Discover Ihlara Valley

Ihlara Valley is located in the town of Ihlara, in the Güzelyurt district of Aksaray Province. The valley combines a landscape shaped by the Melendiz River with trekking routes and religious cultural sites. It has been an important religious center since the early years of Christianity. To help you decide, consider what you want to focus on: should your stay be mainly about trekking, the history of the rock churches, or both? If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, you can choose where to stay in Ihlara Valley based on these interests.

Location and landscape of Ihlara Valley

The valley begins in the town of Ihlara and stretches through Belisırma and Yaprakhisar to Selime. Ihlara is in the Güzelyurt district of Aksaray Province; Ihlara Valley therefore extends beyond the town that shares its name. Geologically, it was formed from a volcanic layer shaped by natural forces and erosion from the Melendiz River. The river shaped both the landscape and the setting for the trekking routes that follow its course.

Trekking routes and distances

Ihlara Valley has trekking routes of 4, 7, and 14 kilometers along the Melendiz River. These distances give you a concrete way to compare the routes: 4 kilometers is the shortest of the three, 14 kilometers the longest, and 7 kilometers is in between. One of the routes starts in the town of Ihlara. When choosing a route, you can consider its starting point in Ihlara as well as its distance.

Trekking is possible in the valley at any time of year. Weather and maintenance can affect conditions, so check the trail infrastructure locally before planning your hike. The distances provided can help you assess the scope of the different options.

Rock churches and religious history

The Sümbüllü Church in Ihlara contains rock-cut monastic areas on two levels. It is on the left side of the valley, about 20 meters above river level. This location is described in relation to the river as a landmark within the valley. The frescoes in Sümbüllü Church date from the 10th to the 12th century. The rock-cut monastic areas and the dated wall paintings thus represent different aspects of the valley’s religious heritage.

Ağaçaltı Church is another landmark near the start of the valley: when descending from the beginning of the valley, it is the first church you come across. If you are planning your outing around a church visit, check access conditions in advance, as they can change. This allows you to take both your cultural interests and the practical conditions for a visit into account when planning.

Cam Teras and the view over the valley

The Cam Teras observation platform offers a different perspective on the area. Built 150 meters above Ihlara Valley, it offers expansive views across the valley. This viewpoint differs from trekking along the river, which involves moving through the landscape. Cam Teras opened on May 29, 2024. At the time of opening, the project included a walking path, photo spots, a parking lot, a prayer room, and restrooms, as well as a cafeteria. If Cam Teras is important to your day’s itinerary, check whether the facility is currently open before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Sultanhanı, Güzelyurt, Aksaray, Belisırma, Harmandalı Municipality, Ortaköy, Gültepe Village.

Go to the main travel overview: Aksaray.