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.
Luxury hotels
Five-star and palace properties.
Continent Kapadokus Thermal Spa & Wellness
Grand Altuntaş Hotel
Cappadocia Antique Gelveri Cave Hotel
Fine dining
Michelin-starred and chef-driven restaurants.
Grand Altuntaş Hotel Restaurant
The most complete hotel-restaurant in Aksaray province, with a full Anatolian and international menu, Turkish wine list, and à la carte dinner service
Cappadocia Antique Gelveri Cave Restaurant
Private cave dining in a carved stone cellar with regional tasting menus and Turkish wine
Exclusive experiences
Bespoke and once-in-a-lifetime activities.
Hasandağı Summit Private Guided Trek
A full-day private ascent of the 3,253 m Hasandağı volcano with an English-speaking local mountain guide from Helvadere village, covering alpine meadows, the crater area, and panoramic views over the Cappadocian plain. The guide supplies a route map and arranges transport to the trailhead.
Private Cave Dinner, Güzelyurt
A private dinner for two in the carved cave wine cellar at Cappadocia Antique Gelveri Cave Hotel, with a set menu of regional Anatolian dishes, local wine, and a dessert platter of sarığıburma and höşmerim.
Private Full-Day Valley & Heritage Car Tour
A private car and driver connecting Ihlara Valley, Belisırma riverside lunch, Selime Monastery, Güzelyurt old town, and Yaprakhisar fairy chimneys in a single day, with a knowledgeable local driver-guide.
Ziga Thermal Spa Half-Day Package
A half-day thermal and spa package at Continent Kapadokus Thermal Spa combining a 2-hour soak in mineral pools, a traditional hamam scrub (kese), a relaxation massage, and a light lunch in the hotel restaurant.
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight (from Aksaray)
Hot air balloon flights are not operated over Aksaray itself, but the departure point from Göreme is approximately 80 km east. Reputable operators including Butterfly Balloons (butterflyballoons.com) and Royal Balloon (royalballoon.com) offer shared and private flights; the standard public flight is approximately €180-250 (≈₺8,300-11,500). Drivers in Aksaray can arrange a 05:00 transfer to Göreme for pre-booked flights.
Ihlara Valley Exclusive Early-Access Walk
Arrive at the Ihlara Valley ticket booth before the official 08:00 opening and negotiate with the site staff for an early-access entry to photograph and explore the canyon path without any other visitors (particularly effective on weekdays outside peak season). A local guide fluent in Byzantine church iconography can be arranged through Cappadocia Antique Gelveri Cave Hotel.
Spas & wellness
World-class spa retreats and treatments.
Continent Kapadokus Thermal Spa
Grand Altuntaş Hotel Spa
Luxury transport
Travel in style.