Best Cave Hotels and Cave Stays
Cave hotels are not actually in karst caves — they are usually carved into soft rock (volcanic tuff or sedimentary stone) and adapted as guest accommodations. The format has ancient roots and has become a tourism cornerstone in several regions.
Cappadocia, Turkey
The world's largest concentration of cave hotels. Goreme and Uchisar villages are honeycombed with tuff caves; hotels range from basic to spectacular. Hot-air balloons drift overhead at dawn.
Matera, Italy
The sassi of Matera — cave dwellings used continuously since prehistory — were partly converted into boutique hotels after their 1993 UNESCO listing. Authentic restoration alongside contemporary comfort.
Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain
Andalusian village built into cliff overhangs. Several restaurants and guest houses sit beneath enormous rock ceilings.
Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita, Italy
Matera's most famous luxury cave hotel — 18 rooms in original cave dwellings with stone bath tubs and oil-lamp lighting.
Yunak Evleri, Cappadocia
Top luxury option in Goreme — restored cave rooms with terraces overlooking the fairy chimneys.
Aspaki Hotel, Santorini
Carved into the caldera cliff at Oia, with sea views. Different from karst caves — these are excavated into volcanic ash.
Pamukkale and Cavustepe, Turkey
Newer cave hotel developments outside Cappadocia.
What to expect
Cave hotel rooms are constant-temperature year-round (typical 12-18°C, requires heating most of the year). Sound insulation is exceptional. Windows are usually small or absent — the cave is the experience.
Booking tips
Book direct with the hotel; some unique cave properties don't appear on standard booking platforms. Verify whether the cave is original (excavated) or built (rendered). Check for windows if you need natural light.
Explore on the map
See cave hotels on the interactive map.