Heaven and Hell Sinkholes

The most suitable period for a visit is April-June and September-November. During these months, the weather is mild, the scorching effect of the sun is much less felt, and visitor density significantly decreases compared to the summer months. In July-August, outdoor areas can be quite hot; since the inside of the cave remains cool in all seasons, a summer visit is also possible, but avoiding midday hours will make your visit easier in terms of both heat and crowds.

The sinkholes are located on the road that branches north from the 20th kilometer of the Silifke-Mersin highway (D400). If you are going by private car, it is sufficient to drive approximately 2 km north from Narlıkuyu, or approximately 5 km west from Kızkalesi. It is about 80 km from Mersin city center.

Those wishing to come by public transport can find minibuses from Mersin or Silifke to Narlıkuyu; from Narlıkuyu, it is possible to reach the sinkholes by taxi. Since many points in the region, such as Kızkalesi, Narlıkuyu Mosaics, and Asthma Cave, are close to each other, planning a day tour by car is a logical choice in terms of both time and cost.

1.5 to 2.5 hours is sufficient just to visit the sinkholes. While the Hell Sinkhole can be quickly viewed from the observation deck, descending and ascending the Heaven Sinkhole, even with the elevator, takes at least 45-60 minutes. If you add the nearby Asthma Cave to your itinerary, allow an additional half hour.

When combined with Kızkalesi, Narlıkuyu Mosaic Museum, and Silifke Castle, the region transforms into a full-day itinerary. If you plan to stay overnight, hotel options are available in Kızkalesi or Silifke.

To efficiently explore the region, you can try the following order: First, visit the Narlıkuyu Mosaic Museum (small but impressive Roman-era mosaics), then proceed to the sinkholes. After viewing the Hell Sinkhole from the observation deck, descend into the Heaven Sinkhole; after visiting the church ruins at the bottom, ascend by elevator. From there, visit the Asthma Cave, located 300 meters southwest. Finishing the day by the sea in Kızkalesi is an ideal conclusion.

The observation deck at the edge of the Hell Sinkhole offers the best angle to frame the entire sinkhole; a wide-angle lens works well here. Shots taken looking up from the middle of the stairs while descending into the Heaven Sinkhole best reflect the depth and scale of the sinkhole. The church ruins inside the cave create a dramatic atmosphere during hours when natural light filters through the sinkhole; morning light is much more advantageous for this section. The stalactites and stalagmites in the Asthma Cave offer great opportunities for close-up photography; don't forget to bring a flashlight.

Physical condition: There are approximately 400 steps to descend to the Heaven Sinkhole. This descent can be challenging for those with knee or joint problems; although an elevator is available for ascent, the entire descent is done by stairs.

Footwear choice: Choose closed-toe, non-slip shoes for the potentially slippery stone steps. Descending with sandals or high heels is risky.

Müzekart: Entry is free with Müzekart. If you don't have a card, you can obtain it at the entrance or in advance; since Kızkalesi and surrounding museums are also covered by Müzekart in the region, the card quickly pays for itself.

Cave temperature: No matter how hot it is outside, the inside of the cave remains cool; it is recommended to bring a light cardigan or a light jacket.

There is a small cafe in the entrance area; useful for snacks and drinks. For a more comprehensive meal, Narlıkuyu village is known for its fish restaurants offering fresh seafood; stuffed mussels and grilled fish are a must-try here. If you go to Kızkalesi, the restaurants lined along the coast offer good options for both sea views and local Mediterranean cuisine.