An unusual trip to the sea – and underground
Gilindire Cave, also known as Aynalıgöl, is located in the Aydıncık district of Mersin Province. Here, the coastal landscape gives way to underground chambers with dripstone formations and a lake. This is a route for those who want to explore the natural attractions of the western part of the province.
Where is Gilindire located and what is known about the cave?
According to the Aydıncık administration, the cave is located approximately 7.5 kilometers southeast of Aydıncık, between Cape Sancak and the Kurtini Stream. Its entrance faces the sea. Its total length is approximately 555 meters; at its depths lies a large underground lake. Stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and stone curtains divide the gallery into halls.
Gilindire is a protected natural area. Kultur Portalı has reported its status as a natural monument since 2013 and its registration as a nature park in 2020. The same document mentions pottery fragments and animal bones from the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods. These finds are related to the ancient use of the site, not the age of the cave itself.
How to plan your trip from Mersin
The regional Department of Culture and Tourism describes the approach as follows: approximately at the 10th kilometer of the Aydincik-Silifke road, turn right onto a two-kilometer branch leading to the cave. This is a published route description, not a report on road conditions on the day of travel.
When leaving Mersin, plan your route from your address to the cave: travel time depends on your starting point and traffic conditions. References to access from the sea in official materials do not confirm the existence of a regular boat service or tour.
What to consider when visiting
According to Kultur Portalı's published rules, entry and independent exploration without a guide are prohibited. This rule does not mean a guide is available on any given day. The source also notes an entrance fee and warns of the high temperature and humidity inside the cave.
The route passes through halls and galleries; the regional description mentions narrow passages and steep sections. Therefore, it's best to discuss the possibility of visiting with small children or those with limited mobility with the administration in advance. General photographs of the cave don't allow for an assessment of the entire route's accessibility.
Before you go: a short list
- Find out visiting hours for your chosen date, entry procedures, guide availability, and current prices.
- Check the final approach and return route; if you're driving without a car, arrange transportation to the cave in advance.
- Ask about clothing and footwear requirements and whether the route is accessible to your group. Consider the heat and humidity inside.
Current prices, transportation schedules, and tour availability are not listed here; reading these pages does not confirm them for a specific day. When visiting, please follow the tour guide's instructions and the rules of the protected area.
Sources and date of verification
Official pages accessed on October 29, 2026: Kultur Portalı — GILINDİRE MAĞARASI TABİAT PARKI; Aydıncık Administration — Aynalıgöl (Gilindire) Mağarası; Mersin Culture and Tourism Directorate — Mağaralar. The verification of publications did not include contacting the site administration and does not confirm opening hours on the day of travel.