cappadocia hiking tour

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Scenic Hiking in Cappadocia: 12 Best Hiking Trails + Tours

Find out the best hiking tracks and trails in Cappadocia to experience and enjoy the winding valleys, landscape, and mystical chimneys with our useful guide. One of the best outdoor sports activities in Cappadocia . Each of the valleys carved by the streams constitute the popular hiking trails of Cappadocia. Majority of the hiking and trekking trails of Cappadocia can be considered as having an untouched beauty and are just waiting to be discovered.

Table of Contents

What to Expect?

We can say that hiking in Cappadocia will not be only an outdoor sport. You will find that all hiking trails are intertwined with nature and history as well. It will be like a fairy tale in the land of fairy chimneys.

Cappadocia is also a heaven for nature lovers. With its winding valleys, moonlike landscape, and mystical chimneys, Cappadocia might be the most surreal place on earth. Whether you’re there to explore the unique rock formations up close, or just to take in the majestic views from afar, it’s a must-see destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure. During each season, the valleys change color and offer something spectacular for those who visit.

In some valleys you can find waterfalls, while in others there will be fresh fruit such as plums or apricots. In Winter, the valleys are covered with snow which makes for a truly mystical scene! The valleys are also the places where you can see historical churches carved into the rock, distinctive homes, and visit active Turkish villages.

The Most Popular Hiking Trails in Cappadocia

About all the most popular hiking and trekking trails and tracks are situated along the beautiful valleys of Cappadocia . Among all, we recommend the below places to enjoy a fantastic hiking experience.

Love Valley (Baglidere)

Love Valley  is one of the most fantastic valleys of Cappadocia. Located between  Avanos  and  Goreme  road, the valley is  named after the interesting fairy chimney formations , and being popular with the couples for marriage proposals. With its magnificent views, the valley is one of the popular spots where you can watch the sunset in Cappadocia. It is also very ideal for photography enthusiasts.

Love Valley has about 5 km. hiking track starting from Uchisar Castle and ending in the middle of Goreme-Cavusin Highway . Many  Cappadocia sightseeing excursions pass the valley on their schedule. You’ll need about 2-3 hours to completely explore the valley. The valley is also very suitable for those who love camping.

Read more about Love Valley

Hike the Devrent Imagination Valley

Devrent Valley , also called as  “Imagination Valley”  is one of the fantastic regions of  Cappadocia . You can experience and enjoy the beautiful  lunar landscape of Cappadocia ,  the most surreal landscape  of the region.

Devrent Valley is home to very interesting fairy chimney formations. Cappadocia’s  famous fairy chimney that looks like camel  and many other  fairy chimneys that look resemble animal or human figures  are located here.

Read more about Devrent Imagination Valley

Hike the Swords Valley

• about 2,5 km

Located right across the Goreme Open Air Museum, the Swords Valley (Kiliclar) is located near Goreme , named after the swords like fairy chimney formations. The valley is also one most popular places to see in Cappadocia  where you can explore and enjoy the best rock and pari chimney formations.

The valley is the second hotspot in Cappadocia after Goreme Open Air Museum , located on the opposite side. Here you’ll find group of churches. The valley is only accessible on foot and has about 2,5 km. hiking track .

Swords Valley is home to some of the best formations in Cappadocia that include churches, a 300 meters long tunnel, caves, fairy chimneys and more. The Kiliclar Church and Mother Mary Church are the two beautiful churches that worth a visit and see at the Swords Valley.

For walking out the whole valley, you’ll need about 1-2 hours. The walking trail will lead you to the Meskendir Valley and then you can reach the famous Cavusin Village .

Read more about Swords Valley

Goreme town center to Uchisar via Pigeon Valley

Pigeon Valley  is another great place near Uchisar town named after the thousands of pigeon houses carved into the soft tufa since ancient times and offers another spectacular panoramic view over Cappadocia together with spectacular view of dovecotes.

The valley has about 4 km. hiking track and the west end of the valley ends in Uchisar . Although the tracks through the valley are a bit challenging, the region is also ideal for trekking and trekking. The walking path is a bit long, so we recommend you take comfortable outdoor shoes with you.

The walk in the valley takes about 45 minutes. The best time to hike in the valley is early in the morning.

Read more about Pigeon Valley

Hike the Meskendir Valley

• about 4,4 km

Meskendir Valley offers a 4,4 km. beautiful hiking track . The valley extends from Ortahisar towards Cavusin Village in the southwest direction. You should arrive to the camping facility on the right side of the Ortahisar – Goreme road to reach the entrance point of the valley. Keep in mind that you can reach the Meskendir Valley with a very steep descent.

You will explore and enjoy the pleasant trekking track with fairy chimneys, churches, cedar trees, tunnels and various plant species. You can walk the valley in 3 hours. Finally the Meskendir Valley merges with the Kizilcukur Red Valley and Gulludere Rose Valley . You can also reach Cavusin village along the paths.

Hike the Kizilcukur Red Valley

Red Valley (Kizilcukur) is one of the best places to watch the sunrise and sunset in Cappadocia . The valley is located in the middle of Goreme National Park named after the red colored tuff rocks and fairy chimneys spread through the valley.

Red Valley has such a beautiful landscape in a dreamy crimson color that attracts its visitors. We can say that it is the most beautiful valley of Cappadocia.

The 5 km. hiking track makes Red Valley a popular hiking area in Cappadocia. It is an ideal area and activity for hiking lovers. For walking out the whole valley, you’ll need about 1-2 hours. The walking trail will lead you to the famous Cavusin Village .

You’ll experience Cappadocia from a different perspective by viewing its lovely hills and fairy chimneys from the ground level. There is also a lovely observation terrace .

Read more about Red Valley

Hike the Rose Valley

Rose Valley (Gulludere) is located near Goreme . and the valley is one of the best places to see the fairy chimney formations in Cappadocia . And that makes Rose Valley a popular hiking route in Cappadocia for nature lovers.

As in other valleys of Cappadocia, here you’ll find many churches, monasteries and shelter areas carved into the rocks. Travelers may see variety of lovely churches and chapels along the valley.

Rose Valley is also home to the best trekking and hiking trails in the Cappadocia region. Rose Valley has about 4 km. hiking track and the valley is only accessible by foot. You will see many pigeons while walking in the valley.

Read more about Rose Valley

Hike the Zemi Valley

• about 5,6 km

There is a kiosk on the right, approximately 300 m after the Goreme exit on the Goreme-Ortahisar road. Here you’ll see a road junction to Zemi Valley, next to the buffet. This point is the starting point of the Zemi Valley walks. When you go ahead about 800 meters from the junction, you will see a triple fork in the road. The left side is the road to El Nazar Church . The middle road enters into the Zemi Valley . And the right road takes you to Gorkundere Valley .

Zemi Valley is one of the longest hiking trails in Cappadocia and it takes its name from the Zemi Stream passing through. The valley has 5,6 km. hiking track and can be walked in around 4 hours. The valley stretches from the Urgup-Nevsehir road to the Goreme-Ortahisar road.

You’ll explore the stunning fairy chimney formations, tunnels and Roman tombs in the valley entrance.

When you walk for about 2,5 km in the valley, a 100 m path deviating from the left will take you to the Karabulut Church, which dates back to the 11th century. The Cistern Church is located 200 meters ahead in the opposite direction. The frescoes above the water level of the church, which was used as a water cistern in the past, are in good condition

Hike the Gorkundere Valley

Gorkundere Valley, also known as Lovers Valley , is a beautiful valley. Hiking trail of the valley is about 1 km ., not a long one.

Many hikers enter the valley, wander along and return from the same road and exit from the entrance path. The fairy chimneys in the valley are quite magnificent and worth seeing.

Hike the Zelve Valley

Zelve Valley is one of the most popular open air museum areas of Cappadocia, situated between Avanos and Goreme , nearby Pasabag Monks Valley . Being part of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Zelve Valley Open Air Museum is also one most popular places to see in Cappadocia  that travelers may experience sharp pointed and wide fairy chimneys .

Zelve Valley is one of the best places to explore and enjoy the most intensive fairy chimneys in Cappadocia. The valley attracts travelers not only with its fairy chimneys but also with its magnificent nature.

One of the best activities in Zelve Valley is to enjoy nature and unique beauties by walking or hiking among the fairy chimneys. You’ll need at least 3-4 hours to explore the valley literally.

The valley consist of three valleys. In the first one you’ll a rock-cut mosque. In the second valley, you’ll find living spaces used in the past. And in the third valley, you’ll find the ancient rock-cut settlements and churches.

Read more about Zelve Valley

Hike the Gomeda & Uzengi Valleys

Gomeda Valley is located in the west of Mustafapasa village along Urgup . The valley is known as “Small Ihlara” . Just like in Ihlara Valley, you will experience and enjoy variety of rock-cut houses and churches, shelters and a river running through the valley. Gomeda Valley is also called the “Devil’s Creek” , due to its pleasant trails with hollows, tunnels and dovecotes.

The 1,5 km hiking trail of the Gomeda Valley offers a different atmosphere for its guests. One of the caves has been used as a reservoir for rain water since ancient times, and it continues to be used to irrigate poplar trees, which can be seen frequently while walking.

When you continue through the valley, you’ll reach Uzengi valley , and the total hiking trail of these 2 valleys is 6 km .

Hike the Ihlara Valley

• about 10 km

Ihlara Valley is a fantastic canyon with a depth of about 100 meters and about 10 km. length that was formed by the volcanic activity from Mount Hasan and erosion by the Melendiz River hundred thousands of years ago. Ihlara Valley is not only a natural beauty, but also a rocky settlement area that hosted an extreme monastery life between 4th to 13th centuries D.C. and housed more than four thousand dwellings and a hundred hidden cave churches decorated with frescoes and houses lining the gorge.

When you descend to the valley, you’ll have about 4 km. of hiking track in the company of the Melendiz River dividing the valley. The river is not deep so that you may easily pass from one side to another.

Read more about Ihlara Valley

• ATTRACTIONS

Book Your Balloon Ride

Below you can find our recommendations. Each company directly operates the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia with their team of experts. So you will book your flight directly from the company. No men in the middle.

Related Reading

Private cappadocia tours (2024 prices, best tours + advice), photo shooting for a day in cappadocia + best tours advice, experience cappadocia: 8 unique experiences to enjoy in cappadocia, off-road jeep safari in cappadocia: 2024 best tours, prices, local recommendations from cappadocia4u team.

If youʻre visiting Cappadocia for the first time, we have you covered. Below are some of the top recommendations, tours and experiences!

Some useful info

• Cappadocia is the name of the region situated in the middle of Turkey . It is mostly known by the three popular towns of Goreme, Urgup  and  Uchisar  but actually  it is the name of the very big region  spread through the  cities of Nevsehir, Kirsehir, Nigde, Aksaray and Kayseri .
• If you are first-time visitor , want to get familiar, please read our Cappadocia for first timers guide.
• If you are not sure how to travel , please read our Traveling to Cappadocia guide.
• If you don't know where to stay , please read our Where to Stay in Cappadocia guide for regions, and Accommodation guide for hotels.
• If it is hard to plan your days , please read our Ideal 3-Days Cappadocia itinerary .

Top Attractions & Sights

There are 6 must do and see in Cappadocia that you won't want to miss!

• Hot Air Balloon Rides (the most exciting attractions in the world)
• Goreme Open Air Museum (some best-preserved examples of Byzantine rock-cut architecture and frescoes in the world)
• Pasabag Monks Valley (one of the most popular  fairy chimneys  areas)
• Uchisar Castle ( highest point, the biggest fairy chimney )
• Derinkuyu Underground City (one of the largest underground cities in the world, 8 th  century BC)
• Ihlara Valley (fantastic  canyon with a depth of about 100 mt. and 14 km. length)

Tip-1: One of the best ways to explore Cappadocia is by taking a sightseeing tour, so that you can cover all the top sights. Three main sightseeing tours available:  Red Tour  (covers the highlights of the region), Green Tour (best of natural  and  historical sites ), and Blue Tour  (lesser-known sights, off-the-beaten-path experience )

Tip-2: Private Tours are also good choice within a well-planned and custom itinerary along with a private vehicle, driver and professional guide. Great for those who don't have a car or don't know the region well.

For leisure activities we'd recommend 2 must-take attractions ! Don't miss! Wine Tasting and Photo Shooting

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Hiking Tours in Cappadocia

• Program Details
• Inclusions & Exclusions
• Booking & Cancellation

Red & Rose Valley Hike

The most beautiful valley in Cappadocia, Red Valley , will be our starting point. With its spectacular rock formations and brilliant red tones, it is the most lovely valley in Cappadocia. The valley contains some cave-dwellings and frescoed churches that we'll pass on the way.

Then we'll go to Cavusin Village , one of the first Christian settlements , and see the ancient church dedicated to St. John from the 5th century , which is located in the old section of town. We'll proceed to Pasabag (also known as Monks Valley) to see the most spectacular fairy chimneys of Cappadocia after having a picnic lunch.

After that, we'll go to Zelve for a visit to the Zelve Open Air Museum , which is one of the region's oldest rock-cut monasteries. After the walk, we will return to the hotel by car. The Red Valley Hiking Tour begins at 9:00 and lasts until 5:30 p.m. The rate for the tour 120 Euro per person , including English-speaking guide, lunch, and transportation.

The rate for the Red Valley Hike is 120 Euro per person. Please send us an email to get more information and make your booking. We will reply your request the latest in 24 hours .

Pigeon & Love Valley Hike

We'll start our tour in the Love Valley (also known as Honey Valley) , one of Cappadocia's most beautiful fairy chimneys. Walking through the farm village plots will fascinate you. The trip to Uchisar and lunch there will last around three hours.

We'll have lunch next, then go up to Uchisar Castle , which is the highest point of Cappadocia and has a spectacular view of the valleys. Then we will walk through Pigeon valley to Goreme Village. The name "Pigeon Valley" comes from the numerous pigeon caves etched on its walls , one of the most famous valleys in Cappadocia. After our excursion, we will return to our hotel by vehicle.

The tour begins at 9:30 a.m. and lasts until around 4:00 p.m. The cost is 120 Euros per person, which includes entrance tickets, English-speaking guides, lunch, and transportation.

Please send us an email to get more information and make your booking. We will reply your request the latest in 24 hours .

• Pick-up from your hotel

• Hike Through Red and Rose Valleys

• Cavusin Old Greek Village

• Pasabag Fairy Chimneys

• Zelve Open Air Museum

• Drop-off at your hotel

• Hike in Love Valley

• Climb up to Uchisar Castle

• Hike in Pigeon Valley

Included Services

 Pick-up from your hotel

 Professional English Speaking Tour Guide

 Transportation with luxury vehicles

 Entrance Tickets

 Lunch

 Drop-off to your hotel

Excluded Services

 Drinks

 Optional tips to the drivers and guides

General Policy of Booking Process

When you email us regarding the balloon flight, we will send you an itinerary based on the actual “real-time” availability. Until your deposit is received through our secure form, the availability of the balloon flight might change. When we confirm your reservation; all rates are guaranteed.

When you agreed the itinerary with our travel agent, we will request a 30% deposit to confirm all your reservations. We have 256bit SSL secure form that you can safely send your credit card details in our website.

Once we receive your deposit , we will confirm your reservation and email you the travel voucher within 1 business day. The balance due can be paid at any time before to arrival – or you can pay after the balloon flight in our balloon office.

To confirm this itinerary, please provide us with the details of your hotel in Cappadocia so that we may arrange a pick-up/drop-off service. All hotels in Cappadocia qualify for complimentary pick-up/drop-off services.

General Cancellation Policy

Below is the general guideline for our cancellation policy if your agent does not mention otherwise:

Cancellation Policy for Hiking Tours:

If you cancel 48 hours before the balloon flight, there is no cancellation fee.

If you cancel within 48 hours to 24 hours before the ride, we will charge 50% cancellation fee.

If you cancel within 24 hours of the flight , we will charge the full amount as cancellation fee.

We cannot give any refund on no-shows for the flights.

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HIKING TOUR

• What’s Included

One popular hiking tour in Cappadocia is the Red Valley Hiking Tour. This tour typically begins in the morning and takes around 3-4 hours to complete. The tour starts from the Red Valley viewpoint, which provides a stunning panoramic view of the valley and the rock formations. As you start hiking through the valley, you will see various rock formations and colorful landscapes that are unique to Cappadocia. The tour will take you through narrow canyons, rocky paths, and up to the top of the valley for breathtaking views. Along the way, your guide will share interesting facts about the history and geology of the region. One of the highlights of the Red Valley Hiking Tour is the chance to visit the ancient cave churches of Cappadocia. These churches are carved into the rocks and feature beautiful frescoes that date back to the Byzantine era. You will also have the opportunity to explore the local villages and interact with the friendly locals. Another popular hiking tour in Cappadocia is the Pigeon Valley Hiking Tour. This tour takes you through the picturesque Pigeon Valley, which is named after the many pigeon houses that are carved into the rocks. The tour offers stunning views of the valley and the surrounding mountains and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. Overall, hiking tours in Cappadocia are a great way to explore the unique landscapes and rich history of the region. With experienced guides and breathtaking views, these tours offer a memorable experience for anyone who loves the outdoors.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Shiza saqib.

With a budget-friendly price tag and a team of supportive guides, this experience exemplified outdoor exploration at its finest.

Nisha Suthar

We booked a private guided hiking tour through the Red and Rose Valley with Cappadocia Adventures on September 18th. It was great tour because we could go at our own pace, select the start and end time, and it took the stress away from navigating the trail which was sign posted only in local language. I would highly recommend this tour, it was one of the highlights of our trip! Please also note you get see viewpoints that differ to the ATV sunset tour, so great to cover both tours for the full experience.

Proceed to Checkout

Enter your reservation details:, per person 15 € 11 €.

THE 10 BEST Cappadocia Hiking & Camping Tours

Hiking & camping tours in cappadocia.

• Balloon Rides
• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• Horseback Riding Tours
• Hiking & Camping Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Pigeon Valley
• Goreme Panorama
• Ihlara Valley
• Devrent Valley
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Green (South) Tour Cappadocia (small group) with lunch and ticket

2. Private Jeep Safari Tour Cappadocia

3. Cappadocia Green Tour (Small Group)

4. Salt Lake Tour with Lunch

5. Rose Valley Sunset Hiking in Cappadocia with Hotel Pickup

6. Cappadocia Red Tour with Small Group

7. Full-Day Green tour

8. Cappadocia Daily Skii Tour Erciyes Mountain

9. Full-Day Private Cappadocia Tour

10. Cappadocia Private Tour

11. Southern Cappadocia Tour with Ihlara Canyon

12. Hike and explore tour in Cappadocia

13. Full Day Cappadocia Green Tour with Underground City

14. Cappadocia Green Tour

15. Cappadocia Full Day Hiking Tour with Lunch and sunset picnic

16. Full-Day Hiking at Cappadocia

17. Full-Day Private Ihlara Valley Hiking Adventure

18. Cappadocia Tour Guide Service

19. Cappadocia Full Day Private Tour Mix

20. Cappadocia Daily Green Tour

21. Private Hiking Tour in Cappadocia

22. Private Tour - Fairy Trails of Cappadocia - 7 Night 8 Days

23. Cappadocia: Blue Tour (Lunch, Museums, all extra included)

24. Cappadocia Hot air Balloon & 02 Days Tour With Good Cave Hotel

25. Cappadocia Green Tour

26. Luxury Cappadocia Private Green Tour

27. Full-Day Private Hiking in Cappadocia with Lunch

28. 2 Days 1 Night Cappadocia Tour (Airport Transfer, Hotel, Daily Tour And Atv)

29. Full Day Hiking Tour in Beautiful Valleys of Cappadocia

30. Cappadocia Full Day Regular Tour Green( South )

What travellers are saying.

• Green (South) Tour Cappadocia (small group)
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• Rose Valley Sunset Hiking in Cappadocia with Hotel Pickup
• Salt Lake Tour with Lunch
• Destination Expert Travel
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• Cappadocia Exclusive Travel Agency
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• Cappadocia Hiking Tours

Golden Tour takes you for a walk in the most famous valleys of Cappadocia where you can admire their stunning beauty and incredible rock-formations.

If you love walking and want to see the famous Red and Rose valleys in all their beauty and visit the churches and other hidden spots, then this is the right tour for you.

If you love hiking and want to visit the picturesque Pigeon valley with its thousands of pigeon houses or the famous Honey (‘Love’) valley with its peculiarly shaped rock formations, then this is the right tour for you.

If you wish to hike in the most beautiful valley in Cappadocia and admire the sun setting against the red rocks of Rose valley, then this is a tour you should not miss.

The geological formation of  Cappadocia  is the result of two contradicting natural forces. One of them is the volcanic eruptions of the Erciyes, Hasandağ and Güllüdağ mountains which led to the coverage of the area with lava, ashes, tuff and volcanic residue. The second force is the territorial erosion that started after the volcanic buildup was over. The causes of erosion which gave Cappadocia its present landscape have been the winds, rivers, and rains.

The best way of discovering and not getting lost in the mazes of these valleys and fairy chimneys, seeing the hidden churches and the monk cells carved into the rocks, is by taking a Cappadocia guided hiking tour. There are several advantages to having a guide lead you through the area, one of them being the fact that the maps available are quite schematic and can be a bit difficult to follow at times.

However, one of the main reasons to go with a guide is their knowledge of all the hidden treasures in the valleys. On your own you may walk right past a beautiful little church or an ancient cave with original drawings without even noticing it. You should not miss out either on an opportunity to learn first-hand about the religious and cultural history of the people who lived there. All our hiking guides are passionate about exploring the valleys of Cappadocia and you are guaranteed to enjoy a unique and fascinating hike with them.

There are both regular and private Cappadocia hiking tours available to suit every taste and need.

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• Cappadocia Airport Transfers
• Cappadocia Rent A Car
• Cappadocia Photos
• Art and Handicrafts
• Cappadocıa Photo Tours
• Whirling Dervishes
• Turkish Night
• Tailor Made

Popular Tour Types

Program of our cappadocia multi active tour will take you to one of the most surreal and beautiful sceneries in the world and also one of the best destinations for trekking and hiking lovers..

Cappadocia Tour 2 Night 3 Days

Cappadocia Halfday Trekking Tour – Rose Valley

Cappadocia Halfday Trekking – Pigeon Valley & Love Valley

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Cappadocia Trekking Tour 3 Nights & 4 Days

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Discover Cappadocia

Join local guided  tours  for explore  Cappadocia ! Fantastic destinations and history waiting. Fantastic experience in  Cappadocia ! Join the our daily  tour  and feel  Cappadocia !

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The miracles of Cappadocia

It is impossible to imagine a more wondrous sight than this evocative lunar landscape with its bizarre rock formations, enigmatic fairy chimneys and extensive cave dwellings. At Cappadocia, geology and civilization are inextricably linked as erosion and construction perennially interact with each other. Created through this unique collaboration, the region is the world’s greatest sculpture – shaped by nature, carved by man. After all, it took some 30 million years for the elements to shape the layers of volcanic basalt and tuff into their present form and even the impact of man on the landscape goes back several thousand years to the Hittite people, who were probably the first to dig caves suitable for habitation out of the soft tuft. The trek will take you to the most famous and beautiful regions of Cappadocia Goreme valley, Love valley, Zemi valley and the historic towns of Uchisar, Ortahisar, Goreme and others.

The daily walks are neither long nor demanding, allowing you enough time to concentrate on the area you are hiking through, and where each rock hides its own secrets waiting to be explored.

Walking Grade/ Difficulty

See more here

• Destination Turkey
• Duration 8 Days I Level: 1/2 (of 5)
• What is included Accommodation in hotels and pensions in en-suite rooms, incl. breakfast and 4x dinners; pick up/drop off at Kayseri Airport; luggage transfers between the inns; people transfers as per itinerary; route notes with maps in English; GPS tracks; phone assistance;
• What is not included Drinks and other meals; entrance fees; tips;
• Best period April, May, June, July, August, September, October

FROM OUR GALLERY

Self-guided walking tours in Cappadocia, Turkey.

Day 1. Arrive at Kayseri Airport and transfer to Ortahisar

Day 2. ortahisar - mustafapaşa - pancarlik valley - ortahisar (11km; 3-4hrs; + 325m/- 305m), day 3. ortahisar - ibrahimpasa (round walk) - ortahisar (8km; 3-4hrs; + 315m/- 225m), day 4. ortahisar – meskendir valley – red & rose valleys – cavusin (11km; 4-5hrs; + 280m/- 430m), day 5. cavusin – bozdag & balkan route - cavusin (10km; 3-4hrs; + 365m/- 365m), day 6. cavusin – akvadi (white valley) – uchisar – pigeon valley – goreme (12km; 4-5hrs; + 420m/- 410m), day 7. goreme – zemi valley & goreme open air museum - goreme (12km; 4hrs; + 300m/- 300m), day 8. cappadocia – kayseri airport, tour location.

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The 12 Best Tours in Cappadocia, Turkey

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: August 10, 2023

Categories TURKEY , TOURS

Cappadocia is a well-known tourist destination for hot air ballooning and breathtaking landscapes such as fairy chimneys and rock formations in particular. However, before the hot air balloon industry was even around, Cappadocia was popular for small hikes and historical tours. This region in Turkey is so stunning to explore for so many reasons whether it’s cultural, historical, or geological. In this article, I will share with you the 12 best tours in Cappadocia so you can explore this beautiful region.

My personal favorites are Hot Air Balloon Ride for its fairytale sunrise and The Red Tour for its top attractions and amazing viewpoints.

Table of Contents

QUICK PICKS: TOP 3 TOURS IN CAPPADOCIA

Don’t have time to read my entire article about the best tours in Cappadocia? No worries! I’ve shortlisted my three favorite Cappadocia tours here to make things easy for you.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

• During sunrise

The Red Tour

• Top attractions
• Very knowledgeable tour guide
• Amazing viewpoints

Sunset ATV Tour

• Dunes, valleys, trails
• Rock-cut valleys
• Easy-to-use bikes

BEST TOURS IN CAPPADOCIA COMPARISON TABLE

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA

• Ultimate Luxury: Mithra Cave Hotel – Amazing Balloon View & Pool
• My Favorite: Sultan Cave Suites – Insta-worthy & Amazing Terrace
• Value Hotel: Traveller’s Cave Hotel is easily the best value (luxury) hotel in Cappadocia

12 BEST TOURS IN CAPPADOCIA

In this article, you will first find a comparison table, which shows you the price, duration, and average review score for each activity. Below the comparison table, you will find a detailed description with photos for each individual activity as well as the link to the booking site so that you can easily navigate to book the tour that you find most exciting! Hope you enjoy the article.

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE

Tour: Hot Air Balloon Ride (book in advance)

I did this tour and it was beyond epic. It’s truly a fairy tale and it definitely lives up to the hype. The sunrise hot air balloon ride is the most expensive tour in Cappadocia but you simply have to do it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime type of experience. You can view my full blog post about my hot air balloon tour in Cappadocia.

Before the flight, there’s a complimentary breakfast with tea or coffee. You’ll be flying over Cappadocia’s wonderful landscapes and unique rock formations. Have a 360-degree panorama of the entire region and get a satisfying view of its valleys and mountains. After landing, get a toast of free champagne as you enjoy watching hot air balloons flying over you.

It’s important to book this one in advance as often the entire town is sold out of bookings during peak season and there is a 2-3 day waitlist.

Book your tour: Hot Air Balloon Ride

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN TURKEY

When you book your Turkey Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use  Discover Cars . They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

THE RED TOUR

Tour: The Red Tour

This is the most popular day tour in Cappadocia. A tour that will bring you to the most known attractions around Cappadocia.

• Explore Çavusin, one of the area’s oldest settlements.
• Walk among the Devrent Valley’s fairy chimneys
• Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum and see centuries-old rock-cut churches and monasteries.
• In the Pasabag Valley, marvel at the best collection of fairy chimneys in Cappadocia .
• Reaching the top of Uchisar Rock Castle is the area’s highest point.
• Stop in Ürgup to visit a winery for a tasting.

The tour will last for a whole day so you will be provided with convenient transportation and a very knowledgeable tour guide. This is undoubtedly one of the best tours in Cappadocia!

Book your tour: The Red Tour

• Open-air views

Tour: Blue Tour

After the Red Tour, this is the second-most popular day tour in Cappadocia. After a pickup from your hotel at 10 AM you will see the following sights on this all-inclusive tour.

• Hike along the Red and Rose Valley
• Conclude your hike at the Cavusin Cave Village
• Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant
• Descend towards the center of the earth with a trip to the Underground City
• Visit the Pigeon Valley
• Marvel at the old Greek houses of Uchisar
• Visit Ortshisar Castle, the biggest mass of fairy chimneys in Cappadocia.

Book your tour: The Blue Tour

The Blue Tour

• Mysteriously beautiful valleys
• Spectacular view
• Underground city

GREEN TOUR WITH TREKKING IN IHLARA VALLEY

Tour: Green Tour with Trekking in Ihlara Valley

This tour is a little bit cheaper than the Red Tour and it lasts for approximately 8 hours. Green Tour is among the tourists’ favorites as there are more places to see. After the pick-up at your hotel, you’ll be headed directly to Goreme’s Underground City, the highlight of this tour.

You’ll be amazed at how people lived their lives during this time. I hope you won’t forget to bring your cameras as you’ll be taking shots of their amazing landscapes along the way. It also includes pit stops at the place’s famous sites, including the Ihlara Valley. The trip is kind of hassle-free with pick-up and drop-off in a luxury van! It is guaranteed to give you comfort and relaxation. If you love to hike and trek, this tour is perfect for you!

Book your tour: Green Tour with Ihlara Valley

Green Tour with Ihlara Valley

• Bit cheaper
• Amazing landscapes

SUNSET ATV TOUR

Tour: Sunset ATV Tour

The most popular ‘short’ tour in Cappadocia. As you travel on a sturdy ATV (quad) bike, you will be greeted with spectacular rock-cut valleys that will leave you in awe. This activity is a good option for sightseeing as this will give the opportunity to wander the dunes, valleys, trails, and hills of Cappadocia. The tour finishes right at sunset out in the valley of rock formations for an amazing sunset view.

Book your tour: Sunset ATV Tour

• Dunes, valley, trails, and hills
• Easy to use bikes

HORSE-RIDING TOUR

Tour: Horse-riding Tour

This 2-hour horse ride includes pick-up and drop-off at Cappadocia area hotels. You’ll ride through the valleys of Goreme with their beautiful horses and witness the enchanting fairy chimneys. Explore the peaceful environment with a professional guide.

Among the highlights of this ride are the rock-cut Hallacdere Monastery, the orchards and vineyards with their picturesque landscapes you’ll pass by. The best thing is that you can choose your own schedule and I highly recommend you’ll tour at least 2 hours before sunset.

Book your tour: Horse-riding Tour

Horse-riding Tour

• Pick-up and drop-off
• Beautiful horses
• Peaceful environment

TURKISH NIGHT AT CAVE RESTAURANT

Tour: Turkish Night at Cave Restaurant

Looking for an authentic Turkish-style experience with a combination of night-filled music, dancing, and drinks? You will definitely love what the Cave restaurant in Cappadocia offers. I must say I enjoyed the night of pure relaxation with a touch of Turkish culture.

The onstage performers will keep you entertained the whole evening, so you won’t notice the passing of time.  The location of the restaurant is uniquely situated in a rock-cut cave which makes it more appealing. When it comes to culture, this is the best tour in Cappadocia to really soak it in. You don’t have to worry you might lose your way of getting there, the restaurant also provides free transportation to and from your hotel.

Book your tour: Turkish Night Tour

Turkish Night Tour

• Authentic Turkish style experience
• Night-filled music, dancing
• Night of pure relaxation

RED VALLEY AND UNDERGROUND CITY TOUR

Tour: Red Valley and Underground City Tour

This full-day tour in Cappadocia will give you everything there is to offer. You’ll be picked up from your accommodation and headed right away to the first stop, Red Valley as you witnessed its stunning rock formations and iconic landscapes. You can also hike through the colorful fairy chimneys of the place. Among the highlights are the stops at Pigeon Valley and Ortahisar Rock Castle, both are popular spots.

Book your tour: Red Valley & Underground City Tour

Red Valley & Underground City Tour

• Stunning rock
• Iconic landscapes
• Underground City

BEST OF CAPPADOCIA DAY PRIVATE TOUR WITH LUNCH

Tour: Best of Cappadocia Day Tour with Lunch

The best way to see all of the sights is on this all-day guided, private tour of Cappadocia’s best spots. You can customize the itinerary or go with the popular spots the guide recommends.

• The panoramic viewpoint of Göreme
• Visit the Underground City 
• Visit Pigeon Valley
• Tour Goreme Open Air Museum
• Çavuşin, which is the Old Greek Village
• Visit Paşabağı to see mushroom-shaped rock formations
• Devrent Valley, which is also known as İmagination Valley.

Book your tour: Best of Cappadocia Tour

Best of Cappadocia Tour

• Unforgettable experience
• Worth paying

FULL-DAY DISCOVERY HIKING TOUR

Tour: Full-day Discovery Hiking Tour

When it comes to hiking in Cappadocia, it’s hard not to pick this tour. Get ready for some trail adventures as you descend and find yourself in the underground cities in the region, hike in one of the most attractive valleys, and visit one of the biggest monastic settlements and the largest cathedral.

Book your tour: Full-day Discovery Hiking Tour

Full-day Discovery Hiking Tour

• Attractive valleys
• Unique beauty

GOREME OPEN AIR MUSEUM AND FAIRY CHIMNEYS

Tour: Goreme Open Air Museum and Fairy Chimneys

The tour kicks off with a visit to the Imagination Valley wherein you’ll get to witness animal-shaped natural rock formations. You’ll then be headed to Monk’s Valley with its amazing mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. It also includes a stop at Avanos town, famous for its pottery works.

Of course, lunch is included at a famous local restaurant before you head to Goreme Open Air Museum, the main attraction. You’ll be in awe of its stunning panoramic views all over and churches dating from the Byzantine Empire. The last stop is at Rock Castle and it’s worth a visit. You’ll be dropped off to your hotel comfortably. Personally, I think this Cappadocia tour is value for money! 

Book your tour: Goreme Open Air Museum & Fairy Chimneys

Goreme Open Air Museum & Fairy Chimneys

• Enjoyable and memorable
• Imagination Valley
• Animal-shaped natural rock

UNDERGROUND CITY AND IHLARA TOUR

Tour : Underground City and Ihlara Tour

On this tour, you’ll get a chance to discover the unique rock formations of Cappadocia. Personally, I like to explore ancient tunnels like the famous Derinkuyu Underground City in Cappadocia and learn the traditions of the locals on how they lived during those times.

If you join this tour, you’ll feel close to nature as you go on your journey to Ihlara Canyon which was formed by volcanic activity, with its scenic views. As you visit the Ihlara Valley, you’ll know how the early Christians made their churches from rocks. This Cappadocia tour also includes quick stops at the Selime Monastery, Pigeon Valley, and the famous Onyx factory to watch how a volcanic stone is formed.

Book your tour: Underground City & Ihlara Tour

Underground City & Ihlara Tour

• Unique rock formations
• Stunning views of the chimneys

HOW TO GET TO CAPPADOCIA

Cappadocia isn’t actually a town as many people think but it is an entire region. Within this region are towns such as Goreme (the most popular tourist spot), Uchisar, Urgup, and Ortahisar among others. There are two airports that serve Cappadocia.

• Kayseri Airport (70km/60 minutes) is the main airport and takes just over an hour by van/bus to reach Goreme Town
• Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (/40km/40 minutes is the secondary airport, which is closer to Goreme but only by about 20 minutes.

The big difference here is that Kayseri is a bigger airport, with more flight options, and often has cheaper flights. It is very convenient and quick to fly into Kayseri and I did it twice.

To get from Kayseri (or Nevsehir) you need to pre-book your shuttle or be prepared for an expensive taxi. The cheapest and easiest way to do that is to book online here .  For under $15 you can ride in a shared, air-conditioned airport transfer or a private transfer from $50.

WHERE TO STAY IN GOREME, CAPPADOCIA

Where I stayed: Design Cave Suites Cappadocia – I was lucky enough to stay at the Design Cave Suites in Goreme. The location was great and I walked to all attractions. The rooftop garden was awesome for sunrise balloon watching. The buffet breakfast spread was amazing as were the cave-style room designs.

Best Cave Hotel with Pool:   Local Cave House Hotel – This cave hotel rose to fame because of its incredible pool. Make sure you click the link and check out how epic the pool backdrop is, with those classic Cappadocia rock formations in the background and traditional cave rooms it is a top pick.

Cave Hotel with Best Roof View (and dogs): Sultan Cave Suites – This cave hotel became famous because of its epic rooftop area for sunrise viewing. Guests can lay out on traditional pillows and carpets while watching the hot-air balloons flying above. The hotel dog might also join you for a photoshoot on the roof!

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT THE REST OF MY CAPPADOCIA BLOG POSTS?

Click on one of the articles below to check out all of the places you should visit while in Cappadocia!

The big guide! This post has all of my favorite activities, which I personally did while in Cappadocia for ten days:  24 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CAPPADOCIA

The hiking guide!  Find out about all of the best hikes in Cappadocia with details, directions and lots of photos:  8 AWESOME HIKES IN CAPPADOCIA

Thinking about flying in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia? Read this first:  CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOONS: THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY

Have you heard about the castles in Cappadocia? Check these out:

THE UCHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

ORTAHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

CAVUSIN CHURCH, VALLEY & CASTLE

Not sure where is the best region to stay? Wondering which hotel provides the best value? Check out this guide that will help you decide:  WHERE TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA: THE BEST HOTELS & HOSTELS

OR… I write a post about the 12 BEST CAVE HOTELS IN CAPPADOCIA that you might find interesting.

I’ve written a blog post for almost all of the places I’ve visited while in Cappadocia. You can find every single one of these articles right here: CAPPADOCIA ARCHIVES

I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best Cappadocia tours. Enjoy your trip!

Sunday 10th of May 2020

Incredible. Can't wait to be there! I bookmarked your blog and I'm going to use this as my guide when I got there. Thank you so much!

Cappadocia Itinerary: 2, 3, 4 or 5 Day Options

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler. Intrepid Globetrotter, Adventurer, and Frequent Traveler to Turkey!

This website uses affiliate links. For more information, click here .

Cappadocia is one of the most unique places on the planet. Its vast desert landscape has been made famous by its fairy chimneys and cave dwellings, as well as scenic hot air balloon flights, numerous hiking trails, and fascinating open-air museums.

There’s so much to see and do, that putting together your Cappadocia itinerary is not easy.

If you’re thinking of visiting Cappadocia but you’re not sure what to see and when, in what order, and how to get around, you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, I’ve listed our itinerary for 2, 3, 4, and 5 days in Cappadocia, so you can plan your visit and have a smooth trip. 

But first… 

Planning a trip to Cappadocia last-minute?

Make sure you book your tours, places to stay, and airport transfers ahead of time to ensure availability!

Here is our recommended airport transfer in Cappadocia:

• Airport Shuttle From Nevsehir Airport (NAV) or Kayseri Airport (ASR) (Super affordable!)

Here are our recommended tours in Cappadocia:

• Hot Air Balloon Flight In Cappadocia At Sunrise (A must-do In Cappadocia)
• ATV Tours At Sunset
• Green Tour In Cappadocia (Perfect for those not renting a car!)

Here are our recommended places to stay in Cappadocia:

• Koza Cave Hotel (Amazing views and great photo opportunities)
• Museum Hotel (Most luxurious hotel in Cappadocia)
• Kamelya Cave Hostel (Budget hostel with cave rooms!)

How many days is Enough in Cappadocia?

The amount of time you spend in Cappadocia will vastly differ depending on how you travel and what you want to see. 

If you are desperate to fly in a hot air balloon at sunrise, which is the most iconic thing to do in Cappadocia , then you should allow 3-4 days.

Why? Because they don’t fly every day. You should allow yourself some time to avoid disappointment because if the conditions are too windy, they won’t fly and you’ll miss your opportunity.

You should also allow more time if you intend on traveling by public transport. We used only public transport when we visited and it slowed us down a lot. Buses run sporadically and we had to change a couple of times. It took us an hour and a half to get somewhere you can drive in 30 minutes.

If you hire a car and you do it yourself, 3 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Cappadocia to see the highlights. However, you can easily find enough to fill your time for 4 or 5 days.

We stayed for 10 days the first time we went because we loved it so much (and no, we didn’t see it all).

📚 Read More: The Best Istanbul, Cappadocia and Pamukkale Itinerary!

Don’t Miss Out on the BEST Experience in Cappadocia!

No trip to Cappadocia is complete without taking an epic hot air balloon flight at sunrise!

Make sure you reserve your tour well in advance to avoid missing out or paying any additional fees last minute!

Where to Stay in Cappadocia?

What many people don’t realize about Cappadocia is that it’s a region and not a city. It’s made up of several small towns and villages and expands over an area of 150 square km.

If it’s your first time and you’re not sure where to stay in Cappadocia , we recommend you stay in the heart of the region in the town of Goreme.

This is where the night bus from Istanbul drops you off, it’s where you can get buses to other towns in the region, and you can easily book the best Cappadocia tours and hire cars there.

It’s well set up as a base to explore Cappadocia.

The Best 2- Day Cappadocia Itinerary

If you only have two days in Cappadocia then you are going to need to strap on your comfiest shoes and set your alarm early, because we have a lot to pack in!

For those wanting to see the highlights of Cappadocia, we recommend you follow the Red and Green Tour itineraries for these two days. 

These tours, whether you do them yourself or with a tour group, take you to the unmissable places in Cappadocia. 

Day 1: Red Tour

We recommend you start with the Red Tour since it has the least amount of hiking (save your energy for the last day). But first, no trip to Cappadocia would be complete without…

Stop 1: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

…a sunrise hot air balloon flight. This is what makes Cappadocia famous . 

Taking a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia is something that’s definitely worth doing when you’re visiting the area. 

Due to the best wind conditions, they ride at sunrise, which means it doesn’t interrupt your plans for the rest of the day since you have landed and been bought back to your hotel in time for breakfast. 

A sunrise flight is truly spectacular, and the soft warm orange light really enhanced the incredible natural scenes of Cappadocia, with its interesting rock formations, deep valleys, and ancient cave dwellings framed against a glowing orange backdrop. 

The experience of being up in the sky, drifting around all these historic sites, and taking in the majestic panoramic views is truly unforgettable. 

Just make sure to have your tour booked in advance so you don’t miss out. If the balloons are unable to fly on the day you booked, don’t worry, you can reschedule for the next day.

Stop 2: Uchisar Castle

Uchisar Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in Cappadocia since it sits at the highest point in the region. It is believed to have been built somewhere between the 6th and 7th century BC as a defense against oncoming Byzantine armies.

The castle was once a fortress housing over a thousand soldiers, but today it’s an open-air museum that is best known for its views from the top.

As you walk around the museum you need to use your imagination to see how caverns and crevices were used as rooms, but there is no doubt the rock formations are fascinating.

Make sure you wear sturdy shoes as the rocky ground here can be slippery in places.

Stop 3: Goreme Open Air Museum

Without a doubt, the Goreme Open Air Museum is the best museum in Cappadocia. Nestled in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Goreme National Park, this ancient village was one of the first settlements in Cappadocia.

While the exact time in which the settlement was created is unknown, it is considered one of the oldest monastic settlements in the region.

As you wander around the museum, you are surrounded by numerous cave dwellings, fairy chimneys, and rock-cut churches, many of which contain original frescoes from the 10th to 12th centuries during the Byzantine and Roman eras.

One of the most well-preserved churches in the Goreme Open-Air Museum is the Dark Church. It was named because of the little light that enters this dark cave. Despite its darkness, you can still see vibrant frescoes depicting biblical scenes on the vaulted ceilings carved into the cave.

The best part about visiting Goreme Open-Air Museum is that it is within walking distance from the town center of Goreme!

Read More: 7 Best Hot Air Balloon Tours In Cappadocia

Stop 4: Cavusin

Cavusin is a small village located between Goreme and Avanos and is most famous for its castle and chapel. Cavusin Castle is an epic rock formation that rises above the village of Cavusin, and it’s also the home of St. John the Baptist Chapel, one of the largest cave churches in Cappadocia.

Unfortunately, most of the Cavusin Castle has been heavily eroded due to the passing of time, so it’s not safe to go climbing over the rock and into its rooms, but there is a bridge that allows visitors to get to the chapel to see it.

Fortunately, you can still get a pretty good view of it from the road.

Stop 5: Avanos Town (Pottery Workshops)

Avanos is well known for its pottery scene. The pottery here has a long history, dating all the way back to the Hittite period, around 2,000 BCE. The clay used to make the pottery comes from the Red River (Kızılırmak), which runs through Avanos.

The pottery-making tradition has been passed down from generation to generation, and today, there are many pottery shops in Avanos where you can watch the potters at work. When you walk down the street of Avanos, you might see some of the master craftsmen still practicing their pottery skills in their family-owned businesses.

Some of the pottery shops also offer free pottery-making sessions, perfect for travelers that like an interactive experience when traveling in Cappadocia. Without a doubt, pottery from Avanos is the perfect souvenir to remember your Cappadocia trip.

But beware of the tourist traps in Avanos. Much of the pottery is now mass-produced in factories that mimic the work of skilled potters. If you are not sure how to look for a good properly handcrafted piece of work, then make sure you find someone that can help you with it!

Stop 6: Pasabag Monks Valley

Just outside of Avanos is  Pasabag Valley , or Monks Valley in English. This valley is known for its unique fairy chimneys with double to triple mushroom heads.

The most interesting part of the valley is that some of the fairy chimneys have been turned into dwellings by monks and hermits, which is how the valley has gotten its name.

The caves were first inhabited by St. Simeon from Aleppo in the 5th century. Eventually, more and more monks followed in this footsteps and came to Monks Valley to escape from the world and live a simple life in nature.

Nowadays, the caves are no longer inhabited but you can still explore them! Just be careful with going in and out as some of the rooms are very high and might require a bit of climbing!

Stop 7: Devrent Imagination Valley

Devrent Valley , also known as Imagination Valley, is a place in Cappadocia filled with unique fairy chimneys. These rock formations have been carved out over time by erosion, and they look like different animals or objects.

The most notable one is the camel-shaped rock at the entrance of the valley. But as you walk around, you might find a dolphin-shaped rock, a snail-shaped rock, and more! It is one of the best places to get a photo to remember your visit to Cappadocia!

Getting to Devrent Valley can be quite challenging since it is hard to get there via public transport. The best offer is to either get a taxi or take the red tour, which has Devrent Valley as one of the stops.

Stop 8: Sunset at Lover’s Hill

Lover’s Hill is one of the best sunset viewpoints in Cappadocia and possibly the most famous. Located in the town of Goreme, it’s also called the Goreme Sunset Viewpoint, and sits about 30 meters above the city, offering visitors nearly a 360-degree view of the region.

There is a platform built on top of the rock formations where visitors can take photos with the Goreme historic town as the backdrop. There is also usually a horse at the top where you can take photos with it, for a fee of course. 

You can have a light snack or a drink at one of the restaurants on the hill, but it is quite windy so it makes eating and drinking quite difficult.

During sunset, the sun sets behind Uchisar Castle and creates a really cool silhouette of this  Turkey landmark . On the other side of the Goreme Sunset Viewpoint, you can see Zemi Valley.

Because it is situated only a 15-minute walk from Goreme, this viewpoint is one of the most crowded places to visit in Cappadocia, especially during sunset. There is a small fee to enter if you are coming from Goreme, but you can go through Zemi Valley and avoid the fee. 

Day 2: Green Tour

For the second day, you’re going to want to wear your comfiest hiking shoes as it’s time to explore the valleys.

Stop 1: Esentepe Viewpoint (Pigeon Valley Viewpoint)

The Esentepe Viewpoint isn’t a huge attraction in Cappadocia but it’s worth stopping by to check out the incredible scenery. Cappadocia is huge and its size is often largely forgotten about unless you were able to see it from above in a hot air balloon!

One of the best places to appreciate how big the region is, is at Esentepe Viewpoint, which sits between Uchisar and Goreme and overlooks Pigeon Valley .

Pigeon Valley is a special valley in Cappadocia as it is home to several pigeon dwellings. Many years ago, pigeon poop was used as a fertilizer and was incredibly expensive, so the locals cut these pigeon holes into the rock here as a way to collect the poop.

You can wander down into Pigeon Valley from here to check them out, or you can see them from above. It’s up to you!

Stop 2: Derinkuyu Underground City

One of the most fascinating pieces of Cappadocia’s history is the use of underground cities. They weren’t discovered until the early 60s when a local villager was remodeling his house and knocked a wall into the city.

From there, archeologists discovered a huge metropolis of tunnels, caverns, chambers, and vents that make up a massive underground city.

It’s believed that there are more than 200 underground cities in Cappadocia but they have not all been excavated. The largest underground city is the Derinkuyu Underground City , which goes down 8 levels to around 65 meters deep. The full scale is unknown as it’s still being fully excavated, but they think it connects all the way to Kaymakli Underground City.

The cities were believed to have been used as hiding places from Byzantine invaders, and are estimated to have housed more than 20,000 people including all their livestock and belongings.

Stop 3: Ihlara Valley

There are many valleys in Cappadocia but none as unique as Ihlara Valley – for the sole reason that it’s incredibly green . Yes, there is lush nature in the desert!

Ihlara Valley is a gorge filled with lush green vegetation and the Melendiz River passes through the center. There is a hike that passes down through the valley, into the gorge, and past several ancient monuments along the way.

You will come across many Byzantine cave churches and dwellings that were carved into the canyon walls. It’s truly a spectacular place.

This hike can be as long or short as you want it to be since many different trails branch off the main path. However, we recommend starting at Ihlara Village and finishing at Selime so you can see the Selime Monastery.

But if you don’t want to hike for that long, you can start at Ihlara Village and finish at Belisirma Village, where you can have a meal at one of its iconic floating restaurants.

Stop 4: Belisirma Village

Belisirma Village is nestled in the heart of Ihlara Valley. Like most villages in Cappadocia, the houses in Belisirma were cut into the rock face.

But today, small wooden huts have been built on the water’s edge and are used as restaurants for hikers. Some of these huts have platforms reaching out into the middle of the Melendiz River, so you can sit and have your lunch whilst listening to the waters rushing past you on all sides.

After hiking in the warm sun, it’s the perfect place to stop and rest for a while.

Stop 5: Selime Monastery

The Selime Monastery is the last monument on the Ihlara Valley hike and is an epic rock-cut church with plenty of frescos. This cathedral-sized church has been largely damaged by the weather and passing of time, but it’s still impressive to see and with clever imagination, you can see how settlers lived here in the 8th and 9th centuries BC.

It was said that the monastery was also a fortress, as the upper section has what looks like trenches and steep staircases leading to passageways. This evidence puts the creation of the monastery back to the time of the Hittites, before the 8th century – or so it is believed.

The church in the monastery has been separated into 3 sections by two well-preserved rock columns. You can also see where the monks slept and where they cooked meals in the kitchens. It’s truly a fascinating structure.

Stop 6: Onyx Jewelry Factory

Cappadocia is home to some precious gemstones used for jewelry making. The most precious stone in Cappadocia is the Black Onyx, a hard gemstone that can easily be used in the art of jewelry making.

The Onyx Jewelry Factory is a bit touristy and is obviously designed to encourage tourists to spend money, but it is still interesting to learn about the mining and craft work of this gem.

Stop 7: Watch a Whirling Dervishes Show

At nighttime, there’s no better evening entertainment than a Whirling Dervishes show. The Whirling Dervishes are part of the Sufi tradition and they are known to induce a trance-like state that leads to divine inspiration, or “ecstatic trances” for the performers.

The ceremony starts with the recitation of devotional Islamic prayer and then the dervishes start to spin. There are three sections to the dance, so they whirl around for about 10 to 15 minutes each time.

For many of them, this is a way to connect with God and achieve a state of inner peace. The experience can be quite powerful, even if you’re not religious.

There are plenty of places where you can watch the Whirling Dervishes in Cappadocia. However, if you want to see it in an atmospheric setting, then I suggest watching it at the 13th-century Saruhan Caravanserai near Avanos.

The Best Cappadocia Itinerary for 3 Days

Not tired of hiking? Good! Because today we are going to the BEST valleys in Cappadocia and our absolute favorites to hike.

Day 3: Hiking Red and Rose Valley

Depending on your fitness level, you may want to skip some of these hikes and just do the Rose Valley and Red Valley hikes. 

We recommend you get up early to see Love Valley and then rest until early afternoon before hitting the rest. This means you can avoid the strong midday sun.

Stop 1: Love Valley

Love Valley is one of the closest valleys to Goreme so if you haven’t wandered through it yet, you should make sure to check it out first thing in the morning.

It gets its name from the phallic shapes of the rock formations, which experts believe were formed by ancient  volcanic eruptions that occurred 9 to 3 million years ago .

The region was covered in thick ash, which eventually solidified into soft rock formations that eroded easily. The cap of the fairy chimneys is usually much more resilient to erosion, hence why the cap of the fairy chimney is usually bigger than the neck.

The valley is small and won’t take long to wander around. Once you’ve grabbed a few selfies, it’s time to go on some real hiking.

Stop 2: Meskendir Valley

Meskendir Valley is often overlooked as a valley because it doesn’t have those huge rock formations that everyone knows and loves. However, if you have allowed a full day to hike Rose and Red Valley, then it’s easy to add this on to your hike and there is a good reason why you would want to do this.

The Meskendir Valley starts from Kaya Camping Ground, just across from Aynali Church. From here, you will immediately see a signpost in graffiti saying ‘Rose’ and ‘Red’ indicating the route to take.

Meskendir Valley only adds another 2.7km to the hike and it’s pretty flat most of the way. You’ll pass by gorgeous rock tunnels and formations, and it’s also pretty green as well with a few trees for shading.

Stop 3: Rose Valley

Rose Valley is one of the most famous valleys in Cappadocia because of the pink hue of the rock that lies here. Its landscape is stunning, with gorges and ridge lines that are covered in dry grass, and from the top of the ridge, you have pretty epic views into Red Valley as well.

It’s also home to some ancient cave dwellings and churches. The most famous is The Crusader Church, which still has some well-preserved frescoes inside.

Inside the valley, you walk past pigeon homes (dovecotes) and more cave dwellings. The highlight is seeing the Columned Church, which is famous for its intact columns inside the church.

Stop 4: Red Valley

Rose Valley leads into Red Valley , and the exact spot in which the two valleys connect isn’t exactly clear, but you will know when you enter Red Valley and the sun goes down as the rock is illuminated in a gorgeous red color.

Red Valley also has some fairy chimneys and churches, but unlike Rose Valley, you cannot go inside them. The landscape of Red Valley is reason enough to visit, and if you plan your hike too late afternoon, you should reach Red Valley around sunset.

The Red Valley sunset viewpoint is one of the most special places. You can sit on swing benches, unroll a picnic blanket, or sit on the picnic benches next to the refreshment stands and replenish yourself as you watch the sunset.

Don’t dwindle too long as you still need to hike back. Fortunately, the hike is pretty flat all the way once you make it down from the ridge, and the sun takes a while to set, so you can reach Goreme before the sun passes behind the valleys.

Stop 5: Red Valley ATV Adventure

If you finished your hike earlier than sunset, don’t rush off back to town, stick around and do an ATV sunset tour of Red Valley. This is an activity for the adrenaline junkie, as you get to zip through the desert on a four-wheel drive ATV quad bike.

You’ll be led by an expert guide who will take you off-the-beaten-path, to the most beautiful spots where you can watch the sunset, and give you time to see how fast you can go on the flat stretch of sand used as a hot air balloon landing site.

Ever wanted to zoom around the desert on an ATV? Now is your chance.

The Best Cappadocia Itinerary for 4 Days

On the fourth day, we are going to travel a long way to Lake Tuz, which is around 126km West of Goreme.

Day 4: Avanos and Lake Tuz

The route to Lake Tuz first goes to the town of Avanos, so if you haven’t explored it yet, we recommend you stop at two very iconic landmarks in the area first. 

Then you pass through two cities in Cappadocia, Nevsehir, and Aksaray. 

You will need to hire a car or take a tour to see Lake Tuz , it’s just too complicated on public transport.

Stop 1: Zelve Open Air Museum

If you enjoyed the Goreme Open Air Museum, or maybe you skipped it, you might also like to see the Zelve Open Air Museum which is much of the same thing.

Zelve was a former settlement, and while there isn’t much hard evidence that tells its history, we can learn from the architecture and excavations that the cave dwellings were used by a small troglodyte community since the Byzantine Era.

It was only until the 9th and 13th centuries did this small village come into religious importance, with the first seminaries for priests established here. In between those times, Zelve was used as a haven against the Persian and Arab attacks. After the Byzantine era, this small village was turned into a Muslim village under the Ottoman Empire.

Nonetheless, Zelve was a place where Christians and Muslims co-existed harmoniously, as detailed by the ruins of churches and a rock-cut mosque with a dome.

What’s always fascinated me about Zelve was that people were living here right up until 1952! It was then that the Turkish government moved the settlers to nearby Yeni Zelve (Aktepe), just 2 kilometers to the northeast because the rock dwellings were deemed too unsafe to live in.

In 1967, the Zelve Valleys were turned into the museum, and you can see large portions of the village have been closed off due to erosion, but what’s left to see is pretty cool.

Stop 2: Avanos Chez Galip Hair Museum

Perhaps there is no attraction in Cappadocia more unusual than the Chez Galip Hair Museum in Avanos. This museum is exactly what it sounds like, a museum dedicated to hair, women’s hair. It is estimated that there are over 16,000 locks of hair in the museum.

The museum all started when the owner of a pottery shop, Galip Körükçü, was given a lock of his friend’s hair as a memento when she moved out. This story moved a lot of women that stopped in the area, and many of them started to give some of their hair to Galip Körükçü.

Eventually, he opened up a museum dedicating the hair of women. Nowadays, women still come to donate their hair, but that is because they have a chance to win an all-expense-paid trip to Cappadocia.

When visiting the Chez Galip Hair Museum, make sure you check out the pottery shop that accompanies it.

Stop 3: Nevşehir

At the heart of Cappadocia lies the beautiful city of Nevşehir, the capital of Cappadocia. Partly surrounded by a horseshoe-shaped mountain ridge, the city is packed full of amazing historical sites and attractions.

As you head towards Lake Tuz, be sure to stop at the Nevsehir Museum which contains ancient relics and artifacts found in the area. You can also pass by Nevşehir Castle, which has amazing views of the city.

Stop 4: Aksaray

The city of Aksaray is full of beauty and history, making it a great pit stop on the way to explore Lake Tuz. With ruins from the Seljuk Empire and various historical mosques, including Somuncu Baba Tomb, Aksaray has many places to explore if you’re still interested in Cappadocia’s history.

The Zinciriye Madrasa church, Sultanhani Caravanserai, and Aksaray Museum are three of the top attractions in the city.

But the reason to visit Aksaray is that it is one of the largest cities in the region, meaning it has plenty of great places to enjoy the delicious local cuisine as well as unique shopping experiences. 

Fuel up, both your car and your belly, and when you’re ready keep driving to Lake Tuz.

Stop 5: Lake Tuz

Lake Tuz was the second-largest lake in Turkey and one of the largest hypersaline lakes in the world. It’s famous for its pink hue, which is caused by salt-tolerant algae.

The lake is not always pink though, it’s only pink when the weather is hot and there’s no rain – so it’s best to visit in the summer if you want to catch the pinkness.

The lake may be a natural phenomenon, but it is also used for mining salt. It is believed that it supplies the country with 70% of its salt production.

Over the years, the lake has been slowly drying up due to climate change , and in October 2021, it dried up completely. Because there is no outlet, when the water is used up, it’s used up.

It was also home to 5,000 flamingoes, but since there is no longer a home for them, they have all disappeared.

While you might want to visit to see the iconic pink hues that made it famous, today you should visit for another reason – to see the catastrophic effects of climate change with your own eyes.

The Best Cappadocia Itinerary for 5 Days

If you’re planning to spend 5 days in Cappadocia, I wouldn’t add any more attractions than the ones I’ve already given you. You could do some more hikes and see more valleys , but after 5 days you are probably feeling like you’ve seen a lot of the same landscape.

Instead, I would just do the four day Cappadocia itinerary above much slower. You may want to do the Red and Green tour itinerary yourself by hiring a car and spending more time at the Ihlara Valley for example.

You may also find the Derinkuyu Underground City fascinating and want to see the nearby Kaymakli Underground City as well.

I suggest hiring a car for five days and being flexible. Use the itinerary above as a guide for which attractions to visit and in which order, but don’t feel like you need to rush through them. Use your last day as a buffer.

Or simply relax in a Turkish hamam or have an extended lunch looking over the valleys. What’s a vacation without a little relaxation as well?

Getting Around Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a bit of a pain to get around if you don’t have a car. I highly recommend renting a car and driving yourself if you are spending more than 2 days in Cappadocia.

If you’re short on time, it would be beneficial for you to book the Red and Green tours, as they take you to all the highlights.

You can get around Cappadocia by public transport (we did) but it was not an efficient use of time. The buses run every 20-30 minutes and they run on Turkish time, which means they show up when they feel like it.

The bus drivers also speak very little English and you may have to change buses (especially if you plan to go from Goreme to the underground cities ). It can take you up to an hour to reach each attraction on the bus, so you will need to allow at least 4-5 days in Cappadocia if you don’t drive.

We found we hiked to most places. You can easily hike to Uchisar from Goreme by passing through Love Valley and White Valley, and you can also hike to Cauvusin from Goreme through Red and Rose Valley. 

Tips for Visiting Cappadocia

To help you have the best trip to Cappadocia, here are a few words of advice:

• Go slow and don’t try to pack it all in. I know these itineraries are jam-packed, but you’re going to exhaust yourself trying to see every valley and do every hike . Take time to just wander the towns and soak in the atmosphere as well.
• Hire a car. It will honestly save you so much time and stress by doing everything yourself and driving.
• Download the MapsMe App. This is an offline satellite GPS and is perfect for those who are hiking as you can follow the trails offline. 
• Prepare for cold weather. Even in the summer, nights can be cold in Cappadocia. Pack warm clothing such as a jumper to wear in the evenings.
• Prepare for hot weather. Contrary to above, the daytime can be super hot because the landscape is all white and reflects the sun. Wear suncream and a sunhat. You’ll thank me later.
• Take out cash, as many places don’t accept credit cards.

Final Thoughts on Cappadocia Itinerary

So there you have it, this is how you can spend your days in Cappadocia, and as you can see, there is a LOT to see and do.

No matter how many days you plan to spend in Cappadocia, we know you will have a great trip.

Do you have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments.

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler

Sean Lau is a professional travel blogger and writer with adoration for Turkey. Originally from the USA, Sean frequently travels to Turkey to explore every nook and cranny. From bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the tranquil beaches of Antalya, Sean has seen it all. He hopes to share his first-hand knowledge, insider insights, and personal anecdotes to inspire fellow travelers to visit Turkey, especially to his favorite destinations – Istanbul and Cappadocia.

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Cappadocia Hiking Tour

On the Cappadocia hiking tour, you will be able to watch the most beautiful valleys of Cappadocia together with the experience of hiking.

About the Activity

• Private Tour

Only you and our guide will be in the tour

It takes around 4 hours

• Easy Cancellation

Free Cancellation up to 48 hours

On the Cappadocia hiking tour, you will be able to watch the most beautiful valleys of Cappadocia together with the experience of cycling.

Swords Valley: Swords Valley takes its name from the fairy chimneys that look like swords. The valley, which attracts great attention from tourists, hosts trekking trails and safaris. Inside the valley, you will witness a tunnel of more than 250 meters long and very different shapes of fairy chimneys. In the region where the caves are very dense, you can see the beehives and pigeon nests of the past. Under the chirps of birds and fairy chimneys, you should make a journey to history to make up your day. You have to conquer the valley gradually, taking in the beauty of nature.

Rose Valley: The Rose Valley is an isolated valley behind Urgup. It has beautiful rock formations with some great hidden rock – carved churches. The most interesting part of this area is the countless tracks connecting the small villages and towns through vineyards and gardens like a spider net. It is always possible to see villagers working in the area and offering grapes, apples or apricots to you.

Love Valley: The most important feature of Cappadocia and Love Valley and the elements that make this place wonderful are undoubtedly the fairy chimneys. With their different sizes, colors and impressive words, these looks will make you fall in love with them.

Goreme Panoramic: We will watch Cappadocia from a great location where you can see Cappadocia as a bird's eye view.

• Hotel pick-up and drop off by vehicle
• Professional Guide Service

Not Included

• Lunch (can be optionally added)

Discover Cappadocia and have fun!

50 Euro / per person

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Cappadocia Sunset Hiking Tour

Discover the beauty of nature and unfold the secrets of Cappadocia’s infamous valleys.

This alternative excursion invites you to witness  Cappadocia’s main attractions by walking during the sunset. Discover   the valley of Cappadocis  on foot ,  take the best pictures .

  This exceptional walking tour takes place every day during the afternoon.

  The guide will be in charge to explain everything you need to know about the places .

  Duration of this walking tour is 1 -hour .  

+ Hotel  pick-up  and drop- off.

+ Transport by air-conditioned minivan .

+ Professional English -s peaking t our g u ide.

You will be picked-up from your hotel  at the afternoon.  First,  we  will   visit  Turasan wine factory  to taste Cappadocian wines.   After that, you will enjoy a walk towards Red Valley, surrounded by the beauty of nature. The valley took its name from the red colour that the rocks are taking because of the daylight.    After sunset, we leave you back to your hotel.

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• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon

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• Cappadocia Jeep Safari Tour  
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Cappadocia Turkish Night

• Cappadocia Hike Tour
• Mustafapasa
• Cappadocia Blue Tour
• Cappadocia Red Tour

Cappadocia Green Tour

• Cappadocia Private Mustafapasa Tour
• Derinkuyu Underground City

Ozkonak Underground City Turkey

Cappadocia kaymakli underground city.

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• Cave Hotels In Cappadocia

Cappadocia Hiking Tour

Before we talked about the Cappadocia Hiking Tour; We learn new things about Cappadocia every day. In addition to what we know, there are so many features the path is not just a dirt road. First of all, it is a huge bridge built between the past and the present. This huge bridge is also a magical world that will bring you together with our history. Cappadocia’s Hiking path is a source of energy, motivation, and peace. You will look at life from a different perspective full of energy. You will also have the chance to see interesting places. Cappadocia hiking Tour Trail is that thin border between looking and seeing. In short, it is much more than the act of going from one place to another.

For this trip, you need an outfit that will not sweat and a pair of shoes that you can walk comfortably. If you have these, you are ready for the Cappadocia walks. Walking is the easiest sport to do. On the one hand, you will do sports and explore the environment. On the other hand, you will get away from city life, meet nature and satisfy your longing.

Cappadocia Hiking Tour Trails

You are on the hiking trails of Cappadocia. Take a moment, feel…

Just listen to the sound of nature…

Nature offers us a life with all its generosity. A gust of wind is blowing. It’s beautiful, warm, sweet, a breeze. The leaves of the trees gently touch each other. Hear the sounds these leaves make by touching each other. Colorful birds dance with this sound. Let the birds dance. Let’s take a quick look at our Cappadocia Hike routes.

Cappadocia Hike Tour Routes

You will visit nature step by step with the Cappadocia hike routes. You will both get fresh air and discover magnificent beauties. An eye-catching nature view will surprise you. You will encounter many things on the Cappadocia hiking path. Extraordinary valleys, mysterious caves, underground cities, bunkers, secret tunnels, churches, rock-hewn houses. You will be lost in such a historical depth. Your body, mind, and soul will be relieved of stress.

We will pick you up at our meeting point with our transfer vehicle at nine in the morning. Among the Cappadocia walks, we will first visit the Gomeda Valley. Then we will visit Mustafapasa village in Urgup. We will have our lunch in Mustafapasa Village. After drinking our tea, we will go to Zemi Valley. After the Cappadocia hiking path is completed, we will drop you off at your hotel with our vehicle. Please contact us for Cappadocia hiking tour prices.

Cappadocia hiking routes:

• Gomeda valley
• Zemi valley

  Cappadocia Hikes- Gomeda Valley

One of the activities to be done in Cappadocia is the Cappadocia hiking tour. We are in the Gomeda Valley in the Mustafapasa village of Nevsehir’s Urgup district.

The Cappadocia hiking trail starts with the Gomeda Valley. We are in the Gomeda Valley. A creek flows by the side of the road. A lively stream. It is so alive that it will almost turn green if a dry bark from a tree falls into it. This creek is like the elixir of immortality. It gives life to thousands of kinds of flowers and greenery around it. This brook will give us living along the hiking trails of Cappadocia. Let’s make our first historical monument visit.

  Alakara Church

We continue our tour of Cappadocia hiking trails. By the way, we see a stone sign at the entrance of Gomeda Valley. On this stone sign, the holy cross Alakara Church is written. Unfortunately, the Alakara church suffered a lot of damage. On the other hand, it is gratifying that it has not been destroyed. It continues to exist. There are graves of children, adults, and saints inside.

Paintings made with metallic paints dissolved in lime water on a wet wall, which we call fresco in the history of art, catch our eye. There are depictions of saints on the arches and columns. The interior decorations of the building have been damaged in places. Therefore, the pictures and figures are not fully understood. However, it is seen that red and black colors were used while creating these figures.

There is one of the apses in the Alakara Church, which has similar features to the structure we call the mihrab found in the places of worship of Islamic civilizations. On this apse are the images of the holy Jesus, his 12 apostles, and red angel wings partially visible.

  St. Basilios Church

We are on the Cappadocia hiking routes. We continue our sightseeing tour of Gomeda Valley in Nevsehir Urgup.

St. Basilios Church is located very close to Alakara Church. However, it is not on a flat surface. For this reason, we have to climb up through some rocks. We enter through an iron-barred door. Stairsteps carved out of thin and narrow rock appear before us. Right in front of us, we see three arched columns. And behind it is the apse area. The whole church has two apses. We notice that a small part of the right side of one of the apses has been destroyed. Later, stone pillars were supported under it.

The frescoes on the ceiling are quite prominent. Yellow, red, and green colors are used extensively. It is decorated with various geometric motifs and a large cross pattern is embroidered. The other apse received a lot of moisture from the back. Unlike the first apse, the engravings here are not very clear. On the other hand, the reliefs embroidered in red draw attention. After all, it is one of the must-see places.

  Cappadocia hiking path

After our church visits on the Cappadocia hiking path, we take lots of photos on the Gomeda viewing terraces. Many legends have been written about the Gomeda Valley. They even call it the jinn valley. A thriller-fantasy movie shot in Turkey is named after this valley. Although Gomeda is located in the Cappadocia region, it is an unpopular valley. I wonder why? Have the fairies invaded this valley? Gomeda valley is mysterious and magical for some. For some, it is terrifying and majestic. In our opinion, this noble beauty is created by basting the dismantled pieces on brand new weavings. This must be what they call mother nature. In other words, other formations of the Gomeda Valley are like a nursing mother in her bosom.

Cappadocia hiking routes We are in the Gomeda valley. There are structures called Guvercinlik. This large rock formation has cavities cut into the structures. And perches were made in these cavities. These cavities with the appearance of small windows were made to obtain pigeon manure. Pigeon manure is used in agriculture. We also take pictures of these magnificent works of art.

Cappadocia walks continue. We tour the Gomeda Valley. A creek flows by the side of the road. A lively stream. It is so alive that it will almost turn green if a dry bark from a tree falls into it. This creek is like a magic potion. It gives life to thousands of kinds of flowers and greenery around it. We are moving to Mustafapasa village to add a little more vitality to our liveliness.

  Mustafapasa Village

We are doing Cappadocia walks. We are in Mustafapasa village of Urgup district of Nevsehir province. Mustafapasa is one of the most untouched and natural villages of Cappadocia. This village was called Sinasos in ancient times. Urgup Mustafapasa village, which draws attention with its many historical buildings and houses, where stonemasonry turns into artistic architecture, is one of the places that must be visited.

It was chosen as the best tourism village by the United Nations World Tourism Organization in 2021. Mustafapasa deserved this choice with its extraordinary beauties, valleys, bridges, and stone mansions. It is the best tourist village suitable for visiting.

Also, let’s talk about the must-see places. Mehmet Sakirpasa Madrasa, St. Nicholas Monastery, Constantine Helena Church, St. Vasilios Church, St. Basel chapel, Saint Gregorios Church, Cappadocia Art History Museum, Marasoglu Bridge, and many more places can be visited. For example, the Asmalı Konak TV series was shot in Mustafapasa village. You can also visit this mansion and add it to your Cappadocia hiking routes.

You can take lots of photos in Mustafa Pasha Village. Also you can buy your souvenirs here. You can chat with the locals of this village and listen to legendary stories. You can also taste the delicious local cuisine.

  Cappadocia Walks Zemi Valley

Zemi Valley is next on the Cappadocia hiking routes. Zemi Valley is one of the longest valleys of Cappadocia. Many parts of the Zemi Valley look as if huge hard cotton were lined and randomly laid on the ground. From afar, it looks like a white but messy cover. Some rocks resemble large overlapping white leaves. We will come across interesting-looking fairy chimneys and many pigeon houses along the hiking path in Cappadocia.

Located in the direction of the Cappadocia hiking trail, this valley takes its name from the Zemi Stream passing through it. This stream is the life source of the region. Because all kinds of natural and wild greenery are fed from the stream. On the Cappadocia hiking path, some paths run along this stream. There are many roads up and down hills and ups and downs. While descending into the valley, one should walk carefully at the landing points, which are considered quite steep. If you feel tired, you can wet your feet in the ice-cold water of the stream and take short breaks.

Zemi Valley Trenkking Paths

There are plenty of fruit trees in Zemi Valley along with the Cappadocia hiking path. According to the season, apple, quince, mulberry, cherry, pear, cherry, apricot variety is available. If you come across it, you can taste these completely organic fruits. In addition, potable water resources in Zemi Valley are also interesting. These mineral spring waters, which visitors are especially curious about, are very beneficial for health. Therefore, you can drink it for healing.

The valley contains many mysterious caves and also tunnels. Some sloping roads on the Cappadocia hiking trails may cause difficult passages. However, it can be a lot of fun for adventure lovers who want to see cave tunnels and passages.

After walking for about 2.5 km in the valley, there is Karabulut Church in an area that is difficult to access. It is recommended to visit with a guide. On the opposite side, 200 meters ahead, is the Cistern Church.

  Cistern Church

The Cistern Church was used as a water cistern in the past. The frescoes above the waterline are still visible. Unfortunately, the underwater ones are not obvious. As far as the eye can see, Jesus’ crucifixion, birth figures, and pictures of saints in circles are depicted.

  Hidden church

Our church tours continue on the Cappadocia hiking trails. The hidden church is also known as Aya Jones Church. The hidden church is located on a very steep slope on the left side of the Zemi Valley. From the height of the church, the view of the valley looks magnificent. This is a very unknown church, although it has been there for a long time. This church was discovered very late as it was destroyed on the steep rocks.

There are two columns and three arches in the interior of this historical church, which was built with 3 apses. On the ceiling of the Hidden Church, relief crosses and geometric motifs are striking. It is one of the recommended places to visit with an experienced guide on Cappadocia hiking routes.

  Al Nazar church

El Nazar Church is located at the end of Zemi Valley. This church, which was carved into a large fairy chimney, is striking with its interesting appearance. A rainbow picture can be seen on the ceiling of the church. And through this rainbow, the drawing of the holy Jesus towards the sky is depicted. Various legends were narrated on its walls and domes. This narrative painting, which is depicted chronologically, must be seen.

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