Göreme

The town of Goreme is in the region of Cappadocia, a perfect place for hiking, enjoying the famous hot air balloon flight and seeing extraordinary natural rock formations. Even though a tourist place, the town of Goreme is very calm, which makes the landscape seem even more magical. It is a cave town and people still live in the caves carved out of the rocks, and you can find many hotels and other establishments made inside them for affordable prices. 

While walking around the town, you will pass through narrow streets and alleys and see many formations that look like chimneys that actually are apartments and when the night falls and everything is lightened up the city looks even more like coming out of a fairy tale. 

Goreme´s park is immense and it is divided in many valleys; each is unique in its own form, however all of them share the same “fairy chimneys” rocks, this means rock formations that seem like having a cap on the top of them, which for some people look like arrows, mushrooms and other forms. They are more prominent at the Love Valley. These formations happened millions of years ago due volcanic activity and erosion followed by wind and rain. The process is still happening and it is more visible on the rocks near the edge of the gorges. 

When visiting the Fairy Chimneys Valley you will notice that it is a pleasant area to hike, and that the rock formations go from small to big, but all are beautiful. Next is the Rose Valley, which received this name due its particular red and pink rock tones. It is located in northern Goreme until the town of Cavusin, 3km away. Because it is within the domains of high walls of a gorge it guarantees fantastic views.

By the end of the Rose Valley at the north, when it can´t be more beautiful, you will reach the Monk´s Valley in Pasabag, between Avanos and Cavusin. More chimneys are found there with caps of beige or white colour. If you go east of Monk´s Valley you will reach Devrent Valley, which means ‘imagination valley’. It is between Avanos and Urgup and it is very easy to walk there because it is a small valley. But do not let its size fool you; the Devrent Valley is as interesting as its siblings and also offers rock formations of many kinds, so as the name suggests visitors should use their imagination and guess what these formations look like. 

When time to go back to the town comes, stop at Esentepe for admiring the whole Goreme Park at the sunset, when the valleys are covered by an orange hue. 

There is just so much to see and do in Cappadocia. The balloon flight is one of the most fantastic experiences, even though it can be a bit pricey. The balloons ride take place very early in the morning and as soon the sun rises they fly in the air forming a beautiful picture. 

Another must-see in Cappadocia are the ancient cave churches and towns, some have wonderful frescoes. Last but not least are the super interesting underground cities, built centuries ago to serve persecuted Muslims and Christians in different eras. Some of the largest ones, such as kaymakli, have up to 8 levels under the floor. 

By air from Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevsehir, 80km and 40km respectively from Goreme. From the airport you must have your transfer pre-defined either by renting a car, shuttle service or hotel transfer if you are on your own because there are no public buses available. 

Trains from Istanbul are also available but it is necessary to stop in Ankara followed by Konya, from where you can take a bus to Cappadocia. 

Buses from Istanbul are also possible but are very tiring even though the cheapest option (12h trip duration). 

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