Gilindire (Aynalıgöl) Mağarası Tabiat Parkı
Stretching beneath limestone slopes facing the Mediterranean within the boundaries of Hacıbahattin Köyü in Mersin's Aydıncık district, the 107-hectare Gilindire (Aynalıgöl) Cave Nature Park is one of Turkey's most unique karstic underground lake caves. The area was declared a natural monument in 2013 and elevated to nature park status in 2021. Discovered by local residents in 1999, the cave is approximately 555 meters long and harbors an underground lake system descending to 46 meters below sea level. Estimated to be 5 million years old, the cave is filled with monumental stalactites, stalagmites, columned dripstones and travertines. Its most striking feature is the tranquil underground lake covering its floor. The reflection of the ceiling's stalactites on the water creates perfect symmetry, and this view, which gave the cave the name 'Aynalıgöl' (Mirror Lake), has become its emblem. As the interior temperature remains constant at 16-18°C throughout the year, it offers refreshing coolness in the summer heat. The cave is entered by descending a modern wooden staircase; inside there is permanent lighting and a walkway, and a visit takes 30-45 minutes accompanied by a guide. The surrounding cover of Turkish red pine, kermes oak, eastern strawberry tree and carob extends from the coast to the hills; cave bats, wild boar and fox are part of the region's fauna. The park is about 158 km from Mersin city center and 7.5 km from the Aydıncık district.
What's Offered
Soil
Mountain
Sea
Lake
Toilet
Parking
Fountain
Scenic View
Wildlife
First Aid Kit
Safe Area
Mobile Signal
Cave
Facilities
Activities
Cave Tour
Nature Tour
TrekkingWarnings & Important Information
There is no market or food facility in the area. We recommend stocking up on food and drinks from a nearby town in advance.
There is no electricity connection in the area. We recommend bringing chargers and a power bank.
The area may not be wheelchair accessible. Please contact the site owner before planning a visit with disabled guests.
Hot water and showers are not available in the area.
Reviews
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Gilindire (Aynalıgöl) Mağarası Tabiat Parkı
Hacıbahattin Köyü, Aydıncık, Mersin
4.8
Stretching beneath limestone slopes facing the Mediterranean within the boundaries of Hacıbahattin Köyü in Mersin's Aydıncık district, the 107-hectare Gilindire (Aynalıgöl) Cave Nature Park is one of Turkey's most unique karstic underground lake caves. The area was declared a natural monument in 2013 and elevated to nature park status in 2021. Discovered by local residents in 1999, the cave is approximately 555 meters long and harbors an underground lake system descending to 46 meters below sea level. Estimated to be 5 million years old, the cave is filled with monumental stalactites, stalagmites, columned dripstones and travertines. Its most striking feature is the tranquil underground lake covering its floor. The reflection of the ceiling's stalactites on the water creates perfect symmetry, and this view, which gave the cave the name 'Aynalıgöl' (Mirror Lake), has become its emblem. As the interior temperature remains constant at 16-18°C throughout the year, it offers refreshing coolness in the summer heat. The cave is entered by descending a modern wooden staircase; inside there is permanent lighting and a walkway, and a visit takes 30-45 minutes accompanied by a guide. The surrounding cover of Turkish red pine, kermes oak, eastern strawberry tree and carob extends from the coast to the hills; cave bats, wild boar and fox are part of the region's fauna. The park is about 158 km from Mersin city center and 7.5 km from the Aydıncık district.
What's Offered
- Soil
- Mountain
- Sea
- Lake
- Toilet
- Parking
- Fountain
- Scenic View
- Wildlife
- First Aid Kit
- Safe Area
- Mobile Signal
- Cave
- Facilities
Activities
Cave TourNature TourTrekkingWarnings & Important Information
There is no market or food facility in the area. We recommend stocking up on food and drinks from a nearby town in advance.
There is no electricity connection in the area. We recommend bringing chargers and a power bank.
The area may not be wheelchair accessible. Please contact the site owner before planning a visit with disabled guests.
Hot water and showers are not available in the area.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to write one!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Gilindire (Aynalıgöl) Mağarası Tabiat Parkı?
Gilindire (Aynalıgöl) Mağarası Tabiat Parkı is located in Aydıncık, Mersin (Akdeniz).
Is Gilindire (Aynalıgöl) Mağarası Tabiat Parkı free?
Gilindire (Aynalıgöl) Mağarası Tabiat Parkı is a paid area. Current fees: Mağara girişi (Günlük, kişi başı (rehberli tur)) 100 TL.
What facilities does Gilindire (Aynalıgöl) Mağarası Tabiat Parkı offer?
Facilities such as Toilet, Parking, Fountain, Scenic View, Wildlife, First Aid Kit are available.
What are the opening hours of Gilindire (Aynalıgöl) Mağarası Tabiat Parkı?
Opening hours: Weekdays 08:00 - 19:30, weekends 08:00 - 20:00.
What activities are available around Gilindire (Aynalıgöl) Mağarası Tabiat Parkı?
Activities such as Cave Tour, Nature Tour, Trekking are possible.
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Entrance fees and area details are based on public national park records of the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Text and presentation belong to Obania. Last updated: July 19, 2026.