Most visitors to Alanya never go further than the coast, yet a few hours inland you find a very different Turkey. Autumn is a fine time to make the trip, with cool mountain air and pine and cedar forests along the way. The Ormana Village and Golden Cradle Cave Tour combines traditional Taurus villages with a boat ride on an underground lake.
What you see during the day
The tour takes about eight hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off, so you can leave the driving on mountain roads to someone else.
- Sarıhacılar village: known for its "buttoned houses", traditional buildings with a distinctive look. There is free time here to walk around and take photos.
- Cisterns and a historic mosque: your guide explains how these villages lived and how they stored water in the mountains.
- Ormana: a forest village with a mix of wood and stone architecture, and one of the finest examples of a Taurus settlement.
- Altınbeşik Cave: also called the Golden Cradle Cave, this is the highlight of the day. You glide across its underground lake in an inflatable boat, surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites.
There is also an ethnographic museum on the route, with a ticket at extra cost, if you would like to see more of local life.
What to bring in autumn
The mountains are noticeably cooler than the beach in Alanya, and the cave adds its own chill, so dress in layers even if the morning feels warm on the coast.
- Comfortable walking shoes with a good grip
- A light jacket and a change of clothes
- A towel and sunglasses
- A little cash for drinks and souvenirs
In late autumn, heavy rain can affect conditions in the mountains, so it is worth confirming the date when you book.
Who will enjoy this trip?
It suits families with children, couples and anyone curious about rural life beyond the resorts. The pace is relaxed and the route has plenty of short walks and photo stops. Lunch, entrance fees (except the museum) and a live guide are part of the programme, so there is little to organise.
Prefer to explore on your own?
For the other days of your holiday, a rental car in Alanya gives you the freedom to visit the coast and nearby towns at your own pace. For the tour itself, the current price and running days are shown on the booking page.