Incirli Cave

🪨İncirli Cave, North Cyprus: A Gypsum Wonder Hidden in the Hills

Tucked away near the village of Çınarlı in the İskeledistrict, İncirli Cave (Turkish: İncirli Mağarası) is one of North Cyprus’s most fascinating natural attractions. With its spectacular gypsum formations, cool interior, and evocative legends, it offers a unique blend of geology, history, and adventure. Whether you're exploring the Beşparmak Mountains or planning an off-the-beaten-path trip, İncirli Cave is well worth making time for.
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⛏️Geological Background & Features

• What Kind of Cave Is It? İncirli is a gypsum cave—formed from gypsum (a soft sulphate mineral, often used in plaster, drywall, etc.). It’s the only gypsum cave in Cyprus that has been developed for tourism.

• Age & Formation: The gypsum layer underlying the cave formed over 5 million years ago, while the cave itself is estimated to be between 150,000–200,000 years old.

• Size & Structure: The full cave system is about 311 metres long, though only about 70 metres are reinforced, illuminated, and open to visitors. Width varies between 1-7 metres; ceiling heights in the visited section range between 0.5-6 metres, and the deepest point (not open for visitors) reaches up to 14 metres.

• Interior Features: Visitors will see stalactites (hanging from the ceiling), stalagmites (rising from the floor), gypsum crystals, the famed cauliflower-like white mineral formations, columns, and narrow corridors that branch off into darker, maze‐like galleries.

• Temperature & Atmosphere: The cave maintains a fairly constant temperature of about 18-19 °C (64-66 °F) year-round. This makes it a cool retreat in summer and comfortable in cooler months.
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🧙‍♂️Legends, History & Cultural Significance

🕵🏻‍♂️ Legend of Discovery: According to one local story, İncirli Cave was discovered when thieves (or three thieves in some versions) hid stolen goats in the cave. Tracks led villagers to a fig tree (“incir” in Turkish) behind which the entrance was hidden. Attempts to capture the thieves failed—rumour has it they escaped via a second, secret exit.

🏴‍☠️ Historical Use: In the 1950s-60s, the cave is said to have been used by EOKA (Greek Cypriot nationalist guerilla group) as a hideout.

🌿 Naming & Local Beliefs: “İncirli” means “with fig tree” or “belonging to fig” in Turkish. The cave takes its name from a prominent fig tree growing near the entrance. Local folklore also attaches healing properties to the fig tree and its fruit.
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ℹ️Visiting İncirli Cave: Practical Information

• Location: About 2 km northeast of Çınarlı village, İskele district, at the foot of the Beşparmak Mountains.
• Easily reached by road.
• Getting There: From Famagusta or Nicosia: take the highway toward Geçitkale, then turn toward Çınarlı.
• From coastal routes via Iskele or scenic countryside via Sinırüstü also possible.
• Opening Days & Hours: Usually open daily except for certain days (Wednesdays are often closed).
• Visiting hours are approximately 08:00 - 15:30.
• Entrance Fee: ~ 50 Turkish Lira for adults and lower for students or children.
• Wear good walking shoes. Touching formations is discouraged to protect the delicate gypsum.
• What to Bring:Camera (no touching), modest clothing, water, insect repellent possibly.
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✨Why İncirli Cave is Worth a Visit

✅Unique Geological Attraction: As the only public gypsum cave in Cyprus, it offers formations not seen in many more common limestone caves.

✅Natural Escape: The steady cool temperature means it’s a refreshing stop, especially during hot seasons.

✅Cultural & Mythical Appeal: Folklore and local stories add intrigue—perfect for visitors who like legends along with natural beauty.

✅Scenic Surroundings: Located against the backdrop of mountains, fig trees, and rural village life, you get more than just the cave—there’s scenery, atmosphere, and photography opportunities.

✅Accessible Off-Beaten Path Adventure: It’s not overrun like major tourist sites; visiting gives a sense of discovery.
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🗓️Suggested Itinerary / Nearby Attractions

To make the most of your trip to İncirli Cave, consider combining it with:

• Exploring Çınarlı village: local culture, food, views.
• Scenic hikes in the Beşparmak Mountains.
• Visiting the nearby coastline or beaches in İskele or Famagusta.
• Checking out other natural caves or nature walks in the region.
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🌸Final Thoughts

İncirli Cave is a hidden gem of North Cyprus. It’s not just a cave—it’s a story, a geological treasure, a cooling respite, and a place where nature meets myth. For anyone fascinated by caves, geology, nature, and legends, this spot offers something special. If you’re planning your Cyprus itinerary, be sure to include İncirli Cave—one of the most extraordinary natural attractions the island has to offer.