Damlataş Cave sits right in the centre of Alanya, tucked beside Cleopatra Beach at the foot of the castle headland. It's a small, easy-to-reach stalactite cave with warm, humid air that many visitors find pleasant to breathe. The simplest way to visit is a private transfer straight to the door: from Antalya Airport (AYT) it's roughly 125 km, and from Gazipaşa Airport (GZP) only about 40 km.
Because the cave is a short stop rather than a full day out, most travellers pair it with a stroll on Cleopatra Beach and a trip up to Alanya Castle. A private car with a driver who waits makes that easy — no parking hunt, no timetable, just hop back in when you're done.
What is Damlataş Cave?
Damlataş is a compact cave known for its slow-forming stalactites and stalagmites and for a moist, still atmosphere that stays warm year-round. The air is often described as soothing for breathing, which is part of its long-standing local reputation. It's genuinely small — you can see it in a short visit — so think of it as a lovely quarter-hour pause rather than a hike.
Entry is by a modest ticket. Fees and opening times can change with the season, so check the current times and fees before you go. The cave sits at ground level near the promenade, so getting to the entrance is undemanding once your driver drops you nearby.
Where it is and how to get there
The cave is in the heart of Alanya, on the western side of the castle peninsula, immediately beside Cleopatra Beach. That central position is what makes it so convenient to combine with other sights.
From Gazipaşa Airport (GZP) the drive is short — about 40 km, often well under an hour depending on traffic. From Antalya Airport (AYT) it's roughly 125 km along the coast road; on a clear run that's usually a couple of hours, but season and traffic move that figure around, so treat it as approximate. If you're already staying in Side, Belek or Manavgat, a private point-to-point transfer to Alanya works the same way. For airport arrivals, our Antalya Airport to Alanya transfer and Gazipaşa airport guide cover the routes in detail, and the complete airport transfer guide answers the general questions.
What to combine it with
Damlataş is perfectly placed for a half-day in Alanya. Walk straight out onto Cleopatra Beach for the golden sand and swim it's famous for, then head up to Alanya Castle and the Red Tower for the views over the bay. If you have a full day, the atmospheric Dim Cave in the hills above town makes a great larger cave to pair with this smaller one, and Damlataş works neatly as the quick central stop between beach and castle.
With your own driver you can string these together at your own pace instead of juggling taxis. Prefer to be out on the water afterwards? A day of boat trips and the Green Canyon nearby is easy to arrange at sideboattrips.com.
Who it suits
The cave suits just about everyone: families with children who want a short, shaded stop; older travellers who prefer something gentle and close to the car; and anyone building a relaxed Alanya sightseeing day. Because it's brief and beside the beach, it's an ideal add-on rather than a destination you'd travel hours purely for — which is exactly why arriving by private transfer, with the beach and castle in the same run, makes the most of it.
How the transfer works
You book a fixed price agreed up front, we track your flight for free on airport runs, and your driver meets you and takes you door to door. Child and infant seats are available free on request, drivers are licensed, and you can pay on the day by cash or card or settle online. On a sightseeing run the driver can wait while you visit the cave, beach and castle, then bring you home — no parking, no waiting for taxis in the heat. For the exact fare on your route, get an instant quote at /en.
Ready to go? Book a private transfer or a driver for the day at bookridenow.com/en and let us handle the driving while you enjoy Alanya.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you need to visit Damlataş Cave?
Not long at all — it's a small cave, so many visitors are inside for around fifteen to twenty minutes. That's why it works best combined with Cleopatra Beach and Alanya Castle rather than as a standalone trip. Your driver can wait while you look around.
How far is Damlataş Cave from Antalya Airport?
It's roughly 125 km from Antalya Airport (AYT) along the coast to central Alanya. On a clear run that's usually a couple of hours, but traffic and season can change that, so treat it as approximate. From Gazipaşa Airport (GZP) it's much closer, only about 40 km.
Can I combine the cave with Cleopatra Beach and Alanya Castle in one trip?
Yes, and it's the ideal way to do it. All three are in the same central area of Alanya, so a private driver can take you between them easily. Ask when you book and we'll plan the run with waiting time included.
How much is the entrance ticket?
There's a modest entrance fee, but prices and opening hours can change with the season and management, so we don't quote a figure. Please check the current times and fees before your visit. The transfer to reach the cave is separate — get your fixed quote at /en.
Is Damlataş Cave suitable for children and older travellers?
It generally is — the cave is small, at ground level near the promenade, and the visit is short. That makes it comfortable for families and for anyone who prefers something gentle. We provide free child and infant seats on request for the drive.
Do you offer a return transfer after visiting Alanya?
Yes. We run round-trip and hourly hire, so your driver can wait during your Alanya sightseeing and then take you back to your hotel or the airport. It's a fixed price agreed in advance, with no meter and no scramble for a taxi at the end of the day.
Can you pick us up from a hotel in Side or Belek instead of the airport?
Absolutely. As well as airport transfers we run private point-to-point transfers between hotels and any destination, so a pick-up from Side, Belek, Manavgat or anywhere on the coast to Alanya is straightforward. Just enter your pick-up and drop-off at /en for the quote.
Is the cave open all year?
Damlataş is typically open across the seasons, but hours can vary and occasionally change, so it's worth checking the current times before you set off. Since it's a quick central stop, it's easy to fit in whenever you're passing through Alanya.