Phosphorous Cave — Attraction in Muğla

Visiting the Phosphorus Cave near Marmaris was one of the highlights of my trip to the Turkish coast. I’d read a bit about it before going, but honestly, seeing it in person was something else entirely.

We reached the cave as part of a daily boat tour, which is really the only practical way to get there. As we approached, the first thing that caught my eye was the incredible turquoise-blue glow of the water near the entrance—absolutely magical. The cave isn’t very large, but what makes it special is how the sunlight hits the water and creates this phosphorescent shimmer that feels almost otherworldly. It’s especially beautiful around midday when the sun is directly overhead.

Swimming inside the cave was allowed on our tour, and I took full advantage of it. The water was cool, incredibly clear, and just being able to float inside the cave, surrounded by glowing blues and echoing rock walls, was unforgettable. The depth varies, so it’s good to be cautious if you’re not a strong swimmer, but for the most part, it felt very safe.

One thing I would mention is that the cave is a very quick stop—maybe 10 to 15 minutes tops. It’s not a full adventure destination on its own, but more like a beautiful moment as part of a larger boat tour. Also, depending on the season or time of day, it might get a little crowded with other boats stopping by, which can take away from the serenity.

Still, I’d highly recommend including Phosphorus Cave in your itinerary if you’re in the Marmaris area. It’s not just a cave—it’s an experience. Short...

Marmaris's Mystical Secret: Phosphorus Cave

Marmaris'in Büyülü Gizemi: Fosforlu Mağara

When it comes to a summer vacation, Marmaris is one of the first places that comes to mind, with its natural beauty and unique sea. However, the beauty of Marmaris is not only on the surface but also hidden in the depths. One of those depths under the blue waters, lies the Phosphorus Cave. Known as both Phosphorus Cave and Wishing Cave, this unique place is not only a gem of Marmaris but also one of the special treasure boxes of Turkey.

The reason for its mesmerizing appearance is due to the unique turquoise sea of Marmaris hitting and reflecting on the phosphorous covered interior surface of the cave. Upon encountering this sight, you are likely to want to venture deeper into the cave. If you didn't come with a large boat, it is quite possible to experience this. You can take incredible photos in the magical atmosphere created by the light reflecting off the phosphorous rocks.

Known as the Wishing Cave, this place is famous for the legend that a coin thrown into it will make your wishes come true. Perhaps people think that the turquoise light emanating from this cave is a key for wishes to come true, who knows? If you believe in this legend, you can make your wish and throw a coin into the turquoise waters.

The beauty of the interior of the Marmaris Phosphorus Cave competes with the beauty of the exterior. Swimming in the turquoise water reflecting from inside the cave feels like being in a dream. That's why the Marmaris Phosphorus Cave offers not just a natural beauty, but also an unforgettable experience. As you swim through the majestic phosphorus rocks, you will be creating one of the most beautiful memories of your life.

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Marmaris, sahip olduğu doğal güzellikler ve eşsiz deniziyle birlikte yaz tatili denildiğinde akla ilk gelen yerlerden biri olmuştur hep. Ama Marmaris'in güzelliği sadece yüzeyde değil, derinliklerde de gizlidir. İşte o derinliklerden birinde, mavi suların altında, Fosforlu Mağara bulunur. Hem Fosforlu Mağara hem de Dilek Mağarası olarak anılan bu benzersiz yer, sadece Marmaris'in değil, Türkiye'nin en özel saklı hazine kutularından biridir.

Görüntüsünün büyüleyici olmasının ardındaki neden, Marmaris’in eşsiz turkuaz renkli denizinin, mağaranın fosforla kaplı iç yüzeyine vurması ve yansımasıdır. Bu görüntüyle karşı karşıya kaldığınızda, büyük olasılıkla mağaranın derinliklerine doğru yol almak isteyeceksiniz. Eğer büyük bir tekneyle gelmediyseniz, bu deneyimi yaşamanız oldukça mümkün. Işığın fosforlu kayalıklar üzerinden yansımasıyla oluşan büyülü atmosferde, inanılmaz fotoğraflar çekebilirsiniz.

Fosforlu Mağara'nın bir diğer adı olan Dilek Mağarası, içerisine atılan bozuk paranın dilekleri gerçekleştireceği efsanesi ile bilinir. Belki de bu mağaradan çıkan turkuaz ışığın dileklerin gerçekleşmesi için bir anahtar olduğunu düşünüyor insanlar, kim bilir? Eğer siz de bu efsaneye inanıyorsanız, dileğinizi tutup, turkuaz sulara bir bozuk para atabilirsiniz.

Marmaris Fosforlu Mağara'nın iç kısmının güzelliği, dış kısmının güzelliği ile yarışır adeta. Mağaranın içerisinden yansıyan turkuaz renkli suyun içinde yüzmek, adeta bir rüyadaymış hissi uyandırır. İşte bu yüzden Marmaris Fosforlu Mağara, sadece bir doğal güzellik değil, aynı zamanda unutulmaz bir deneyim sunar. Görkemli fosforlu kayaların içinden yüzerken, hayatınızdaki en güzel anılardan birini...

We visited Nimara Mağarası (Nimara Cave) by renting Mountain bikes in Marmaris. I don't think there is any public transport to the cave so you will need to arrange your own. The ride from Marmaris to the trail leading up to the cave is short but there are some challenging climbs. The trail up to the cave is about 1km long, very steep and rocky, and very difficult to ride.

Once at the cave there are lots of steps up and down.

The cave is very impressive when you finally get there.

There are no facilities at the cave whatsoever.

You don't need tickets and there was...