Antalya Caves

Karatas-Semahoyuk Cave
This is in Alanya, and is full of stalactites and stalagmites. Due to the humidity being 90% in the interior, the caves are used for the treatment of respiratory ailments.

KarainCave
This is 27 km. from Antalya and is reached from the Burdur highway, turning left at the Karain sign. Digs have been continuing there since 1946. These have revealed a settlement at that spot 50.000 years ago. It is the largest cave in Turkey to have been inhabited. Some of the finds are on display in the little Karain Museum and others in the Pre-History Section of Antalya Museum.

Altinbesik Dudeni
This is one of the most unusual subterranean lakes in the world. It is within the boundaries of Urunlu village. To reach Altinbesik Dudeni the described route has to be followed: After Manavgat, turn north towards Akseki. Seventy km later the ibradi turn-off is reached, and 23 km further brings you to ibrady, from which it is a further 8 km. to Urunlu village. After that is a 5 km. walk by a very poor road, for which good walking shoes are needed.
This fascinating underground world is beneath the Tauros mountains and to see it one has to make the necessary preparations. Many caves and lakes are to be found underground. The lakes are at different levels, resulting in eascades. Huge stalagtites and stalagmites can be seen in the caves. It has taken millions of years to create the present formation of the lakes and the caves. The theory of their formation is as follows: due to the limestone nature of this mountainous area, the water trickled into the cracks and following chemical reactions in some places, melting occurred and small cavities resulted. In time, due to the deleterious effects of the water, the cavities grew bigger and became caves. This process has continued to our day. Those interested in this subject and are hardy climbers will be rewarded with a sight of unparalleled beauty.

DamlatasCave
This is in Alanya, and are full of stalactites and stalagmites. Due to the humidity being 90% in the interior, the caves are used for the treatment of respiratory ailments.

Beldibi Cave
Here were found some pre-historic remains in the cave on the seashore, 25 km. south-west of Antalya.