Altınbeşik Cave & Ormana from Side – Boat on an Underground Lake, Button Houses & a Village Lunch
On a hot day in Side, when even the sea feels warm, this trip takes you somewhere properly cool. The road climbs from Manavgat into the Taurus to Ormana, a mountain village of timber-and-stone “button houses”, and on to Altınbeşik Cave, where an inflatable boat carries you across Turkey’s largest underground lake at a steady 16 °C.
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Operating days
- Mon, Thu
- Pickup
- 08:30 → 17:00
- Destination
- Green Canyon
Inland from Manavgat, into the mountains
Altınbeşik lies about 85–90 km from Side, inland beyond Manavgat, and the last part of the drive follows winding mountain roads. Because the minibus begins its round on the Alanya coast, Side is one of its later stops – a gentler start to your day. The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking. The tour runs on Mondays and Thursdays.
Village first, then the cave
- A photo stop high above the Green Canyon on the way up
- Ormana’s 600-year-old mosque and a guided stroll among more than 300 button houses
- Lunch in the village: chicken skewers or oven-baked trout with salad
- A short drive to the national park around Altınbeşik
- By inflatable boat across the underground lake, between stalactites and stalagmites
- Time for photos at the cave entrance before the drive back
Packing for 16 °C
Drinks, photos and souvenirs are not included. Even in midsummer the cave stays cool, so bring a light jacket, wear shoes with good grip for the damp paths and dress modestly for the mosque. A camera and some cash for tea and village crafts complete the bag. For white water instead of still water, try Köprülü Canyon rafting from Side.
Highlights
- Boat ride on Turkey’s largest underground lake
- Three-level cave with stalactites and stalagmites
- Ormana village and its 300+ button houses
- 600-year-old Ottoman mosque
- Green Canyon panoramic viewpoint
- Traditional village lunch
Hotel pickup from Side
Pickup times depend on where your hotel is and change from season to season, so we confirm your exact pickup time by WhatsApp or e-mail after booking. Please be ready at the hotel entrance 5 minutes early.
Hotels we pick up from in Side
- Acanthus Cennet Barut Collection
- Club Melas Privé
- Megasaray Resort Side
- Barut Hemera
- Adalya Bliss
- Novum Garden Side Hotel
- VONRESORT Golden Coast & Aqua
- Voyage Sorgun Hotel
- Liu Resorts
- Barut GOIA
- Side Star Beach Hotel
Your hotel is not on the list? No problem – just tell us its name when booking and we will arrange your pickup.
Itinerary
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Hotel pickup
Pickup from your hotel in Side – we confirm the exact time after booking.
-
Green Canyon viewpoint
Scenic drive into the Taurus Mountains and photo stop.
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Ormana mosque
Visit to the 600-year-old Ottoman mosque.
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Button houses
Guided walk through the historic village.
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Village lunch
Chicken skewers or baked trout with salad.
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To Altınbeşik Cave
Short drive to the national park.
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Cave boat ride
Inflatable boat across the underground lake.
-
Free time
Photos around the cave entrance, then return.
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Hotel drop-off
Transfer back to your hotel in Side.
Included / Not included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Air-conditioned transport
- Professional licensed guide
- Inflatable boat ride inside Altınbeşik Cave
- Lunch (chicken skewers or baked trout with salad)
- Insurance
Not included
- Drinks
- Professional photos
- Souvenirs and personal expenses
Good to know
Good to know
- Runs on Mondays and Thursdays.
- Cave paths can be damp – wear shoes with good grip.
- Guests from Alanya are picked up earlier than guests from Side and Manavgat.
What to bring
- A light jacket (the cave is 16°C)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Modest clothing for the mosque
- Camera or phone
- Cash for drinks and souvenirs
Frequently asked questions
How far is Altınbeşik from Side?
About 85–90 km inland via Manavgat; the last stretch winds up through the Taurus, so plan a full day.
Why are we picked up later than the Alanya guests?
The minibus starts on the Alanya coast and reaches Side on its way inland, so Side is one of the later stops.
How cold is the cave?
About 16 °C all year – pleasant after the beach, but a light jacket is a good idea.
Is the tour fine for children?
Yes, school-age children usually love the boat ride through the cave; keep a hand on little ones on the damp paths.
