Damlataş Cave is a small limestone cave at the foot of Alanya's castle hill, beside Cleopatra Beach and a short walk from the cable car station. Quarry workers opened it by accident in 1948, and it became the first cave in Turkey opened to tourism. Inside, lit stalactites and stalagmites that took thousands of years to form rise from a floor of dripstone pools. The air is warm and very humid, and locals link it to easier breathing. A visit is short, so most people pair it with the beach, the castle or the Red Tower.
Found by quarry workers in 1948
The cave was discovered in 1948, when stone was being quarried on Alanya's peninsula for the new harbour. Dynamite used to open the quarry broke into a chamber full of stalactites and stalagmites. It lies at the foot of the castle hill, on the seaward side of the peninsula.
The name Damlataş means dripping stone and refers to the water that falls from the stalactites on the ceiling. The cave later became the first one in Turkey opened to tourism.
Inside the cave
A stairway leads down into the chamber, which is about 50 metres long and up to 15 metres high. The formations are lit with coloured light, and the pools of dripstone on the floor are part of what you see along the route. The stalactites and stalagmites took thousands of years to form, though sources give different ages, so treat any single figure with caution.
The cave is small and the route is short. Most people finish in around 10 minutes, and some take up to half an hour. A railing and marked paths keep visitors away from the formations. People who sit on the stalagmites or climb the railings damage them, so stay on the paths.
There are benches near the bottom of the cave. They are used mainly by people who want to sit and breathe the air for a while.
The air and the asthma reputation
The cave is also known locally as the asthma cave. Its temperature stays around 22°C all year, humidity is around 95 percent, and the carbon dioxide level is much higher than outside, about 10 to 12 times by one measurement. People with asthma began to visit in the 1960s, first from Turkey and later from abroad, and many come back repeatedly.
The benefits are believed rather than proven for every visitor. Treat the cave as a calm place to sit, not as a medical treatment. The air feels warm and heavy, not cool, so it is not the best shelter from a very hot day.
During the 1960s and after, the cave's health reputation brought visitors to Alanya, and the town grew into a holiday resort.
Fitting it into a day in Alanya
Damlataş Cave is right beside Cleopatra Beach and close to the cable car that goes up to Alanya Castle. The Red Tower and the Shipyard are a walk along the coast, and the combined ticket covers both along with the cave. The Alanya Archaeological Museum is also nearby.
A common order is the cave in the morning, then the beach, then the cable car up to the castle in the afternoon. That puts you on the castle hill for sunset. Students studying in Türkiye can get a discount at the ticket desk.
FAQ
How long does a visit to Damlataş Cave take?
Most people spend about 10 minutes inside, and some stay up to half an hour. Allow more time if you want to sit and breathe the air.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, a ticket is needed. A combined ticket also covers the Shipyard and the Red Tower, and students studying in Türkiye can get a discount. Check the current price at the entrance.
Where is Damlataş Cave?
It is on Damlataş Caddesi in the Çarşı district of Alanya, at the foot of the castle hill. It is beside Cleopatra Beach and close to the cable car station.
Is the cave good for people with asthma?
The humid air and steady temperature are believed to ease breathing, and people with asthma visit it often. Treat it as a pleasant rest and not as a medical treatment.
Is Damlataş Cave suitable for children?
Yes. The visit is short, the formations are lit, and it is easy to combine with the beach next door. Children should stay on the paths and not touch the rock.
