Side Altinbesik Cave And Ormana Village Tour With Boat Tour

An Authentic Day in the Taurus Mountains: Altinbesik Cave and Ormana Village Tour

If you’re looking to escape the crowds and explore some of Turkey’s most captivating natural and cultural sites, the Side Altinbesik Cave and Ormana Village Tour is a great choice. Priced at $45 per person and lasting roughly 6 to 7 hours, this guided excursion takes you from Side to the heart of the Taurus Mountains, where you’ll visit Turkey’s largest underground lake and experience rural Turkish life firsthand.

What we love most about this tour are two things: first, the chance to see Europe’s third-largest underground lake in the stunning Altinbesik Cave, and second, the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch and explore authentic village architecture. These details give the tour a genuine local feel, far from overly commercialized attractions.

One consideration, however, is that this is a long day spent mostly on a bus, which might be tiring if traveling with young children or if you prefer more leisurely, less structured days. But if you’re open to a full-immersion experience, this tour offers plenty of value and memorable sights.

It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate natural wonders, enjoy local culture, and want a well-rounded, affordable day trip that combines scenery, history, and cuisine.

Key Points

• Natural Wonder: Home to Turkey’s largest underground lake, Altinbesik Cave offers a spectacular landscape with natural bridges and cool temperatures year-round.
• Authentic Cultural Experience: Visiting Ormana Village allows a glimpse into traditional Turkish village life, with a chance to meet locals and see historic architecture.
• Guided Convenience: The tour includes all entry fees, a guided service, and round-trip transport, making it easy to focus on enjoying the day.
• Delicious Local Food: The included lunch features Turkish specialties like grilled chicken, fish, or Turkish pizza, with yogurt and salad.
• Boat Ride Highlight: The inflatable boat trip inside the cave provides a unique perspective and photo opportunities of the underground lake.
• Long Day, Good Value: With pickups, entrance fees, and meals included, this tour offers a comprehensive experience for the price.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting in Side, the journey kicks off early with hotel pickup around 8:30 am. The comfortable bus ride heads toward the Taurus Mountains, and from the start, travelers can look forward to scenic views and photo stops. One review mentions enjoying the stops for photos and a break at a traditional coffee shop, offering a taste of local village life and a chance to stretch after the drive.

First Major Stop: Altinbesik Cave — this is what makes the trip special. Located within Altinbesik National Park, the cave boasts the largest underground lake in Turkey and ranks third in Europe. We loved the way the guiding team explained the formations, natural bridges, and the cave’s unique features. Inside, the constant temperature of about 16°C makes it a comfortable visit regardless of the season. The highlight is the 30-minute inflatable boat ride that takes you across the underground lake, giving you a closer look at the natural beauty hidden beneath the mountains. Several reviews praise this boat trip as a “spectacular” and “unique perspective” of the cave.

Next, a traditional Turkish lunch in Ormana Village offers a welcome break. The menu caters to different tastes: stewed fish, grilled chicken, or Turkish pizza, complemented by yogurt and salad. One reviewer called it “way better than regular ‘included’ meals,” noting the quality and flavor. After lunch, you’ll visit a Buttoned House, crafted without cement or mortar, showcasing traditional architecture. With over 300 such houses in the village, this provides an authentic glimpse into rural Turkish construction methods.

Further culture involves visiting a 300-year-old mosque, where locals tend to show warm hospitality and open their sacred space. This stop adds a layer of historical and spiritual interest, giving you a tangible connection to the area’s long-standing traditions.

Finally, the trip concludes with a stop at Sarhaclar village, where you can enjoy the rural vistas one last time before heading back to Side. The return journey offers reflection on a day well spent in nature and culture.

What Travelers Say

Reviews reflect a mix of experiences, with many praising the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery. Hope_B describes the guide Umit as “very funny and knowledgeable,” while Lubov_L emphasizes the great lunch and beautiful cave. The boat ride in the cave is repeatedly highlighted as a “spectacular” feature, ensuring this part of the tour is memorable.

Some travelers, however, note that the long bus ride and brief cave visit might not appeal to everyone. Gergely_O mentions that after a long journey and a quick stop, some found the day “boring” or “not worth” the lengthy coach trip. This underscores the importance of being prepared for a full day on the bus and managing expectations about the cave’s brevity.

The tour’s value for money is well recognized, especially since all entrance fees and meals are included, reducing surprises and extra costs. The small group size (up to 25 travelers) also helps maintain a more intimate atmosphere.

Transport, Timing, and Practicalities

The tour begins promptly at 8:30 am, with hotel pickup in a comfortable bus. Travel time to the mountains is about an hour, with stops along the way for photos and refreshments. The total activity duration of around 6 to 7 hours balances sightseeing with ample time for each stop.

The round-trip transport is especially helpful for those unfamiliar with the area, removing the hassle of navigating or organizing separate transport. Plus, the inclusion of all entry fees and lunch makes this a straightforward, budget-conscious option.

The maximum group size of 25 ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the guided service offers plenty of information and assistance. Just note, drinks are not included, so bring some water or beverages if needed.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you enjoy natural wonders, like underground lakes and caves, and want a taste of rural Turkish life. Families with older children might appreciate the boat ride and the cultural stops, though younger children might find the long bus ride tiring. History and architecture buffs will enjoy the Buttoned Houses and the old mosque. Food lovers will find the included lunch a highlight, especially if they like traditional Turkish cuisine.

Final Thoughts

The Side Altinbesik Cave and Ormana Village Tour offers a well-rounded day of discovery, combining impressive natural scenery with authentic local culture. Its affordability, inclusive pricing, and friendly guides make it an attractive option for travelers seeking more than just beachside relaxation.

While the day can be long and the cave visit brief, the experience’s highlights—especially the boat ride inside the cave and the chance to explore a genuine village—make it a memorable outing. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply want to see another side of Turkey, this tour delivers a satisfying mix of sights, tastes, and stories.

FAQ

What is the price of the tour?
It costs $45 per person, which includes all entrance fees, a guided service, lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, starting around 8:30 am with hotel pickup.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included, so you might want to bring some water or beverages for the day.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It can be suitable for older children, especially those interested in caves and nature, but keep in mind the long bus ride and the need for patience.

What is special about Altinbesik Cave?
It features the largest underground lake in Turkey and is ranked third in Europe for underground lakes, with a constant temperature of 16°C and natural bridges.

What does the boat ride involve?
The inflatable boat ride lasts about 30 minutes and allows you to experience the underground lake from the water, offering excellent photo opportunities.

What can I expect at Ormana Village?
You’ll see traditional architecture, including the Buttoned Houses, and have the chance to meet locals and explore rural life.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a traditional Turkish meal is included, with options like fish, chicken, or Turkish pizza, served with yogurt and salad.

What is the guide’s role during the tour?
Guides provide commentary on the natural and cultural sites, translate as needed, and help coordinate the logistics of each stop.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, a light jacket for the cave, and some cash or cards for drinks or souvenirs.

This tour strikes a fine balance between adventure, culture, and relaxation. If you’re eager to see a stunning underground lake, experience rural Turkish life, and enjoy a day out in nature, it’s a compelling choice.