Pirates' Cave

About

Pirates' Cave, one of Alanya’s natural wonders, is one of the sea caves located around the historic peninsula. It is described as one of the first caves encountered on boat tours heading south from Alanya Harbor toward the peninsula.

Features of the Pirates’ Cave

One of the cave’s most striking features is its very wide entrance. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism states that the cave’s entrance is approximately 10 meters wide and 5–6 meters high, and that this structure allows boats to enter and exit. It is reported that while the interior rises in a dome-like shape, the cave extends northward into a dark section.

The Alanya Municipality, meanwhile, notes that the cave’s ceiling reaches a height of approximately 78 meters and that boats can enter the cave.

The Story of the Pirates’ Cave

The cave’s name derives from legends associated with Alanya’s history of piracy. It is said that in ancient times, pirates hid their loot here and held their captives in the cave.

According to another legend, there was a secret passage between the cave and Alanya Castle. It is said that over time, this passage collapsed and was sealed off. It is important to note that these are stories passed down in the area surrounding the cave rather than historically verified facts. 

Pirates’ Cave by Boat Tour

Unlike a land cave, the Pirates’ Cave is a site discovered from the sea. In the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s promotional materials for Alanya, the Pirates’, Lovers’, and Phosphorescent Caves are listed among the significant sea caves surrounding the Alanya Peninsula.&

For this reason, a visit to Pirates’ Cave can generally be considered part of boat tours around Alanya Port and the historic peninsula.