Göreme Historical National Park, Nevşehir, Turkey

The Göreme Historical National Park (in Turkish: Göreme Tarihî Milli Parkı) is one of the top natural destinations in Turkey. Located in the Cappadocia region, this place combines natural wonders with an extensive historical heritage. From the iconic valleys filled with unique rock formations to the underground cities and ancient monasteries, Göreme offers an unforgettable experience. Get everything you need to make the most of your visit, including how to get there, what to see, and where to stay.

Information about Göreme Historical National Park

History

Göreme Historical National Park, located in central Turkey, covers an area of almost 100 km² (39 square miles) in the Nevşehir province. Over the centuries, it has been inhabited by various civilizations, from the Hittites to the Byzantines. The ancient inhabitants of this region took advantage of its unique geology to carve shelters, underground dwellings, and religious complexes into the volcanic rock.

During the early centuries of Christianity, Göreme became an important monastic center. Its rock-cut churches, many of which still preserve frescoes of great historical value, are a testament to its spiritual and artistic past. This exceptional landscape, eroded by water and wind, has shaped an environment of unique rock formations and a network of interconnected underground settlements.

In 1985, the park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name "Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia," recognizing its historical, cultural, and natural significance on a global scale.

Location

Göreme is located in the Cappadocia region, in central Turkey, within the Nevşehir province. This area lies in the volcanic region formed by Mount Hasan and Mount Erciyes, whose eruptions millions of years ago created the unique terrain of the area. This volcanic process gave rise to the characteristic rock formations known as "fairy chimneys", which give Göreme its unmistakable landscape.

The park is close to the towns of Ürgüp, Çavuşin, and Göreme, making it a central point for exploring the region. Its proximity to these towns and other places of interest, such as Avanos, facilitates access by road and local transportation services, making it an ideal destination for those who want to explore the geological and cultural richness of Cappadocia.

Best time to visit Göreme Historical National Park

The best time to visit Göreme is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the temperatures are pleasant, and the dry weather allows for outdoor activities without the high summer temperatures or the winter cold. The landscapes are also more picturesque, with green valleys in spring or golden colors in autumn.

How to get to Göreme Historical National Park

From Nevşehir

Nevşehir is the closest city to the park, just 12 km away. You can easily reach it by local bus or taxi from Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport, which has daily flights from Istanbul and Ankara.

From Kayseri

Kayseri is another convenient option, about 80 km from Göreme. From Kayseri Airport, you can take a shuttle service or rent a car to reach the park in about an hour and a half.

From Ankara

Turkey’s capital is about 300 km from Göreme. If you’re coming from Ankara, you can opt for an intercity bus ride, which will take about 4 hours, or rent a car and enjoy the scenery along the way.

From Istanbul

If you’re traveling from Istanbul, the most convenient option is to take a direct flight to either Nevşehir or Kayseri airports. There are also bus options, but the road journey can take over 10 hours.

Geography of Göreme

The park is located on a volcanic lava plateau that has been eroded over the centuries by wind and water, creating the famous "fairy chimneys." These whimsical rock pillars rise in the valleys, creating an almost surreal landscape. In addition to these formations, Göreme features low mountains, plateaus, and valleys that host rich biodiversity and provide an ideal setting for hiking and exploration.

Flora of Göreme

The park’s flora is typically Mediterranean, adapted to the semi-arid climate of Cappadocia. You can find thyme bushes, lavender, rosemary, and wild herbs covering the valleys in spring, offering a beautiful contrast to the volcanic rocks. Additionally, vineyards are cultivated in the surrounding areas, producing the famous Cappadocian wines.

Fauna of Göreme

The park’s fauna includes a variety of birds, such as eagles, falcons, and vultures, which use the rock formations as shelter and nesting sites. In the valleys, you can also find mammals like foxes and hares, as well as reptiles adapted to the arid climate.

Recommended Excursions and Activities

Göreme is an ideal destination for nature and history lovers. You can explore the valleys on foot through its numerous trails, go on bike tours, or enjoy an unforgettable hot air balloon ride at sunrise, offering spectacular views of the landscape. Tours of the rock-cut churches and underground cities are also popular activities.

What to See and Do in Göreme Historical National Park

Some Turkish national parks have their main attractions in the local fauna and flora, but in the case of Göreme, the main attraction is its stunning geological landscape, dominated by the rock formations known as "fairy chimneys" and the ancient structures carved into the rock, revealing centuries of history and culture.

Fairy Chimneys Valleys (Peri Bacaları Vadileri)

These iconic valleys, such as Love Valley and Red Valley, are known for their unique rock formations. They are ideal places for walking and exploring the landscape.

Ihlara Valley (Ihlara Vadisi)

This impressive valley is best known for its winding river and the rock-cut churches along its walls. It’s a perfect place for a peaceful walk in a natural and cultural setting.

Derinkuyu Underground City (Derinkuyu Yeraltı Şehri)

One of the largest underground cities in Cappadocia, Derinkuyu allows you to explore tunnels and rooms that served as a refuge for early Christians.

Kaymakli Underground City (Kaymaklı Yeraltı Şehri)

Similar to Derinkuyu but smaller, Kaymakli offers another fascinating look into the underground life of the ancient civilizations that inhabited the region.

Selime Monastery (Selime Manastırı)

This rock-cut monastery is one of the largest in Cappadocia and offers impressive views of the Ihlara Valley. It was an important religious center during the Byzantine period.

Göreme Open Air Museum (Göreme Açık Hava Müzesi)

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this open-air museum houses some of the most important churches in Cappadocia, with well-preserved frescoes dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries.

Dark Church (Karanlık Kilise)

Known for its well-preserved frescoes depicting the life of Christ, the Dark Church is one of the highlights of the Göreme Open Air Museum.

Snake Church (Yılanlı Kilise)

Another notable church, the Snake Church gets its name from a depiction of Saint George fighting a dragon, and is a must-see stop on your visit to the park.

Hot Air Balloon Rides (Sıcak Hava Balonu Turları)

Cappadocia is famous for its hot air balloon rides. Floating over the valleys at sunrise offers a unique perspective of the rock formations and ancient rock-carved churches.

Red Valley Trail (Kızılçukur Vadisi)

One of the most scenic trails in the region, Red Valley offers stunning views of the rock formations and changing landscape along the way.

Love Valley Trail (Aşk Vadisi)

Famous for its column-shaped rock formations, Love Valley is a popular spot for hiking and photography, with unique landscapes that seem otherworldly.

Cultural and Historical Heritage of Göreme Historical National Park

In addition to its natural features, the park holds a great historical and cultural wealth. The rock-cut churches and underground cities are a testament to the civilizations that inhabited this region for millennia, leaving behind an architectural and artistic legacy of great value.

Gastronomy of the Göreme Region

Pottery Kebab (Testi Kebabı)

This traditional Cappadocian dish is cooked in a sealed clay pot and broken open at the table before serving. It is a regional specialty and a culinary experience not to be missed.

Manti (Turkish Dumplings)

Small dumplings filled with meat and served with yogurt and tomato sauce, manti is a typical dish in the region and very popular among locals.

Sucuk (Turkish Sausage)

A type of spicy sausage made from beef or lamb, sucuk is often served at breakfast or as part of a meal.

Cappadocian Wines

Cappadocia is known for its vineyards and wine production. Be sure to try the local wines during your visit, as the region has a long winemaking tradition.

Accommodations in the Göreme Historical National Park Region

Cave Hotels in Göreme

One of the most unique experiences in Cappadocia is staying in a cave hotel. These accommodations, carved into the rock, offer an authentic and comfortable experience.

Accommodations in Ürgüp

Ürgüp is a nearby town that offers a variety of lodging options, from boutique hotels to larger resorts.

Accommodations in Avanos

Avanos, famous for its pottery and proximity to the Red River, also offers accommodation options, many of which have views of the stunning Cappadocian landscapes.

Accommodations in Uçhisar

Known for its towering rock castle, Uçhisar offers a variety of accommodations with panoramic views of Cappadocia, particularly popular among those seeking a quiet stay.

Recommended next parks: National Parks of Turkey.

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See Also

• Göreme Milli Parkı ve Kapadokya (Nevşehir).
• UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Kapadokya-Göreme Milli Parkı.