Best trails in Göreme National Park
Top trails
- (3254)·Moderate·4.7 miThis trail features a number of historic churches, excellent views of the entire area around Goreme and passes tea gardens where you can rest. The trail begins just north of Goreme. After passing over an initial hill, the trail that travels up Rose valley begins close to a substantial rock formation filled with cut out homes. From there it is easy to work your way up Rose valley before crossing the crest and descending Red valley. If you make your way to the very top of the valley you reach...
- (3658)·Moderate·6.9 miThis trail begins in the charming town of Göreme, nestled in the heart of Cappadocia. This area is part of Göreme National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its surreal landscapes, fairy chimneys, and rich history carved into volcanic rock. The trail begins just outside town and quickly immerses you in the region's natural beauty. The first stop is Love Valley, famous for its towering, phallic-shaped rock formations formed by centuries of erosion. The valley is peaceful and often...
- (956)·Moderate·8.3 miThe Göreme Loop is a hike through the landscapes of Cappadocia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This trail path winds its way through several of the region's most famous valleys, such as the beautiful Rose Valley and Red Valley, which glow with a warm, reddish hue at sunset. The route passes by cave houses, rock-cut churches, and tunnels that were carved into the soft volcanic tuff by inhabitants thousands of years ago, turning the entire landscape into a vast, open-air museum.
- (573)·Easy·2.1 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrThe Zemi Valley trail is a peaceful walk through a deep, green canyon, standing in contrast to some of the region's more barren, open valleys. The trail follows a stream along the valley floor, almost entirely under a dense canopy of trees and lush foliage. The path is a rustic, earthen track that crosses the small stream several times and is known for its series of narrow rock-cut tunnels that hikers must pass through. This valley is also home to several hidden, ancient cave churches,...
- (432)·Moderate·7.5 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hrThis trail leads from the charming resort town of Kaş to the secluded bay of Limanağzı. The path follows the dramatic, rocky coastline, offering continuous, breathtaking views of the turquoise sea. A key highlight of this walk is the chance to see several ancient Lycian rock tombs, which have been impressively carved directly into the seaside cliffs. The trail concludes at the beautiful bay of Limanağzı, a peaceful cove with several small beaches and restaurants accessible only on foot or by...
- (224)·Hard·9.1 miOn this trail, there are a lot of pretty steep areas with no proper path and it can be challenging to walk on as the ground is made up of sand and shingle. The path between Aktepe hill and Zvelve is known to be slippery. The views however are stunning on this hike. It is recommended to have proper footwear and hiking sticks to assist you on this hike.
- (65)·Hard·12.0 mi·Est. 6–6.5 hrThis trail is a walk to the main panoramic viewpoints that stand high above the town of Göreme, offering the most iconic and sought-after views in all of Cappadocia. These spots are the premier locations for witnessing the two most magical moments of the day: the sunrise hot air balloon spectacle and the dramatic sunset. As the first light appears, hundreds of colorful hot air balloons silently lift off from the valleys below, filling the sky in a breathtaking and surreal display against the...
- (55)·Moderate·0.8 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrStunning abandoned village carved into a spectacular canyon valley. The area was first settled a millennium ago, and was inhabited until as recently as the 1950s. In addition to the jaw-dropping scenery, there are plenty of houses and churches you can explore right off the trail. This is definitely a must see while visiting Cappadocia.
- (41)·Easy·0.9 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrThe valley is renowned for its unique fairy chimneys, tall, conical rock formations capped by large, flat stones, sculpted over centuries by wind and water erosion of volcanic tuff. Historically, the valley gained the name "Monks Valley" because these cones were used as hermitages and cave dwellings by early Christian ascetics in the 4th and 5th centuries, many of whom carved small chapels directly into the soft rock. You will walk among vineyards and apricot groves, getting close views of...
- (12)·Hard·25.6 mi·Est. 12–13 hrA spectacular MTB / single-track ride adventure near Goreme / Cappadocia. Start riding from Goreme and enter Rose Valley to climb and then descended though Meskendir Valley. After crossing the main road, head South and climb up 5 km along Baglidere (Love Valley) up to Uchisar before descending along Guvercinlik Valley and returning back to Goreme for the final push of the day. Climb all the way to Nevsehir-Urgup main road, up to the entrance of the Zemi Valley which starts with a steep and...