Ready to visit some of the best valleys in Cappadocia? This guide sums up 15 of the most iconic valleys, then explains which are the best & how to visit them!
Cappadocia is one giant playground of valleys, fairy chimneys, rock formations and hiking trails. And choosing which valley to visit, as well as navigating them, is no easy task. That’s where I can help, because over the years, I’ve visited, walked and hiked most of the valleys of Cappadocia.
In this handy guide, I share my favourites, how to visit them, hike them or even loop them together. I’ll help you understand the best Cappadocia valleys for the kids, casual walkers or the hikers.
I’ve mapped and pinned the best valley scenic viewpoints. And for the walkers and hikers, you’ll be glad to know, I’ve linked each valley to its corresponding AllTrail map. I’ve also highlighted which ones are free and which ones require an entrance fee.
🤫 I’m even going to let you in on a secret hidden valley that almost no-one knows about… and it’s not on Google Maps!
This post began as a quick overview of the valleys of Cappadocia… but quickly became something bigger. It’s really a roadmap to the most iconic valleys and fairy chimney views in Cappadocia. It’s for the true explorer, history and geology wannabes (like myself). And so I truly hope you find enjoyment in discovering some of the best valleys and views of Cappadocia with the help of my guide here.
* This post may contain affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for your support!
Table of Contents
What Makes the Cappadocia Valleys Special?
The valleys of Cappadocia have been forged out over millions of years. Ultimately to our advantage and for our viewing pleasure! Through the process of volcanic eruption and weather, the landscape has evolved into something spectacular and very unique.
This smooth soft rock, characteristic of the Cappadocia region, is known to geologists as tuff.
In a nutshell, the valleys and fairy chimneys are a result of volcanic ash and pumice, which has compacted and solidified under harder basalt rock. Then through time, the tuff has eroded, leaving rippled valleys, and in some places fairy chimneys. There is obviously more to it than that… but simply said, this gives you an idea.
And there are more than 100 valleys in the Cappadocia region, across Göreme National Park and beyond. Don’t worry… I won’t give you all of them. Consider this the highlight reel of the main must-see valleys!
Walking / Hiking the Valleys with AllTrails
Obviously Cappadocia attracts all types of travellers, and so I want to share the many different ways that visitors can explore these valleys.
Some valleys, have an easy lookout or viewpoint. While some can be easily walked, and others require hiking. Below I have linked each valley with the corresponding AllTrails map, which I really can’t recommend enough. I have used all of these links personally myself. The app is free to use and the recent hiker reviews are valuable in terms of knowing if anything has recently changed.
AllTrails maps are interactive and even downloadable (if you choose the paid version). But actually, I’ve never paid for the app myself, I simply click start and off I go. It can get a bit glitchy in the low service areas, but never to the point where I can’t track where I’m going. In other words, from my experience the navigation is always working in the background.
A Complete List of the Valleys in Cappadocia
Before we jump into all the details on each valley in Cappadocia, here is a quick summary of the valleys, the price to enter and the hiking trail link.
Note: If you visit the paid valleys of Cappadocia, you can pay at the ticket office or with a Museum Pass. The museum pass costs 65 EUR and can be used to enter a number of local museums and sites.
| Pigeon Valley | Free / AllTrails |
| White Valley | Free / AllTrails |
| Love Valley | Free / AllTrails |
| Rose Valley | Free / AllTrails |
| Red Valley | Free / AllTrails |
| Meskendir Valley | Free / AllTrails |
| Zemi Valley | Free / AllTrails |
| Ihlara Valley | 15 EUR / AllTrails |
| Devrent Valley | Free |
| Monks Valley | 12 EUR / AllTrails |
| Zelve Valley | 12 EUR / AllTrails |
| Sword Valley | Free / AllTrails |
| Rocket Valley | Free |
| Çavuşin Valley | Free |
| And a hidden secret valley! | Contact Kelebek |
15 Valleys in Cappadocia & All the Details!
Okay here we go… you’ve come to Cappadocia and you are ready to get up close and personal with the valleys and fairy chimneys! But where to go, which valley to visit and most importantly how to see them?
Read on for my practical guide and map links, on which of the many valleys in Cappadocia is the best for YOUR visit.
Note:
1️⃣ Many valleys have a Turkish name and an English name. I will share both.
2️⃣ Also know that vadisi in Turkish means valley in English.
Pigeon Valley
Why Visit? –
The full length of Pigeon Valley hike is 4 km and stretches between Göreme and Uçhisar. It’s a pretty walk, definitely one of my favourites. Best known for the pigeon holes that were historically carved into the soft volcanic rock, throughout the valley. Note, that the pigeon holes are at the Uçhisar end of the trail.
Options to see & Visit Pigeon Valley –
1️⃣📸 A Pigeon Valley lookout point is located on Adnan Menderes Caddesi, pinned on my map.
2️⃣🚶 Walk in 1.3km from Uçhisar for the best view point over the valley, then walk back the way you came.
3️⃣🥾 Walk the 4km trail from either Göreme to Uçhisar or vice versa, taking a taxi to get there or back.
4️⃣🔁 Combine Pigeon Valley with Love and White Valley to hike it as a loop trail – this is what we did.
Hiking the Full Pigeon Valley Trail
This is an easy to moderate trail, just make sure you come prepared with snacks, good shoes, hat and sunglasses. If you start Pigeon Valley in Göreme, then the trailhead starts at the southern end of town. Walk past the Hera Cave Suites along Uzun Dere Caddesi, through the valley following the AllTrails map.
I preferred walking the trail from Göreme, because the trail gets prettier the further you go. To start you’ll follow a river, dotted with small agricultural properties, then as you begin the incline up, the valley opens up, and kind of splits into two. Just keep your eye on the Alltrail map and it will lead you exactly where you need to go. There are a couple of slippery, slightly steeper areas on the trail, but a rope has been put in place to help you steady yourself.
My favourite view is the one pictured at the head of this post. It’s about 2.5km up the trail from Göreme, or 1.3km down from Uçhisar. From this beautiful vantage point you have a dramatic view over the valley. One that displays beautiful terrain, iconic Cappadocia shapes, colours and scenery.
Then as you continue up, Uçhisar Castle gradually becomes closer and closer and the pigeon holes begin to appear. Historically, the pigeon holes were carved into the rock walls. This was the most convenient method for locals to collect pigeon poop, which was commonly used as a fertiliser.
OPTION: Add the White and Love Valley Trails to make it a 12km loop (see below Pigeon/Uçhisar/White/Love Valley Loop).
Read: My favourite cafe to visit in Uçhisar – a perfect mid-hike stop!
White Valley
Why Visit? –
White Valley is somewhat elusive on Google Maps. In fact, it’s often referred to as Love Valley, but is actually a seperate valley. Certainly White Valley and Love Valley are often combined together on hiking and trail guide maps and blogs.
White Valley is located to the north of Ućhisar castle, and as the name suggests, this valley showcases the beautiful rippling white tuff rock.
Honestly, my feeling is that White Valley is best left to the hikers and walkers wanting to do the loop trail. That’s because on its own, it isn’t necessarily one of the stand out must-visit trails. That said, I did love it, and we collected some beautiful drone footage through the valley when we made the loop trail.
Options to See & Visit White Valley
1️⃣📸 Visit the White Valley Lookout Views 1 or 2, pinned on my Google Map.
2️⃣🥾 Walk the 7.4km one way trail from either Göreme to Uçhisar (read Love Valley).
3️⃣🔁 Combine with Pigeon and Love Valley to hike it as a loop trail – this is what we did.
Love Valley
Why Visit? –
Simply put, Love Valley is iconic Cappadocia! The large phallic shaped rock formations located in Love Valley, are well documented and photographed and typically associated with the region. This is an easy location to visit and one of the most commonly visited sights.
Options to see & Visit Love Valley –
1️⃣📸 Love Valley lookout point is an 8 minute drive north west of Göreme for the best lookout view.
2️⃣🚶 Park at Love Valley parking (pinned on map), walk the 10 minute trail for the best ground level view.
3️⃣🥾 Walk the 7.4km one way trail from either Göreme to Uçhisar (including White Valley).
4️⃣🔁 Combine Pigeon Valley with Love and White Valley to hike it as a loop trail – this is what we did.
Hiking the Full Love Valley & White Valley Trail
Departing and finishing in Uçhisar and Göreme, the trail is 7.4km and can be hiked in either direction. If you begin in Uçhisar the downhill walk begins through White Valley and finishes at Love Valley, which is the most iconic of the two.
Leaving from Uçhisar you’ll begin by crossing over the main road, passing by the Özler Center Artisanal. Then turning right onto Bağlıdere Yolu. Next you’ll pass many grapevines, and a possibly a local selling freshly squeezed orange juice, before taking a sharp left down into the White Valley. Take care at this point as the volcanic rock is very slippery.
This valley continues for some time downhill, then gradually widens out bringing you towards the phallic beacons of Love Valley… you really can’t miss it!
My favourite part about this section of the Love Valley trail is the lack of people. Most visitors park and visit at the Lookout point, while from below you can really explore more closely. We arrived late in the afternoon after walking the loop trail from Göreme and had it completely to ourselves.
Then moving on, follow the Alltrails map out of the valley, where you begin the elevated walk back to Göreme. From this pass, you’ll have views over the village of Çavuşin in the distance and Rose Valley off to your left.
OPTION: Add Pigeon Valley to make it a 12km loop (see below Pigeon/Uçhisar/White/Love Valley Loop).
Pigeon Valley / Uçhisar / White Valley / Love Valley Loop Trail
And here’s the loop trail… zoom in and out to get a better understanding of the three trails listed above. This map will help you understand how they piece together, but also alternatively how they can be walked separately.
Rose Valley / Güllüdere Vadisi
Why Visit? –
Because it’s super pretty! Rose Valley holds a very special place in my heart, as it was the first valley that we visited in Cappadocia. It was also the first valley we walked with our kids. As far as first valleys to visit in Cappadocia… it’s one of the best!
The sandstone conical shaped formations, that have slowly formed over millions of years, create a unique landscape. Soft rose tinted coloured stone, that has slowly eroded with the rain, rolls in peaks and mini-valleys… the kind of sight that takes your breath away.
What’s more, is there are a number of historic churches in the Rose Valley, carved right into the cone shaped rocks. The carved nooks and rooms within these sights are incredible, and perfect for exploring with a camera.
Options to see & Visit Rose Valley –
1️⃣🥾 Walk the 3.5km one way Rose Valley trail (trailhead pinned on map) to Sunset Point & taxi back.
2️⃣🐎 Book a guided horse tour through Rose Valley, these can be planned for sunset or during the day.
3️⃣🔁 Combine Rose Valley with Red Valley and hike it as a 7.5km loop trail – this is what we did.
Hiking the Full Rose Valley Trail
Depending on how you intend to get to Rose Valley, by car or taxi, I recommend starting from the trailhead marked on my map. This will mean you are walking up the valley, finishing with a stellar view. Rose Valley is located 10 minutes (by car) from Göreme, same as the exit point of the trail.
The trail starts by winding through a narrow canyon like path, through the odd tunnel and past carved out rocks. Note that the stone can be smooth and slippery, so watch your step. Then the valley begins to open up and you get a view of the rose tinted stone stretching up above you on both sides. A distinct white line runs through the valley stone, evidence of the layers of the volcanic activity that the region once encountered.
One section of the trail requires a steep climb up a valley, with a rope to support. You’ll essentially need to scale the valley wall. That said, we did it with two young kids (aged 6 and 8). And the AllTrail’s reviews, tell of walkers successfully completing it in their late 50’s. So don’t let that put you off… as it’s all worth it in the end.
Check in on the AllTrail map, to ensure you’re on the right path, but also to identify the carved cave churches and points of interest. Especially, the Three Crosses Church, The Cave Pigeon Loft, The Cross Church (Haçli Kilise) and The Columned Church. There is even the perfect orange juice stop along the way at Emin’in Yeri’s tea stop!
Ultimately the valley continues up, with incredible views… finishing at Sunset Point. This marks the end of the Rose Valley trail.
OPTION: Combine the Rose Valley and Red Valley and make it a loop trail.
Red Valley / Kızılçukur
Why Visit? –
Red Valley walk involves a lovely shaded walk through a deep canyon valley. I would also say it’s one of the most iconic walks in Cappadocia, and probably slightly easier to walk and navigate than the Rose Valley, given there are no walls to scale. It can easily be walked either way down the valley or up, depending on your preference.
Once again, the valley is named after the rust tinted rock. But to really appreciate the redness of these surroundings they’re best seen a few hours before sunset. This makes them glow an even more impressive shade of red.
Options to see & Visit Red Valley –
1️⃣🥾 Walk the 2.3km one way Red Valley trail (trailhead pinned on map) & taxi back.
2️⃣🐎 Book a guided horse tour through Red Valley, these can be planned for sunset or during the day.
3️⃣🥾 Combine Red Valley with Meskendir Valley for a slightly longer 3.3km hike.
4️⃣🔁 Combine Rose Valley with Red Valley and hike it as a 7.5km loop trail – this is what we did.
Hiking the Full Red Valley Trail
From Sunset Point the trailhead begins at the carpark. Simply follow the AllTrails map down the smooth sand stone path towards the bottom of the valley. Once again, it’s slippery so take care.
As you enter the valley below the scenery changes to a shaded agricultural area, planted out with fruit bearing trees. It’s a beautiful area, with pigeon holes carved into the cliffs above. This might just be one of the prettiest valleys in Cappadocia. But I say that with caution, as this is my opinion and subjective of course! On the day we visited with our kids, it was so peaceful, just a few other walkers on the trail. The canyon is narrow through Red Valley and so the scenery is up close and personal.
Look out for the lovely Red Valley Tea Garden. I recommend you stop here for an orange juice, and purchase some of the local nuts and dried fruit. Then when you’re done, simply continue following the valley out.
OPTION: Combine this with the Rose Valley trail. We did the full Rose and Red Valley trail with our kids. Start with the instructions above for Rose Valley and simply add the Red Valley to make it a loop. Below is the full loop trail.
Rose / Red Valley Loop Trail
Click below to save the full Rose and Red Valley loop trail to your AllTrails app. It is helpful in understanding both the individual trails, but also how the two can be combined to walk both trails as a loop.
Meskendir Valley
Why Visit? –
Meskendir Valley is very much off the beaten track… so don’t expect to see many other hikers and walkers along the trail. Consequently it’s one of those trails for the intrepid explorers, who want to experience the back country, all on their own.
The valley walk offers views of pigeon holes, conical shaped rock formations and impressive tunnels through a narrow chasm.
Options to see & Visit Meskendir Valley –
1️⃣📸 Park at Kaya Camping and walk 10 minutes up to the Meskendir Valley Viewpoint (pinned on map).
2️⃣🥾 Walk the 3.5km one way Meskendir Valley trail, starting at Kaya Camp, finishing near Cavuşin.
3️⃣🔙 Walk the return (in and out) 7km Meskendir Valley for a slightly longer hike – starting at either end.
4️⃣➕ Join Meskendir Valley (start at Kaya Camp) with Rose Valley – a 5.3km combined trail to finish at Sunset Point.
5️⃣➕ Join Meskendir Valley (start at Kaya Camp) with Red Valley – a 3.9km combined trail to finish at Sunset Point.
Hiking the Full Meskendir Valley Trail
As summarised above, there are a number of ways you can enjoy the Meskendir Valley. Depending on how far you want to walk, or how much you want to add and see. Add the Rose or Red Valley, walk one way, walk the return trail, walk up the valley from Cavuşin Village, or down the valley from Kaya Camp.
Highlights of the trail include the Meskendir Church and you might also appreciate the peaceful Meskendir Valley Cafe. This is a place to enjoy a Turkish tea or orange juice, and to soak up the natural surroundings in one of the beautiful Cappadocia Valleys.
If entering from Kaya Camp, park and walk up to the trailhead, then drop down into the chasm. As the trail begins to narrow, you’ll pass boulders and walk through tunnels. In the wetter months, the foliage is particularly green and pretty, but note that if it has been raining this section becomes extremely slick and slippery.
The latter half of the walk towards Cavuşin is less appealing in my opinion, as the valley becomes a dirt road, with less to see. So this is a good opportunity to add one of the other valleys.
Zemi Valley
Why Visit? –
Zemi Valley is another Cappadocia valley seldomly visited. Thus making it perfect for the travellers who love the feeling of getting lost! At the Göreme end of Zemi Valley, there is the El Nazar Church. This is an historic church carved into a cone shaped rock formation, complete with frescoes depicting the ascension of Jesus. Entry currently costs 3 Euros and it can be reached by car.
Of course, there is an option to walk the full length of Zemi Valley. During which you can see some time eroded tunnels, fairy chimneys (similar to those of Love Valley) as well as great views over the valley.
Options to see & Visit Zemi Valley –
1️⃣📸 Visit the off-the-beaten-track El Nazar Church, entry costs 3 Euros or visit the Zemi Valley Cafe
2️⃣🥾 Walk the 5.8km one way Zemi Valley trail, starting near Göreme, finishing at the Nevşehir / Ürgüp highway.
3️⃣🔁 Walk the 3.4km Zemi Valley loop trail – starts closer to Göreme, (pinned on map).
Hiking the Full Zemi Valley Trail
This is not a trail we’ve personally walked… I’m adding it to my list of things to do in Cappadocia for next year. However blogger Jackson, from Journey Era has walked the full Zemi Valley and explains it all in his guide.
Personally I would stick to the loop trail (option 3 above), rather than doing the full valley. This way you don’t finish on a main highway in the middle of nowhere. Unless you have a ride, making the pickup or drop-off easy to navigate. The Zemi Valley loop option starts and finishes near Göreme. Basically the trailhead is a 10 minute walk from town, in the direction of the Göreme Open Air Museum, just past the Zemi Hotel Cappadocia.
Note that there is very little shade on this hike, and so particularly in summer it can be a gruelling walk. Reviewers also suggest that it’s best walked in an anti-clockwise direction.
Ihlara Valley
Why Visit? –
Now this is another one of my personal favourites, but it’s not centrally located around Göreme as all the other Cappadocia valleys are. As such I recommend Ihlara Valley to visitors who have their own car. The drive takes over an hour to reach, approximately 1h 14mins.
BUT, (and there is a big BUT) it is a beautiful hike, a contrast to most of the others mentioned here. The Ihlara Valley is exceptionally lush and green, and there are many churches located along the trail. So while you won’t see fairy chimneys, you will have the pleasure of walking a wide canyon of sorts, alongside the Melendiz river.
There is the opportunity to cross the river at numerous locations, via handmade bridges. Then the option to walk up to several churches, which are perched higher in the canyon. While there are some 100 churches in the 14km stretch of Ihlara Valley, only 14-16 are currently open to the public.
Historically, some of these earlier churches date back to around 400 AD. The canyon valley created a secure and secluded place for monks, to practice their religion in solitude. Notably, some of the rock-cut churches, contain well preserved frescoes depicting christian themes.
Options to see & Visit Ihlara Valley –
1️⃣📸 Book this highly rated Green Tour that includes Ihlara Valley, Derinkuyu Underground City & Pigeon Valley.
2️⃣🥾 Walk the 4.7km (more with church detours) one way Ihlara Valley, from Ihlara Village to Belisırma.
3️⃣🔙 Walk the return 9.4km trail from Ihlara Village to Belisırma & back to the car park.
3️⃣🥾 Walk the longer 10.1km one way Ihlara Valley trail, from Ihlara Village to Yaprakhisar & taxi back.
Hiking the Full Ihlara Valley Trail
Parking is available at the trailhead in Ihlara Village. Unlike the other Cappadocia valleys in this guide, The Ihlara Valley requires a 15 Euro entrance fee. This is payable at the trailhead or it’s included in the Museum Pass. Simply pay, then begin the descent into the valley below.
We found this to be a family friendly walk, nothing too strenuous for the kids. But I do recommend starting this walk early in the day, giving yourself time to explore the different churches at will. And simply follow the river, following the AllTrails map as you go. You’ll find sections of the trail do get busy with the day tours that walk small sections of it.
In terms of churches, a handful of my favourites included Kokar Church, Dark Castle Church, Jacinth Church, Kırkdamaltı Church (also known as St George Church) and Direkli Church. IF you walk the full length of Ihlara Valley, don’t miss the Selime Katedrali (Cathedral) above the town of Yaprakhisar. Your entrance to Ihlara Valley will also cover the entrance to this complex.
Be aware that during the wetter months, the river can rise rapidly and make sections of the trail more challenging. Naturally, if you walk the one way options, then you’ll need to return to Ihlara Village by taxi, and this is easily done.
Devrent Valley / Imagination Valley
Why Visit? –
This one is for the families with young kids, an easy valley to visit and tick off the list. Devrent Valley is affectionately known as Imagination Valley, for the simple reason that the rock formations are unique shapes. As a result visitors (young and old), like to imagine them as different objects. Such as this camel (above in case you didn’t realise), that is frequently photographed!
It’s less of a valley and more of a main highway that connects the towns Avanos and Ürgüp. That said, you can park on the side of the road, get out and literally wander around the clusters of rock formations. Small paths wind in and around, up and down, so that you can explore easily on foot.
Note that sometimes it can be busy with tour groups stopped in for the obligatory optical illusion photo trick! You know the one… where in the foreground you appear ‘larger’, while holding or supporting the object in the background.
Options to see & Visit Devrent Valley –
1️⃣📸 Book this popular Red Tour that includes Devrent Valley, Love Valley, Zelve Valley & other sights.
2️⃣🥾 Explore on foot – taxi or drive, then walk among the criss cross of paths at your own leisure.
3️⃣➕ Combine with Paşabaġ Valley and Devrent Valley, given their close proximity & accessibility.
Monks Valley / Paşabağ Vadisi
Why Visit? –
A beautiful valley northeast of Çavuşin, and easily accessible is Paşabağ Valley. The rock formations appear to have small mushroom like heads. With the years of erosion, the softer tuff rock underneath has formed peaked cone shaped formations. Meanwhile, leaving the harder basalt rock perched on top, looking like a little roof.
Paşabağ Valley, also known as Monks Valley, was once home to a community of monks, who came to live in Paşabağ Valley in isolation and hiding. Therefore you can see rock cut dwellings and living quarters, where they carved out fairy chimneys as their homes. In addition the monks created a chapel dedicated to St Simeon. This monument has become iconic to the Cappadocia region. Unique in that the rock formation has eroded in such a way, that this fairy chimney has three capstones instead of the typical single mushroom shaped capstone.
This is a paid sight, and visitors can enter with their Museum Pass, or pay 12 EUR. Also it’s important to note that it can get very busy during the day with many tourists and also tourist buses coming and going.
Options to see & Visit Paşabağ Vadisi –
1️⃣📸 This is an excellent Cappadocia Red Tour that visits some of the best sights & includes entrance.
2️⃣🥾 Explore on foot or with this mini guide on AllTrails – taxi or drive, then walk around at your leisure.
3️⃣➕ Combine with Zelve Valley and Devrent Valley, given their close proximity & accessibility.
Zelve Valley
Why Visit? –
Zelve Valley is northeast of Çavuşin, close to Paşabağ Valley. It’s one of the oldest settlements in the Cappadocia region inhabited by both Christian and Muslim. Interestingly, it was only in the 1950’s when the villagers moved away from the valley. What remains is an extensive example of community life, literally carved into the Zelve Valley walls.
The valley has been restored as the Zelve Open Air Museum and offers a fantastic insight into what life must have been like in the region. Multiple churches exist in the valley, such as the Grapes (Üzümlü) Church, the Fish (Balikli) Church, and the Column (Direkli) Church to name a few. Signs of livestock living in caves, pigeon holes for fertilizer and wine-making is evident in the valley.
Zelve Valley is located very near Paşabağ Valley, and is another paid attraction. Use your Museum Pass or pay 12 EUR. What’s nice is that this valley is less frequented by large tour groups, and so a quieter to sight to explore.
Options to see & Visit Zelve Valley –
1️⃣📸 This is an excellent Cappadocia Red Tour that visits some of the best sights & includes entrance.
2️⃣🥾 Explore on foot or with this mini guide on AllTrails – taxi or drive, then walk around at your leisure.
3️⃣➕ Combine with Paşabaġ Valley and Devrent Valley, given their close proximity & accessibility.
Sword Valley / Kılıçlar Vadisi
Why Visit? –
Kılıçlar Vadisi, or Sword Valley is for the true adventure traveller. The valley could be described as a ravine, which you enter from above the Göreme Open Air Museum (location pinned on my map). Alternatively you could park behind Daltons Horse Ranch (also pinned).
Sword Valley is not commonly explored by hikers and there is less information out there about it. However this blogger documents her solo mission through Sword Valley, which she then continued on into Rose and Red Valley.
Sword Valley is known for… you guessed it… its sword-like shaped rock formations! Expect narrow canyon sections, a couple of ladder climbs up or down, cave dwellings and very few people.
Options to see & Visit Sword Valley –
1️⃣📸 View from above – near the Göreme Open Air Museum parking (left), climb the rock formations & look over.
2️⃣🥾 Walk one-way – the first valley in this AllTrails map links into Sword Valley, finish near Daltons Horse Ranch.
3️⃣➕ Combine with Rose and/or Red Valley to make it a longer trail.
Rocket Valley / Görkündere Vadisi
Why Visit? –
The Rocket Valley is the closest valley to Göreme township, making it super easy to get to. Located to the east of town, simply walk towards the Göreme Open Air Museum and take a right turn directly after the Zemi Hotel. It’s a 20 minute walk at most!
This valley is also known locally as Görkündere Vadisi, and is named after the slim rocket shaped fairy chimneys. It’s not a big valley, or complicated to explore. It’s actually a great alternative to Love Valley, given proximity to town, and easy access. Perhaps if you’ve got kids in tow, and you want an easy visit to see fairy chimneys, then go check it out.
Options to see & Visit Sword Valley –
1️⃣📸 Take breakfast at the Görkündere Cafe, which is situated at the start of Sword Valley.
2️⃣🥾 Walk 20 minutes from Göreme and explore in and around the fairy chimneys at your own leisure.
Çavuşin Valley
Why Visit? –
Conveniently close to Göreme, a visit to Çavuşin Valley suits travellers looking to get off the beaten track. Çavuşin Valley is connected to Çavuşin Village, a cute little village very close to Göreme, just a few minute drive. Or if you want to stay somewhere unique you could book the beautiful Seki Cave Hotel. Known for its excellent early morning hot air balloon views, opposite one of the largest takeoff points. But I get distracted!
What I love about the Çavuşin village is the backdrop. The impressive Çavuşin Castle, hangs in the background, all of this history, right there and essentially deserted. A community who created a home, in a giant rock ridge.
At the very top of the Çavuşin Castle is the Çavuşin Chapel of St John the Baptist. This sight is open to the public and completely free to enter. With a bit of a climb you can access the many carved out caves and even the impressive Chapel. The impressively large nave, with internal arches and architectural detail is very special. Not forgetting the views from the top, over the valleys beyond.
Then behind the Çavuşin Castle is the Valley, open to explore. There is no map for this one, just instinct and curiosity to guide you. Look out for the 9 Brothers a group of unique fairy chimneys worth visiting.
Options to see & Visit Çavuşin Valley –
1️⃣📸 Take breakfast at the Görkündere Cafe, which is situated at the start of Sword Valley.
2️⃣🥾 Walk 20 minutes from Göreme and explore in and around the fairy chimneys at your own leisure.
🤫 Secret Valley
Why Visit? –
Last but not least!! If you’ve made it this far, you’ve found the hidden gem among all the valleys in Cappadocia. I won’t share the name of this Valley, in fact it wouldn’t help if I did, because it’s not named on a map. I’m intentionally not pinning it either, to keep it protected.
During our most recent visit to Cappadocia, we were lucky enough to stay at the Kelebek Cave Hotel. We met the family who owns this hotel and others in Göreme, as a result we learned about this privately owned valley. Naturally we wanted to know more and see it in person. Uniquely this valley is the private property of the Kelebek Group, and they take hosted visits into the valley.
A visit can involve activities such as a cooking lesson, a planned group gathering or wine tasting. It’s a fabulous experience, one that I highly recommend to any visitor who wants to experience a different side of Cappadocia. This is a working farm, where produce is grown for the hotel group’s restaurants. Therefore you get to see the animals, the gardens, the fire where the breads are cooked… if you’re lucky you’l get to sample the bread straight from the outdoor oven.
The valley is open from April to October, and the transportation method to the valley is half the fun. A tractor pulling a trailer transports guests directly from the Sultan Cave Suites.
Options to see & Visit Secret Valley –
1️⃣🚛 The only way to visit this secret valley is through the Kelebek Group… get in touch to find out more!
Map of Valleys in Cappadocia
More on Cappadocia
I absolutely hope you have found this mammoth guide on the valleys of Cappadocia helpful! IF you have please let me know what you liked, or how I can make it better. Drop a comment below or get in touch through Instagram @myfreerangefamily.
If you are curious about some of the other aspects of Cappadocia, click through to some of my other posts –
- The best cave hotels with a hot air balloon view over Cappadocia
- Everything you need to know about a hot air balloon flight
- The best hammam in Göreme (post coming soon)
- Where to eat! The best restaurants and cafes in Cappadocia
- A complete list of things to do in Cappadocia
📌 Save this post for your trip to Cappadocia or share with a friend!
We are a travel LOVING FAMILY, who chose to travel full-time for 3 years, BUT now live in Bali. Sign up to follow our journey, and to get our itineraries and guides on all the destinations we visit!
Leave a Reply