Ihlara Valley: A Hidden Gem of Natural Wonder in Turkey

Berfin Ceren Meray
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Ihlara Valley in Aksaray is a true wonder of nature and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Turkey. Shaped by volcanic and tectonic activities over centuries, this valley boasts unparalleled beauty that draws visitors from all corners of the world. The valley is home to many ancient churches, making it a top destination for history buffs and sightseers alike. Whether you're yet to visit Ihlara Valley or wish to relive your memories of this stunning location, our content has got you covered. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Ihlara Valley, including its fascinating history, breathtaking landscapes, and must-see landmarks. And the best part? Ihlara Valley is open to visitors every day of the week, so you can plan your trip at your convenience.

Information About the Ihlara Valley

Ihlara Valley is an area formed as a result of tectonic uplifts and the eruption of Hasandağı Volcano. At the same time, the erosion of Melendiz River is also very effective in the formation of this place. The Melendiz River benefits the terrain along the Ihlara Valley in a steep and deep way. This brings visitors together with the magnificent beauties throughout the valley.

The streams take their sources from the Melendiz Mountains and flow in a southeast-northwest direction and reach the Mamasın Dam. The tea flows in a meander of about thirty along the valley. Although the distance between Ilisu and Selime is 10 kilometers by bird flight, the actual distance exceeds 18 kilometers due to the stream flowing.

Another remarkable feature of the valley is its nature. The steep, deep and narrow valley, the dense greenery consisting of vineyards and gardens offer unique opportunities to those who want to have a holiday intertwined with nature. Nature provides an appearance as if it has hidden itself in the valley. This secrecy also determines the special place of the valley.

The valley floor shows a climate variant resembling the Mediterranean climate, as opposed to the continental climate in the region. With this feature, it has the characteristics of a microclimate region such as Igdir and Rize in Turkey. Many plants, especially pistachios, can be easily grown on the floor of the valley.

Where is the Ihlara Valley?

'Ihlara Valley is in which city of Turkey?' the question is often asked by enthusiasts of this topic. Ihlara Valley is located within the borders of Aksaray province. The exact address of the valley and the Google location information are as follows:

Address: Ihlara Town Harmanlik Mah. Valley Cad. No:76 Güzelyurt/AKSARAY

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ihlara+Vadisi/@38.2539083,34.300564,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x14d60faf828df5f3:0x10a63faef58fbc47!8m2!3d38.2539041!4d34.3027527

How to get to the Ihlara Valley?

We recommend that you use your private car to go to the Ihlara Valley. Ihlara Valley is located in the Güzelyurt district of Aksaray, 85 kilometers from Göreme. Therefore, this distance may be a little too much for those who want to take a vacation in Cappadocia and come to the Ihlara Valley. However, by private vehicle, the valley can be reached within 1.5-2 hours.

If you wish, you can also take advantage of day trips to go to the Ihlara Valley. These tours allow you to see all the points of the valley and also allow you to go to the valley even if you do not have a private car.

Ihlara Valley Entrance Fees and Visiting Hours

Ihlara Valley is affiliated to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Therefore, the Museum Card is used here. The fees are as follows:

Regular fee: 90 TL

Museum Card: 60 TL

NOTE: Free for children under the age of 8. Teachers are not charged.

We recommend that you definitely check the current fares on the official website before going to the valley.

The visiting hours of the Ihlara Valley are as follows:

Opening Time: 08.30

Closing Time: 19.00

Box Office Closing Time: 18.15

Visiting Days: Open every day

You can also reach the valley from the phone number to get detailed information about transportation and fees.

Other Information:

Voice Guidance Service: Yes

Phone: 0382 453 74 83

Ihlara Valley Churches

Ihlara Valley, one of the largest canyons in the world, has been known for being an important religious center since the founding years of Christianity. Therefore, there are many churches here.

There are countless churches and historical living spaces in the Ihlara Valley, which is a 14-kilometer valley. Although there are exactly 105 churches, 14 of these churches can be visited.

When you descend the 382-step stairs and move along the floor of the lush valley, you can encounter many churches and living spaces. The geological features in the region are an important factor in the construction of frescoed churches. There are Eastern influences in those close to Ihlara; Byzantine-type wall paintings in those around Belisirma.

The 14 churches you can visit in the Ihlara Valley are as follows:

Ağaçaltı Church

Hyacinthine Church

Church of the Serpent

Kokar Church

Prenliseki Church

Eğritaş Church

Direkli Church

Saint George's Church

Karagedik Church

Ala Church

Bezirhane Church

Bahattin Haystack Church

Batkin Church

Suggestions For Your Ihlara Valley Trip

Ihlara Valley offers a sightseeing adventure where you should spend most of the day. We recommend that you definitely take into account some suggestions in this adventure. Some details we can suggest for your trip are as follows:

You should wear outdoor type shoes.

You should take your umbrella and raincoat with you against the risk of torrential rain.

It is important that your clothes are in a structure that will not sweat and catch cold in accordance with the season.

When you pay attention to these details, your trip in the valley can become more comfortable.

Eating in the Ihlara Valley

When you come to the Ihlara Valley, you should not forget that you will spend long hours here. Therefore, alternatives to eating should definitely be on your mind. In the middle part of the valley, there are small, shed-style seating areas and a restaurant over the Melendiz River. Here, visitors can take a short break from the trip and snack on foods such as gözleme and toast. Be sure to rest in these huts to relieve your fatigue accompanied by the gurgling of the stream. And don't forget to have plenty of water and snacks with you when you go.

Shopping in the Ihlara Valley

Many people want to collect memories for themselves from the places they have visited and seen, or bring gifts to their loved ones. For this reason, there are also shops selling souvenirs in the Ihlara Valley.

One of the most widely available and best-selling products in gift shops is keychains in the shape of a hot air balloon. At the same time, you can find special woven goods, bags, urns and many other products in the shops.

Ihlara Valley Traveler Reviews

'It's an incredibly beautiful valley. The spring months may be more suitable for here. It is quite cold in winter. There is sometimes ice on the stairs used for landing. It's considered a little dangerous to go down a fairly long flight of stairs. There is a parking lot and a cafe at the entrance to the valley.'