The porous texture of the rock allowed it to be cut into blocks easily by hand tools, which led to significant extraction in past centuries.
The stones were historically used as building materials in the construction of nearby mosques and traditional village houses.
The site is a major example of volcanic tuff formations which harden upon exposure to air but remain susceptible to long-term maritime erosion.
Its unique hue becomes more vibrant when the stone is wet from sea spray or rain.
Pink Rocks (Pembe Kayalıklar) are a unique geological formation in Kefken, Kandıra, characterized by distinct pink-hued volcanic tuffs. The rocks have a porous, soft structure that was historically quarried for use in local architecture, including Ottoman-era buildings. Natural erosion by seawater and wind has sculpted the stone into layered, irregular shapes along the Black Sea coast. The location is an open-air site accessible directly from the rugged shoreline. The pink pigmentation is the result of specific mineral content within the volcanic tuff exposed over centuries. Visitors primarily come to observe the stark color contrast against the dark blue Black Sea waters. There are no built facilities or visitor centers at the immediate site, maintaining its natural character.
From the edge of the lower rock shelves during golden hour to capture the reflection of the sun on the pink surface.
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear as the rock surfaces can be uneven and occasionally slippery when wet.
Bring water and supplies, as there are no shops or cafes located directly on the rocks.
Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds, as the site is a popular weekend destination for local travelers.
Attempting to swim directly off the rocks, as the currents in this area of the Black Sea are notoriously strong and unpredictable.
Do not climb on unstable sections of the cliffs; respect the geological site by not carving into or removing fragments of the stone.
