Ihlara Valley (Ihlara Vadisi)
A 14-km canyon carved by the Melendiz River, lined with Byzantine rock-cut churches and frescoes; the main trail runs between Ihlara village, Belisırma, and Selime
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About Aksaray
Aksaray stretches across the high, dry plains of Central Anatolia, framed by the extinct volcano Hasan Dağı (about 3,268 m) and bordered to the north by Lake Tuz (Tuz Gölü), Turkey's second-largest lake and a major salt source. The province sits at the quieter, western entrance to Cappadocia, around an hour by road from Göreme and Nevşehir. Its signature sight is the Ihlara Valley, a deep gorge carved by the Melendiz River and honeycombed with rock-cut churches, leading to the cliffside village of Belisırma and the immense Selime Monastery. Aksaray also holds the 1229 Sultanhanı Caravanserai, the largest surviving Seljuk han in Turkey, the Greek-heritage town of Güzelyurt (Gelveri), and the Aksaray Museum, known for its mummies and Ihlara-valley finds. Travellers come for canyon hiking, Byzantine and Seljuk history, volcanic landscapes, and a slower, less touristed taste of Cappadocia.
- Capital
- Aksaray
- Largest city
- Aksaray
- Population
- ~440,000
- Languages
- Turkish
- Currency
- Turkish Lira
- Time zone
- TRT (UTC+3)
Explore Aksaray by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Aksaray
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Selime Monastery (Selime Katedrali)
A vast rock-cut monastic complex with a cathedral-like hall, carved chambers, and chimney-rock views at the northern end of the Ihlara Valley
Sultanhanı Caravanserai (Sultan Han)
Commissioned in 1229 by Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I, the largest surviving Seljuk caravanserai in Turkey, enclosing about 4,900 square metres on the old Konya-Aksaray road
Aksaray Museum
A modern provincial museum displaying Ihlara-valley finds, Neolithic artefacts from Aşıklı Höyük, and a noted collection of preserved mummies
Lake Tuz (Tuz Gölü)
Turkey's second-largest lake and a major salt source, a shallow, dazzling-white salt flat that turns pink in summer, along the province's northern edge
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Aksaray Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Aksaray, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Aksaray
- Days 1-2Aksaray city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Aksaray
- Days 1-3Aksaray comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Aksaray, departure
Where to stay in Aksaray
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget ₺1,400 (≈$30)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range ₺3,700 (≈$80)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury ₺9,200+ (≈$200+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Grand Altuntaş Hotel
Grand Altuntaş Hotel is the largest upscale hotel in Aksaray city centre, a modern high-rise on Ihlara Caddesi with a restaurant, indoor pool, spa, and hammam. It is the most prominent full-service business and leisure hotel in the provincial capital and a comfortable base for exploring Ihlara, Sultanhanı, and Cappadocia by road.
Check rates on Booking.comAhsaray Hotel
Ahsaray Hotel is a comfortable 4-star hotel on the E-90 highway edge of Aksaray, offering a restaurant, fitness centre, hammam, and sauna. With easy parking and the city centre within a short drive, it suits drivers using Aksaray as a touring base for the Ihlara Valley and the wider Cappadocia region.
Check rates on Booking.comGrand Çakıroğlu Hotel
Grand Çakıroğlu Hotel is a central Aksaray city hotel within walking distance of the bazaar and roughly 800 metres from the Aksaray Museum. It offers a restaurant, 24-hour reception, and currency exchange, making it a convenient and well-located mid-range choice for travellers exploring the provincial capital.
Check rates on Booking.comNenes Hotel
Nenes Hotel is a 4-star property in Aksaray, a short distance from the Egri Minare landmark and a convenient drive from the Ihlara Valley. It offers a restaurant, terrace, free private parking, and free WiFi, and is well rated by travellers for comfortable rooms and a quiet location away from the busiest streets.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Aksaray
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Belisırma Aslan Restaurant
Belisırma Star Restaurant
Somine Cafe & Restaurant
Kmu Mehmet Usta
Şelale Restaurant (Ihlara Valley)
Hasan Bey Kebap Salonu
Getting around Aksaray
Aksaray is reached primarily by road and long-distance bus. Rental car is strongly recommended for independent exploration of the Ihlara Valley, Selime, Sultanhanı, and Lake Tuz.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in TRY, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₺700 (≈$15) | ₺2,000 (≈$43) | ₺5,500 (≈$120) |
| Food (per day) | ₺350 (≈$8) | ₺900 (≈$20) | ₺2,000 (≈$43) |
| Transportation | ₺200 (≈$4) | ₺450 (≈$10) | ₺1,000 (≈$22) |
| Activities | ₺150 (≈$3) | ₺350 (≈$8) | ₺700 (≈$15) |
| Daily total | ₺1,400 (≈$30) | ₺3,700 (≈$80) | ₺9,200+ (≈$200+) |
Best time to visit Aksaray
May-June and September-October for comfortable walking temperatures. July-August is hot but manageable with early starts; the salt flats of Lake Tuz are at their most dramatic and the flamingo flocks are present. Avoid December-February for outdoor activities.
Essential travel tips
- Buy the Museumkart (₺900 annual / ≈$
- if visiting multiple Turkish sites in one trip
- it covers Aksaray Museum, Ihlara, Selime, and Sultanhanı. Carry cash in small notes at all times
- rural ticket booths and village cafés rarely take cards
Safety information
The 360-step Ihlara Valley stairway requires handrails
carry small children or use a baby carrier (not pushchairs). Keep children supervised at Belisırma riverbank (fast spring flow). Apply SPF 50 and keep children hydrated on all outdoor days. Mobile signal is patchy inside the Ihlara gorge
download offline maps and leave a route plan at your accommodation
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Aksaray?
Aksaray follows Turkey's national entry rules, as Turkey is not part of the Schengen Area. Many EU nationals can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, while citizens of many other countries can apply online for an e-Visa at evisa.gov.tr before travelling. Requirements vary by nationality, so check the official e-Visa portal or a Turkish consulate before your trip.
How do I get to the Ihlara Valley from Aksaray?
The Ihlara Valley is about 40 km south of Aksaray city. Local dolmuş minibuses run from Aksaray to Ihlara village at the canyon entrance, though service is more frequent on weekdays than Sundays. Many visitors hire a taxi or rent a car for flexibility, which also makes it easy to combine the valley with Belisırma village and the Selime Monastery.
What food is Aksaray famous for?
Aksaray is known for hearty Central Anatolian cooking. Local specialities include Aksaray tulum kebab, traditionally cooked by shepherds around Hasan Mountain, and Hasan Mountain testi (pottery) kebab, in which lamb is sealed in a clay pot that is broken open at the table. Other regional dishes include mantı, couscous dolma, soğanlama, and desserts such as höşmerim and sarığıburma.
What are the top attractions in Aksaray?
The top attractions in Aksaray are the Ihlara Valley with its Byzantine rock-cut churches, the cliffside Selime Monastery, the 13th-century Sultanhanı Caravanserai (the largest Seljuk han in Turkey), the Aksaray Museum with its mummies and Neolithic finds, and Lake Tuz, Turkey's great salt lake. The historic Greek town of Güzelyurt and nearby Cappadocia make excellent additions.