Caves of Heaven and Hell Transfer
Caves of Heaven and Hell private transfer to the sinkholes and Wishing Cave above Narlıkuyu, from hotels in Kizkalesi, Mersin, Adana and Silifke.
Transfer to Caves of Heaven and Hell
A Caves of Heaven and Hell transfer usually follows one question: if we only see one place around Mersin, which should it be? Very often the answer is these two sinkholes. Above Narlıkuyu in the Silifke district, the limestone hillside suddenly drops away into two huge chasms, and they are the most visited natural site on the Mersin coast. Below we describe the sinkholes, what to keep in mind when you visit and the directions from which our private transfers bring you here.
Steps Down Into the Earth
The Heaven sinkhole is the larger of the two and the one you can walk into. Stone steps lead from the rim to the bottom. As you descend the air changes: cooler, damper, greener. At the bottom, by the mouth of a cave, stands a small Byzantine chapel. From inside the cave you can hear water flowing underground.
Going down is easy. Coming back up is another matter. Climbing those steps at midday in summer takes real effort, so early morning or late afternoon visits are wiser. Wear proper shoes. People who go down in flip-flops tend to regret it.
Hell Is Seen Only From Above
A short walk away, the Hell sinkhole is narrower, with steep walls that curve inward. You cannot go down; visitors look in from a viewing point on the rim. Legend says this is where Zeus imprisoned the monster Typhon after defeating him, which is how the chasm got its name.
The site also includes the Wishing Cave, reached by stairs and full of dripstone formations. Locals believe its air helps with asthma and also call it the Asthma Cave. Seeing all three without rushing easily fills half a day.
Who Visits the Sinkholes
Visitors come from all directions and in all group sizes, which makes choosing the right vehicle important.
- Families staying in Kizkalesi, Ayas or Atakent on a half-day outing
- Business travellers coming over for a day from hotels in Mersin and Adana
- Culture tour groups combining ancient sites with natural ones
- Akkuyu staff exploring the region on a day off
- Photographers chasing the first light of the morning
- School and company groups travelling together
A couple or small family is fine in a Business Sedan, Premium Sedan or Comfort Class car. The VIP Vito takes up to six, the Mercedes Vito up to eight. For tour groups and company outings, the fifteen-seat Mercedes Sprinter carries everyone in one vehicle.
After the Sinkholes: Narlıkuyu and Around
The road down from the sinkholes brings you to Narlıkuyu and its small, sheltered cove. There is a little museum here displaying a mosaic from an ancient bath, known as the Three Graces. To the east are the two castles of Kizkalesi, to the west the beach at Atakent and the town of Silifke. Many visitors fit the sinkholes, Kizkalesi and Narlıkuyu into a single day.
Where We Bring Visitors From
The most common trip is a half-day return from hotels in and around Kizkalesi. We also drive here from central Mersin, Adana, Silifke and Taşucu. If you want to come straight from your flight, the landing, route and luggage plan are covered on our page about the airport transfer to the Caves of Heaven and Hell.
Prices are per vehicle, not per person. Choose Caves of Heaven and Hell in the booking form, enter your date and compare the vehicle classes. Add your trip back with the Add return option in the same booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Caves of Heaven and Hell?
The Heaven and Hell sinkholes are in the Silifke district of Mersin province, on the hillside just above Narlıkuyu cove. A short road leaves the Mersin to Silifke coast road at Narlıkuyu and climbs to the site. They lie west of Kizkalesi and east of Atakent, and the site also includes the Wishing Cave.
Is it hard to walk down into the Heaven sinkhole?
You reach the bottom of the Heaven sinkhole on stone steps. Going down is fairly easy, but the climb back can be tiring, especially at midday in summer. We suggest visiting early in the morning or in the late afternoon and wearing comfortable shoes with good grip. The Hell sinkhole cannot be entered; you view it from above.
Can we book a return trip from our hotel in Kizkalesi?
Yes. Book a point-to-point transfer from your hotel to the sinkholes and set the return time in the same booking with the Add return option. A few hours is enough for the sinkholes and the Wishing Cave; if you also want to stop at Narlıkuyu, leave a little more time before your return.
Which vehicle suits a tour group?
Choose by group size. A Mercedes Vito takes up to eight passengers and a Mercedes Sprinter up to fifteen. Groups of up to seven who want more comfort can choose the Ultra VIP Sprinter. Because the price is per vehicle, the cost per person drops as the group grows.