Cappadocia Tours
Explore
About
Visit
Cappadocia Attractions
City Guide

Map of Goreme Valley, Cappadocia | Find key attractions and tour routes

Goreme Valley is a destination that enchants visitors with its mix of natural beauty and rich history. The region’s dramatic landscape provides a stunning backdrop for exploration, sightseeing, and adventure. Use this handy guide with a detailed map of the valley to find the most popular landmarks, trails, and regions in the area.

Goreme Valley map

Key attractions visible on the map include the Open-Air Museums with their rock-hewn churches and frescoes, underground cities, popular valleys such as the Love Valley’s striking rock formations, Pasabag’s fairy chimneys, and Uchisar Castle with its panoramic views over Cappadocia, and more.

Understanding your way around Goreme Valley | Green Route and Red Route

Two of the most prominent routes used by travelers and visitors to get a comprehensive exploration around Goreme Valley are the Green Route and the Red Route. The Green Route involves hiking across valleys, exploring underground cities, churches, villages, and more. The Red Route is less physically strenuous than the Green Route and involves exploring museums, castles, and villages, with intensive physical activity involved.

Green Route

  • Your journey: Goreme Village → Goreme Valley → Ilhara Valley → Agacalti Church → Derinkuyu Underground City → Kaymaklı Underground City → Pigeon Valley → Nar Lake → Belisırma
  • Duration: 8-9 hours
  • Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible, not recommended for those with mobility issues or any health conditions. Not recommended for elderly travelers, pregnant individuals, or young children
  • Key highlights: Hiking, underground city exploration, lunch, churches

Recommended experience:

  • Full-Day Green Tour with Derinkuyu Underground City & Ihlara Valley Trek with Lunch & Transfers

Red Route

  • Your journey: Uchisar Castle → Cavusin Village → Pasabag → Zelve Open Air Museum → Avanos
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible, not recommended for those with mobility issues or any health conditions. Not recommended for elderly travelers, pregnant individuals, or young children
  • Key highlights: Valley exploration, museum exploration, interactive activities, Uçhisar Castle, lunch

Recommended experience:

  • Red Tour with Fairy Chimney & Zelve Open-Air Museum Visit with Lunch & Transfers

​Learn more about both the tours here →

Visitor facilities

  • ATMs: Limited ATMs are available in Goreme, hence it’s advisable to bring cash with you before your visit.
  • Parking: Designated parking spaces are available throughout the valley, in locations such as Love Valley, Rose Valley, Goreme Open Air Museum, and more. Charges are minimal, and certain areas offer free parking as well. The cost ranges up to 10 TL (Turkish lira)/ €0.20 an hour.
  • Water refill stations: No dedicated water stations available, though multiple restaurants have bottled water for sale, or can refill your reusable water bottle, especially around Pigeon Valley and Rose Valley.
  • Restaurants: Various dining spots located throughout Goreme Valley with BBQ, authentic Turkish, European, breakfast, cafe-style foods and beverages, and more.
  • Hotels: Themed cave hotels, luxury stay options, and mid-range hotels are available within Goreme Valley, with nearby campgrounds, and multiple areas within a 10-15 km radius offering stay options suitable for all budgets.

Tips for your visit

  • Carry a first-aid kit: There are no dedicated first-aid services in the Goreme Valley region, so make sure you pack essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers for minor cuts or blisters.
  • Carry essentials: When hiking, carry plenty of water, a mobile phone (ensure roaming is active), sun protection, a hat, and an offline map with you.
  • Book an early slot for your hot air balloon ride: This allows you to spend the entire day exploring the sights of Goreme Valley, and you get to watch the sunrise as you float high up in the sky!
  • Carry cash: Small shops, village cafés, and local artisans may not accept cards, so keep some Turkish lira handy for entry fees, snacks, or souvenirs.
  • Start early in the day: Popular viewpoints and museums get crowded by late morning, especially during peak season. Early starts also mean cooler temperatures and better light for photos.
  • Wear sturdy footwear: Uneven paths, loose gravel, and rocky trails are common across Goreme Valley. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes will make exploring safer and more enjoyable.
  • Dress in layers: Mornings can be chilly, especially during balloon rides, while afternoons warm up quickly. Layered clothing helps you stay comfortable throughout the day.
  • Respect historical sites: Avoid touching frescoes or carved surfaces in churches and cave dwellings, as they are fragile and centuries old. Follow posted signs and stay on marked paths.
  • Plan underground city visits wisely: These spaces can feel narrow and humid, so avoid peak hours if you’re claustrophobic. Carry a light jacket, as temperatures underground are cooler year-round.
  • Check weather conditions: Balloon rides are weather-dependent and may be canceled due to wind. Keep your schedule flexible and plan major activities for alternative days when possible.

More reads

Plan your visit

Directions

History