Ihlara Valley Hiking & Cave Churches
About This Day Trips
Ihlara Valley is Cappadocia's best-kept secret — a 14km-long green canyon carved by the Melendiz River, lined with over 100 ancient cave churches and dotted with small waterfalls. This full-day hiking tour takes you along the valley floor past butterflies, turtles, and lush vegetation — a complete contrast to the arid rock formations above. Visit beautifully painted churches like Ağaçaltı and enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant built into the cliff.
Itinerary
Hotel Pickup
Collection from all Cappadocia towns.
Valley Entry
Descend 300 steps into the canyon at Ihlara village.
Hike Begins
Walk along the river past cave churches and small waterfalls.
Ağaçaltı Church
Visit the stunning church with its well-preserved frescoes.
Riverside Lunch
Fresh trout and salads at a restaurant built into the cliff by the river.
Continue Hike
More churches, nature, and photo stops as we continue downstream.
Selime Monastery
End at the dramatic rock-cut monastery — the largest in Cappadocia.
Return Transfer
Drive back to your hotel with arrival around 17:30.
What's Included
- Hotel pickup/drop-off
- Professional guide
- Lunch
- All entry tickets
- Insurance
Not Included
- Drinks at lunch
- Tips
- Hiking poles (available to borrow)
What to Bring
Meeting Point
Hotel pickup from all Cappadocia towns.
Traveller Reviews
389 verified reviewsRachel & Dan
UK · June 2026
Completely different from the rest of Cappadocia — green, cool, and peaceful. The riverside lunch was the best meal of our trip.
Andrew L.
England · July 2026
The Selime Monastery at the end was jaw-dropping. Whole day was a perfect mix of nature, history, and gentle exercise.
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