Bucket list experience:
Goreme, Central Anatolia, Turkey
Cappadocia’s signature walk is a fairly easy (barring one scramble section) 4km stroll through fantastical, magical landscapes.
Starting in either Goreme or Uchisar, the path takes you into a wooded chasm with natural arches and tunnels, and leads past rock-carved pigeon cotes, idyllic orchards and vegetable plots.
Poor signposting and that scramble section make the walk unsuitable for the elderly or young, but for the fit and able it’s a must.
The head of the valley (the starting point) is signposted all along the road into Uchisar; a network of paths leads down to it. For a harder walk, heading uphill from Goreme, follow the road past the Ataman Hotel.
The walk may be done alone, but it’s advisable to walk in company – the route is occasionally unclear and one section is a scramble. Helpful locals at the cafés above Pigeon Valley can advise or even double as guides.
Food stops in the valley are only occasionally operative, even in high season, so it’s better to eat before or after in Goreme or Uchisar. Take plenty of water with you.
Avoid the middle of the day, especially in summer, when the lack of shade can make it very hot in the valley. Also avoid the route after rain, which can fall between October and April, making for slippery going and even causing streams to breach their banks.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Goreme
Price: €60
Rating 4.91 / 5 [12 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Istanbul
Price: $380
Rating 4.16 / 5 [87 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Central Anatolia, Turkey
Surreal shaped landscapes rich in troglodytic ruins, walking trails and delightful cave hotels in the ancient heart of Anatolia.
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
From traversing sand dunes, to walking on glaciers, through canyons, up mountains and along ancient city walls, here’s our round-up of the world’s best walks. Each walk can be tackled in a day or less with a moderate level of fitness and no technical ability.
