Alanya district

Caves and archaeological sites in Alanya

Hidden Gems of Alanya

Beyond the beaches of Alanya lie significant geological and archaeological sites. Damlataş and Dim caves feature impressive stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years, with Dim being one of Turkey's largest caves open to visitors. The region is also home to several Cilician and Pamphylian ruins. Syedra preserves a colonnaded street and Roman baths, while Iotape and Naula offer glimpses into Byzantine and Roman urban life along the Mediterranean coast. Kizilcasehir and Kara Tepe provide further examples of ancient settlements set within the rugged Taurus landscape.

Hidden Gems of Alanya — Map

A

Damlataş Cave

Damlataş Cave is a cave in Alanya district of Antalya Province, in southern Turkey.

B

Dim Cave (Dripstone)

Located 12 km east of Alanya, this 360-meter-long cave is estimated to be one million years old. It features four distinct galleries with diverse dripstone formations and a small lake at its lowest point.

C

Syedra

Ancient city dating back to the 7th century BC, situated on a hill overlooking the sea. Key remains include a monumental gate, a 250-meter colonnaded street, Roman baths, and ancient cisterns.

D

Iotape

Named after the wife of King Antiochus IV, this coastal Roman and Byzantine site features ruins of a harbor, a small acropolis, and several mausoleums located along the modern coastal road.

E

Naula

Ancient city located in Mahmutlar containing ruins of six Byzantine churches, a theater, and a temple, mostly dating from the Roman and Byzantine periods.

F

Kizilcasehir

Byzantine-era settlement featuring the ruins of a castle and fortified structures built to oversee the surrounding agricultural plains and provide regional defense.

G

Kara Tepe

Archaeological site containing the remains of an ancient watchtower and settlement components used for regional observation and communication.

Other Lists

Alanya Essentials Alanya Highlights Historic Sites