The 4 Best Hiking And Trekking Tours in Goreme
Goreme is one of Turkey’s most visually striking spots, famous for its fairy chimneys, layered valleys, and ancient cave dwellings. But beyond the stunning sights, this region offers some fantastic opportunities for hiking and trekking that will give you an authentic feel for Cappadocia’s rugged landscape. Whether you’re after a leisurely walk through lush valleys or a full-day adventure exploring underground cities and historic sites, Goreme’s outdoor tours have something for all. We particularly love the Full-Day Tour in Cappadocia with Ihlara Hiking and Underground City for its comprehensive approach, combining nature, history, and cultural insights in one day.
If you’re trying to pick the right experience, understanding what each tour specializes in can help. Some focus on deeper hikes through less crowded valleys, while others offer a mix of outdoor activity and sightseeing. Here’s our breakdown of the best options to consider.
Quick Overview
- Full-Day Tour in Cappadocia with Ihlara Hiking and Underground City: Offers a full day of varied activities, including a scenic hike in the Ihlara Valley and a visit to an underground city. Rated 5.0/5 with glowing reviews.
- From Cappadocia: Green Tour with Hikes and Caves: A balanced tour that combines hikes through Ihlara Valley and Pigeon Valley with visits to underground sites, with a focus on natural beauty and culture.
- Cappadocia Mix Tour and Hiking: Includes hikes through Love Valley and other iconic valleys, combined with visits to castles and pottery towns, for those wanting a full outdoor and cultural experience.
- Cappadocia: Full Day Ihlara or Göreme Valley Hiking Tour: Designed for those who love dedicated hiking, with options for exploring Ihlara, Göreme, and Red Valley in a single day.
Below, we dive into each tour to help you decide which best fits your interests and travel style.
1. Full-Day Tour in Cappadocia with Ihlara Hiking and Underground City
This popular, highly-rated tour offers a comprehensive day out, combining a scenic hike in the Ihlara Valley with visits to an underground city and other key landmarks. It’s perfect if you want a well-rounded experience that mixes active exploration with cultural insights. Starting with an easy pickup from your Goreme hotel, you’ll travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with a guide who shares plenty of details about Cappadocia’s history and geology.
The itinerary includes stops at the Goreme Panorama for sweeping views and the Kaymakli Underground City, which is the largest and deepest in the region. The highlight for many is the 3.5 km hike in Ihlara Valley, a lush gorge with streams and towering cliffs, ending at a riverside restaurant for lunch. Afterward, you’ll visit the Selime Monastery — a vast cave complex with incredible vistas—and finish with a short walk through Pigeon Valley, famous for its thousands of ancient pigeon houses.
Rated 5/5 from 239 reviews, this tour stands out for its seamless organization, engaging guide, and balance of walking with sightseeing. Many reviewers mention the underground city as a “highlight,” and the panoramic views make it easy to see why this tour is a favorite. The included lunch and hassle-free pickup make it excellent value at just over $45 per person.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a full day of hiking, history, and cultural sites without missing out on anything. Great for first-timers or those short on time but eager for a deep dive into Cappadocia’s highlights.
2. From Cappadocia: Green Tour with Hikes and Caves
The Green Tour is a classic for exploring Cappadocia’s rich natural and cultural landscape. For around $36, you get an efficiently packed 7-hour experience that emphasizes hiking and less crowded sights. You’ll walk through the Ihlara Valley — a gorge filled with Byzantine cave churches — and Pigeon Valley, known for its rock formations and historic birdhouses. The tour also includes a visit to the Kaymakli Underground City, giving you a good sense of how ancient Cappadocians hid and thrived underground.
What sets this tour apart is the focus on less touristy spots and a more relaxed pace. The itinerary includes a traditional Turkish lunch, providing a taste of local cuisine. The stops at lesser-known attractions make it a great choice if you’re after authenticity and fewer crowds. It’s an ideal option for travelers who want to combine active outdoor time with cultural exploration but prefer a shorter, more manageable schedule.
Reviewers appreciate the balance and the chance to see hidden gems, with many highlighting the peaceful hikes and the opportunity to explore underground sites without the throngs of travelers. The overall rating of 4.6/5 from 54 reviews indicates solid satisfaction.
Bottom Line: Suits those seeking a well-rounded but more subdued outdoor adventure, with a focus on natural beauty and cultural sites. Ideal for travelers who want a typical Cappadocian experience without long hikes or crowded spots.
3. Cappadocia Mix Tour and Hiking
This full-day tour combines hiking and sightseeing in a way that suits active travelers who want variety. For $55, it includes explorations of Fairy Chimneys in Pasabag (Monks Valley), the Zelve Open Air Museum, and the lunar-like Devrent Valley. You’ll also visit Uchisar Castle and Avanos, where you can try your hand at pottery making — a fun, hands-on experience.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on geological formations and cultural stops that are slightly off the main tourist trail. The hiking through Fairy Chimneys and the Zelve Museum offers a chance to walk among ancient rock-cut dwellings and monasteries. The inclusion of a pottery workshop in Avanos adds a creative twist. The itinerary is flexible, with enough time at each stop to soak in the sights without feeling rushed.
Reviewers note the stunning valleys and the chance to see less crowded areas of Cappadocia. The guide’s local knowledge and the variety of stops make it stand out. The tour’s value is good, considering the number of sites covered and the included activities.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a mix of outdoor walking, cultural visits, and hands-on experiences. This tour is perfect if you’re after a varied day with plenty of photo opportunities.
4. Cappadocia: Full Day Ihlara or Göreme Valley Hiking Tour
If your main interest is dedicated hiking, this tour is tailored for you. For $65, you get an 8- to 9-hour full-day hike through Ihlara Valley, Goreme National Park, and Red Valley. Starting with options for pickup from multiple locations, including Uçhisar, Nevşehir, and Goreme, it offers flexibility for your travel plans.
The tour emphasizes the experience of walking through Cappadocia’s iconic valleys, with an experienced licensed guide leading the way. The itinerary includes a long hike in Ihlara, with a break for lunch — either picnic or restaurant options — and optional scenic views of sunset and wine tasting in Red Valley. The focus is on enjoying the landscape, with plenty of opportunities to photograph stunning rock formations and historic sites.
Reviews highlight how passionate guides make the hikes enjoyable and insightful. While the price is higher, you’re getting a deep, full-day trekking experience that appeals to serious hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want to spend a day really exploring on foot, with a focus on scenic valleys and active discovery. Suitable for fit travelers comfortable with longer walks.
How to Choose
Picking the right tour depends on what kind of experience you want. For comprehensive sightseeing with a balance of hiking and cultural sites, the Full-Day Tour in Cappadocia with Ihlara Hiking and Underground City offers excellent value. If you prefer a more relaxed pace with fewer travelers and a focus on natural beauty, the Green Tour might suit you best.
Active hikers who want to really immerse themselves in the landscape should consider the Full Day Ihlara or Göreme Valley Hiking Tour, which provides extended walking in iconic valleys. Meanwhile, those seeking variety and cultural experiences with some walking might enjoy the Cappadocia Mix Tour and Hiking.
When booking, consider your fitness level, the time available, and whether you prefer active hikes or more leisurely explorations. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season (spring and fall), when these tours fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
Goreme truly offers a variety of outdoor adventures for every type of traveler. If you want a full-day, all-in-one experience, the Full-Day Tour in Cappadocia with Ihlara Hiking and Underground City is hard to beat. For a more relaxed, less crowded outing, the Green Tour is excellent. And if your idea of a perfect day involves serious walking among stunning valleys, then the Full Day Ihlara or Göreme Valley Hiking Tour is your best bet.
No matter which you choose, booking early and deciding based on your fitness level and interests will ensure you get the best out of your time in this remarkable landscape. Happy hiking in Goreme!