Language
Sign in
Trabzon
Karadeniz
Priority Stop
NatureÇal Cave lies in the Çal (Çalköy) neighbourhood of Trabzon's Düzköy district, about five kilometres south-west of the district centre and 1,050 metres above sea level. With a total surveyed length approaching eight kilometres, it is often cited as the world's second longest cave, though the section safely opened to visitors on wooden walkways runs to roughly one kilometre.
Geology & Formation
Geologically it formed over some eight million years in two stages: first the dissolution of limestone by seeping surface water, then a regional tectonic uplift that halted the flow and fixed the cave in its present shape. An underground stream runs through it, rising to about a metre and a half in the rainy season yet dropping in places to twenty-five centimetres in summer, and around sixty metres in from the entrance it forms a small lake and a waterfall, making the cave one of the region's most singular natural wonders. Two hundred metres past the mouth the gallery splits: the left branch extends about a hundred and fifty metres and the accessible right branch some four hundred metres, with stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone adorning the drained seepage channels.
Tarihçe ve Turizm
Construction was completed in 2000 and the cave opened to tourism in 2003, drawing roughly twenty thousand visitors over the summer. The Sakızcılar Asmaaltı waterfall at the entrance and the remains of a historic castle on the ridge above lend it added character. Agencies favour Çal Cave because it balances open-air anchors like Sumela and Uzungöl with an enclosed, year-round cool nature experience; even on a rainy Black Sea day it is a reliable indoor alternative that rescues the programme.
Visiting, Access & Tips
The average visit lasts forty-five minutes to an hour for the platform loop. On guided itineraries it usually forms one stop of the plateau-and-nature arm, combined in a single day with Sera Lake and the Hıdırnebi and Çayırbağı highlands. The strongest photography points are the entrance waterfall, the illuminated inner lake and the large stalactite chamber. Access is about forty-seven kilometres from the city centre via Düzköy on asphalt, with a stabilised final stretch; parking and tour-bus access are available at the site. Because of the stepped walkway structure, wheelchair access is limited.
Route & Best Time
The best time to visit is the dry season from late spring through autumn, while summer and the religious holidays form the peak season. Suggested route: city and Sera Lake in the morning, Çal Cave and highland viewing in the afternoon.
Visit & Logistics
Visit & Logistics- Getting thereAbout 47 km from central Trabzon; paved road via Akçaabat-Düzköy with a stabilised final section; access to the cave entrance possible by private car or tour coach.
- ParkingParking is available at the cave site for both cars and tour coaches.
- Coach accessTour coaches can reach the parking area near the cave entrance; the final approach may be narrow.
- AccessibilityLimited; wheelchair access is difficult due to the stepped, sloping wooden platform structure.
- Photo spotsThe Sakızcılar Asmaaltı waterfall at the entrance; the illuminated inner lake and underground stream; the large stalactite-and-stalagmite chamber; flowstone formations along the wooden platform.
- Suggested routeThe indoor stop of the plateau-nature arm: city centre and Sera Lake in the morning, Çal Cave and Hıdırnebi/Çayırbağı highland viewing in the afternoon.
Tours that include this place