Cappadocia has no shortage of picturesque valleys, but Pigeon Valley (Turkish: Güvercinlik Vadisi) is special and definitely worth a spot on your itinerary.
Stretching between Göreme and Uçhisar, this valley is known for its historic pigeon houses carved into the soft rock and its sweeping vistas.
It’s an easy visit whether you want to hike or just stop by a panoramic viewpoint.
Why Is It Called Pigeon Valley?
This region is called Pigeon Valley, because for centuries locals reared pigeons. All those little holes and tiny cave openings you see in the valley’s cliffs? Those are dovecotes – essentially pigeon lofts carved by farmers.
Pigeons were important to the locals; they collected pigeon droppings to use as fertilizer in the region’s vineyards and orchards (pigeon poop was the secret to fertile soil in this volcanic terrain!).
People also used pigeons for communication and occasionally for food. So, the name Pigeon Valley isn’t random – this place was literally the pigeon district!
Even today, you’ll spot flocks of pigeons fluttering around, some still nesting in those ancient cubbyholes.
The Pigeon Valley Viewpoint Near Uçhisar
If you go to the Pigeon Valley viewpoint near Uçhisar, you’ll get a fabulous view of the valley. It’s a popular stop on local tours such as the Green Tour.
Here you’ll find the famous “Evil Eye Tree” – a tree decorated with countless blue Nazar boncuğu (evil eye beads) hanging from its branches.
It makes for a striking photo, with Uçhisar’s rock castle in the background.
There are usually a couple of souvenir stalls selling evil eye trinkets and perhaps a cafe stand where you can sip tea or fresh orange juice while enjoying the view.
The panorama is beautiful: you can see the valley cutting through the landscape, dotted with those pigeon homes and cave entrances, and Göreme town in the distance.
Hiking Through Pigeon Valley
If you’re up for some hiking, Pigeon Valley offers a lovely, relatively easy trail.
You can hike from Uçhisar to Göreme (or vice versa) through the valley – it’s roughly 4 km (2.5 miles) one way.
The trail meanders along a creek bed (seasonal stream) and through trees.
You’ll pass by cave dwellings, see some small farm plots, and certainly notice many dovecotes up on the valley walls.
It’s a gentle downhill walk if you start from Uçhisar going towards Göreme (that direction is recommended so you’re going mostly downhill).
Expect it to take about 1 to 1.5 hours. Along the way, there are a few signposts, but sometimes the path can be a bit unclear – generally stick to the most worn trail and you’ll be fine.
Wear decent shoes because parts can be sandy or slightly slippery on loose rock.
Also, some sections have short, mild scrambles or narrow bits, but nothing too difficult for a moderately fit person.
Tips for Hiking Pigeon Valley
- Start in the morning if you can, to avoid the midday heat. There are shaded sections under trees, but also open areas.
- If you begin from Uçhisar, you can have breakfast or coffee at a cafe near the trailhead overlooking the valley, then head down.
- When you end in Göreme, you’ll pop out near the Göreme town entrance – you can reward yourself with a cold drink or lunch there.
Note: You can even ride an ATV or horse to this viewpoint as part of some tours
Tours That Include Pigeon Valley
Pigeon Valley is often included in tour itineraries such as the “Blue Tour” or regional city tours.
If you prefer a guided experience, there is an Instagram Tour from Uçhisar including Pigeon Valley which takes you to all the photogenic spots – great for getting those envy-inducing pics at the evil eye tree.
For active travelers, a half-day hiking tour of Love & Pigeon Valleys is available, where a local guide leads you through the trails, sharing info about flora, fauna, and history as you go.
Photography Tips at Pigeon Valley
Pigeon Valley is one of the most photogenic and instagrammable spots in Cappadocia, so make sure you come prepared to capture its charm. Here are a few tips to help you get the best photos during your visit:
- Visit during golden hours: The best time to photograph the valley is early in the morning or just before sunset. Morning light offers soft, diffused tones, while late afternoon brings out the warm hues of the rock formations and dovecotes. Sunset, in particular, casts a golden-pink glow over the valley, enhancing its dreamlike quality.
- Capture the Evil Eye Tree with Uçhisar Castle in the background: This is one of the most iconic shots in Cappadocia. Position yourself so the tree filled with blue Nazar beads is in the foreground, and the towering rock castle sits just behind. It’s a striking contrast of culture and nature.
- Shoot from the panoramic viewpoint near Uçhisar: This elevated spot gives you a sweeping view of the entire valley, dotted with pigeon houses and cave dwellings. A wide-angle lens works well here to capture the vastness of the landscape.
- Look for natural frames: Use arching tree branches or rock formations to frame your shots. They add depth and interest to photos, especially during the hike.
- Bring a tripod if you’re hiking at sunrise or sunset: Low light means slower shutter speeds, and a tripod will help you get stable, high-quality shots even in tricky lighting.
Don’t forget detail shots: The dovecotes, the evil eye charms, wildflowers along the trail, or even the texture of the volcanic rock can make for great close-up photos that add variety to your collection.
