Dupnisa Cave

Dupnisa lies in the wooded Strandzha hills near the Bulgarian border, and it is the largest developed cave in Thrace - three connected sections totalling around three kilometres, of which several hundred metres are open to visitors on lit concrete walkways. The upper Dry Cave is the decorated one, with stalactites, columns, curtains and flowstone; the lower Wet Cave has a stream running through it, loud and cold, and the connecting Kız Cave links the two. It stays at around thirteen degrees year-round, which makes it a relief in summer and a shock in the shoulder months. The cave is closed for part of the year to protect a substantial bat colony that hibernates in it - several species roost here in numbers - so the open season is set by the bats rather than by demand, and checking before travelling matters. The forest around it is good walking country and the drive in is through beech and oak.

What you actually see

• The dry upper gallery - columns, curtains and flowstone.
• The wet lower cave - the stream running through the rock.
• The connecting passage - the Kız section between the two.
• The Strandzha forest - beech and oak on the approach.

When to go

Roughly May to October - the cave closes in the colder months for the hibernating bat colony. Confirm the current season before making the drive.

Honest expectations

Closed for a large part of the year, and dates shift with the bats. It is cold and wet inside - bring a layer and expect slippery walkways. A car is effectively required.

Nearby

İğneada's flooded forests are on the coast; Kıyıköy is further south.