With its thousands-year-old stalactites and healing air, it is Turkey’s first underground wonder to open to tourism.
Discovered by chance in 1948 during harbour construction, Damlataş Cave holds the title of the first cave in Türkiye to be opened to cave tourism. As soon as you step inside, you are greeted by stalactites and stalagmites that nature has shaped over thousands of years. With a temperature of around 22°C throughout the year and its humid air, Damlataş is one of the most visited natural attractions in Alanya.
For guests staying in Belek, Damlataş Cave is one of the most special stops on a day trip to Alanya. Below you will find where the cave is, its main features, places to visit nearby, what to know before you go and how to get there from Belek.
Damlataş Cave is located in the Alanya district east of Antalya, at the western foot of the peninsula where Alanya Castle stands. The cave entrance is right next to Damlataş Beach, which takes its name from the cave, so it is also easy to reach on foot from the town centre.
The coast of Alanya is home to many other caves besides Damlataş, which is why the area is sometimes referred to as the "Damlataş caves". The sea caves around the castle peninsula, which can be seen on boat tours, offer a different experience to complement your visit to Damlataş.
Simply enter "Damlataş Cave" in your navigation app. Once in central Alanya, follow the coastal road to the foot of the castle peninsula, leave your car at one of the nearby car parks and walk to the cave.
The story of Damlataş Cave begins with its discovery. Revealed while stone was being quarried for harbour construction, the cave soon became a centre of attention for visitors. The name "Damlataş" ("dripping stone") is said to come from the stone shapes formed over time by water dripping from the ceiling.
The most striking of Damlataş Cave's features is its inner chamber, densely filled with stalactites and stalagmites. In some places the formations hanging from the ceiling and those rising from the floor have joined to form columns, giving the cave the look of an underground palace. Visitors can see these formations up close along the laid-out walkway. Special lighting brings out the colours and textures of the formations and gives the cave a fairy-tale atmosphere.
Damlataş Cave was formed by the effect of water on limestone terrain over thousands of years. Stalactites and stalagmites, created as water containing calcium carbonate builds up drop by drop, show that the cave is a living natural structure. When you consider how slowly these formations grow, you realise that every shape you see is the result of a process thousands of years long.
The cave is also famous for its constant temperature, high humidity and distinctive air throughout the year. This air is believed to do some visitors with respiratory conditions good; if you are considering a visit for health reasons, we recommend consulting your doctor first.
Damlataş Cave is within walking distance of Alanya's best-loved sights. You can combine your cave visit with the places below for a full day. Relaxing on the beach after the coolness of the cave and then going up to the castle to enjoy the view is one of the most enjoyable ways to get to know Alanya.
Right next to the cave, Damlataş Beach, small and sheltered at the foot of the castle peninsula, is ideal for cooling off after the cave visit. Clear water and views of the castle are the beach's most popular features. In summer, going early helps you find a spot in a calmer setting.
The symbol of Alanya, the castle rises on the peninsula stretching into the sea and is known as one of the most important structures of the Seljuk period. Walking within its walls, you can see historic buildings and enjoy panoramic views of the Alanya coast.
Stretching west of the castle peninsula, Cleopatra Beach, with its long sandy shore and clear water, is one of Alanya's best-known beaches. Thanks to its proximity to the cave, it is a good option for spending the rest of the day by the sea.
Running up to the castle from the Cleopatra Beach side, the Alanya Cable Car offers a short ride with views of the town, the coastline and the sea from above. It is a practical and scenic alternative for those who do not want to walk up to the castle. A cable car ride towards sunset rounds off your Alanya trip with an impressive view.
Humid air: The air inside the cave is warm and humid; wear light, comfortable clothing.
Slippery ground: The walkway may be wet in places; wear non-slip shoes.
Do not touch the formations: Stalactites and stalagmites grow very slowly; touching them can damage them.
Up-to-date information: Opening hours and entry conditions may change, so check them before your visit.
Your health: If you feel uncomfortable in crowded, enclosed spaces, plan your visit accordingly.
From Belek, you can reach Damlataş Cave by following the Antalya–Alanya highway east, passing Manavgat and continuing to central Alanya. Hotel transfers, taxis and rental cars are the most practical options. Combined with stops such as Manavgat and Side along the way, you can turn the day into a coastal trip. As the route is a long coastal road, setting off early in the morning lets you see the cave and the castle before the crowds build up.
If you would like to keep exploring the natural beauty of Antalya, see our Düden Waterfall page, about the waterfall that pours from the cliffs into the sea.
If you would like to combine your visit to Damlataş Cave with a stay in Belek, you can browse many options, from family-friendly resorts to luxury hotels with spa and golf facilities, on our accommodation in Belek page. Spend the day in Alanya and return to your hotel in Belek in the evening to enjoy discovery and comfort on the same holiday.
BETUYAB has always supported ecotourism and conservation activities that help people get to know the region's unique natural formations and pass them on to future generations intact.
An entrance fee may be charged for Damlataş Cave. As the fee can change from season to season, we recommend checking the latest information before your visit.
As the walking route inside the cave is short, a visit usually does not take long. If you combine the cave with Damlataş Beach next door, Alanya Castle and the cable car, you can create an enjoyable half-day programme.
