Trip to Ihlara, Turkey: how to get there, how many days and when to go

Ihlara – Aksaray Destination Cappadocia

How to get there

Nevşehir Kapadokya Havalimanı (NAV) Gülşehir · 90 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

From Göreme or Nevşehir, follow the road to the Ihlara area. If you want to cross part of the valley and finish at a different exit, arrange the return vehicle before you start walking.

How many days

A full day for a stretch of the valley and Selime, allowing time for the stairs and transfers.

When to go

In Ihlara, April to June and September to October usually favor walking in the canyon. Summer can be hot on the stairways; from December to March, cold and ice can affect the paths.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Hired transport or a car helps reach Ihlara; a crossing requires return logistics between different entrances.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Ihlara

Morning
Ihlara Vadisi
Start at the chosen canyon entrance and walk beside the Melendiz to the planned exit, keeping to the agreed time for the vehicle.
Afternoon
Selime Manastırı
Reserve the afternoon for Selime Manastırı. About one to one and a half hours, including the climb.
Late afternoon
Ihlara landscape and streets
Return to Ihlara’s center with time to observe the streets and landscape, without adding a long transfer at the end of the outing.
Evening
Overnight in Ihlara
Dine in the area where you are staying in Ihlara and confirm transport for the next leg.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Is Ihlara close to the Göreme valleys?

The canyon belongs to another sector of the trip, southwest of the central hubs. Reserve a day with road travel, rather than tacking it onto the end of a museum morning in Göreme.

Do I need to cross the entire valley to see Ihlara?

There are entrances and routes of varying lengths. Choose a stretch compatible with the time available and arrange pickup if the exit is not at the same point.

Is Selime within the Ihlara walk?

The monastery is at the northern end of that sector and has its own access. A short canyon route does not automatically reach Selime; another transfer and a climb on foot are usually required.

Is Ihlara suitable for someone who avoids stairs?

Accesses to the canyon floor can involve many steps, and Selime also requires climbing. Check the specific entrance and stretch before deciding, as viewing the valley from above is different from walking beside the river.

Your trip to Ihlara.