Olive Stone Cave

📍 Antalya, Serik📅 Natural Formation
Natural Area

Description

It is a cave known for its unique stalactites and stalagmites.

Story

Zeytintaşı Cave is a formation located in the northeast of Serik, considered one of Turkey's most unique caves both scientifically and aesthetically. Discovered accidentally in 1997, the cave offers a fascinating underground atmosphere with its two-story structure, delicate stalactites and stalagmites, and the dripstone pools inside. The thin, needle-like stalactites found within the cave are a rare form in the world literature. Experts state that it takes hundreds of years for each millimeter of these stalactites to form, indicating that the cave has shaped over thousands of years. The interior of Zeytintaşı Cave remains at a cool, constant temperature throughout the year; thus, it serves as a natural air conditioner for those looking to escape the summer heat. The area where the cave is located has been on the migration routes of the Yörüks throughout history, leading to various legends surrounding it. One of these legends suggests that the cave was a 'hidden sacred place' in the past. According to the tale, when shepherds in the region lit a fire near the entrance of the cave at night, they saw the flames reflecting off the crystal-like stones inside the cave and referred to it as 'the play of lights.' Today, the cave is open to controlled tourism, and visitor areas are limited to protect its natural texture. The reflections created on the damp stones while walking inside, combined with the light refracting at different angles, create a mystical ambiance. Zeytintaşı Cave is a formation with a small yet profound visual richness. It is an excellent stop for those who wish to observe nature peacefully and feel the thousands of years of history that have passed underground.

Visit Tips

  • The cave entrance is subject to a fee and visits are guided.
  • The inside can be quite humid and slippery; sports shoes are recommended.
  • It would be good to get a light top since it is cool inside even in the summer.
  • Flash photography is prohibited because some areas of the cave are sensitive.

Photos

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