Pigeon Valley is a picturesque maze of exceptional rock formations, cave dwellings and a distant volcano. The diverse terrain, which seems like it comes from another planet, stretches for miles between Göreme and Uçhisar. Take a break midway through your hike at a charming café in the middle of the valley.
The site is named after the many pigeon houses carved into the rocks. The birds served as important messengers for the former inhabitants of the caves they were also kept as pets.
While some visitors prefer to explore the strange territory alone, others like to take a guided tour. Learn about the people who inhabited the cave dwellings carved into these rocks. Unlike most of the other former cave settlements in Cappadocia, Pigeon Valley does not have churches.
Imagine you are skipping across the surface of Mars as you hike through some of the strangest terrain you are ever likely to see. Take photos of the unusual rock formations with a backdrop of the snow-capped Erciyes Volcano. Stop in at the tea garden for a break and a chat with the owner, who may take you for a guided tour of the valley.
Uçhisar Castle is a highlight at the southern end of the valley. Climb to the top to enjoy astonishing views of houses and caves in every direction. Visitors can enter the valley for free. Make sure to bring sufficient water to last several hours and appropriate footwear for the walk, which is considered relatively easy.
Pigeon Valley extends for about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) southwest from Göreme toward Uçhisar. Look for the many signs in Göreme for the scenic hiking area, which is called Güvercinlik in Turkish. Many hikers park at one end of the trail, walk to the other end and take a bus back to their car.
