Altınbeşik Cave — Underground Lake & Boat Tour 2026
Turkey's largest underground lake inside a spectacular cave — visited by boat.
Altınbeşik Cave: entrance fee Park entry + boat about €5–8, opening hours 09:00–18:30 (summer season). Suggested time: 1.5–2 hours including the walk down. Best time to visit: 11:00–15:00 as an escape from midday heat.
Altınbeşik Cave shelters Turkey's largest underground lake — and one of the largest in the world: a 200-metre sheet of turquoise water crossed by rowing boat deep inside the mountain. The cave lies near the village of Ürünlü by İbradı, north of Manavgat, and is protected as a national park.
The lake floods the lowest of the cave's three levels; stalactites, stalagmites and giant travertine walls glide past, illuminated, along the boat route. The cave stays at 16–18°C all year — a cool escape on the hottest summer day.
Altınbeşik Cave entrance fee and opening hours (2026)
| Entrance fee | Park entry + boat about €5–8 |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | 09:00–18:30 (summer season) |
| Suggested time | 1.5–2 hours including the walk down |
| Best time to visit | 11:00–15:00 as an escape from midday heat |
Prices are approximate for the 2026 season; check current rates at the ticket office.
Last updated:
How do I get to Altınbeşik Cave?
From Manavgat, a 45-minute mountain drive towards İbradı brings you to Ürünlü village; a signed road continues to the cave entrance. The road is narrow but paved. Jeep-safari day tours also run from Manavgat and Side.
Distances and driving times to Altınbeşik Cave
| From Antalya Airport (AYT) | 113 km · about 1 h 48 min by car |
|---|---|
| From Side | 53 km · about 1 h 18 min by car |
| From Manavgat | 47 km · about 1 h 10 min by car |
| From Alanya | 107 km · about 1 h 56 min by car |
Road distances and driving times calculated on the OpenStreetMap road network (OSRM), without traffic or stops. Compare all attractions →
Tips for visiting Altınbeşik Cave
- The cave is chilly — bring a light jacket.
- The 350-step staircase down means a climb back up; carry water.
- Don't skip Ürünlü's stone houses and village-breakfast spots.
Where is Altınbeşik Cave?
Altınbeşik Cave — frequently asked questions
Is the boat ride included at Altınbeşik?
Yes — the cave can only be visited by boat, in small guided groups gliding over the underground lake.
Is the visit physically demanding?
You descend (and later climb) about 350 steps to the entrance; fine for average fitness, but not suitable for strollers.
How do I get to Altınbeşik from Side?
By car it takes about 1h15 via the Manavgat–İbradı road; alternatively join one of the jeep-safari tours sold locally.
How far is Altınbeşik Cave from Side?
Altınbeşik Cave is 53 km from Side by road — about 1 h 18 min by car without stops.
How far is Altınbeşik Cave from Antalya Airport?
Altınbeşik Cave is 113 km from Antalya Airport (AYT) by road — about 1 h 48 min by car without stops.
