Ihlara Valley: Top 5 Outdoor Activities & a Few Pointers

So, you’re thinking of seeing Ihlara Valley? You know, that quite special canyon cutting through the heart of Cappadocia, Turkey? That, in fact, is pretty awesome, but that’s only if you appreciate striking rock formations and historic charm. The valley, rather long and almost narrow, gives a fantastic opportunity for outdoorsy stuff that allows you to be fully engrossed in the landscape. Let’s peep at a few ways to get out there and soak up what Ihlara Valley brings!

1. Valley Hiking: The most famous path

The big deal here, as a matter of fact, is the hiking! The most well-trodden section of the valley trail runs approximately 14 kilometers (around 8.7 miles). It, arguably, links Ihlara village to Belisirma village. The walk itself tends to be rather doable for most fitness levels. Yet, it is, in reality, a long one. You, like your friend’s experience, could anticipate it’ll take somewhere around 4-5 hours. Remember to wear nice, comfy shoes, yeah? You might want to read this detailed Ihlara Valley hike: Ihlara Valley Hiking Full Review and Details

It seems like the magic’s in the Byzantine churches carved right into the canyon walls. It is what provides you a little glimpse into the area’s past as you stroll. I mean, they, actually, really have some cool paintings still hanging around. Be ready to, in short, deal with a few stream crossings. That is, by the way, is because the Melendiz River winds its way through the bottom of the valley. Seeing Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book a Hiking Trip)

2. Exploring Secret Churches: A bit of History

Cappadocia tends to be almost a goldmine for old churches. Ihlara Valley? It seems like that’s no exception! It might be an idea to spare a little extra time, alright, to really peek into some of the less known religious sites dotted throughout the valley. Yılanlı Church (Snake Church), for instance, stands out for its frescoes portraying scenes from the Bible. It’s almost captivating. Seeing Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Explore Cappadocia’s Churches)

Kırkdamaltı Church and Sümbüllü Church equally supply their own individual slices of history and artistic expression. Just a heads up, anyway, a lot of these places, by the way, have very small entrance fees that aid in their preservation, alright? Want the top hidden gems read our exploration of Ihlara Valley churches:Ihlara Valley Churches Full Review and Details

3. Photography: Frame the beauty

For photography lovers, so, Ihlara Valley tends to be almost heaven. With its soaring cliffs, you know, rich greenery, and the way the Melendiz River almost slithers along, anyway, you basically, could discover picture ops at pretty much every turn. Seriously!. You know, sunrise and sunset tend to be when the light is especially gentle. That can add like a special magical dimension to your pictures. To capture a wider view of all read this:Ihlara Valley Photography Full Review and Details

In fact, consider bringing along your camera or even a decent phone camera is fine. It depends whether to catch the elaborate details of the historic churches or the broad sweeping vista of the valley! Either is, really, equally great, if I’m honest! Make sure to keep extra batteries with you though, okay? Because there isn’t really anywhere to plug anything in! Seeing Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book a Photography Tour)

4. Picnics nearby Melendiz River: Enjoy local food

Now, after a lengthy hike, in some respects, why don’t you think about plopping down somewhere nice for a picnic by the Melendiz River? A few local restaurants almost have these kind of platforms sitting over the water. It can give you such a great view of the valley while eating local Turkish stuff, alright! Also it’s pretty damn great to have some time to recharge ahead of your next excursion, if you ask me!

Or, arguably, you, literally, could pack your own treats, obviously, at any rate. Just to allow you to make the most of your visit. It seems like you can find fresh bread, yummy cheese, and seasonal fruits around Güzelyurt or Ihlara village! Learn more what what other local tourist enjoy eating here: Foods Full Review and Details

5. Canyon Exploration

So, for the actual adventure types out there, basically, canyoning in specific parts of Ihlara Valley stands out as a genuinely remarkable experience. With the direction and kit of seasoned local guides, definitely. Canyoning makes it easier for you to descend into sections of the valley which many hikers tend to pass above.

The guides have detailed explanations on getting you all strapped up with ropes and safety equipment, naturally, guiding you, finally, to maneuver via swims, scrambles, so rappels throughout smaller waterfalls and swimming pools which occur through the canyon. I’d suggest that if you would like something far more involved you might want to consider going to see Kapuzbasi Waterfalls. For the more daredevil tourists out there read this: Cappadocia Canyoning Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Join a Canyoning Adventure)