A November day trip from Side to Altınbeşik Cave and the buttoned houses of Ormana: how the day works, what to wear and why autumn suits this mountain tour.
When the beach days in Side get shorter, the Taurus Mountains behind the coast become the best reason to leave your sunbed. One of the most rewarding trips inland combines two very different places: Altınbeşik Cave, a cave with an underground lake hidden in a forested valley, and Ormana, a traditional mountain village famous for its stone "buttoned houses". You can see the full programme on our Altınbeşik Cave and Ormana Buttoned Houses tour from Side page.
Why this trip suits November
In summer the inland valleys can be hot and dusty. In November the light is soft, the forests along the road turn gold and brown, and the mountain air is fresh rather than tiring. It is a calm, unhurried day that works well for couples, families and anyone who prefers nature and village life to busy boat trips.
Altınbeşik Cave
The name means "golden cradle". The cave lies in a protected natural area in the İbradı region, and its highlight is the clear, deep-blue water inside. The tour includes a short boat ride into the cave, which gives you a very different feeling from walking through a typical show cave. Conditions inside depend on the water level, so the guide will explain on the day which part can be visited.
Ormana and its buttoned houses
Ormana sits high in the mountains and has kept much of its old character. The village houses are built from stone with wooden beams set into the walls; the round beam ends look like buttons on a coat, which is where the local name düğmeli evler comes from. A walk through the narrow lanes and a village lunch are part of the day.
What to wear and bring
- A warm layer: the mountains are clearly cooler than the coast, especially in the morning and late afternoon.
- Non-slip shoes: paths near the cave can be damp.
- A light rain jacket: November can bring showers inland.
- Cash for small purchases in the village.
Practical notes
The drive from Side into the mountains takes roughly one and a half to two hours each way, with scenic stops. Pick-up times, what is included and the current price are shown on the tour page and confirmed when you book. If you have questions about mobility or travelling with small children, contact us before booking and we will be happy to help.
