
Hotels near Ihlara Valley Hike
Belisırma/Güzelyurt/Aksaray, Türkiye
The Ihlara Valley canyon cuts a 14 km gorge 100 metres deep through volcanic plateau, carved by the Melendiz River and lined with around 105 rock-cut churches dating from the 6th to the 13th centuries. Most visitors hike the central 4 km section between Ihlara village and Belisirma, which takes two to three hours and passes the frescoed Agacalti, Yilanli, and Sumbullu churches. The 382 stone steps from the main entrance descend into the canyon; an alternate flat entrance starts at the Ihlara village mosque if your knees prefer level ground. Entry is TRY 250 in 2026. Bring water and a hat; shade exists only near the river. Lunch at the Anatolia Restaurant in Belisirma serves trout (TRY 350) on stilt platforms over the river.
Pro Tip: Start at the main steps entrance and finish at Belisirma. Pre-arrange a taxi back to your starting car (TRY 400) so you walk downstream and avoid retracing your route.
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