When people think of Cappadocia, they usually picture hundreds of colourful hot air balloons floating above the fairy chimneys. I, however, came for something completely different. Hiking in Cappadocia. Cappadocia in Turkey is certainly unique. Even though it is a very popular tourist destination with plenty of organised tours, it also offers countless hiking trails for outdoor lovers like myself. I was looking forward to exploring Love Valley and Rose Valley, both a must if you want to experience hiking in Cappadocia.
It was certainly the favourite part of my three day stay here. Especially the Love Valley.. but read more below.
Read my first blog post about Cappadocia here: Cappadocia – a magical place or a tourist trap?
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Hiking to the Rose Valley
It was a nice day and I was ready for some hiking in Cappadocia. As my first hike I was heading towards the Rose and Red Valley with the Sunset View Point as my end destination. It was an official car park area for tourists, so I was hoping someone could give me a lift back to Goreme afterwards.
There is not much signage while hiking in Cappadocia so I just followed my map. Walking past the Goreme Open Air Museum, along the windy and hilly street, I found the turn off to the left heading into the Rose and Red Valley. I was good to go.
Once I found myself in the bottom of the valley, I was alone. There was nobody around. The route looked a little bit overgrown and at times I was wondering whether I was lost. Did anyone know where I am? Besides water I didn’t have much else with me and the coffee shops that were supposed to serve refreshments along the route were deserted. The result of Covid maybe?
That said, the hike was quite stunning. The ‘little chimney’ rock formations around me were standing quite tall, amongst the green trees, and the painted windows added to the character. They seem so high up! I wonder how the monks used to live here?
Luckily, from time to time I noticed a small sign so I knew I was heading the right way. I even found a guy selling refreshments. The Turkish tea tasted great! So far, the first day hiking in Cappadocia was exciting.
And so…
After four hours, lots of falling on my bum (the sandy path can be quite slippery) and with my outfit looking more white than black, I reached the Rose Valley. Looking back at the valley, the view was just breathtaking! What a great hike. I felt like an explorer, hiking in Cappadocia, reaching the destination dirty, thirsty and a little big hungry.
Luckily I did all the hill training while walking in Istanbul.
P.S. I had to catch a cab from the Sunset View Point to get back to Goreme.
Info: The Red and Rose Valley get their names from the pink coloured rocks that change tones, depending on the time of the day.
Next, as part of my hiking in Cappadocia, is my hike to the Love Valley.
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Hiking the Love Valley
Looking at the photos I am sure you can imagine how the name ‘Love Valley‘ came about. This hike was opposite of the Red and Rose Valley, to the north of the town of Goreme. The first half of the path was an easy walk on top of the valley, with some amazing views. I could see the town, the Rose Valley and one of the tallest mountains in Turkey, Mount Erciyes, at 3916m high. It is actually a volcanic mountain, next to the city Kayseri and is very popular for skiing. What a stunning view!
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After only 3.5 km I went down the hill, into the valley, and reached the start of the Love Valley. What an amazing spot! This was definitely my favourite spot of hiking in Cappadocia. Let’s say ‘love was in the air’! The blue sky was the perfect background for those amazing and very unique rock formations. I certainly had some fun taking photos.
From my spot down in the valley I could see the people on the top, at the view point that is reachable by car (and tour buses), taking lots of photos. There was no path connection to there from the bottom of the path I was on, so I walked back the same way I came.
Hiking the Love Valley was an easier than the one to Rose Valley, but equally fun and exciting.
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The churches of Cappadocia
While hiking in Cappadocia, you’ll come across plenty of rock-cut churches, caves and tunnels dating back to the Byzantine and Islamic eras. Discovering them along the trails only adds to the adventure. I had also read that the Göreme Open Air Museum protects some of the region’s best-preserved churches, complete with incredible frescoes, so I was keen to visit.
Unfortunately, I found the museum a little underwhelming. I had expected more, especially considering the 150 TL entrance fee.
Apart from the breathtaking Church of the Buckle (Tokalı Kilise), which I somehow managed to visit twice before realising it required an Open Air Museum ticket, and the Church with Sandals, the remaining churches were essentially small caves carved into the rock. I had already seen many similar ones for free while hiking in Cappadocia.
To make matters worse, the museum didn’t allow photography inside the two most impressive churches. As a result, I had to download a photo from the internet to show you what I saw. It was too stunning for you not to see!!
That said, as I have seen more mosques and ruins than actual churches in the last three weeks of traveling Turkey, it was a nice change. The fresco inside the two beautiful churches also reminded me a little bit of the Monasteries of Bulgaria. That trip was already four years ago! Read my blog: Monasteries of Bulgaria
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The End of Cappadocia
My overall trip to Cappadocia was absolutely amazing. If you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend hiking in Cappadocia. Whether you choose Love Valley, Rose Valley, or explore several of the region’s trails, you’ll experience so much more than you ever could from a tour bus or even a balloon ride.
Hiking in Cappadocia allowed me to discover the region’s unique landscapes, dramatic rock formations and hidden caves at my own pace. It was, without a doubt, the highlight of my visit and what truly made my trip to Cappadocia worthwhile.
That said… my legs definitely needed a rest afterwards!
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