Head to the Rose Valley to hike (or ride a horse or an all-terrain vehicle) along its trails and admire the unique rock formations that fill the area. The valley is also the location of The Cross Church, which boasts stunning 9th-century frescoes, the outsize Columned Church, and the Three Cross Church (Üç Haçlı Kilise). You can also see the rock formations from above on a hot-air balloon trip.
There’s no admission charge to visit either the valley or the churches.
A café below the Cross Church sells drinks and snacks.
The Rose Valley hike is about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) round-trip and is manageable for older children. Parents with small children will want to opt for back carriers or slings instead of strollers.
Travelers who use wheelchairs can access the Rose Valley floor in an adapted vehicle, but the trail, which loops around the valley walls, is not wheelchair friendly.
The Rose Valley is located in between Göreme and Cavusin and runs north of (and parallel to) the Red Valley (Kızıl Vadi). There is no public transportation to the valley, but cars can drive onto part of the valley floor or drop you at the trailhead. Some dedicated hikers walk from Göreme to the trailhead, following the Meskendir Trail.
The Rose Valley’s colors come alive in the late afternoon, and many visitors enjoy the view before hiking over to the neighboring Red Valley to watch the sunset with a drink. Sunrise also offers good light for those who want to photograph the area.
The rugged landscape around Göreme is full of valleys, and each has its own draws: The Göreme Valley houses the most popular cave churches. Love Valley (Aşıklar Vadisi) is famed for its phallic rock formations. The Red Valley is known for stunning sunsets, while Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi) has fairy chimneys that were once used as pigeon houses. Devrent Valley (Devrent Vadisi) is known as Imaginary Valley for its weird and wonderful rock formations.