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Last updated: 26 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Jeremy Seal

Just to the north of Goreme lies the Rose Valley, one of the most scenic and accessible of Cappadocia’s walking valleys.

From the Panoramic Viewpoint, a network of good trails criss-crosses the valley, passing through vineyards and wondrous rock formations, leading after 6 km to the valley’s end at the village of Cavusin. Look out for local rock churches and resting points en route for tea and fresh orange juice.

It’s a leisurely three hours, allowing stops for refreshments and to visit churches, to the main trail’s end at Cavusin.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around
Duration: 3 hours

Getting there & doing it

The trail starts at the Panoramic Viewpoint in the Goreme National Park, reached off the Nevsehir-Urgup road via a dedicated access road. There are seasonal stalls and refreshments stands at the viewpoint.

The route is mainly downhill, and while the endpoint is visible at a distance, it’s advisable to hire a local guide as the sign-posting is often intermittent, there are lots of side trails that walkers might mistakenly take, and hidden rock churches that they might otherwise miss. Guides can be arranged through local companies including Middle Earth, or with a recommended independent guide – Yunuz Ozdemir is one of the best.

When to do it

The trails are open all year, though Cappadocia is hot during the summer and there is little shade on offer. Winter is an excellent time for walking the trail, but only during a spell of dry weather as the going underfoot can be soggy after rain.

At either end of the day, when any tour groups tend to have left, walkers tend to have the trails to themselves.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Cappadocia In One Day Small-Group Tour from Istanbul: Rose Valley, Ortahisar, Kaymakli Underground City and Pigeon Valley

Istanbul

Cappadocia In One Day Small-Group Tour from Istanbul: Rose Valley, Ortahisar, Kaymakli Underground City and Pigeon Valley
See some of the best of southern Cappadocia on this full-day tour from Istanbul, including round-trip transfers, flight and lunch. Explore this strange-but-beautiful UNESCO-listed region with its ‘fairy chimney’ rock pillars, cave villages and subterranean cities. Walk through stunning Rose Valley; Zelve into Kaymakli Underground City; see the abandoned village of Çavuşin, and ogle Ortahisar Castle and Pigeon Valley, with its rock dovecotes. Enjoy in-depth attention from your guide on this small-group tour limited to 20 people.

Price: $525

Min age: 0

Rating 4.18 / 5 [91 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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