Pigeon Valley

Pigeon Valley which includes mountains
Pigeon Valley showing outdoor art
Pigeon Valley featuring landscape views


In ancient times, people lived within these caves and scenic rock formations and raised pigeons as essential messengers and pets.

Pigeon Valley is a picturesque maze of exceptional rock formations, cave dwellings and a distant volcano. The diverse terrain, which seems like it comes from another planet, stretches for miles between Göreme and Uçhisar. Take a break midway through your hike at a charming café in the middle of the valley.

The site is named after the many pigeon houses carved into the rocks. The birds served as important messengers for the former inhabitants of the caves they were also kept as pets.

While some visitors prefer to explore the strange territory alone, others like to take a guided tour. Learn about the people who inhabited the cave dwellings carved into these rocks. Unlike most of the other former cave settlements in Cappadocia, Pigeon Valley does not have churches.

Imagine you are skipping across the surface of Mars as you hike through some of the strangest terrain you are ever likely to see. Take photos of the unusual rock formations with a backdrop of the snow-capped Erciyes Volcano. Stop in at the tea garden for a break and a chat with the owner, who may take you for a guided tour of the valley.

Uçhisar Castle is a highlight at the southern end of the valley. Climb to the top to enjoy astonishing views of houses and caves in every direction. Visitors can enter the valley for free. Make sure to bring sufficient water to last several hours and appropriate footwear for the walk, which is considered relatively easy.

Pigeon Valley extends for about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) southwest from Göreme toward Uçhisar. Look for the many signs in Göreme for the scenic hiking area, which is called Güvercinlik in Turkish. Many hikers park at one end of the trail, walk to the other end and take a bus back to their car.

Tours & day trips

See all 672 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 195 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 152 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 84 activities

Weddings & honeymoons

See all 33 activities

Reviews of Pigeon Valley

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
13
5 - Excellent 46%
4 - Good
11
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Stunning scenery viewed from our bedroom window!

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Argos in Cappadocia
Argos in Cappadocia
Tekelli Mah., Kayabasi Sk. No 23 Uçhisar, Nevsehir, Nevsehir
Argos in Cappadocia
Uchisar Kaya Hotel - Special Class
Uchisar Kaya Hotel - Special Class
4 out of 5
Yukari Mah. Mevkii Adnan Menderes No:15, Uchisar, Nevsehir, Nevsehir
Uchisar Kaya Hotel - Special Class
MUSEUM HOTEL - Relais & Châteaux
MUSEUM HOTEL - Relais & Châteaux
Tekeli Mah No:1, Uchisar, Nevsehir, Nevsehir
MUSEUM HOTEL - Relais & Châteaux
Dream of Cappadocia
Dream of Cappadocia
Tekelli Mahallesi, Koyunyolu Sokak No:13, Uçhisar, Nevsehir, Nevsehir
Dream of Cappadocia
Breeze Of Cappadocia
Breeze Of Cappadocia
Asagi Mah. Adnan Menderes Cad., No 2/1, Uchisar, Nevsehir
Breeze Of Cappadocia
Hotel Taskonaklar Cappadocia - Special Class
Hotel Taskonaklar Cappadocia - Special Class
4 out of 5
Gedik Sok. No: 8, Uchisar, Nevsehir, Nevsehir
Hotel Taskonaklar Cappadocia - Special Class
Cappadocia Bloom Hotel
Cappadocia Bloom Hotel
Basoglu Cd. 42, Nevsehir, Nevsehir
Cappadocia Bloom Hotel
Cappadocia Cave Suites Adult Only +12
Cappadocia Cave Suites Adult Only +12
4 out of 5
Gafferli Mah. Ünlü Sok. No:19, Goreme, Nevsehir, Nevsehir
Cappadocia Cave Suites Adult Only +12
Grand Uçhisar Hotel
Grand Uçhisar Hotel
Yukari Mah. Ataturk Blv. No:40, Goreme Yolu Uzeri, Nevsehir, Nevsehir
Grand Uçhisar Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.