Dilek Cave (Bağla)

Natural Wonder / Scenery

A sea cave opening into the white cliffs of Bağla headland — turquoise water at its mouth and cool shade, one of the peninsula’s hidden corners.

On the southern shore of the Bodrum peninsula, at the headland of Bağla Cove near Ortakent, lies the Dilek Cave, carved by waves into the limestone rock over thousands of years. Its mouth opens directly onto the sea; the light entering reflects off the white stones on the shallow bottom and turns the water an almost illuminated turquoise. Whatever the heat outside, the water in the shade of these rock walls stays cool and clear.

There is no direct access by land; visitors come either by swimming from Bağla Cove or by taking small boats from the cove toward the headland. Because the water is so clear, exploring the cave mouth and the rock formations around it with a snorkel is the greatest pleasure here. Approaching the cave mouth can be dangerous when the sea is rough; going in calm weather, and preferably by boat or with a guide, is advised.

Bağla Cove, where the cave lies, is one of the cleanest and calmest shores on the peninsula: with fine sand, a sea that stays shallow for a long way and low hills behind, it is the most serene corner of the Ortakent–Yahşi stretch. It combines easily into one day with Camel Beach and Aspat. To protect its natural fabric, it is important to leave no trace in the cave or the cove.