Side Altinbesik Cave And Ormana Village Tour With Boat Tour

If you’re looking to get a real sense of the Turkish countryside while experiencing some incredible natural sights, the Side Altinbesik Cave and Ormana Village Tour might just be what you’re after. This full-day adventure offers a mix of scenic landscapes, fascinating underground wonders, and charming local villages—plus a boat ride inside one of Europe’s largest underground lakes.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its well-rounded approach: you get to witness the impressive Altinbesik Cave, which houses Turkey’s biggest underground lake, along with authentic village life that’s steeped in tradition. The value for money is quite good considering everything included—entry fees, a traditional Turkish lunch, and transport are all covered. That said, be aware that the day can feel a bit long, especially if you’re not a huge fan of lengthy bus rides or hot weather.

While the tour offers a lot of enjoyable moments, it’s worth noting that the cave visit is quite brief—just a quick boat trip inside the cave, which some travelers find a little underwhelming compared to the vast underground lake outside. Also, the overall experience might appeal more to adults or those with a keen interest in natural wonders and local culture, rather than families with young children seeking more active or engaging activities.

If you’re after an immersive, scenic day that combines nature, culture, and good food, this tour could suit you well. Just keep in mind the timing and length of the day, and you’ll be set to enjoy a memorable excursion through some of Turkey’s lesser-known corners.

Key Points

• Natural Wonder: The Altinbesik Cave’s underground lake is a highlight—Turkey’s largest underground lake and the third largest in Europe.
• Cultural Insights: Visit a traditional village, see historical architecture, and meet local residents offering authentic experiences.
• Value: Includes all entry fees, lunch, and transport, making it a practical choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive day out.
• Scenic Views: Enjoy stops in Taurus Mountains with photo opportunities and picturesque landscapes.
• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides, some translating between English and German, enhance the storytelling.
• Long Day: Expect about 6-7 hours, with a lengthy bus ride, which might feel tiring for some.

Detailed Review of the Tour Experience

Starting the Day: Comfort and Convenience

The tour begins bright and early, with hotel pick-up around 8:30am—pretty convenient if you’re staying in Side or nearby. The transportation is in a comfortable bus, which helps make the long drive through the Taurus Mountains more bearable. During the journey, you’ll have a few stops for photos and a break at a traditional coffee shop in a village, giving you a taste of local life from the outset.

This setup is quite typical for day trips like this, but it’s worth mentioning that the group size is capped at around 25 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable.

Exploring Altinbesik Cave: The Main Attraction

The highlight of this tour is undoubtedly the Altinbesik Cave in the National Park. Inside, you’ll find natural bridges and a large underground lake, which holds the title of being Turkey’s biggest and the third-largest in Europe. The temperature inside the cave remains a steady 16°C year-round, so you don’t have to worry about seasonal changes affecting your visit.

The boat ride within the cave, lasting about 30 minutes, is a fun way to explore the underground scenery. Inflatable boats with capacity for ten people keep the experience intimate and allow everyone to get a good view of the cave’s natural formations. One of the reviews notes, “Got a lot of great photos and really enjoyed the meal,” reflecting the positive vibe that many travelers experience. However, some mention that the boat trip is brief, and the actual cave walk is limited, which can leave some wishing for a more in-depth exploration.

Visiting Ormana: Village Charm and Local Culture

Post-cave, the tour moves to the village of Ormana for lunch and cultural exploration. The restaurant, situated behind a traditional Buttoned House, offers classic Turkish dishes like grilled chicken, fish stew, and Turkish pizza, complemented by yoghurt and salads. Many reviewers have raved about the quality of the food—“way better than regular ‘included’ meals”—which is a nice surprise considering the cost.

After lunch, you’ll have a chance to visit the Buttoned Houses. Over 300 of these traditional structures are made without cement or mortar, showcasing authentic Turkish architecture. This part of the tour gives a real sense of local life and craftsmanship, making it more than just a sightseeing stop.

Historical and Cultural Sights

The next stop is at a 300-year-old mosque, which locals still use and generously open to visitors. The hospitality shown here is often praised, and the historic atmosphere adds a meaningful layer to your experience. One reviewer mentioned the “friendly locals” who showcase their hospitality freely, which makes the visit even more memorable.

Finally, a stop at Sarhaclar village rounds out the day, allowing you to see more rural life and enjoy some last scenic views before heading back to Side.

The Return and Overall Atmosphere

The bus ride back is just about an hour, giving you some time to reflect on the day’s highlights. Most travelers arrive back at their hotels in the afternoon, often full of stories and photos.

What Reviews Tell Us

While many travelers, like Hope and Lubov, praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, others mention that the duration of the cave visit is shorter than expected. One reviewer noted, “The cave visit was very brief,” which might be a letdown if you’re expecting a long exploration of the underground lake.

Some reviews also highlight that the long drive and the heat can be tiring, especially for those not used to summer heat or lengthy bus rides. Conversely, those who appreciate scenic drives and cultural stops find the experience enriching and well worth the time.

Is This Tour Worth It?

In terms of value, $45 per person covers almost everything—entry fees, boat rides, lunch, and transportation. Considering the caves alone are a significant natural attraction, the overall experience offers a good deal. It’s especially suitable for travelers who love nature, history, and authentic local experiences, rather than those seeking high-adrenaline activities or very brief sightseeing.

However, if you’re not comfortable spending a lot of time on a bus or if brief visits bore you, this might not be your first choice. Also, the tour’s appeal is probably higher for adults or older children interested in natural wonders and cultural sights.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers wanting a balanced day of natural beauty and cultural discovery. It’s perfect if you’re interested in Turkey’s underground caves, picturesque villages, and historical sites, combined with good value for your money.

It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guided experiences with knowledgeable guides, and who don’t mind a bit of a longer day. It’s a good option if you’re visiting Side and want to explore beyond the typical beach or city sights, diving into the countryside and local traditions.

If you’re looking for a relaxing yet interesting day out—with memorable scenery, tasty food, and cultural insights—you’ll probably find this tour rewarding. Just keep in mind the limited cave exploration time and the distances involved.

FAQ

How early does the tour start?
The pick-up begins around 8:30am, so plan to be ready at your hotel by then.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but keep in mind the long bus ride and brief cave visit.

What does the boat ride inside the cave involve?
You’ll enjoy a 30-minute inflatable boat trip on the underground lake, which gives a unique perspective of the natural formations.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included in the tour price, so you might want to bring water or other beverages.

How long is the entire tour?
It lasts about 6 to 7 hours, covering travel, sightseeing, and meals. Be prepared for a full day out.

What should I wear for the cave visit?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and a light jacket or sweater, since the temperature inside remains steady at 16°C year-round.

In summary, the Side Altinbesik Cave and Ormana Village Tour offers a nice mix of natural wonders, cultural sights, and local flavors. It’s a solid choice if you want to step off the beaten path and experience some of Turkey’s hidden treasures in an organized, hassle-free way.