If you’re planning a trip to Cappadocia, Red Valley is a place you shouldn’t miss. It’s one of the most beautiful spots in the region—famous for its glowing red rocks, peaceful walking trails, and magical sunsets.
Whether you love hiking, want to catch a stunning sunset with wine in hand, try horseback riding, or just enjoy being surrounded by nature, Red Valley has something special for you.
What is the Red Valley in Cappadocia?
Red Valley is a large valley area situated roughly between Göreme and Çavuşin (and near Ortahisar).
It gets its name from the pinkish-red hue of its rocks, especially noticeable during sunrise and sunset when the light makes the valley glow in shades of red, orange, and rose.
The landscape here is a maze of eroded cliffs, sharp ridges, and hidden grottoes. Unlike Love Valley’s distinct pillars, Red Valley’s beauty is in its sweeping panoramas and textured cliffs.
This valley is also rich in history – dotted within the rocks are ancient cave dwellings and rock-cut churches from the Byzantine era.
You might stumble upon old pigeon houses (with walls blackened by pigeon droppings, collected historically as fertilizer) and hermit hideouts carved into the stone.
Why should you visit?
Red Valley is renowned as one of the best places for sunset in Cappadocia.
There’s a famous Sunset Viewpoint on the ridge where people gather each evening to watch the sun sink and paint the valley in fiery tones.
It’s pretty magical – you can usually buy a glass of local wine or fresh orange juice from a small vendor at the top and toast to the end of the day while looking out over the valley’s expanse.
Beyond sunsets, Red Valley is a hiker’s dream.
Trails crisscross the area, connecting to neighboring Rose Valley (often, hikers do them together as a loop).
As you walk, every turn reveals new rock formations or a different vista. The surreal rock formations and the range of pink-red colors, combined with the serenity of the trails, make it a top destination.
How to explore the Red Valley
Red Valley offers more than just a photo-worthy sunset—it’s a maze of winding paths, ancient cave chapels, and surreal rock formations waiting to be discovered.
There are several ways to explore it depending on your pace and preference:
Hiking
Hiking is the best way to experience Red Valley.
There are a few entry points – one common one is from the Ortahisar side (near the Sunset View Cafe), hiking down into the valley and eventually out towards Çavuşin or Göreme.
Another is from the Rose Valley side near the village of Aktepe. The trails can be a bit confusing (a network of footpaths through canyons and over ridges), so carrying a map or using a GPS app helps.
Along the way, look for signs of churches like Üzümlü (Grape) Church or Haçlı (Cross) Church in the Red Valley. These are small cave chapels with remnants of frescoes—a reminder that monks once inhabited these lonely spaces. Finding them is like a treasure hunt; hiring a local guide can ensure you don’t miss the hidden churches since they can be tricky to locate without a guide.
A nice hike plan is to start at Panorama Point above Red Valley (you can take a taxi or ATV there, marked by a big sign and usually a cafe).
From there, soak in the initial view, then hike down through the valley, explore any side paths to churches, and come out in Rose Valley or at the Göreme side.
Plan for 2–3 hours with photo stops. It’s not a very long distance, but you’ll be stopping often because it’s just so darn scenic.
| Rose Valley Hiking | $20 (₺760) |
| Red & Rose Valley Hiking | $22 (₺840) |
Horseback or Mountain Bike
Red Valley is part of the popular route for Cappadocia’s horseback riding tours (the name “Cappadocia” actually means “land of beautiful horses”).
A sunset horseback ride through Red and Rose Valleys is incredibly atmospheric.
Similarly, some ATV (quad bike) sunset tours include a stop at Red Valley’s viewpoint. However, note that parts of Red Valley are off-limits to motorized vehicles and even bikes in some sections to preserve the Red Valley.
Sunset Tip
If you go for sunset on your own, go a bit early to secure a nice spot to sit – it can get mildly busy at the official viewpoint.
Bring a light jacket; once the sun is down, it gets cool quickly out there.
And stick around for a few minutes after the sun sets – the sky often turns brilliant colors, and the rocks slowly fade from red to purple in the twilight.
Red Valley truly showcases Cappadocia’s natural beauty. It’s less about one single feature (like “the biggest fairy chimney”) and more about the overall atmosphere – the combo of silence, expansive views, and those gorgeous colors.
Whether you trek through it in the morning quiet or enjoy the romantic sunset glow, Red Valley is bound to enchant you.
