The pink and red valley

Published on October 23, 2023 at 6:30 pm

The pink and red valleys of Cappadocia are located in central Turkey, north-east of the town of Göreme. These two neighbouring valleys, known in Turkish as Güllüdere Rose Valley and Kizilçukur Red Valley, are usually visited by travellers on the same hike, so much so that they are often considered to be one and the same place. As their names suggest, they owe their names to the red and pink colours of their rocks.

Made up of valleys, peaks, cliffs of volcanic rock and the inevitable fairy chimneys, the red and pink valley also contains a number of churches and troglodyte dwellings built by man over the centuries. On your own or as part of a guided tour, this must-see place in Cappadocia deserves at least 2 to 3 hours of your time; or much more, to really take the time to contemplate this unique landscape.

The pink and red valley of Cappadocia, Turkey

Summary

Hiking in the red and pink valley
Hot-air ballooning over the red and pink valley
Visit the village of Cavusin

Hiking in the red and pink valley

One of Turkey's most visited valleys, the pink and red valley of Cappadocia offers many surprises for travellers. With its flamboyant colours – all the more so at sunrise and sunset– this valley is criss-crossed by several hiking trails suitable for all levels. Don't forget to wear comfortable footwear suitable for hiking: the rocky paths can sometimes be slippery.

One of the best-known and most popular routes in the valley forms a loop of around 8 kilometres. This walk, which takes around 2 hours 15 minutes (or more, depending on the length of your photo stops), will give you a great overview of the surrounding area and allow you to admire some exceptional panoramas. Along the way, don't forget to stop off at some of the rock churches. These are carved out of the rock and adorned with frescoes dating back thousands of years, and are not to be missed.

Young woman touring the Three Crosses cave-church in Cappadocia's Pink Valley

Hot-air ballooning over the red and pink valley

To admire the pink and red valley from the sky, many local companies organise daily hot-air balloon flights. These usually last between 1 and 2 hours and depart from Göreme. In addition to the pink and red valley, they include flights over the other surrounding valleys and Göreme National Park. Most hotels have booking services for their guests. However, in high season, it is advisable to book your flight several weeks in advance.

Sunrise over the pink and red valley. In the foreground, balloons are being prepared for the flight over the valleys of Cappadocia.

Visit the village of Cavusin

Situated at the gateway to the red and pink valleys of Cappadocia, north of Göreme, the village of Cavusin is a peaceful, unspoilt place. Dominated by a hill into which several troglodyte houses have been carved, Cavusin offers visitors a glimpse of the Turkish way of life. Don't hesitate to climb to the top of the rocks to enjoy the view over the village and the valleys.

View of the village of Cavusin in Cappadocia, where the oldest church in the region can be seen.

In addition to its idyllic location, the village of Cavusin owes its fame primarily to its two churches. The first, theNicéphore Phocas church, dates back to 960 AD. Unfortunately, due to the risk of collapse, it is closed to visitors for an indefinite period. The Basilica of St John the Baptist, meanwhile, is considered to be the oldest church in Cappadocia. Admission is free, so you can admire its Syriac-Christian architecture at your leisure.

Interior of the Basilica of St John the Baptist in Cavusin, Cappadocia

⭐ Where to stay near the pink and red valley?

The pink and red valleys of Cappadocia are unspoilt and arid places of nature. So you won't find accommodation set directly among the rocks. The nearest hotels and guesthouses are located in the municipalities of Cavusin and Göreme, the departure points for most excursions.

Booking.com

Fairyland Cave Hotel

Situated on a hilltop in the village of Cavusin

8.9 Superb

From

£93 / night

Book

The pink and red valley of Cappadocia, Turkey

🍴 Where to eat near the Red and Pink Valley?

As with accommodation, the majority of dining options near the Red and Pink Valley are located in the towns of Göreme and Cavusin. There are, however, a few cafés nestling in the valley, such as Cafe emin starbox and the Red Valley Tea Garden. These cafés also serve as grocery shops, so you'll have plenty to tide you over during your hike. For day hikes, however, it is advisable to opt for a packed picnic, prepared before you arrive in the valley.

by Editorial Team

Need a hand? take a look at our guide

Cappadocia