Aksaray is a province in Central Anatolia (İç Anadolu), Turkey, on the southwestern edge of the Cappadocia region. It is best known for the Ihlara Valley, a 14-kilometre canyon lined with Byzantine rock-cut churches and frescoes, the towering Selime Monastery, and the Sultanhanı Caravanserai, the largest Seljuk han in Turkey. With the volcanic cone of Hasan Mountain on the horizon, the salt expanse of Lake Tuz to the north, and Göreme roughly an hour east, Aksaray serves as an uncrowded gateway to Cappadocia.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Ihlara Valley Short Walk (Main Stairs to Belisırma)
Aksaray Museum (Mummies & Neolithic Finds)
Selime Monastery Exploration
Sultanhanı Caravanserai Visit
Lake Tuz Salt Flats Walk
Mamasın Dam Picnic & Fishing
Güzelyurt Old Town Stroll
Belisırma Riverside Trout Lunch
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Grand Altuntaş Hotel
Belisırma Cave Hotel & Restaurant
Ihlara Akar Hotel & Pension
Ihlara Termal Tatil Köyü
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Belisırma riverside restaurants serve gözleme, bread, and soup alongside trout — a hit with children who resist unfamiliar food
Most Turkish lokantalar welcome families and can adapt portion sizes; children eating from the same plate as adults is normal
Mantı (tiny dumplings with yoghurt) is generally well liked by children — available at city lokantalar
Döner wraps and pide (flatbread) are widely sold and child-friendly; pide shops in Ihlara village are ideal for quick lunches
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Base in Belisırma or Ihlara village to reach the canyon early — the shaded riverside path is comfortable even in summer heat
Carry at least 1.5L water per child for any valley walk; the path has no kiosks between the main stairs and Belisırma
The Ihlara Valley stairway (360 steps) is not suitable for pushchairs — use a baby carrier instead
Download Google Maps offline for the valley area before arriving — mobile signal is very patchy inside the gorge
The Aksaray Museum is air-conditioned and a good shelter during the hottest midday hours in summer
Inform accommodation staff each morning if hiking; leave a route plan and expected return time