Plan your visit
Plan Your Visit
Prepare for steep stairs, cool cave temperatures, and sunny canyon trails. Proper planning ensures you can handle both sites comfortably.
Derinkuyu Underground City and Ihlara Valley
Bayramlı, Çukur Sk., 50700 Derinkuyu, Nevşehir
GPS 38.3714, 34.7156
Open directionsGetting there
Getting to and between the sites
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour: Book a guided 'Green Tour' from Göreme or Ürgüp, which handles all transport, tickets, and usually includes lunch in Belisırma. | 8-9 hours | €50-70 | Highly recommended as public transport between the two sites is difficult and time-consuming. |
| Car: Drive south from Nevşehir (30 mins to Derinkuyu) and then continue west to Ihlara Valley (another hour). | 1.5 hours total driving | Car rental + minor parking fees (~10-20 TL) | Driving yourself allows you to beat the morning tour bus crowds to the underground city. |
| Bus: Take a dolmuş (minibus) from Nevşehir to Derinkuyu, then transfer via Aksaray to reach Ihlara. | 2-3+ hours one way | 30-50 TL | Not recommended for doing both in one day due to infrequent connections between rural towns. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
Derinkuyu maintains a constant 15–20°C (60-70°F) temperature all year. Ihlara Valley is fully outdoors. Visit between April and June, or September and October, for the best hiking weather. Summer opening hours run from 08:00 to 19:00. Winter closures move to 17:00.
What to bring
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Ihlara Valley features nearly 400 steep stairs at the main entrance.
Wear sturdy shoes with good grip.
How the day runs
Suggested itineraries
The standard Green Tour itinerary handling all logistics.
- Hotel Pickup
Board your tour van in Göreme or Ürgüp.
- Derinkuyu
Explore the underground city's 8 levels.
- Ihlara Valley
Hike the canyon and visit rock churches.
- Lunch
Eat at a riverside restaurant in Belisırma.
- Selime Monastery
Explore the massive rock-cut complex.
- Return
Drop-off at your hotel.
Drive yourself to beat the tour buses.
- Derinkuyu
Arrive right at opening to avoid crowds in the narrow tunnels.
- Drive
Drive 1 hour west to Ihlara Valley.
- Ihlara Hike
Descend the 400 stairs and hike to Belisırma.
- Lunch
Grab lunch on the river before the large tour groups finish.
- Depart
Head back to your hotel or next stop.
What to bring
Pack a light jacket or sweater for Derinkuyu, as the tunnels are cool. Wear sturdy walking shoes with good grip. You will face steep, narrow stairs underground and uneven rocky paths in the canyon. Bring bottled water, as there are no facilities inside the tunnels.
If you drive, carry small lira for parking fees and toilets. Do not bring bulky backpacks into Derinkuyu. The tunnels are extremely tight, and large bags will slow you down. Tripods are prohibited underground. See Packing Guide for more details.
Easiest way to do it
Full-Day Tour in Cappadocia with Ihlara Hiking and Underground City
7 h to 9 h 5.0 (329)
- Lunch
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Parking Fees
From$44per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How to get from Goreme to Ihlara Valley?
The easiest way is booking a guided Green Tour. If driving, head south through Nevşehir and Derinkuyu. The total drive from Göreme takes about 1.5 hours. Public transport requires multiple slow transfers.
Are there toilets inside the underground city?
No. There are no facilities or water sources once you enter the underground tunnels. Use the restrooms near the ticket office before you descend.
Do you need a guide for Derinkuyu?
A guide is not strictly required. However, the tunnels lack extensive signage. A guide helps explain the complex ventilation and defense systems. Read Tour vs Driving for pros and cons.