Aksaray, Turkey: cities, destinations and things to do

The province

Get to know Aksaray

Aksaray lies in the western part of Cappadocia, between Konya and Nevşehir, on a plain dominated by Hasan Dağı, an extinct volcano over 3,200 meters high. The provincial capital is a trading and transit town, with the Ulu Camii and the Eğri Minare, a leaning brick minaret.

The Ihlara Valley is a canyon of about 14 km carved by the Melendiz River, with rock walls and poplars along the water. On the slopes are dozens of rock-cut churches with Byzantine frescoes, linked by a flat trail between the village of Ihlara and Belisırma. At the northern end, the Selime monastery occupies an entire rock slope, with halls, kitchen and church.

Güzelyurt, the former Gelveri, has stone houses, an underground city and the Valley of the Monasteries. On the road to Konya, the Sultanhanı caravanserai, dated 1229, is one of the largest in Seljuk Anatolia and shows what Silk Road caravan stops were like.

To the north, Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake), one of Turkey’s largest lakes, often leaves a white salt plain in summer when the water recedes. The province is commonly visited from Göreme on day trips.

Destinations

1 destination in Aksaray

1 city

Cappadocia

Cities

1 cities in Aksaray in the guide

Aksaray

Ihlara

Ihlara sits beside the Melendiz River canyon, in a landscape different from the valleys nearer Göreme. The walk combines the wooded valley floor with churches carved into the slopes. The Selime complex extends the outing at the northern end.

When to go

April to June and September to October are usually the best months for the Ihlara walk, with the valley green and mild temperatures. In summer the canyon floor is cool, but the access stairs get hot. Winter is generally cold, with snow and ice on the steps.

Getting there

The nearest airports are Nevşehir-Kapadokya (NAV) and Konya (KYA); Kayseri (ASR) has more flights. Aksaray sits at the crossroads of roads to Ankara, Konya, Nevşehir and Adana, with frequent buses. Ihlara is visited by car or on a day trip from Göreme.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Aksaray

Which section of the Ihlara Valley should I hike?

The most popular route runs from the visitor center stairs near the village of Ihlara to Belisırma, with the main churches along the way. The trail is flat and takes two to three hours. To return, arrange a taxi or go back with your organized tour.

Can I visit Ihlara, Selime and an underground city in one day?

Yes. It’s the route of many full-day tours departing from Göreme, often including Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı and sometimes Güzelyurt. By car the drive is straightforward.

What is the Sultanhanı caravanserai?

It is a caravan inn built by the Seljuks in 1229, with a carved stone portal, courtyard and a large covered hall for animals and cargo. It lies on the road between Aksaray and Konya and takes about half an hour to visit.

Do you need physical fitness for Ihlara?

The trail on the canyon floor is easy, but the descent and ascent via the access stairs are tiring, and some churches require climbing sections of rock. Wear sturdy footwear.

Tap a province to see its destinations. Limites: Natural Earth (domínio público). Ilhas do Mármara e dos Príncipes: geoBoundaries / © colaboradores do OpenStreetMap (CC BY-SA). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.