stops overlooking the valley and Green Canyon area
Altınbeşik Cave
Arrival at the national park, short briefing, then 20–30 minute inflatable boat ride on the underground lake
Ormana Village
Walk through the historic streets and button houses, free time for photos
Lunch
Traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant in Ormana (drinks usually extra)
Return Journey
Drive back to Side with possible short stops, drop-off at hotels late afternoon
Good to Know
The cave temperature is a constant 16°C – a light jacket or long-sleeve shirt is useful
Boat ride lasts approximately 20–30 minutes; swimming is not permitted
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the village paths
Exact pickup time is confirmed the evening before
Tour operates mainly April–October; winter visits depend on water levels inside the cave
Comfortable closed walking shoes
Light jacket or long-sleeve top for the cave
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses for the mountain drive
Cash for drinks and any personal purchases
Camera or phone for photos
Local Tip
The best views of the button houses are usually found by walking a few minutes away from the main restaurant street – the quieter lanes show the architecture more clearly and with fewer people.
Guest Reviews (7)
Emma R.
United Kingdom
Altınbeşik Cave was the highlight of our day. The Taurus Mountains scenery was beautiful, and the boat ride inside the cave was such a unique experience.
Lukas M.
Germany
A really peaceful day away from the busy coast. We loved walking around Ormana Village and seeing the traditional button houses. Everything felt relaxed and authentic.
Sophie T.
France
The mountain drive was beautiful, especially the views over the Manavgat Valley. Altınbeşik Cave was impressive and the cool temperature inside was a welcome surprise.
Daniel P.
United Kingdom
Very different from the usual Side excursions. The cave boat ride was fascinating and Ormana Village gave us a chance to see a much quieter side of Antalya.
Anna K.
Poland
We enjoyed the slower pace of this trip. The scenery around the Taurus Mountains was stunning, and the traditional houses in Ormana were really interesting to see.
Michael B.
Netherlands
One of our favourite days near Side. Altınbeşik Cave and the underground lake were amazing, but the mountain villages and pine forests made the journey just as enjoyable.
Julia S.
Germany
A lovely combination of nature and local culture. The boat trip inside Altınbeşik Cave was memorable, and lunch in Ormana Village made the day feel very authentic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the boat ride inside the cave really?
Most visitors report 15–25 minutes on the water. The boats are small inflatable ones (usually 6–10 people) and you do not go very deep into the cave system.
Is Altınbeşik Cave open all year?
No. The cave is normally open from roughly April to October. In winter and early spring high water levels often make the boat tour impossible. Always check closer to your date.
Do I need a jacket or long sleeves?
Yes. The temperature inside the cave stays around 16°C all year. After the warm mountain drive it feels noticeably cool, especially while sitting still on the boat.
Is the mountain road suitable if I get motion sickness?
The road is winding and climbs into the Taurus Mountains. If you are sensitive to motion, sit near the front of the vehicle and consider taking medication beforehand.
How much walking is involved?
There is moderate walking on village paths in Ormana and a short walk to the boat boarding point at the cave. It is not a long hike, but the paths are uneven in places.
Is this tour worth it if the boat ride is short?
Many people say the combination of the mountain scenery, the cool underground lake and the button-house villages makes the full day worthwhile, even though the boat section itself is brief.
Can young children go on the boat?
Yes, provided they can sit still and wear a life jacket (child sizes are available). Very small toddlers usually sit on a parent’s lap. Supervision is required at all times.
What happens if the cave is closed on the day of the tour?
If water levels or weather prevent the boat tour, operators usually continue with the village visits and lunch. In some cases the tour may be rescheduled or partially refunded – confirm the policy when booking.
Total
€40
