The Turkish region of Cappadocia, a region of exceptional natural wonders, in particular characterized by fairy chimneys and a unique historical and cultural heritage, boasts one of the most dramatic sights in the world.
Visiting Cappadocia is such a change from visiting many other busy bustling sights all over Turkey. It is a great pleasure to wander in the vast open space filled with captivating natural attractions which have seen human history dated back in the Bronze Age.
While in Goreme Open Air Museum , the conical formations resulting from the volcanic eruptions that took place millions of years ago, just follow the path up to the top of one of the ridges where a spectacular view of the fairy chimneys awaits you. The natural cone formations contain caves and labyrinths. As early as the third century, those chimneys became a hiding place for early Christians who fled persecution from the Romans, and then later from raiding Muslims. In modern tourism, many caves have been turned into cave houses for tourist stays and the lunar-like setting of Goreme Valley has become popular for hot-air ballooning.
Many say the extremely unique landscape of Cappadocia resembles some scene in a Star Wars movie and yet you may be surprised to discover that no major commercial movies have been filmed there. It would be a perfect setting for movies such as Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter series.
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Surprisingly in Pigeons valley there was no pigeons but unique flora with rare varieties of rosehips bushes and wild flowers
Beautiful nature, amazing cave churches, a refreshing walking among trees and rock formations. If you go in summer you should take water , hat and choose a convenient day. The total distance is 15 km but you could choose a shorter walk (7 km).
Lots of caves, houses, churches carved into the volcanic rocks. Being so huge this museum is a must see in Goreme-Urgup region.
I didn't give this 3 stars because anything was necessarily wrong, it just wasn't my cup of tea. If you're amazed that people lived in caves a thousand, (or however long) ago, you'll dig it.
The area is vast. Different rock formations and landscapes to anywhere else we have visited. Stopping places luckily are all over to look over amazing vistas and many walks (not well signed). Warning for those like me who don't do sensible shoes, please do. Many of these walks are long hard mountainous hikes, also check out the distances, some less…
Belisirma is in the Ihlara Valley, Goreme in Cappadocia. It is the restaurant all tourists are brought to after a 3 kilometre hike. Needless to say, the hikers are hungry, but even this cannot mask the atrocious fare that is offered as food. Tasteless soup (what is in it?) burnt meatballs, leathery stew, and three thin small slices of watermelon…
Amazing number of churches and caves, all well accessed and listed. Easy and informative walk around area. Very orderly and museum-like. Many of the church paintings so clear.
History present everywhere, interesting to know how they lived until, not long ago, their reasons and how they were in the path of armies and settlers
Thanks to Butterfly Balloons and our wonderful pilot Mike, we had wonderful views of this amazing valley.
Another interesting site in the whole experience of Cappadocia.