Damlatas Cave (Damlatas Magarasi)

A narrow passageway leads to the upper level of the Damlataş caves, where concealed lighting illuminates the stalactites. Follow the mand-made walkway and descend the steps to the lower level for a fresh perspective on the 50-foot (15-meter) dome. The cave is a popular stop on Alanya city tours, which typically depart from the Alanya resort area or Side, and tend to cover the nearby Alanya Teleferik cable car.

• There’s a small charge to enter the cave, which is payable in Turkish lira cash on arrival.

• The cave is compact so helmets and headlights are not usually provided.

• Unless your camera or phone has good low-light performance, photographs inside the cave are unlikely to come out well.

• The Damlatas caves are not wheelchair-accessible.

• Families with little ones should opt for back carriers or slings over strollers.

The Damlataş Cave is above the eastern end of Cleopatra Beach in central Alanya, a 2-minute walk from the Damlatas station of the Alanya Teleferik cable car. It’s less than 10 minutes’ walk from the Alanya Aquapark stop on the number 1 bus route.

The Damlataş Cave is open from morning until early evening year-round. Early morning sessions are reserved for visitors hoping to improve asthma and other breathing problems. For a less-crowded visit, head to the caves around lunchtime.

Alanya has plenty to offer cave lovers. Many cruises stop by Pirates’ Cave, a sea cave where pirate treasure is allegedly hidden. Dim Cave is a 10-mile (16-kilometer) drive from Alanya; it extends an impressive 1,050 feet (320 meters) into the hill and finishes at an underground pool with reflected stalactites. Further afield, the multi-colored stalactites of Dwarf Cave (aka Cüceler Cave or Rainbow Cave) are a Sapadere Canyon highlight.