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Plan Your Cappadocia Travel! Ultimate Travel Guide to Cappadocia in 11 Tips!
Cappadocia's Hidden Treasures
Ultimate guide to valley hikes and underground cities
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Cappadocia's otherworldly landscape offers more than just hot air balloon rides and cave hotels. The region is home to a network of spectacular valleys and mysterious underground cities that provide a glimpse into its rich geological and historical past.
While many tourists are drawn to the iconic fairy chimneys and cave dwellings visible from above, those who venture on foot through the valleys or descend into the ancient underground settlements discover Cappadocia's true hidden treasures.
This guide will take you through the most breathtaking valleys for hiking and the most impressive underground cities in Cappadocia, Turkey. We'll also provide practical tips to help you plan your adventure and make the most of your visit to this extraordinary region.
Must-Visit Valleys in Cappadocia
Cappadocia's valleys are natural wonders sculpted over millions of years by erosion. Each valley has its own distinct character and features, from colorful rock formations to ancient cave churches and dwellings. Here are the most spectacular valleys you shouldn't miss during your visit:
Red and Rose Valley
Named for their distinctive reddish-pink rock formations, Red Valley (Kızılçukur) and Rose Valley (Güllüdere) are often explored together as they connect seamlessly. These valleys are renowned for their stunning sunset views and remarkable rock-cut churches, some dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries.
The hiking trail through these valleys is moderately difficult but rewards visitors with some of Cappadocia's most photogenic landscapes. Notable stops include the Church of the Three Crosses (Üç Haçlı Kilise) and the Column Church (Kolonlu Kilise), featuring well-preserved Byzantine frescoes.
For the best experience, start your hike from Ortahisar or Çavuşin in the late afternoon to witness the spectacular sunset that sets the red rocks ablaze with color. The complete trail is about 5 km long and takes 2-3 hours to complete at a leisurely pace.
Love Valley
Love Valley (Bağlıdere) is famous for its unique tall, thin rock formations that rise dramatically from the valley floor. The distinctive shape of these fairy chimneys gives the valley its name, though locals originally called it "Valley of the Phalluses" due to their suggestive form.
This valley offers a relatively easy hiking experience with well-marked trails. It's located near Göreme and can be accessed from either Göreme or Uçhisar. The main trail is approximately 4 km long and takes about 2 hours to complete.
Love Valley is particularly beautiful in the morning light when the rock formations cast long shadows across the valley floor. It's also a popular spot for hot air balloons to float through at sunrise, creating a magical scene for photographers and early risers.
Pigeon Valley
Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi) gets its name from the countless dovecotes carved into the soft rock faces throughout the valley. These pigeon houses were created by locals who collected the birds' droppings to use as fertilizer for their crops in the nutrient-poor soil.
The valley stretches between Uçhisar and Göreme, offering a pleasant hike with moderate difficulty. The main trail is about 4 km long and takes approximately 1.5-2 hours to complete. The path offers stunning views of Uçhisar Castle in the distance.
Along the way, you'll find several tea gardens where you can rest and enjoy traditional Turkish tea while taking in the views. The valley is also home to fruit orchards and vineyards, making it particularly lush in the spring and summer months.
Ihlara Valley
Ihlara Valley is a 14 km long gorge formed by the Melendiz River and stands in stark contrast to Cappadocia's other valleys with its lush vegetation. The canyon reaches depths of up to 100 meters and was once home to over 4,000 dwellings and 100 cave churches carved into its walls.
Located about 40 km from Göreme, Ihlara Valley is usually visited as part of the Green Tour or as a separate day trip. The full hike through the canyon takes about 3-4 hours, but there are several entry and exit points that allow for shorter experiences.
The valley's most remarkable features are its rock-cut churches decorated with frescoes, including Ağaçaltı Church, Yılanlı Church (Snake Church), and Kokar Church. The refreshing river, shady trees, and peaceful atmosphere make Ihlara an ideal escape during hot summer days.
Exploring Cappadocia's Underground Cities
Cappadocia's underground cities are among the most remarkable ancient architectural achievements in the world. These multi-level complexes were carved deep into the earth and designed to shelter entire communities during times of persecution and invasion.
To date, over 200 underground cities have been discovered in the Cappadocia region, with only a handful open to the public. These subterranean settlements feature an ingenious network of ventilation shafts, water wells, communal kitchens, storage rooms, chapels, and living quarters connected by narrow passages and steep staircases.
Let's explore the three most impressive underground cities that you can visit:
Derinkuyu Underground City
Derinkuyu is the deepest underground city in Cappadocia and one of the most impressive. Extending approximately 85 meters below ground level, this massive complex consists of 8 accessible levels (though it's believed to have as many as 18 levels in total).
Built to accommodate up to 20,000 people along with their livestock and food supplies, Derinkuyu features all the amenities needed for long-term underground living. Visitors can explore stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, chapels, and a large cruciform church.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Derinkuyu is its sophisticated security system. Each level could be sealed off separately using large stone doors that could only be opened from the inside, and the narrow passageways were designed to force invaders to move in single file, making them vulnerable to defenders.
The underground city also features a 55-meter deep ventilation shaft that doubled as a well, ensuring a secure water supply during extended periods of refuge.
Kaymaklı Underground City
Kaymaklı is the widest underground city in the region and features a different layout than Derinkuyu. While not as deep, its broader construction spreads out horizontally with lower ceilings and a more compact design.
The city has 8 levels below ground, though only 4 are open to visitors. Kaymaklı is known for its extensive storage areas, suggesting it may have been used as a distribution center for goods throughout the region.
Notable features include a large ventilation shaft, numerous living quarters, stables on the first floor (allowing animal odors to rise up and out), communal kitchens with tandir ovens, and a church. Like Derinkuyu, it also has impressive security measures, including narrow corridors and heavy stone doors.
Kaymaklı is connected to Derinkuyu by an 8 km tunnel, though this passage is not accessible to visitors. The underground city is located about 20 km from Nevşehir and is included in many guided tours of the region.
Özkonak Underground City
Discovered more recently in 1972, Özkonak is smaller and less visited than Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı, offering a more intimate experience for visitors. Located near the Avanos district, this underground city has 10 floors, though only 4 are open to the public.
Özkonak stands out for its unique ventilation system and security features. Unlike other underground cities, it has small holes above the stone doors that were used to pour hot oil on intruders. It also features a communication system made up of small holes connecting different levels, allowing residents to speak to each other between floors.
The city could accommodate approximately 60 people on each of its floors and includes all the typical features of underground settlements: living quarters, storerooms, wells, wineries, and communal areas. Its smaller size and fewer tourists make it an excellent alternative for those looking to avoid crowds.
When visiting these underground cities, it's important to note that the narrow passages and low ceilings can be challenging for those with claustrophobia or mobility issues. It's recommended to visit with a guide who can explain the historical context and point out easily missed details.
Essential Hiking Tips for Cappadocia's Valleys
Exploring Cappadocia's valleys on foot offers an intimate connection with the landscape that can't be experienced from a hot air balloon or car. To make the most of your hiking adventures, consider these essential tips:
Best Time to Go Hiking
The ideal seasons for hiking in Cappadocia are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when temperatures are mild and comfortable. Summer months (July and August) can be extremely hot with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F), making hiking challenging, especially during midday.
Winter hiking is possible but less common due to potential snow and cold temperatures. However, seeing the fairy chimneys dusted with snow offers a magical perspective for photographers willing to brave the cold.
For the best lighting conditions, plan your hikes for early morning or late afternoon. This not only helps avoid the midday heat but also provides the most flattering light for photography. Sunset hikes in Red Valley are particularly popular for the golden light that illuminates the red rocks.
What to Bring on Your Hike
- Water: Carry at least 1.5-2 liters per person, more in summer months.
- Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential as there's limited shade in most valleys.
- Proper footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good grip are recommended, as trails can be dusty, rocky, and occasionally steep.
- Hiking map: While main trails are generally well-marked, a map helps navigate intersections and identify points of interest.
- Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, dried fruits, and other portable snacks help maintain energy levels.
- Camera: The landscapes are stunning, so don't forget your camera!
- Light jacket: Even in summer, early mornings and evenings can be cool.
- Small first aid kit: Include basics like band-aids, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
Trail Difficulty Levels
| Valley | Difficulty | Length | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red & Rose Valley | Moderate | 5-7 km | 2-3 hours | Some steep sections, uneven terrain |
| Love Valley | Easy to Moderate | 4 km | 1.5-2 hours | Mostly flat, some sandy areas |
| Pigeon Valley | Moderate | 4 km | 1.5-2 hours | Some climbing required, well-marked path |
| Ihlara Valley | Easy to Moderate | 7-14 km | 3-5 hours | Initial descent of 400 steps, then mostly flat |
| White Valley | Moderate | 3.5 km | 1.5 hours | Some scrambling required, less crowded |
Most trails in Cappadocia are accessible to hikers with moderate fitness levels. However, the terrain can be challenging in places with loose rocks, steep inclines, and uneven surfaces. Always assess your personal fitness level and experience before attempting more difficult trails.
It's also worth noting that many valleys interconnect, allowing you to customize your hike by combining different routes. For example, you can connect Red Valley with Rose Valley and Meskendir Valley for a longer, more varied hike.
Guided Tours: The Easiest Way to Explore
While independent exploration has its charms, joining a guided tour offers many advantages, especially for first-time visitors. Professional guides provide historical context, point out easily missed features, and handle logistics, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Here are the main organized tours available in Cappadocia:
Green Tour
The Green Tour is one of Cappadocia's most popular guided excursions, focusing on the southern part of the region. This full-day tour typically includes visits to Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı Underground City, the stunning Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, and the picturesque Pigeon Valley.
What makes this tour special is the contrast between the arid landscapes typical of Cappadocia and the lush greenery of Ihlara Valley. The tour also provides a comprehensive introduction to the region's historical and cultural heritage, with knowledgeable guides explaining the significance of each site.
Most Green Tours include lunch at a riverside restaurant in Ihlara Valley, hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, and comfortable transportation between sites. It's an excellent choice for visitors who want to explore beyond the central Cappadocia area and see some of the less accessible attractions.
Learn more about the Green Tour options in Cappadocia.
Red Tour
The Red Tour focuses on the northern part of Cappadocia and covers many of the most iconic landmarks in the region. This tour typically includes visits to Uçhisar Castle, Göreme Open Air Museum, Pasabag (Monks Valley), Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley), and the town of Avanos, famous for its pottery traditions.
The Red Tour is perfect for first-time visitors as it provides an excellent overview of Cappadocia's most famous rock formations, cave churches, and cultural sites. At the Göreme Open Air Museum, you'll discover ancient Byzantine cave churches adorned with well-preserved frescoes that date back to the 10th-12th centuries.
Most tour operators include lunch, hotel transfers, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide. Photography enthusiasts particularly appreciate this tour for the variety of stunning landscapes and unique geological formations it showcases.
Find out more about the Red Tour options in Cappadocia.
Private Tours
For travelers seeking a more customized experience, private tours offer the ultimate flexibility and personalization. These tours can be tailored to your specific interests, pace, and schedule, allowing you to visit exactly what you want to see and spend as much time as you prefer at each location.
Private tours are ideal for photography enthusiasts who need more time at certain spots, families with young children who require a flexible schedule, or anyone looking to explore off-the-beaten-path locations not covered in standard group tours.
With a private guide, you'll benefit from personalized attention and deeper insights into the history and geology of Cappadocia. Your guide can also help you avoid crowds by suggesting the best times to visit popular attractions and can introduce you to hidden gems known only to locals.
While private tours are more expensive than group options, many visitors find the personalized experience well worth the additional cost. Most tour companies allow you to create a custom itinerary that combines elements from different standard tours or includes specific sites you're interested in visiting.
Learn more about private tour options in Cappadocia.
Best Photography Spots in Cappadocia's Valleys
Cappadocia is a photographer's paradise, offering countless opportunities to capture extraordinary landscapes, unique geological formations, and cultural heritage. Here are some of the most photogenic spots throughout the region's valleys and underground cities:
- Sunset Point in Göreme: This easily accessible viewpoint offers panoramic vistas of the entire region and is particularly magical during sunset when the fairy chimneys are bathed in golden light.
- Red Valley at Sunset: The reddish rock formations take on a fiery glow during the golden hour, creating a surreal landscape that's perfect for dramatic photographs.
- Love Valley from Above: The viewing platform near Uçhisar provides an excellent vantage point to capture the distinctive tall fairy chimneys of Love Valley in their entirety.
- Rose Valley Church Frescoes: The ancient Byzantine frescoes inside the cave churches of Rose Valley offer fascinating close-up photography opportunities that showcase the region's rich cultural heritage.
- Pigeon Valley from Uçhisar Castle: Climb to the top of Uçhisar Castle for sweeping views of Pigeon Valley and its countless dovecotes carved into the rock face.
- Paşabağ (Monks Valley): The mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys here are among the most distinctive in Cappadocia and offer endless creative possibilities, especially with early morning or late afternoon light.
- Derinkuyu Underground City: The mysterious corridors, ancient ventilation shafts, and stone doors present unique challenges for low-light photography that can result in hauntingly beautiful images.
- Ihlara Valley Riverside: The contrast between the lush green vegetation and steep canyon walls creates dramatic compositions, particularly where the sunlight filters through the trees.
Photography Tips for Cappadocia
To make the most of Cappadocia's photographic opportunities, consider these helpful tips:
- Golden Hour Magic: Plan your photography sessions during the golden hours after sunrise and before sunset when the soft, warm light enhances the colors and textures of the rock formations.
- Include Balloons for Scale: If you're photographing landscapes during the morning balloon flights (between 5:30 AM and 7:30 AM), include the colorful hot air balloons to add both scale and interest to your compositions.
- Bring a Wide-Angle Lens: The vast landscapes and deep valleys are best captured with a wide-angle lens that can encompass the breadth and scale of these formations.
- Don't Forget a Tripod: For low-light photography inside underground cities and cave churches, a tripod is essential for sharp images without raising your ISO too high.
- Consider a Polarizing Filter: This can help manage reflections and enhance the blue skies, making the contrast between the rock formations and sky more dramatic.
- Explore Different Perspectives: Don't just shoot from eye level—get low to the ground or find elevated viewpoints to create more dynamic compositions.
- Ask Your Guide: Local guides know the best hidden spots and the optimal times to visit popular locations to avoid crowds.
Remember to be respectful when photographing in and around historical sites, particularly inside cave churches where flash photography is often prohibited to protect the ancient frescoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to explore Cappadocia's valleys without a guide?
Yes, many of Cappadocia's valleys have well-marked trails that can be explored independently. The more popular valleys like Love Valley, Pigeon Valley, and parts of Red Valley have clear paths and signage. However, having a guide can enhance your experience with historical and geological insights you might otherwise miss. For less frequented valleys or if you're not confident in your navigation skills, hiring a guide is recommended. You can also use offline map applications like Maps.me or AllTrails that have marked trails for the region.
How much time should I allocate for visiting an underground city?
Plan to spend about 1-2 hours exploring an underground city. Derinkuyu, being the largest, might take closer to two hours if you want to see all accessible levels thoroughly. Kaymaklı typically takes about 1-1.5 hours, while smaller sites like Özkonak can be explored in about an hour. These times include guided explanations if you're with a tour. Remember that underground cities involve walking through narrow passages and climbing stairs, so the pace depends on your mobility and comfort level in confined spaces.
Are the valley hikes suitable for children?
Many of Cappadocia's valley hikes are suitable for children, especially those with some hiking experience. Love Valley, Pigeon Valley, and parts of Ihlara Valley are relatively easy with stable paths. However, some trails in Red Valley and Rose Valley have steeper sections and uneven terrain that might be challenging for very young children. For families, consider shorter loop trails rather than full valley traverses, bring plenty of water and snacks, and plan for frequent breaks. The unique fairy chimney formations make the hikes fascinating for children, turning them into natural exploration adventures.
Is it safe to visit the underground cities if I'm claustrophobic?
People with claustrophobia may find visiting underground cities challenging, as they feature narrow passageways and low ceilings in some sections. If you have mild claustrophobia, consider visiting Kaymaklı, which has somewhat wider corridors than Derinkuyu. You can also stay on the upper levels, which tend to be less confining and have more frequent openings to the surface. It's always possible to turn back if you feel uncomfortable, and guides are accustomed to helping visitors with such concerns. Consider visiting during off-peak hours when there are fewer people, as crowds can intensify feelings of confinement.
What's the best valley to hike for seeing cave churches with frescoes?
Rose Valley contains the highest concentration of well-preserved cave churches with Byzantine frescoes. The Church of the Three Crosses (Üç Haçlı Kilise) and the Column Church (Kolonlu Kilise) are particularly notable for their historical paintings. Red Valley, which connects with Rose Valley, also has several impressive churches. For the most extensive collection of frescoed churches, visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, which isn't in a valley per se but houses the region's most famous and well-preserved cave churches. Ihlara Valley also contains numerous rock-cut churches with frescoes along its 14km canyon, with Ağaçaltı Church being one of the highlights.
Conclusion: Embracing Cappadocia's Hidden Treasures
Exploring Cappadocia's valleys and underground cities offers a deeper, more intimate connection with this remarkable region than you can experience from a hot air balloon or tour bus alone. The winding trails through colorful canyons, ancient cave dwellings, and mysterious subterranean settlements reveal stories of human ingenuity, artistic expression, and the powerful forces of nature that have shaped this landscape over millions of years.
Whether you choose to hike independently through the fairy chimneys of Love Valley, marvel at the sunset's fiery glow on the red rocks of Kızılçukur, or descend into the depths of Derinkuyu's underground labyrinth, these experiences will leave you with a profound appreciation for Cappadocia's unique cultural and geological heritage.
For the most rewarding adventure:
- Plan your valley hikes for the cooler hours of morning or late afternoon
- Consider combining independent exploration with guided tours for a balanced perspective
- Allow enough time in your itinerary to venture beyond the most popular sites
- Stay hydrated and wear appropriate footwear for the rocky terrain
- Respect the fragile environment and historical structures you encounter
Cappadocia's true magic lies not just in its iconic panoramas, but in the small details and hidden corners that you discover while wandering its ancient pathways. By taking the time to explore on foot and venture underground, you'll uncover treasures that many visitors miss and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Ready to plan your adventure? Contact Hangout Cappadocia Travel for expert assistance in crafting your perfect itinerary, including guided valley hikes, underground city tours, and all the hidden gems this extraordinary region has to offer.
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