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Goreme Valley: Quick overview
- Where is Goreme? Goreme is a small town located in the Cappadocia region of Turkey.
- Goreme to Cappadocia distance: 3.2 km
- Time taken to travel from Goreme to Cappadocia: 15-20 minutes
- Time taken to travel from Cappadocia airport to Goreme: 40-45 minutes
- Time taken to travel from Goreme bus station to Cappadocia: 11-15 minutes
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How to get to Goreme Valley?
By air
By bus
By car
The quickest way to reach Goreme is by flying into one of the nearby airports:
- Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV): The distance from Goreme to Nevsehir airport is about 43 kilometers, making it the closest Cappadocia airport to Goreme. It operates domestic flights from major Turkish cities like Istanbul. Once you land, you will have the option of taking a shuttle bus, taxi, or renting a car to reach Goreme.
- Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR): Located approximately 75 kilometers from Goreme, this airport handles domestic and a few international flights. You'll find shuttle services and taxis waiting to take you directly to Goreme upon arrival.
Turkey has a well-developed intercity bus network that connects Goreme with major cities:
- From Istanbul: Overnight buses take about 9-10 hours to reach Goreme.
- From Ankara: Buses from Ankara take around 4-5 hours.
- From Izmir: Expect a journey of about 10-11 hours by bus.
Buses are comfortable and often provide amenities like Wi-Fi and refreshments. Upon arrival at the Goreme bus station, you can get a taxi to reach your hotel.
When you rent a car, you have the flexibility to discover places on your own schedule. The route to Goreme offers breathtaking scenery and smooth, well-kept roads.
- From Istanbul: The car drive takes around 8-10 hours via the E90 and D200 highways.
- From Ankara: It's about a 4-5 hour drive along the E90 and D300 highways.
- From Izmir: The drive takes around 9-10 hours, following the E96 and D300 highways.
Getting to nearby valleys from Goreme
Love Valley
Ihlara Valley
Devrent Valley
Red Valley
Love Valley, famed for its phallic-shaped rock formations, is a short distance from Goreme (4.8 km). Here's how to get to Love Valley from Goreme:
- By foot: Love Valley is accessible by hiking. The trailhead is about a 30-minute walk from Goreme town center. The hike through the valley takes around 1-2 hours, depending on your pace.
- By car or bike: You can drive or rent a bike to reach the valley's entrance. It's a quick 10-minute drive from Goreme. Parking is available at the valley entrance.
- By tour: Guided tours, including ATV or horseback riding tours, are popular ways to explore Love Valley, providing both transportation and local insights.
The distance from Goreme to Ihlara Valley is around 80 km. Here's how to get there from Goreme:
- By car: The easiest way to get to Ihlara Valley is by renting a car or hiring a private driver. It usually takes around 1.5 hours to drive there using the D300 highway.
- By tour: Several tours offer day trips from Goreme to Ihlara Valley, often including stops at other attractions like Derinkuyu Underground City and Selime Monastery.
Devrent Valley, often called Imagination Valley, is located 11 km away from Goreme. The valley offers a unique landscape and fascinates you with rock formations that seem to look like different animals.
- By car: If you're driving, it's only a quick 15-minute ride from Goreme to Devrent Valley. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
- By tour: You can join a local tour to explore the valley with a guide. These tours offer half-day or full-day trips that include Devrent Valley along with other nearby sights. It's a convenient way to see everything without worrying about logistics.
- By public transport: Take a bus to Avanos from Goreme, and then either a taxi or a short bus ride to reach Devrent Valley. It's a bit more adventurous and gives you a chance to experience local transportation.
Red Valley, known for its stunning red-colored rock formations and sunsets, is a favorite among hikers. It is located just 6 km from Goreme.
- By foot: If you're up for some adventure, exploring Red Valley on foot from Goreme is a fantastic choice. The hike is moderately challenging and typically lasts between 1 to 2 hours, depending on which trail you choose to follow. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of the area!
- By car or taxi: If hiking isn't your preference, you can reach Red Valley by car or taxi in about 10 minutes from Göreme. There are parking areas at the entrance to the valley.
- By tour: Many guided tours include Red Valley in their itineraries, offering convenient transportation and insightful commentary on the area's history and geology.
Visitor tips
- While Turkish is the primary language, many locals in Goreme's tourist areas understand basic English. Learning a few Turkish phrases can enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
- The Turkish Lira (TRY) is the primary currency used. While credit cards are commonly accepted, it's smart to carry some cash for smaller transactions.
- Indulge in traditional Turkish cuisine at local restaurants and cafes in Goreme. Don't miss out on specialties like testi kebab (cooked in a clay pot) and gözleme (savory Turkish flatbread).
- Remember to protect yourself from the sun, especially in summer, by using sunscreen.
- Don't forget to explore nearby valleys like Red Valley, Love Valley, Sword Valley, and more to truly explore the beauty of Cappadocia and enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Goreme Valley
How do I get to Goreme from Istanbul?
You can catch a flight to either Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport or Kayseri Erkilet Airport. From there, it's just a shuttle or taxi ride to Goreme. Alternatively, there's a direct bus that takes around 9-10 hours if you prefer to travel by road.
What is the nearest airport to Goreme?
The nearest airports are Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (43 km away) and Kayseri Erkilet Airport (75 km away).
Is it easy to get around Goreme?
Yes, Goreme is small and easy to explore on foot. For trips to nearby attractions, you can rent a car or scooter or join a guided tour.
Can I visit Goreme Valley year-round?
Yes, Goreme Valley is a year-round destination. However, the best times to visit are in the spring and autumn for the most comfortable weather.
Are there direct buses to Goreme?
Yes, direct buses are available from major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya.
What should I pack for my trip to Goreme?
Pack comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. If visiting in winter, bring warm clothing as it can get quite chilly.
Are there guided tours available in Goreme?
Absolutely! You've got plenty to choose from, whether you're into cultural explorations, historical insights, or thrilling adventures like hiking and ATV rides.