Where is the Red & Rose Valley hike

The Red and Rose Valley hike is found in the heart of the Göreme National Park in Cappadocia, about 15 minutes drive from the eponymous town; Göreme.

Named after their colourful features, I believe the Red and Rose Valley hike is an essential activity for anyone visiting Cappadocia.

Where to stay in Cappadocia

When it comes to accommodation in Cappadocia, Göreme is by far the most popular town from which travellers start their explorations, and after staying there myself, it’s easy to see why.

The historic town is encircled by iconic fairy chimneys, has no shortage of brilliant cafes & restaurants, and is home to one of the world’s coolest accommodations ever; cave-style hotels.

To help you find the right accommodation, I’ve listed three of my favourite options below, one of which is marked – this is the hotel where I stayed.

+ Charming Cave Hotel | During my time in Cappadocia, I was fortunate enough to spend a total of 6 days in Charming Cave Hotel, an authentic family-run hotel, situated at the heart of Göreme. Alongside a ‘picture-perfect’ rooftop terrace, the hotel offers a wide array of cave-style rooms, all marked by amazing design and elegant details. All bookings come with an incredibly yummy breakfast, and organizing a balloon flight is as easy as it gets.

Kelebek Special Cave Hotel | One of the most luxurious options in Göreme, Kelebek Special Cave Hotel provides spacious cave-style suites, a traditional Turkish bath, and a large outdoor swimming pool. Although this extra luxury comes at a cost, I believe, it’s a great value for the money, especially for those who are keen to take it easy after an adventurous day of exploring.

Artemis Cave Suites & Spa | Right at the centre of Göreme Town, Artemis Cave Suites & Spa offers traditional-designed rooms, an authentic rooftop terrace, as well as excellent in-house spa facilities. Rooms starting at just €47,- a night make Artemis one of the best options in Göreme, Cappadocia.

Alternatively, search for accommodations in Cappadocia on booking.com.

How to get to the Red & Rose Valley hike

By car | With so many incredible things to see and do, I believe the best way to explore Cappadocia is by renting yourself a car for the duration of your trip.

By renting a car, you will not only have the freedom to explore Cappadocia at your own pace, but you’ll also have an easier time reaching the region’s many natural attractions.

For car rental in Cappadocia, I would highly recommend Rentalcars.com, as they offer exceptional service, additional insurance, and a wide variety of cars, all at an affordable price.

Private driver | Alternatively, it’s also possible to hire a private driver for the day. By doing so, you’ll save quite some time, making it the perfect option for those shorter on time.

Also, this option gives additional flexibility, since it’s easy to arrange a pickup at the Red Valley sunset viewpoint after you’ve done the hike.

Joining a tour | Another excellent option where you’ll take in both the Red and Rose Valley is by going on the famous Blue tour of Cappadocia.

This full-day tour is given by a professional art historian guide and includes lunch, the national park fees and transport from and to your accommodation in Cappadocia.

At only €44,- per person, I believe this tour is great value for the money!

The Rose Valley

As soon as you arrive at the Love Valley path, it’s actually quite a straightforward walk, with plenty of impressive cave dwellings and rock-cut churches along the way.

One thing worth noting though is that the valley is home to several somewhat confusing signs, that will all surprisingly lead you to a small cafe on top of the Rose Valley trail. The good news is that this cafe is also the beginning point of the Red Valley section of the hike.

Rock-cut churches and cave dwellings

Once you arrive at the cafe, make sure you check out the incredible rock-cut church on the right – it’s one of the best-preserved churches in the Rose Valley and a pretty impressive sight to behold.

After a short break at the cafe, it’s time to follow the trail for another 5 minutes before entering the Red Valley.

Red Valley Cappadocia

As soon as you make your way around the final loop of Rose Valley, you’ll end on the other side of the mountain range, this is where you officially enter the Red Valley.

From now on, the trail winds over the mountain ridge and takes you along impressive rock formations and several cave dwellings, before you’ll reach the final viewpoint of Red Valley.

After about 10 minutes into the valley, the path is carved out of the rock formations, which is pretty awesome if you’ve asked me.

Also, the journey up is slightly steeper in comparison to the Rose Valley and should take around 20 minutes.

The best time to hike Red & Rose Valley in Cappadocia

As with most highlights in Cappadocia, I believe the Red & Rose Valley hike is done best in the morning when it’s still relatively quiet and the temperature hasn’t reached its peak yet.

Alternatively, visiting in the late afternoon is great too – just make sure you avoid hiking around noon at all costs, as it gets extremely hot and there’s barely any shelter on the trail.

On top of that, I’d recommend visiting the Red Valley sunset viewpoint separately – trust me, watching an incredible sunset unfold over the unique landscape of Red Valley is one of the best experiences in Cappadocia

I’ve done both the hike and sunset viewpoint and have to admit; they have been some of my favourite experiences in Cappadocia.

What to pack for the Red & Rose Valley hike in Cappadocia

Before venturing out in the valleys, I believe it’s crucial that you’re well equipped. To help you have a comfortable journey, I’d advise bringing the following items:

Reusable Water Bottle | One travel gadget that I’ve taken with me at all times over the last few years is my Grayl Geopress. This reusable water purification bottle allows me to fill up water from nearly every water source, which makes it one of my best investments to date.

A sturdy pair of sneakers | The hikes in Cappadocia are relatively easy, meaning you can easily do them in a good pair of sneakers. However, since most of the trails include sand, it’s good to bring a pair that has firm soles that provide some extra grip. If you have a pair of hiking boots, I’d advise bringing those instead.

Sun protection | If you’re planning to hike in Cappadocia during the peak summer months, it’s essential to bring good sunscreen. Since the landscape provides little, to no shade, it’s also advisable to bring a hat that protects you from the fierce sun.

Snacks | While there are several small cafes dotted throughout the valleys, I recommend bringing some fruits, nuts or protein bars during your hike. It’s also handy to bring some cash to grab a coffee or some snacks from one of the cafes if necessary.

1. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon price – 2024

When it comes to the price, a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia isn’t something that fits in the average travel budget, since a flight isn’t the most budget-friendly activity in Cappadocia.

Yet, I also believe that this incredible once-in-a-lifetime travel experience is absolutely worth the money.

The cost to take a Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon varies anywhere from €80,- to €350,- per person, depending on the size of the basket and the season in which you take part in the flight.

If your flight gets cancelled due to unforeseen weather conditions, the operators will arrange a new flight for the next day, or you will receive a full refund.

2. Spent at least three full days in Cappadocia

If you’d like to take part in a hot air balloon flight, make sure you’re planning to stay at least three days in Cappadocia, given there are two key factors that could sabotage your flight.

First, there is the weather – something that’s quite often overlooked by travellers who plan their trip to Cappadocia. Before every flight day, the hot air balloon companies need approval from the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority. If the weather predictions are bad, your flight will be cancelled and moved to the next day.

Secondly, it’s good to know that a hot air balloon flight is one of the hottest things to do in Cappadocia, so you should keep in mind that the availability of these hot air balloons is oftentimes limited. Jump to tip four if you want to make sure that you won’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.

3. Bring, and use your camera strap

Since these hot air balloons take off to heights above the 700-metre mark, I highly advise bringing and using your camera strap.

Trust me, you don’t want your falling camera to be the centre point of your hot air balloon experience.

Jokes aside, when you’re floating high up in the sky, it’s a lot more relaxing to know that your expensive camera equipment is safe and securely strapped to your neck.

Using a camera strap is also way more convenient when you’re not using your camera, given your hands are free and you’re able to enjoy the experience to the fullest.

4. Book your Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon experience in advance

For the reasons mentioned in tip two, I highly advise booking your Cappadocia hot air balloon flight online and in advance. By doing so, you have the option to plan your flight for the first morning of your trip.

If the weather isn’t right on your first day, your flight will be instantly moved to the next day. Also, if you have unfortunate weather throughout your entire trip, you’ll receive a full refund.

I booked my Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon flight through GetYourGuide and had an awesome experience from start to end, as well as transparent communication about the weather conditions and pick-up time.

5. Be prepared for colder weather conditions

Given your adventure starts in the middle of the night, the weather conditions are slightly different than you are familiar with in Turkey. Meaning it’s often chilly during the balloon flight, especially if you’re visiting in the shoulder months.

For that reason, I’d highly recommend bringing a hoodie and a beanie to keep you warm before and during the flight. Even if you’re in Cappadocia during the peak summer months, it isn’t an unnecessary luxury to bring some extra layers of clothing.

6. Follow the safety precautions at all times

Upon arrival at the hot air balloon take-off zone, you’ll be informed about the safety precautions by your pilot and his flight crew.

I highly advise anyone who takes part in a hot air balloon flight to listen carefully, since they provide key information in terms of what you can and can’t do throughout the flight.

Also, what goes up, must come down.

So make sure you follow the instructions when the hot air balloon is about to land, as it can be a bit bumpy at times.

How to arrange a Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon flight

As Cappadocia’s number-one attraction, you quickly find out that there’s no shortage of balloon operators within the town of Göreme. The hot air balloon flights on offer, usually include hotel pick-up and drop-off services and are easily arranged online or at the reception of your hotel.

Once you’ve sorted out your hot air balloon flight, the tour operator will keep you up-to-date in terms of the weather, cancellations and the time that they’ll pick you up at the hotel – which is between 04:00 and 04:45 in the summer months.

Unless you’re not entirely sure if you’d like to take part in a hot air balloon flight, I’d highly recommend booking your flight online and in advance on GetYourGuide.

Not only is it easy to choose your desired date, but you also have the benefit that your hot balloon flight is rescheduled if it gets cancelled due to unfortunate weather conditions.

How long does a Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon flight take?

While the complete hot air balloon tour takes around 2,5 to 3 hours, the actual flight time is anywhere from 45 to 75 minutes, depending on factors such as the weather conditions and landing spaces.

I was picked up at my hotel at 05:00 in the morning, so I arrived at the take-off site about 30 minutes before sunrise time. After the hot air balloon landed, I received a flight certificate and a glass of champagne with a little snack on the side. From that moment, it took about an hour before I was back at the hotel, meaning my tour was over at around 08:00.

The best time to do a Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon flight

While I’m absolutely sure that Cappadocia will blow your mind at any time of year, I also firmly believe that the best time to jump aboard a hot air balloon flight is between May and October.

During these peak months, you’ll have the best conditions to take part in a Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon flight, while also having great weather for further explorations around the various towns and valleys.

I did a Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon flight in December and still had excellent weather conditions during my entire week in Cappadocia.

Where to stay in Cappadocia

When it comes to accommodation in Cappadocia, Göreme is by far the most popular town from which travellers start their explorations, and after staying there myself, it’s easy to see why.

The historic town is encircled by iconic fairy chimneys, has no shortage of brilliant cafes & restaurants, and is home to one of the world’s coolest accommodations ever; cave-style hotels.

To help you find the right accommodation, I’ve listed three of my favourite options below, one of which is marked – this is the hotel where I stayed.

+ Charming Cave Hotel | During my time in Cappadocia, I was fortunate enough to spend a total of 6 days in the Charming Cave Hotel, an authentic family-run hotel, situated at the heart of Göreme. Alongside a ‘picture-perfect’ rooftop terrace, this hotel offers a wide array of cave-style rooms, all marked by amazing design and elegant details. All bookings come with an incredibly delicious breakfast, and organizing a balloon flight is as easy as one, two three.

Kelebek Special Cave Hotel | One of the most luxurious options in Göreme, Kelebek Special Cave Hotel provides spacious cave-style suites, a traditional Turkish bath, and a large outdoor swimming pool. Although this extra luxury comes at a cost, I believe, it’s a great value for the money, especially for those who are looking to take it easy after an adventurous day of exploring.

Artemis Cave Suites & Spa | Right at the centre of Göreme Town, Artemis Cave Suites & Spa offers traditional-designed rooms, an authentic rooftop terrace, as well as excellent in-house spa facilities. Rooms starting at just €47,- a night make Artemis one of the best options in Göreme, Cappadocia.

Alternatively, search for accommodations in Cappadocia on booking.com.

How to get around Cappadocia

By car | If you wish to have the freedom to travel around Cappadocia on your own terms, you might want to consider renting a car. Not only is it easier to reach the highlights, but it also saves you time.

For car rental in Turkey, I’d recommend searching for options on Rentalcars.com. They offer excellent service, additional insurance, and a broad selection of cars, all at an affordable price.

How to get to Cappadocia

By Plane | Most travellers think Cappadocia is a town on its own, but in reality, it is an extensive region home to several big cities, including Nevsehir and Kayseri.

The reason why I name these specific cities is due to the fact that they’re both housing an airport, and hosting domestic, European and International flights alike.

The most convenient of these two is the Erkilet International Airport in Kayseri, situated about an hour’s drive North of Göreme. When I searched for a flight to Cappadocia, I noticed that Kayseri was the more flexible option, with more flights, and significantly cheaper prices.

Alternatively, there is the Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport in Nevsehir, at around 40 minutes drive from the Göreme town centre. I myself have no experience with this airport.

For flights to Cappadocia, I would recommend Skyscanner. Not only is their website easy to use, but they also offer a large variety of airlines – plus the possibility to find good rates.

In terms of transfers, I recommend booking in advance so you don’t have to stress after your flight.

A bus transfer | From the Erkilet International Airport in Kayseri, it is pretty easy to get to Göreme.

Most hotels in the tourist zones of Göreme, Uchisar and Urgup offer shuttle service from and to the airport. Just make sure you confirm this with your hotel during your booking.

Another great option is this shared airport transfer service from Kayseri to Göreme. This service doubles as a transfer to the airport and costs only €12,- for a one-way journey.

For those after some extra comfort, this air-conditioned private airport transfer from both Kayseri and Nevsehir comes at a great value for the price.

2. Visit the incredible Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace is a famous imperial Palace that was built following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453 to become the main residence of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, as well as his successors.

Located atop the Eastern Roman Acropolis on Istanbul’s historical peninsula, the Topkapi Palace has long been the administrative, educational and artistic centre of the Ottoman Empire.

At present, the palace serves as a museum, where heaps of opulent pavilions, an extensive harem and the imperial treasury grant visitors an interesting glimpse into the life of a wealthy Ottoman sultan and his loved ones.

Although the palace is easy to visit by yourself, note that it takes around half a day to uncover the extensive palace. If you prefer to wander through the palace with a knowledgeable local guide, make sure you check out this tour of the Topkapi Palace.

If you purchased the Istanbul Welcome Card, you’re already covered for a guided tour of the palace.

3. Cruise the Bosphorus

If you’re somewhat overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the city, jump aboard a Bosphorus Cruise and experience the city from a whole new perspective, while also learning about its importance throughout history.

The Bosphorus, also known as the Strait of Istanbul, is a narrow strait that separates the continents of Europe and Asia and is considered one of the most important trading routes in the region, connecting the Marmara Sea with the Black Sea.

During a Bosphorus Cruise, you’ll be welcomed by awesome views of Istanbul’s waterfront, with several historical landmarks flanked on either side of the shores; Ortaköy Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Rumeli Hisarı to name but a few.

On top of that, you’ll have a unique perspective on the Hagia Sopha, Galata Tower and Süleymaniye Mosque, which makes cruising a great option if you’re on a shorter trip to the city.

At night, Istanbul becomes a completely different world, and this magical ambience is best experienced on a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus while enjoying traditional folk dance and entertainment.

4. Roam the Egyptian Spice Market

Just a short walk from the southern end of the Galata Bridge is Istanbul’s intoxicating spice market, a large covered bazaar that is teeming with goods from the exotic East.

Nicknamed the Egyptian Bazaar, the market is flanked by loads of stalls, selling a wide variety of spices, dried fruits, nuts and of course, Turkey’s famous Lokum (Turkish Delight).

For centuries, this buzzing bazaar has been the epicentre of trade in Istanbul and roaming it in search of a particular spice, tea or delight remains a happening like no other.

5. Visit the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

Set within a former maritime warehouse, the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art is Istanbul’s most progressive art museum and showcases the artworks of Turkey’s finest artists, as well as those from artists overseas.

In 2004, Istanbul Modern became Turkey’s first private museum to organize modern and contemporary art exhibitions and now holds a broad selection of paintings, sculptures and photography, as well as a few interactive artworks on installation and video.

If Istanbul Modern piqued your interest, I’m pretty sure you’ll be delighted by Istanbul’s incredibly diverse art scene. Other great museums that are worthy of a visit include the Museum of Innocence, the Pera Museum, the Panorama 1453 Museum, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, and Tophane-I.

6. Take in the views from Galata Tower

Set in the middle of Istanbul’s lively Karaköy district is one of the city’s most iconic historical landmarks; the medieval Galata Tower.

Built to keep an eye on Constantinople, this tower is said to date back as far as the 5th century, when the city was under the rule of the Byzantine Empire.

While the original wooden tower perished due to several tragic events, the Genoese chose to build an even more impressive tower in exactly the same place, this time solely out of stones.

These days, the Galata Tower is still very much as it was built by the Genoese in 1348.

From atop, visitors are spoiled by the most stunning panoramic views over the whole of Istanbul, including the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the city’s Historical Peninsula.

As with most of the city’s historical landmarks, the Galata Tower is often overrun by visitors – so I absolutely advise planning your visit wisely.

7. Admire the Süleymaniye Mosque

Settled high atop the Third Hill of Istanbul, the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque is undeniably one of the best examples of the quintessential Ottoman imperial architecture style.

In order of Suleiman the Magnificent, the mosque was designed by renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan; who is said to be one of the greatest to ever do it.

After its opening in 1557, the Süleymaniye Mosque remained the largest mosque in the city for nearly 462 years. It wasn’t until the completion of the Çamlıca Mosque in 2019, that the Süleymaniye Mosque handed over this honourable status.

While it’s no longer the largest mosque in Istanbul, the Süleymaniye Mosque remains as beautiful as ever, both inside and out. For that reason, I absolutely recommend going inside to take in the incredible interior too – if doing so, make sure you respect the religious customs.

Also, the complex is home to a courtyard, which grants visitors some of the best views of Istanbul

9. Visit the Blue Mosque – Sultan Ahmed Mosque

Built atop of the foundations of the prestigious Ayse Sultan Palace, the Blue Mosque has become one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks ever since.

Officially, the mosque was named after Sultan Ahmed who ruled the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century. However, due to its iconic domed ceilings decorated by blue Iznik tiles, the mosque is more commonly referred to as the Blue Mosque.

It is often said that the sultan chose to build it next to the Hagia Sophia on purpose to show off the greatness of the Ottoman Empire – it is fair to say that it worked out exactly as he thought!

While non-Muslims are allowed to visit, make sure you’re dressed appropriately. Also, the Blue Mosque is still very much an active place of worship, meaning it closes during prayer time.

10. Get lost in the Grand Bazaar

As with most historical landmarks in Istanbul, the Grand Bazaar was built shortly after the Ottoman took over Constantinople in 1453.

Ever since, the large covered market has been the centre point of all things shopping in Istanbul, teeming with a lively, yet intoxicating atmosphere from dusk till dawn.

With over 4.000 shops dotted throughout its maze-like lanes, you’ll find basically everything you can imagine; lanterns, carpets, jewellery and silk just to name a few.

Whether you’re visiting in search of an authentic souvenir, wish to get a feel for daily local life, or just to chat with the many shop merchants, getting lost in the extensive Grand Bazaar is an unmissable experience in Istanbul anyhow.

11. Visit the Phanar Greek Orthodox College

Towering high above the time-worn streets of Balat, the Phanar Greek Orthodox College is a traditional Greek school that is known for its distinctive castellated red-brick facade.

Often named the Red Castle due to its castle-like appearance, the school was designed by Ottoman Greek architect Konstantinos Dimadis in the year 1880.

It is said, that the institute within the Phanar Greek Orthodox College predates the Ottoman arrival in Constantinople, which if true, makes it the oldest educational body in Turkey.

While its heydays are no longer here, this exceptional building still serves to provide the education of 50 students today, which is pretty cool if you ask me.

Since the school is still in use, I’m not quite sure if visitors can go inside. If that isn’t the case, make sure you take a walk around the college to see it from the outside.

12. See Istanbul from a secret rooftop – Buyuk Valide Han

One side of Istanbul that became extremely popular in the last few years, is the incredible rooftop scene, with loads of secret rooftops scattered throughout the city.

Though there are several rooftops that are set up with cosy pillows and picturesque carpets to attract those in search of their next viral Instagram post, I’ve somehow stumbled upon Buyuk Valide Han, an old urban caravanserai whose rooftop provides stunning views over Istanbul.

Visiting Buyuk Valide Han, was easily my most authentic experience in Istanbul, as it happened quite unexpectedly. When I roamed the time-worn streets of Fatih, a friendly man shouted; ‘rooftop views’ and ‘James Bond’ to me.

After doing some quick research on sight, I decided to go for it, and after an adventurous walk through the decayed building, I reached the rooftop – the views were bloody awesome!

While I highly recommend this experience, I also advise being cautious at all times and planning your visit with more people just to be sure.

13. Marvel at the Ortaköy Mosque

Istanbul has no shortage of historic mosques, but the marvellous Ortaköy Mosque perched on the bank of the Bosphorus is without question my favourite.

Designed by Armenian architect Nikogos Balyan, who also designed the neighbouring Dolmabahçe Palace, this Baroque mosque is one of the finest examples of the late Ottoman architecture style.

Within you’ll notice several medallions decorated with Arabic calligraphy, large decorative windows and a raised dome-shaped ceiling full of incredible mosaic paintings.

Though the mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors, make sure you respect religious customs by avoiding a visit during prayer times.

Where to stay in Göreme, Cappadocia

When it comes to accommodation in Cappadocia, Göreme is by far the most popular town from which travellers start their discoveries, and after visiting recently, it is easy to see why.

The historic town is encircled by Cappadocia’s iconic fairy chimneys, has no shortage of brilliant cafes & restaurants, and is home to possibly the world’s coolest accommodations ever; cave-style hotels.

Luckily, these cave-style hotels are found in various price ranges and travel styles, including budget-friendly hostels, family-run hotels, and of course a great number of high-end suites.

Here are some of my personal favourites in Göreme, Cappadocia.

+ Charming Cave Hotel | As mentioned earlier, I was fortunate enough to spend a total of 6 days in Charming Cave Hotel, an authentic family-run hotel, situated at the heart of Göreme. Alongside a ‘picture-perfect’ rooftop terrace, the hotel offers a wide array of cave-style rooms, all marked by amazing design and elegant details. All bookings come with an incredibly yummy breakfast, and organizing a balloon flight is as easy as it gets.

Kelebek Special Cave Hotel | One of the most luxurious options in Göreme, Kelebek Special Cave Hotel provides spacious cave-style suites, a traditional Turkish bath, and a large outdoor swimming pool. Although this extra luxury comes at a cost, I believe, it’s a great value for the money, especially for those who are keen to take it easy after an adventurous day of exploring.

Artemis Cave Suites & Spa | Right at the centre of Göreme Town, Artemis Cave Suites & Spa offers traditional-designed rooms, an authentic rooftop terrace, as well as excellent in-house spa facilities. Rooms starting at just €47,- a night make Artemis one of the best options in Göreme, Cappadocia.

Alternatively, search for accommodations in Göreme, Cappadocia on booking.com.

8. Visit Love Valley

Located between the historic towns of Göreme and Uchisar lies Love Valley, a sensational area that is best known for the characteristic rock formations that it holds.

Standing firm on the grounds of the valley, these ancient rock formations are now considered world-famous for their likeness of the shape of masculinity.

It is therefore no surprise that it is said, that these rock formations are single-handedly responsible for the name that was given to the popular valley.

But Love Valley is also much more than these peculiar penis-shaped rock pillars.

When you decide to follow the 2-hour trail in the direction of Uchisar (which you should absolutely do), you’ll stumble upon captivating rock formations, as well as a set of well-preserved cave dwellings and tunnels.

But to me, the best part of Love Valley is just before the end of the trail, when the path takes you through one of the most unique landscapes in Cappadocia, namely a sea of wave-shaped sandstone surfaces.

Hiking in Love Valley has long been one of the best things to do in Cappadocia, and after my recent adventures here, I believe that is more than righteous so.

Where is Love Valley

Love Valley in Cappadocia is a fascinating valley that is situated only just outside of Göreme, Cappadocia’s most popular region among travellers and locals alike.

Defined by a bundle of distinguishing rock formations, rough mountain ridges, and a lush, wide-open valley, Love Valley is deemed to be one of the best hiking trails in Cappadocia.

The reason for this is not just Love Valley’s enchanting beauty, but also its convenient position close to other popular attractions in Cappadocia, including Uchisar Castle and Pigeon Valley.

How to get to Love Valley, Cappadocia

The beginning of the Love Valley trail is situated roughly 3 km outside of Göreme, and for that reason, it is best reached by car, especially if you’re short on time. The journey by car should take around 10 minutes.

Alternatively, you could opt for a short ride with one of the many well-priced taxis that service the area.

For those interested in walking to Love Valley, keep in mind that it takes around 45 minutes – plus you’ll have to walk next to the main road for most of the journey.

I was fortunate enough that the friendly people at Charming Cave Hotel were more than happy to give me a ride, which turned my stay there into an absolute winner.

Start of the Love Valley trail

Love Valley is situated between Göreme and Uchisar and can easily be reached from both of these destinations. However, for the best experience, I recommend starting the hike on the Göreme side of the trail.

One word of warning though – if you mark ‘Love Valley’ on Google Maps, you’ll be directed to the Love Valley viewpoint, which is located above the actual hiking trail.

Luckily for you, I’ve already done the research regarding the exact start of the trail.

Where | Love Valley, Cappadocia

The best time of the year to visit Love Valley in Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a place that is extremely attractive, and I’m pretty sure that it will blow your mind at any time of year.

However, for those planning to mark off some of the area’s best hiking trails, I would strongly advise a visit just before, or after the peak summer months of June, July and August.

Not only is Cappadocia remarkably hot during the peak summer months, but it’s also the most popular period among travellers, and therefore by far the busiest time of the year.

For that reason, I would highly recommend planning your trip for the off-season months of March to May, or September to November.

I visited Cappadocia in early November, and was fortunate enough to enjoy excellent circumstances during my entire trip – perfect for sunny and adventurous hiking days!

The best time of the day to visit Love Valley in Cappadocia

Love Valley is easily combined with a visit to Uchisar Castle and Pigeon Valley, and accordingly, best visited right after sunrise.

On top of that, Love Valley is bathed in the most gentle morning hues during a morning visit, adding up to the beauty that marks the valley.

Another great benefit of arriving in the early morning is the fact that you’ll be sharing the valley with significantly fewer people. Not to mention that the circumstances are far more pleasant for photography and hiking.

For those who prefer to start their day at a slower pace, plan your visit in the late afternoon.

By avoiding the middle of the day, you’ll still be able to enjoy the valley with a smaller crowd, as other visitors start their journey back to Göreme or Uchisar by this time.

What to pack for Love Valley, Cappadocia

Even though the trail is fairly easy, I’d still recommend bringing a few essentials that will support you during the hike.

One of these essentials is the Grayl GEOPRESS, a purification bottle that has instantly become my favourite travel item after receiving it lately. The sustainable Grayl reduces your travel footprint and allows you to fill up on water directly from the source, without the worry of ending up sick.

For optimal comfort and grip during the hike, a pair of decent sneakers will do, yet I believe hiking boots are not an unnecessary luxury.

Another thing I advise you to bring is some fruits and a few (healthy) snacks, especially if you’re planning to combine Love Valley with a visit to Uchisar Castle and Pigeon Valley.

Where to stay in Cappadocia

When it comes to accommodation in Cappadocia, Göreme is by far the most popular town from which travellers start their discoveries, and after visiting recently, it is easy to understand why.

The historic town is encircled by iconic fairy chimneys, has no shortage of brilliant cafes & restaurants, and is teeming with the most authentic accommodations, including budget-friendly hostels, family-run hotels, as well as a great number of classy luxurious suites.

Charming Cave Hotel | I was fortunate enough to spend a total of 6 days at Charming Cave Hotel, an authentic family-run hotel, situated at the heart of Göreme. Alongside the most stunning rooftop terrace in Cappadocia, Charming offers a wide array of cave-style rooms, all marked by amazing design and refined details. All bookings come with an incredible breakfast, and organizing a balloon flight is as easy as it gets.

Kelebek Special Cave Hotel | One of the most luxurious options in Göreme, Kelebek Special Cave Hotel provides spacious cave-style suites, a traditional Turkish bath, and a large outdoor swimming pool. Although this extra luxury comes at a cost, I believe, it’s a great value for the money, especially for those who are keen to take it easy after an adventurous day of exploring.

Artemis Cave Suites & Spa | Right in the centre of Göreme town, Artemis Cave Suites & Spa offers traditional-designed rooms, a spacious terrace, as well as excellent in-house spa facilities. Rooms starting at just €47,- a night make Artemis one of the best options in Cappadocia.

Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Göreme, Cappadocia.

Safety in Turkey | Travel insurance

While Cappadocia is completely safe for travellers, I always aim to enter a foreign country with my travel insurance sorted out, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.

Where we prefer to assume that everything runs smoothly during our travels, the reality is often that something can go wrong at any given moment – when that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full COVID-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.

Book | Find out your Heymondo Travel Insurance quote here.

World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.

Book | Find out your World Nomads Travel Insurance quote here.