Goreme Travel Guide - Suggestions for Attractions and Places to Visit

Göreme, located within the boundaries of Nevşehir Province in the Central Anatolia Region, is one of the best places to experience the mystical atmosphere of Cappadocia. Situated between Avanos and Ürgüp, Göreme is surrounded by valleys. It is beautiful at any time of the year and was turned into an Open Air Museum in 1950. In 1985, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and placed under protection. Today, Göreme Open Air Museum is considered Turkey's largest open air museum.

Gaining fame beyond Turkey and attracting thousands of domestic and international tourists each year, staying in Göreme's cave hotels is a unique experience for everyone. Historically, the locals lived in rooms carved into the rocks, and today these ancient homes have been converted into hotels or newly built hotels are constructed in harmony with the region's texture. The boutique hotels in Göreme, which are not very tall and whose rooms are all carved into rocks, have decorations that match the mystical air of Göreme. These charming boutique hotels, typically with about 8-10 rooms, preserve natural beauty from the past and offer a romantic vacation amidst the stunning landscape formed from volcanic tuff. Göreme hotels, welcoming guests in every season, have prices that vary depending on the season. Nevertheless, Göreme hotels offer updated price options this year that cater to every budget. Especially in the autumn, staying in the cave-carved Göreme hotels could be a different experience. For updated seasonal price options and accommodation opportunities in Göreme hotels, it is advisable to visit our website.

Places to Visit in Göreme

 When you visit Göreme, the first place you should go is the Göreme Open Air Museum. Everywhere in the Cappadocia region is like an open-air museum anyway.

The Göreme Open Air Museum was established as a museum in 1950 and opened to visitors, and in 1985, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is the largest open-air museum in Turkey. In the National Park, walking routes have been designated to allow visitors to explore both natural and cultural treasures from a different perspective.

Located about two kilometers from the center of Göreme, you can also see churches dating back to the Byzantine era in the museum. Some of these churches include the Dark Church, Apple Church, Chapel of St. Basil, Church with Sandals, Chapel of St. Basil, and Tokalı Church.

You can also visit Pigeon Valley. It's one of the most beautiful places we recommend visiting in Göreme. Don't leave Cappadocia without exploring the four-kilometer-long valley. Other valleys you can explore in Göreme include Zemi Valley, Red Valley, Bağlıdere Love Valley, and Güllüdere Valley.

In Çavuşin, near Göreme, you can visit the Kapadokya Çavuşin Church and the Pasabağ Valley of the Monks on the road to Avanos. You can visit these places.

You can also go to Ürgüp, which is seven kilometers away from Göreme. You can explore the old houses, old stone buildings, and cave houses left by the Greeks.

You can see another enchanting place, Ihlara Valley, near Göreme. The cooling of the lavas that emerged from Mount Hasan and the flow of the Melendiz River through them have created a different beauty in the town. The tombs and carved structures you will see in the valley have their own charm.

You can also visit Avanos, famous for its pottery. You can try making pottery and take plenty of photos. You can also taste the famous grape wines of the region.

Where to Stay in Göreme

 For Göreme Hotels, please visit the link: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/cappadocia-goreme-hotels

Things to Do in Göreme 

When in Göreme, you can take a delightful walking tour around the center and take plenty of photos in the streets. You can visit nearby places like Ortahisar and Uçhisar to witness the natural wonders there. By heading to Avanos, you can both explore the area and watch pottery making; you can even try making pottery yourself and buy some. You can also taste and purchase homemade grape wines. Visiting Ürgüp and Ihlara Valley is a must, where you can see the most stunning natural beauty, go on exploration hikes, and take lots of photos. Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum to see Byzantine Era rock tombs, cave churches, monasteries, and many other historic remains. Spend time in Göreme center, shop in the market, and indulge in one of the most fun activities in Göreme, a balloon tour. Experiencing Göreme from above with the first light of the morning sun is an unforgettable pleasure. In addition to balloon tours, you can also go horse riding. Riding through the streets of Göreme and seeing the fairy chimneys from this perspective makes for an unforgettable experience. Alternatively, you can join ATV rides or jeep safari tours to explore the area. You might also plan a cycling tour. Enjoy a lovely dinner at a restaurant in Göreme center, sip a relaxing coffee at a nice cafe during the day, and shop for beautiful items for your loved ones and home. 

Where to Eat in Göreme

 Göreme hosts many tourists from around the world and offers a variety of cuisines including Turkish and international dishes. You can find restaurants serving fast food, grilled meats, pides, kebabs, and lahmacun. However, it's recommended not to leave without trying the local flavors. Göreme's regional cuisine is similar to that of Nevşehir and the Central Anatolia region, focusing on soups, meat dishes, and pastries. Some local delicacies include ağpakla, dıvıl, quince stuffing, Nevşehir pan, çanak, dalaz, bulama, sızgıt, aside, osbar kebab, tandır soup, tarhana soup, bitirgen apricot, büzme baklava, and köftür. Especially try the Nevşehir pan and büzme baklava. You can also find cafes and tea gardens where you can enjoy snacks like toast and gözleme during the day.

 Topdeck Cave Restaurant: Tucked away in the narrow streets of Göreme, this restaurant is famous among locals for its delicious mezze.

 Old Greek Restaurant & Hotel: Also known as Asmalı Konak, this restaurant serves in a courtyard and offers dishes from Turkish and Ottoman cuisine. Grape leaves and homemade baklava are must-tries. The inn retains the ambiance of an old Greek house without any restoration.

 What to Buy in Göreme

 In the many shops and boutiques in Göreme center, you can find jewelry, decorative items, souvenirs, textiles, and clothing for yourself and your loved ones. Additionally, you can buy pottery in Avanos, homemade grape wines for yourself and as gifts, hand-embroidered textiles, small hand-woven rugs and kilims, or handmade jewelry. 

How to Get to Göreme 

If you prefer to travel by bus, there are bus services from many cities to the Cappadocia Region. 

After arriving in Cappadocia by bus, you can reach Göreme by minibus or dolmuş.

 If you choose to fly, there are daily flights to Cappadocia Airport. Cappadocia Airport is 40 km from Göreme, and you can reach Göreme by city bus or minibus from there.

 If you are driving to Göreme, you can use the Ankara-Adana highway from the west and south, the road from Niğde or Aksaray to Nevşehir, or the road from Kayseri to Avanos or Ürgüp from the east and northeast. Some travel distances are as follows:

 o Kayseri to Göreme is about 71 kilometers and takes about 1 hour.

 o Ankara to Göreme is about 305 kilometers and takes about 4 hours.

 o Adana to Göreme is about 275 kilometers and takes about 3 and a half hours.

 o Istanbul to Göreme is about 755 kilometers and takes about 9 hours. 

 o İzmir to Göreme is about 775 kilometers and takes about 11 hours and 20 minutes.