The Ihlara Valley Full Walk is one of Cappadocia's most celebrated multi-hour hiking routes, threading the entire 14-kilometre length of a dramatic basalt canyon in Aksaray Province, Turkey. The walk begins at Ihlara village, where hikers descend a monumental 360-step stairway cut into the canyon wall, dropping roughly 300 metres to the Melendiz River below. From this point the trail follows the river through a narrow, lush gorge flanked by towering volcanic cliffs that rise up to 150 metres on either side.
The canyon floor is densely vegetated with willows, poplars, and wild roses, providing welcome shade in summer. The trail surface alternates between compacted earth, wooden boardwalk sections, and stepping stones across seasonal streams. Several sections require careful footing where the path narrows against the cliff face. The walk is broadly linear and non-technical, but its length and the sustained riverbank terrain make it a solid moderate-level outing.
The route passes roughly 100 rock-cut churches carved by early Byzantine Christians between the 4th and 13th centuries. Key landmarks include the Ağaçaltı (Kokar) Church near the entrance, noted for its Annunciation frescoes; the riverside restaurants at Belisırma village at approximately the 7 km mark; and the massive Selime Cathedral — one of the largest cave complexes in Cappadocia — at the canyon's northern terminus.
Trailhead access is from Ihlara village, 40 km southwest of Aksaray city. Visitors can reach Ihlara by dolmuş from Aksaray bus station or by private car; roadside parking is available at the main entrance. An admission fee of approximately 40 TL per person covers the entire valley and is purchased at the ticketing booth before the stairway descent. No permit is required beyond the entry ticket. The trail is not a loop; most hikers arrange a taxi pickup at Selime village or pre-book a return dolmuş. Water is available at Belisırma restaurants at the midpoint but is scarce before that, so carrying at least two litres from the trailhead is essential. The path is well-signed between Ihlara and Belisırma; signage toward Selime is less consistent and walkers should watch for riverside trail markers.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Ihlara Valley, Güzelyurt District
- Best season
- April-June, September-October
What to bring
- Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
- 2L water minimum
- Hat and sunscreen
- Small snack for the canyon
- Cash for entry ticket and Belisırma lunch
Location
Ihlara Vadisi Girişi, 68500 Ihlara/Güzelyurt, Aksaray, Turkey
38.2434, 34.3082 View on map
Highlights
- Descend the canyon's iconic 360-step staircase from the plateau rim to the Melendiz River floor, a dramatic 300-metre drop
- Walk past roughly 100 Byzantine rock-cut churches painted with early Christian frescoes along the canyon walls
- Riverside lunch at Belisırma village restaurants at the canyon midpoint
- Reach the monumental Selime Cathedral cave complex at the canyon's northern terminus
- Shade-dappled riverbank trail through willows and wild roses in an otherwise arid Anatolian plateau landscape
Tips for visiting
- Start at the Ihlara village end and walk north to Selime — downhill at the outset and most cave churches are in the first half
- Pre-arrange a taxi or return dolmuş from Selime before entering the canyon; public transport from Selime is limited
- Carry at least 2 L of water from the trailhead — the only refill point before Selime is Belisırma village at 7 km
- Arrive before 09:00 to explore cave churches before tour groups arrive around mid-morning
- Entry fee is approximately 40 TL per person — cash is preferred and the ticket may be checked along the route
- Wear walking boots or sturdy trail shoes; the path includes slippery stepping stones across seasonal streams
When to visit
April through June and September through October offer the best conditions — mild temperatures, spring wildflowers, and reduced midday heat. Summer visits in July and August are best started before 08:00 to avoid both intense heat and tour-group congestion at the cave churches.
Accessibility
The Ihlara Valley trail is not wheelchair or pushchair accessible. The 360-step stairway descent at the main entrance and the uneven riverbank path preclude mobility aids throughout. Visitors with limited mobility may be able to access the canyon floor from the Belisırma village road, which descends by paved road rather than stairway.
Frequently asked questions
Do visitors need to walk the entire 14 km or can they do a shorter section?
The canyon can be entered or exited at Ihlara village, Belisırma (midpoint at 7 km), or Selime at the far end. Many visitors walk only the Ihlara-to-Belisırma section (about 7 km) and return by taxi.
Is there food available inside the canyon?
Belisırma village at roughly the halfway point has several riverside restaurants serving Turkish meals and çay. There are no other food options inside the canyon between the entrance and Belisırma, and only a small tea house at the Selime end.
Are the Byzantine rock-cut churches open to enter?
Most churches are freely accessible as part of the valley entry ticket. Some have locked gates to protect fragile frescoes; a small number require a separate ticket or are temporarily closed for restoration.
What is the admission fee for Ihlara Valley?
Admission is approximately 40 TL per person (2025 rates), collected at the main Ihlara village ticketing booth. The ticket covers the full valley length including Selime Cathedral.
Is the trail suitable for children?
Children aged seven and above who are comfortable on uneven terrain can manage the walk. The 360-step stairway requires sure footing. Younger children or pushchairs are not suitable for the full route.