Çal Cave

The Çal Cave, located in the Düzköy district of Trabzon Province, is one of the karstic underground cavities of Black Sea Region. Its geological structure, internal water systems, and seasonal visitor density give it regional significance.

Location and Elevation Characteristics

The cave is situated in Çal Village, part of the Düzköy district of Trabzon's, at an elevation of approximately 1,050 metres above sea level. It is about 50 kilometres from the city centre of Trabzon. Access is provided via road, and infrastructure services for visitors are available at the cave site.

Geological Structure and Internal Formations

The Çal Cave is a karstic cave developed within limestone strata, characterized by fracture-controlled and horizontally oriented passages. Measurements have determined that the total length of the cave is approximately 8 kilometres; however, the section open to visitors is limited to a route of about 1 kilometre. Inside the cave, underground water flows, branching galleries, narrow passages, and small waterfall formations are present. Fossil structures are also observed within the cave, alongside active water movement.

One of the Internal Formations in the Cave (Ministry of Culture and Tourism)

Access, Visitation, and Annual Usage Data

The Çal Cave was opened to tourism in 2003 with the installation of walking platforms. Walking paths, bridges, and informational panels have been installed inside and around the cave entrance to ensure safe visitor access. As of 2024, over 173,000 domestic and international tourists are reported to have visited the cave. A constant temperature and high humidity level are maintained throughout the cave route, resulting in a stable internal atmosphere year-round.

A View of the Çal Cave During Winter Months (Anadolu Agency)