We recently visited Damlatash Cave in Alanya, Turkey, and had mixed impressions. It is easy to find the cave: it is located near the funicular station and Cleopatra Beach. At the entrance there is a peculiar sculpture with the inscription "Damlatash cave", which serves as an excellent landmark.
I must say right away that the cave did not impress us with its scale, as it is relatively small and consists of only one hall. We've been to more grandiose caves before, and the contrast was noticeable. There can be many tourists in the cave at the same time, which sometimes creates discomfort. Therefore, I recommend visiting it either early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds.
The entrance fee in 2019 was 7.5 lira, and children under 5 years old were free of charge. Despite its small size, the cave is interesting for those who encounter stalactites and stalagmites for the first time. The children especially liked it, who explored with interest a small passage in the corner of the cave, hoping to see bats there.
However, Damlatash Cave has one significant advantage – a unique microclimate that is beneficial for the respiratory tract. High humidity (about 95%) and carbon dioxide concentration can help with asthma and other respiratory diseases. We have noticed that even a short stay there improves breathing.
The children were very interested, despite the fact that they did not realize the age of the stones, which are about 15,000 years old. The colorful lighting created a magical atmosphere, and they felt like they were in a fairy-tale world.
On the downside, the cave may not be suitable for people with heart problems, as it is quite stuffy and may be difficult to breathe. I was also thirsty, so don't forget to bring water with you.
Overall, a visit to Damlatash Cave is worth it, especially if you happen to be nearby and want to see stalactites and stalagmites. This place is also good for respiratory health, which makes it attractive for families with children.
It is located next to Cleopatra beach in Alanya. There are always a lot of people in the morning. The cave is small, you have to go down the steps. There are several benches. The air is considered healing. We spent an hour in the cave, took a deep breath and went swimming