Cappadocia

20 km south of Nevşehir

This has 4 underground floors open to visitors: the second level had a church, the third was the main living space, and the fourth had storage and metal-working shops. Tunnels even linked the city to Derinkuyu. Bus from Nevsehir (09/2025)

15 km south of Kaymaklı

Largest known underground city in Turkey, accommodating 20,000 people with an array of living, working and other spaces going down five levels. It was only discovered in 1963.

Cevizli Sk

This is the best of the old churches within the village. It was established under Emperor Theodosius in 385 BC but rebuilt in 1835. In 1924 the Greek population were deported and it became a mosque, with the bell-tower converted to a…

Rock City is a great labyrinth of underground chambers on castle hill, most exposed on the east slope and accessed by boardwalks from Kaya Mosque, but probably right around in areas not yet excavated.

110th Sk 24

And you thought the cave houses were weird? At heart this is another pottery shop, with attractive designs and you can have a go at making your own mug. But the boss also collects visitors' hair and displays the results, to creepy effect.

A 60 m pinnacle of tuff carved into a rabbit warren of tunnels and chambers, though most of these are closed off. Great views from the top if you make it up the 275 steep stairs.

Village carved out of the rocks near Paşabağ valley, with an ancient mill, winery and churches. It may have been occupied from Hittite times, but the big expansion of such dwellings was from the Byzantine era.

further up the hill

Ancient, part-cave and rickety, but the oldest original feature is the 19th century fresco within the dome. There's a good view down onto St Gregory's.

1 km east of town

Remarkable series of frescoed cave churches and fairy chimneys along a loop trail (see diagram). Try to slot in between the tour groups, it's no fun sharing a tiny church with 20 overfed visitors following a green parasol.

14 km northeast of Avanos

Extensive underground city discovered in 1972. Only one floor can be visited, but it's large.

hitchhiking from Ihlara is possible, in case there is no bus

A convenient hamam worth the experience, providing several cabins to enjoy and get clean with the warm waters of this hot spring. Inquire the key from the supermarket next to it.

Yaprakhisar

A quite commercialised hot spring at temperatures of 47°C and 150 litres per second. But the location not so clear, it seems that there are just spa hotels which cater for your needs.

200 m north of Pigeon Valley lookout

Winehouse where you can sample their produce free; obviously they'd prefer it if you buy some.

byTurasan winery

Old house converted into a smart restaurant, with good ambiance and a panoramic terrace.

100 m south of Pigeon Valley lookout

A compulsory stop for tour coaches, work around them and come early if all you want is a meal. Evenings the belly dancers strut their stuff, expect tips, and won't take yok for an answer.

100 m north of bus station

Fresh wraps of every variety in dürüm or bulgur wheat, lots of vegetarian items. Try the spinach and egg.

by main square

Good cuisine at reasonable prices. The street is busy with traffic so don't take an outside table.

Cumhuriyet Meydanı

Pleasant place for a drink on the main square, but more expensive than other cafes.

Kızılırmak Cd 10

Big boxy hotel a short walk to town centre. It got bad reviews in winter 23 / 24 but looks like management have got a grip and smartened the place up. Bland catering, but secretly you were yearning for a respite from full-on Turkish.

Yavuz Sk 1

Attractive but mostly ersatz hotel, created in the 1990s from stones from a demolished district in Nevşehir. It now has 37 rooms (some in caves), a hamam, spa, and terrace views over town.

Milli Irade Cd 2

Smart modern chain in a tower above Nissara shopping centre. Some find themselves in smaller rooms than they booked.

112nd Sk 26

Great reviews for comfort and service at this hotel on the north slopes.

Ürgüp Cd 72

Tatty but comfy enough. East edge of town, you need your own transport.

İstiklal Cd

Restored Ottoman building with cave rooms. Friendly, family-run place.