How to Visit Karain Cave: Travel Guide to Turkey’s Oldest Human Settlement
Karain Cave, one of the oldest human settlements in Turkey, is home to finds that changed the history of not only Antalya but also the whole of Anatolia. This unique cave, which must be among the places to visit in Antalya, has a history that fascinates both nature lovers and history enthusiasts. With the Karain Cave travel guide, we have compiled every detail you need to know from the natural formation of this historical cave to its mythological stories, from transportation information to entrance fees. If you are looking for natural and historical places to visit in Antalya, Karain Cave offers a unique experience that will take you thousands of years ago.
History of Karain Cave: Traces of Humanity in Anatolia
The most important element that makes Karain Cave special is its archaeological remains that shed light on the history of humanity. Excavations have revealed that there was an uninterrupted settlement in the cave from the Palaeolithic Age to the Roman period.
Historical Process:
Lower Palaeolithic Period (approximately 500.000 years ago): The first settlement traces belong to this period. This makes Karain one of the oldest human settlements not only in Turkey but also in Europe and the Near East.
Middle and Upper Palaeolithic: Skull fragments, flint tools and bone finds of Neanderthal humans shed light on this period.
Mesolithic and Neolithic Period: Traces of the transition from hunter-gatherer life to settled agriculture, stone sculptures and the first settlement order.
Chalcolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages: Ceramics, metal objects, and grave structures are among the finds belonging to these periods.
Classical and Hellenistic Periods: The cave was used as a sacred area; inscriptions and reliefs written in Greek letters were found at the entrance.
Excavations and Archaeological Studies in Karain Cave
The first systematic excavations in Karain Cave were started in 1946 under the direction of Prof. Dr. İsmail Kılıç Kökten. They continued until the 2000s with the co-operation of Ankara University, Istanbul University and Liège University of Belgium.
The finds unearthed in these excavations are unique in terms of understanding the evolution of human history:
Neanderthal human skull fragments
Flint flake and scraper tools
Jewellery and figurines made of animal bones
First terracotta ceramic samples
Traces documenting the transition to agriculture and animal husbandry
Most of these artefacts are exhibited in the Prehistory Hall of the Antalya Museum and in a small museum building belonging to Karain Cave.
Where is Karain Cave, How to Get there?
Karain Cave is located approximately 27 kilometres from Antalya city centre, within the borders of Yağca Village of Döşemealtı district. It is recommended to prefer a private car for transportation, as public transport options are limited. You can reach the cave by following the Karain signposts after heading north on the Burdur road (D650) from the city centre.
Journey time: Approximately 30-40 minutes by private car.
Location for navigation: ‘Karain Cave - Yağca Village, Döşemealtı/Antalya’.
The area where the cave is located is built on a slope about 430 metres above sea level. There is a natural stairway of 400 steps to get to the cave. This path can be quite tiring under the sun in the summer months; therefore, it makes sense to visit early in the morning.
Natural Formation and Geological Features of Karain Cave
Karain Cave was formed by millions of years of erosion of karstic limestone layers. The cave has a very rich internal structure with stalactites, stalagmites, columns and wall dripstones formed by natural processes. The main galleries consist of interconnecting rooms and give the impression of an underground labyrinth.
The interior of Karain remains cool in summer and winter. Even on hot summer days, a spacious atmosphere prevails inside. Geomorphologically, it is one of the largest natural caves in Turkey. Although its total length is 370 metres, the part open to visitors is limited.
Mythology and Legends
It is known that Karain Cave is known as ‘black cave’, ‘temple of darkness’ among the local people. In ancient times, it was believed that such large caves were the gateways to the underworld, the land of the dead.
Inscriptions and stone reliefs dating back to the Hellenistic period show that the cave was used as a kind of sanctuary. This makes it not only a shelter but also a ceremonial centre.
Karain Cave Today: Visiting Information
Visiting Hours (as of 2025):
Summer (1 April - 31 October): 08:30 - 19:00
Winter (1 November - 31 March): 08:30 - 17:30
Open on Mondays.
Entrance Fees:
Full ticket: 5 Euros
MuseumPass: Valid (ideal for unlimited entry)
Various discounts are available for students and under-18s.
Visit recommendation: Come especially in the morning and enjoy the view from the exit road. The inside of the cave is dim and natural; you can take photos without flash.
Places to Visit Around Karain Cave
After visiting Karain Cave, we recommend that you visit the historical and natural areas in the immediate vicinity:
1. Termessos Ancient City: It is approximately 20 km away. This city, belonging to the ancient Pisidia civilisation attracts attention with its magnificent view and preserved structures in the mountainous terrain.
2. Kocain Cave: It is approximately 30 km from Karain. It is one of the caves with the largest entrance openings in Turkey. It is geologically similar to Karain.
3. Duden Waterfall & Kepez City Forest: They are great alternatives for those who want to spend a day in nature.
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