Ihlara Valley
The Ihlara Valley is a ~14 km river canyon south of Aksaray, walled with Byzantine rock churches and ending at the cliff-cut Selime Monastery. Cool, shaded and green, it is the most linear, long-distance walk in Cappadocia — utterly unlike the dry Göreme valleys.
The walk at a glance
| Distance | 7.0 km | Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | ~2.5 hrs | Elevation | +120 m / −160 m |
| Start → End | Ihlara village → Belisırma (full route to Selime) | Best light | Anytime |
What you'll see
- The Melendiz river canyon. A green, poplar-lined gorge with the river running through it — shade and water all the way.
- Byzantine cave churches. Dozens of frescoed rock churches, such as the cruciform Ağaçaltı (Daniel Pantonassa) near the canyon stairs.
- Selime Monastery. The vast cliff-cut monastery complex at the far end of the valley.
How to get there
Ihlara is about 40 km south of Aksaray (and ~1.5 hours by road from Göreme). Most visitors come on a 'Green Tour' day trip from Göreme; independently, drive or take a bus to Aksaray then a dolmuş. The classic walk runs Ihlara village → Belisırma (about 7 km), or the full canyon to Selime (~14 km).
Best time to walk it
Any time — the canyon is shaded and cool even in high summer, which makes it a great hot-weather alternative to the Göreme valleys. Spring brings the fullest river and greenest growth.
What to bring
- Good walking shoes — the path is long, with the famous staircase at the start
- Water (the river is not for drinking untreated; cafés at Belisırma)
- A torch for the cave churches
- Time — the full Ihlara-to-Selime canyon takes most of a day
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Ihlara Valley walk?
The popular section, Ihlara village to Belisırma, is about 7 km; the full canyon to Selime Monastery is roughly 14 km and takes most of a day.
Is Ihlara good in summer?
Yes — it is shaded and cool by the river, making it the best hot-weather valley walk in Cappadocia.
How do I get to Ihlara from Göreme?
It is about 1.5 hours by road. Most people join a 'Green Tour' day trip; independently, go via Aksaray and a local dolmuş.
Are the cave churches worth it?
Very — the Ihlara churches keep some of the best-preserved early Byzantine frescoes in the region. Bring a torch and tread carefully.
Walk it free: every valley is mapped with GPS, offline, in the Cappadocia app — or message a local guide to walk it with an expert. See all 8 valleys →