Cave History
About Incirli Cave
The formation of Incirli Cave dates back to approximately 150,000 to 200,000 years ago. Geologically formed by the melting of gypsum layers, it is one of the largest and most important caves in Cyprus. Interestingly, the cave’s name comes from the fig tree rooted at the entrance of the cave, which adds to the mystery of the cave and gives it an aesthetic appearance.
The cave has been used for various purposes throughout history. According to rumors, it was used as a hiding place by thieves and smugglers during the Ottoman period. In the 1950s and 1960s, it is rumored that members of the EOKA organization hid here. According to rumors, the cave has a second exit that has not yet been discovered. It is said that thieves and smugglers used this secret passage to escape. The cave was cleaned in 1995 and opened for touristic visits in 2005.
The cave is about 311 meters long and the part open to visitors is about 70 meters. Inside you will find stalactites and stalagmites of different sizes, interesting cauliflower-like rock formations and prismatic crystal structures. The walls and ceiling of the cave are covered with crystallized forms of gypsum. The temperature inside the cave is constant between 18-19 degrees throughout the year. Thanks to this natural air conditioning effect, it is cool in summer and warm in winter.
Location
Where is İncirli Cave?
İncirli Cave is located within the borders of Çınarlı (Bladan) village of İskele district of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Located northeast of the village, about 2 kilometers from the center, the cave is situated at the foot of the Beşparmak Mountains. A rooted fig tree marks the entrance to the cave.
Transportation
How to get to İncirli Cave?
There are different routes to İncirli cave and Çınarlı village, where it is located, depending on your exit point. However, if you have not yet entered Cyprus, you should first land at Nicosia Ercan Airport. Flights from Turkey to TRNC take approximately 1 hour. In addition, if you prefer sea route instead of airway, there are reciprocal ferry services from Kyrenia harbor to Anamur and Mersin.
Depending on your starting point, you can reach İncirli cave by using the following routes.
How to get from Kyrenia?
You can follow the coastal road on Uğur Mumcu Boulevard and head towards Tatlısu, from where you can reach Çınarlı village. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes.
How to get there from Nicosia?
You can go to Geçitkale via the Nicosia – Famagusta highway, and you can reach Çınarlı village by driving in the direction of Beşparmak mountains. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.
How to get from Famagusta?
You can reach Geçitkale by following the Nicosia – Famagusta highway and from here you can go to Çınarlı village. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes.
Visit Information
İncirli Cave Visiting Hours and Entrance Fee
The cave is open to visitors on all days of the week except Wednesdays and Mondays. Visiting hours are 08:00 – 15:00. However, the cave may be closed to visitors due to official holidays and adverse weather conditions.
Entrance fees to the cave are 50 TL for adults and 20 TL for students.
İncirli Cave Photos
Plan Your Iskele Sightseeing Route
Places to visit in İskele
Trikomo offers a different adventure to its visitors with its historical ruins and natural beauties. As you approach Dipkarpaz, where the island ends, it draws attention with its changing atmosphere and magnificent structures that have survived from centuries ago to the present day.
