Altinbesik Cave and Ormana

Today we were supposed to get our rental car. Delivery to the hotel was scheduled for 9:00 a.m., but at 9:30 there was still no car in sight.

Two phone calls later – one with the rental company in Germany, the other with the Turkish branch – it became clear that there had been a problem with the booking. Luckily, a car was available, but since it was in Antalya, we had to wait another two hours.

Eventually, the moment came: our car had arrived! So, with a few hours delay, we finally set off for the mountains.

A Natural Wonder – Altinbesik Cave

Our first destination was Altinbesik Cave, which we reached after about two hours of driving. With a length of around 2.5 km and an underground lake of about 125 meters, it is the largest underwater cave in Turkey.

Even the drive there was spectacular. The road wound its way deep into the Taurus Mountains via countless hairpin bends, with breathtaking views along the way.

At the cave entrance, we were given safety helmets.

The lake lay there, calm and peaceful, surrounded by high rock walls. The place had a mystical atmosphere.

We boarded a boat to explore the cave. The ride was spectacular.

For about half an hour, we glided across the water through the cave, constantly marveling at fascinating rock formations and magical plays of light.

Ormana – A Village from Another Time

Our next destination was Ormana, just a few kilometers from the cave.

This village is considered one of the most beautiful in Turkey – and rightfully so.

Charming “button houses” made of cedar wood and masonry line the streets. The unique architecture, wooden balconies and narrow alleys give the place a fairytale charm.

Cafés, bars and restaurants welcome visitors. On the terraces, elderly men sipped tea and played board games – the whole scene felt like something from another era.

In quaint little shops, the locals sell handmade goods.

We strolled through the alleys and visited some of these charming stores. I bought a few bracelets, a handbag, and a cap with a cat embroidered on it – the perfect gift for my sister.

Afterward, we visited the village mosque, which lies quietly and peacefully at the entrance to Ormana.

Rugged cliffs of the Taurus Mountains rise all around, and the lush green landscape contrasts beautifully with the bright blue sky.

Ormana truly is a picture-perfect village.

Reluctantly, we said goodbye to this idyllic place and drove back through the stunning mountain scenery.

Another two hours later, we were back at the hotel, where we wrapped up the evening at the bar.