The Ihlara Stairway to Belisırma walk is a short but memorable entry-level hike in the Ihlara Valley section of Aksaray Province, Turkey. From the main canyon entrance at Ihlara village, hikers descend a dramatic stairway of approximately 360 steps cut into the volcanic cliff face, dropping around 300 metres to the floor of the Melendiz River gorge. The descent takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes and leads directly to the shaded riverside trail running northward along the water's edge toward Belisırma village.
From the base of the stairway the path is almost entirely flat, following the left bank of the Melendiz River on a well-maintained dirt and boardwalk trail. The distance from the stairway base to Belisırma is approximately 3.5 kilometres, achievable in under two hours at a relaxed pace with stops at the frescoed Byzantine churches along the way. The most accessible cave churches — including Ağaçaltı (Kokar) Church, noted for its well-preserved Annunciation frescoes, and Pürenli Seki Church — are clustered within the first two kilometres after the stairway descent, making this short segment one of the most rewarding in the entire valley.
Belisırma is a small farming hamlet perched at the canyon rim with a cluster of riverside restaurants accessible by a short climb from the valley floor. These terrace restaurants serve trout, gözleme (stuffed flatbread), and Turkish tea, and provide a natural endpoint for the walk. Visitors intending to do only this section should arrange transport back from Belisırma by taxi or pre-booked return dolmuş.
The trailhead is at the main Ihlara Valley entrance in Ihlara village, 40 km southwest of Aksaray city. Dolmuş minibuses run from Aksaray bus station; private car transfers are also common. Roadside parking is available at the entrance. An admission ticket of approximately 40 TL covers the full valley and is purchased at the booth before the stairway. No permit is required. The stairway has a metal handrail on one side, which assists the descent but does not make it suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Ihlara Valley main entrance
- Best season
- April-October
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes (no heels)
- Water
- Hat
Location
Ihlara Vadisi Ana Giriş Merdiveni, 68500 Ihlara/Güzelyurt, Aksaray, Turkey
38.2434, 34.3082 View on map
Highlights
- Descend the iconic 360-step canyon staircase from the plateau edge to the Melendiz River floor
- Explore the richly frescoed Ağaçaltı (Kokar) Byzantine church, one of the best-preserved in the canyon
- Shaded riverside walk through willows along the Melendiz River with towering volcanic cliffs above
- Riverside lunch at Belisırma village terrace restaurants with canyon views
Tips for visiting
- The stairway has a handrail but steps are uneven — descend slowly and wear closed-toe shoes with grip
- Carry water from the top; the stairway descent is shadeless and gets hot by midday in summer
- If returning the same way, the stairway ascent (15–20 minutes) is more taxing than the descent — pace accordingly
- Arrange a Belisırma taxi pickup before entering the canyon rather than relying on mobile signal inside the gorge
- Visit in the morning to have the cave churches largely to yourself before tour groups arrive around 10:00
When to visit
April to June and September to October are ideal, with pleasant temperatures and the riverside trail shaded by spring and autumn foliage. Summer mornings before 09:30 are manageable, but midday heat in July and August inside the canyon can be intense.
Accessibility
The Ihlara Stairway walk is not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The 360-step stairway cannot be bypassed and requires independent mobility. The riverside path after the stairway descent is mostly flat and is navigable on foot for those with mild mobility limitations, though some rocky sections near cave church entrances require care.
Frequently asked questions
How steep is the stairway descent into the canyon?
The stairway drops approximately 300 metres over around 360 steps. Steps vary in height and are carved from rock or concrete; a metal handrail assists on one side. The descent takes 15–20 minutes at a steady pace.
Is the walk from the stairway to Belisırma suitable for beginners?
Yes. Once at the canyon floor the path is flat, well-marked, and straightforward. The main physical challenge is the stairway itself, which requires reasonable balance and sure footing.
Is there food available at Belisırma?
Belisırma has several riverside restaurants serving Turkish food including fresh trout, gözleme, and çay. Restaurants are generally open April through October during daylight hours.
How do visitors return from Belisırma to the main entrance?
Options include walking back to the Ihlara stairway on the same riverside trail, arranging a taxi from Belisırma village up to the main road, or continuing north to Selime and taking a taxi from there.