Beldibi Cave is a rock shelter about 25 metres above the sea, around kilometre 40 of the Antalya–Kemer coast road. It is considered one of the most important prehistoric sites in the Antalya region, and its walls carry figures of wild goats, deer and schematic humans painted in red ochre. This guide covers the story of the cave, what was found there and practical information for your visit.
Beldibi Cave at a glance
- Location: Antalya–Kemer coast road, around km 40, just past the Çamdağ tunnel in the Beldibi area
- Type: Rock shelter about 25 m above sea level
- Discovered: 1956, by E.Y. Bostancı
- Excavations: Began in 1959 and continued in 1960, 1966 and 1967
- Periods: Six layers from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Neolithic
- Status: Protected archaeological site
Why it matters
Beldibi is regarded as the second most important prehistoric site in the Antalya region after Karain Cave. Of the six layers uncovered, the lowest belong to the Upper Palaeolithic and the upper ones to the Epipalaeolithic, Mesolithic and the transition to the Neolithic. What makes the cave special is that it preserves a Mesolithic culture not found at Karain.
What was found
- Rock paintings: Schematic human figures, wild goats and deer in red ochre.
- Flint tools: Microblades, sickle blades, trapezoidal tools and arrowheads.
- Pottery: Fragments of unfired clay with different rim shapes and handles.
- Other finds: White limestone and seashells.
Together these finds shed light on how communities living on this narrow strip between the Taurus Mountains and the sea hunted, gathered and began to settle thousands of years ago.
Visiting
- Getting there: The cave is north of Kemer on the Antalya–Kemer coast road in Beldibi, reachable by car or on organised tours.
- Access: It is a protected archaeological site; check current visiting conditions before you go.
- Respect the paintings: Do not touch them or use flash photography.
- What to wear: Closed shoes with grip for the rocky ground; a hat and water in summer.
- Combine it: Beldibi’s beaches and Göynük Canyon fit into the same day.
History and nature around Kemer
Beldibi Cave is one of several history routes around Kemer. To the south are Phaselis and Olympos; inland is the Byzantine castle at Gedelme. See places to visit in Kemer and where to stay in Kemer.
Day trips from Kemer centre
Kemer Royal Beach Hotel is in Kemer town centre, about 250 metres from the sea. Our reception can arrange trips to Beldibi, Göynük Canyon and Phaselis. See our rooms or check availability.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Beldibi Cave?
Around kilometre 40 of the Antalya–Kemer coast road, just past the Çamdağ tunnel, in Beldibi north of Kemer.
How old is Beldibi Cave?
Its six layers span the Upper Palaeolithic to the Neolithic, and it is notable for preserving a Mesolithic culture.
Are there rock paintings?
Yes: schematic human figures, wild goats and deer painted in red ochre.