Altinbesik Cave Ormana Village Tour

The Altinbesik Cave Ormana Village Tour takes you on a journey through the Taurus Mountains, where you can experience the stunning natural beauty of Anatolia and authentic village life. Here, the true essence of Anatolian culture thrives. You’ll be captivated by the rich traditions, warm hospitality, and genuine lifestyle of the local people throughout this tour.

On the Altinbesik Cave Ormana Village Tour, you will embark on a 7-hour journey through the Taurus Mountains and traditional Anatolian villages. Explore the magnificent Altınbeşik Cave, known as the 'Golden Cradle Cave,' and enjoy a scenic boat tour. Visit a charming village café and a historic mosque, and savour a delicious lunch at our village restaurant. Additionally, marvel at the unique 'Button Houses,' which showcase the traditional architectural style of Anatolia. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the rich natural and cultural treasures of the region.

The Altinbesik Cave Ormana Village Tour is available every Monday and Thursday. Kids who are under 5 can join at no charge, and children aged 6 to 12 can take advantage of a discounted rate. We suggest you wearing comfortable clothing and bringing a camera to capture images of the breathtaking scenery. This full-day tour begins with a hotel pickup at approximately 08:45 AM in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus. We will travel to İbradı, a district of Antalya located about 110 km from Side. The journey through the Taurus Mountains offers breathtaking landscapes, with several photo stops along the way, where guests will also be treated to fresh fruit.

A short break at a village café allows you to experience the local atmosphere before we reach the magnificent Altınbeşik Cave at around 12:15 PM. Here, you will embark on a 30-minute boat tour inside the cave, marvelling at its enchanting beauty.

At approximately 1:30 PM, we will enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Ormana Village. Guests can choose from grilled chicken, fish, or Turkish pizza accompanied by yoghurt and a fresh salad. The restaurant is located in the courtyard of a traditional Button House, which you are welcome to explore—a true representation of Anatolian architecture.

Following lunch, we will visit a 300-year-old village mosque, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Next, we head to the village of Sarıhacılar, where you will explore an abandoned Anatolian settlement and admire more historic Button Houses. Here, you will also have the chance to see a part of the ancient Silk Road.

After this immersive journey into nature and history, we will return to Side, arriving back at your hotel at approximately 4:30 PM.

Altınbeşik National Park is located near the village of Ürünlü in the İbradı district. The cave within the park is home to Turkey's largest underground lake and the third-largest in Europe. Inside the cave, you will find stunning travertine formations and natural bridges, adding to its unique charm. The cave has a consistent temperature of 16°C all year round. During your visit, you will embark on a 30-minute boat tour through the cave, immersing yourself in its enchanting, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

One of the finest examples of Anatolian architecture is the traditional Button Houses. In the village of Ormana, there are more than 300 of these unique homes. Their name comes from their distinctive architectural style—built using stones and cedarwood without any mortar, cement, or binding materials. The appearance of the wooden joints resembles buttons, giving these houses their name. On the Altınbeşik Cave and Ormana Village tour, you will have the opportunity to view these impressive homes up close and discover their interiors.

During this tour, you will also have the opportunity to visit a mosque that is approximately 300 years old. The local community warmly welcomes you into their sacred place. Our tour guide will provide insightful information about the mosque and offer an introduction to Muslim culture.

Side is often seen as a typical holiday destination, offering vibrant clubs, restaurants, and beautiful beaches. However, just a little further inland, life unfolds far from tourism. On this tour, you will experience the authentic Anatolian village lifestyle and meet the warm and hospitable locals of Anatolia.