From Side: Altnbeik Cave and Ormana Village Day Trip

If you’re looking to get off the beaten tourist trail near Side and discover a side of Turkey that combines natural beauty with authentic cultural touches, this day trip to Altnbeik Cave and Ormana Village offers just that. While the experience is generally enjoyable and packed with interesting sights, it’s not without some considerations—like the variable pace of the journey and the sometimes daring drive along winding roads.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is the chance to explore Turkey’s largest underground cave, complete with a boat ride on an underground lake—something truly special for adventure lovers. The chance to see Ormana’s famous Buttoned Houses, built without nails or cement, adds a delightful historical twist to the day.

However, it’s worth noting that winter rains can temporarily close the cave, so flexibility might be needed if planning during the colder months. This trip suits travelers craving a mixture of nature, culture, and some light adventure—perfect for those wanting more than just beach lounging.

Key Points

• Natural Wonder: Discover Turkey’s largest underground cave with a boat ride on Europe’s third-largest underground lake.
• Cultural Charm: Explore the traditional Buttoned Houses of Ormana, built with an ancient wooden locking system.
• Biodiversity: The Altnbeik National Park boasts over 600 plant species, including 69 endemics, offering a glimpse into the local flora.
• Engaging Guides: Experienced guides provide insights, making the experience more meaningful.
• Scenic Views: From Green Canyon to Oymapinar Dam, enjoy stunning vistas throughout the day.
• Balanced Experience: Combines natural exploration, cultural history, and scenic drives—well-suited for curious travelers.

Introduction: Why Consider This Day Trip?

If you’re based in Side and craving an escape from the busy beaches and resorts, this tour promises a blend of natural beauty, intriguing architecture, and local culture. It’s a well-rounded way to explore parts of Antalya Province you might not easily find on your own, particularly if you’re interested in underground caves, traditional Turkish villages, and scenic panoramas.

One of the real highlights is the Altnbeik Cave, often called Turkey’s largest underground cave and Europe’s third-largest underground lake. It’s a natural marvel that captivates with its vast chambers and silent, saline waters—though, unlike lakes that support fish, this one is home mainly to pigeons and bats. The boat ride inside the cave is a unique experience, giving you the chance to see the stunning rock formations from a different perspective.

Another aspect we love is the visit to Ormana Village, where the Buttoned Houses stand as a testament to centuries-old craftsmanship. These homes, built without nails or cement, are a fascinating insight into local building traditions, and they add a charming, almost storybook feel to the day. A traditional Turkish lunch here also offers a taste of local cuisine, rounding out the culture nicely.

That said, one thing to consider is that the drive to the cave and village can be quite winding and fast, which might be unsettling for some. As one reviewer noted, the bus driver’s speed along narrow cliffside roads was a bit nerve-wracking, though the overall safety measures were in place. Also, weather can impact the cave’s accessibility—heavy rains in winter can cause it to close temporarily, so check the forecast if visiting then.

This trip suits adventure seekers, culture lovers, and nature fans alike—those who enjoy a mix of scenic drives, underground wonders, and traditional village life.

What to Expect: The Full Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup and Early Morning Start

The tour kicks off with hotel pickups, so you won’t need to worry about how to get there. Once onboard, you’ll be taken on a roughly 75 km drive to the Altnbeik National Park, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The timing varies depending on your hotel location, but most tours start in the morning, giving you ample time to explore.

Exploring Altnbeik Cave

The highlight is undoubtedly the Altnbeik Cave—Turkey’s largest underground cave, and a major geological attraction. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your guide, who is typically well-informed and enthusiastic about sharing insights into the cave’s formation and the park’s biodiversity. The tour inside the cave involves a boat ride across the subterranean lake, which remains at a steady 16°C year-round.

This part of the tour is quite immersive; you’ll glide past towering stalactites and stalagmites while listening to the guide point out interesting formations. The saline water means no fish, but the presence of bats and pigeons adds life to the silent chambers. Some reviews mention that the boat ride was a highlight, providing a different perspective on the cavern’s grandeur.

Scenic Viewpoints: Green Canyon & Oymapinar Dam

After the cave, the bus takes you to scenic viewpoints, including the Green Canyon and Oymapinar Dam. These spots offer stunning vistas perfect for photos and a brief walk. The Green Canyon is famous for its emerald waters, and while you might not go swimming, the views alone are worth a few minutes’ stop.

Ormana Village & Buttoned Houses

Next, you’ll visit Ormana Village, where the Buttoned Houses stand as an unusual architectural marvel. Built centuries ago without nails or cement—using juniper, cedar, and tar woods—these homes are a true reflection of local ingenuity. You’ll have the chance to walk through narrow, winding streets and admire the craftsmanship.

The village is also a good place for a traditional Turkish lunch, featuring local specialties. Many travelers find this meal a welcomed break and a chance to taste authentic flavors. As one reviewer noted, the lunch was quite enjoyable and added cultural depth to the trip.

Additional Highlights: Local Culture & Biodiversity

The park itself is home to over 600 plant species, including 69 endemic plants—a paradise for botany enthusiasts. The guides often share insights into the flora and fauna, which enrich the experience beyond just sightseeing.

Return and Drop-off

After a full 8-hour day, you’ll be transported back to your hotel, hopefully with plenty of photos and new knowledge to share. The organized nature of the trip means you don’t have to worry about logistics, but do note that the return journey might be slightly rushed during peak seasons.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Expert-guided tour: Guides are knowledgeable and provide interesting commentary—helping you understand the significance of what you’re seeing.
• Unique attractions: The underground boat ride inside Altnbeik Cave is truly memorable.
• Cultural insight: Visiting Ormana’s Buttoned Houses gives a glimpse into traditional Turkish architecture and lifestyle.
• Scenic drives: The journey itself offers beautiful views of the Antalya landscape, with plenty of photo stops.
• Value for money: The tour includes transportation, guide, entrance fees, and lunch—offering a comprehensive experience at a reasonable price.

Cons:

• Road safety concerns: As noted by travelers, some driving can feel speedier than ideal on narrow, cliffside roads.
• Weather dependency: Heavy rains in winter may close the cave temporarily, so flexibility is advisable.
• Crowds and timing: During peak times, it might get a bit crowded at certain stops, and timing can be tight for some.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers eager to see underground caves and scenic vistas, culture lovers interested in traditional Turkish architecture, and nature enthusiasts who appreciate botanical diversity. It’s a good fit if you’re seeking a day away from beach resorts to explore the natural and cultural heritage of the Antalya region.

Families with older children, groups of friends, and solo explorers who enjoy guided tours will find this experience engaging and well-organized. However, those sensitive to fast driving or with mobility issues might want to consider these factors beforehand.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For the price and the variety of sights, this tour offers solid value—especially if you’re fascinated by underground caves and traditional Turkish homes. The guides generally add to the experience with their knowledge, making the journey both educational and fun.

The natural beauty of Altnbeik Cave paired with the charm of Ormana’s Buttoned Houses makes for a memorable day out. It’s not a luxury experience, but rather a genuine glimpse into a less visited side of Turkey, perfect for travelers who crave authenticity, adventure, and scenic beauty.

In sum, if you’re looking to explore beyond the beaches and dive into some natural and cultural exploration, this tour is a worthwhile choice—just be prepared for winding roads and possible weather changes.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient to start your day without extra planning.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire trip lasts about 8 hours, with the exact start time depending on your hotel location. You’ll be notified of the pickup time one day in advance.

Do I need to pay extra for entrance fees?
No, the entrance fees to Altnbeik Cave and the national park are included in the tour price.

Will I get to walk inside the cave?
Yes, part of the tour involves exploring the cave chambers and enjoying the boat ride on the underground lake, guided by a professional.

Is there any risk involved in the drive?
Some reviews mention that the bus driver drove quite fast on narrow cliffside roads, which may be unsettling for some. The safety measures are in place, but caution is recommended.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
The tour involves walking and boat rides inside the cave, so it might not be suitable for those with mobility limitations.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking, and some layers for the cave’s consistent 16°C temperature, is advisable. Bring water and sun protection for the outside stops.

Will I see wildlife?
While no fish are present in the underground lake, bats and pigeons inhabit the cave, and the surrounding park boasts diverse plant species.

What is the best time of year to do this tour?
Spring and autumn offer milder weather and better cave accessibility. In winter, heavy rains can close the cave temporarily, so check the weather forecast beforehand.

This day trip from Side to Altnbeik Cave and Ormana Village combines natural wonder, cultural insight, and scenic beauty into a memorable 8-hour adventure, perfect for those looking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots in Antalya.