2026 Aksaray Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

#EuropeanTravel #KayabaşıPanorama #Turkiye #Aksaray On the way to Seleme Monastery in Aksaray Province, you will see many strange geographical features. Kayabaşı Panorama is one of them. It is difficult to see them with a tour package, so you should rent a car and go there to stop and enjoy these views comfortably.. Motorcycles are okay, but you must have a motorcycle license for a motorcycle.. Of course, an international license.. There are a lot of police officers, so don't do anything reckless. Get an international license and travel privately while looking around the places you want.

Under the winter sun, I embarked on a journey around the quiet village of Belisırma, nestled in the heart of Turkey's Cappadocia region. The chilly air hinted at solitude, the village appearing to be in a deep slumber, a stark contrast to the usually bustling summer days. The Melendiz River, the lifeblood of Belisırma, flowed quietly through the valley. The riverside eateries, usually teeming with life, sat silent and shuttered due to the winter season, their tables, typically just a foot or two above the gently running water, empty. In the midst of this peaceful solitude, the sound of the adhan, the Islamic call to prayer, echoed from a nearby mosque. Despite the mid-afternoon quiet, this melodious call reverberated through the air, filling the stillness with a sense of tranquillity and spirituality. The combination of the flowing river, the dormant eateries, and the resonating adhan created an atmosphere of stark yet serene beauty. It was a winter tableau that brought to the fore the underlying character of Belisırma – unpretentious and authentic. This winter drive around Belisırma was indeed a unique experience. Far from the maddening crowds, it offered a chance to witness and appreciate the quiet charm of rural Turkey. Amidst the chill and quietude, I found warmth in the timeless traditions and tranquil beauty of this lesser-known gem. #shopandtrip #myperfectstaycation #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #passionpassport #couplestrip #deliciousfood #Belisirma #OffTheBeatenPath #Cappadocia #IhlaraValley #MelendizRiver #RuralTurkey #WinterDrive #AdhanEchoes #IslamicTradition #TurkishVillage #PeacefulVibes #WinterSolitude #ImmersiveTravel #EchoesOfTurkey #LessTravelled #TurkeyTravel #AuthenticExperience #SerenitySeeker #CulturalJourney #RiversideCharm #TimelessTradition

#arrivalguide Landing in Istanbul can feel incredibly overwhelming, especially since the main Istanbul Airport (IST) is one of the largest and busiest mega-hubs in the entire world. The scale is massive, the walking distances are long, and if you don't know exactly what to do, you can easily waste hours getting stuck in lines or getting overcharged by scams. To make your arrival completely stress-free, here is the exact step-by-step checklist I use to get through the airport, sort my tech, and reach the city center smoothly: 🚶♂️ Step 1: The Long Walk & Passport Control The moment you exit the airplane gate, prepare your walking shoes. It can take up to 20–30 minutes just to walk from your gate to the main immigration hall. · My Survival Hack: Follow the bright overhead signs that say "Passport Control / Passport Kontrol" or "Baggage Claim / Bagaj Alımı". · The Lines: The main passport control hall is enormous. Look closely at the digital screens above the booths: there are separate lines for "Turkish Citizens" and "All Passports". Make sure you get into the correct line immediately to avoid wasting time. Have your passport and your printed hotel booking ready, though officers rarely ask for it. 🧳 Step 2: Baggage Claim & Duty Free Once you clear immigration, look up at the massive flight monitors to find your flight number and its corresponding luggage carousel belt (Bagaj Bantı). · My Survival Hack: While waiting for your bags, you will pass through a huge baggage-claim Duty Free zone. If you want to buy specialized snacks, international cosmetics, or gifts, buy them here. It is often much faster and calmer than the departure Duty Free halls. 💳 Step 3: Cash & The Ultimate Transport Hack (Istanbulkart) Once you grab your bags and walk out through the sliding glass doors into the main Public Arrival Hall, it is time to sort your logistics. Do not use the currency exchange booths inside the baggage claim hall—their rates are terrible! · The Cash Move: Walk out into the main arrival hall and look for the official row of bank ATMs (Bankamatik). Use your travel card to withdraw a small amount of local Turkish Lira (around 300–500 TL). You will need this cash immediately. · The Istanbulkart Hack: Head to the lower level of the airport (Transport Floor / Floor -2). Look for the glowing yellow-and-blue automated machines called Biletmatik. Insert your cash bills to buy a physical Istanbulkart and load money onto it. This single smart card is mandatory for using the airport metro, city trams, and public ferries. 📲 Step 4: Getting Connected (SIM Card Warning!) If you need a local physical SIM card, you will see massive flagship stores for Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom right in the arrival hall. · The Budget Warning: SIM cards sold at the airport tourist desks are heavily marked up and cost double the price of stores in the city center. · My Survival Hack: Instead of overpaying at the airport terminal, download a digital eSIM app (like Airalo or Holafly) onto your phone wallet before your flight lands. It takes 2 minutes to activate, costs a fraction of the price, and gives you instant internet connectivity the second the plane wheels touch the tarmac. 🚌 Step 5: Choosing Your Ride to the City Center You have two brilliant, efficient options to escape the airport and head down to Sultanahmet or Taksim Square: · Option A: The Havaist Bus (Best for direct comfort): Head down to Floor -2 (Transportation Floor). Look for the massive fleet of white Havaist Buses. These are luxury long-distance coaches with comfortable seats, luggage storage, and air conditioning. Find the bus displaying your destination neighborhood (e.g., HVIST-16 for Taksim or HVIST-12 for Aksaray/Sultanahmet). You can pay directly at the bus door using a credit card or your Istanbulkart. It costs around 200-250 TL and takes about 60–90 minutes depending on traffic. · Option B: The M11 Metro Line (Best for beating traffic): Follow the "Metro" signs out of the main terminal building, across the parking structure, to the M11 Istanbul Airport Metro Station. Scan your newly purchased Istanbulkart at the turnstile. Take the high-speed M11 line down to Gayrettepe Station, where you can easily transfer to the M2 line straight into Taksim or Şişli. This option completely bypasses Istanbul’s legendary highway traffic! Following this exact structural route turns a chaotic arrival at a global mega-airport into a completely smooth, professional transition into the city. It is 100% What is your absolute first priority when you land in a brand-new country—finding food, getting cash, or setting up your internet? Let's talk in the comments below! 👇 📍 Quick Reference Info: · Airport Code: Istanbul Airport (IST) · Metro Line: M11 Kagithane/Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport Line · Bus Service Name: Havaist (Lower Level -2)

Dreaming of those magical hot air balloons over Cappadocia? Here’s how to get from Istanbul to Cappadocia—whether you’re all about speed, saving cash, or cruising in style. Cappadocia is approx. 730 km (450 miles) from Istanbul, so let’s break down your best options: 1. ✈️ Fly (Fastest & Most Epic – Highly Recommended!) Travel Time: 1 hr 15 min – 1 hr 30 min. Literally blink and you’re floating near those fairy chimneys! Where to Fly From in Istanbul: · Istanbul Airport (IST): Airlines like Turkish Airlines · Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW): Pegasus Airlines, AJet Where You’ll Land for Cappadocia Vibes: · Nevşehir Airport (NAV): Closest (about 40 mins to Göreme by shuttle) · Kayseri Airport (ASR): More flights, usually cheaper, about 60–75 mins to Göreme How to Get From the Airport: · Shared shuttle: €10–18 (400–700 TRY)—easy peasy, bookable at the airport · Private transfer: Great for groups or extra comfort, drops off in Göreme, Uçhisar, or Ürgüp Estimated Flight Price: 💶 €30–80 one-way (snag the best deals by booking ahead!) Insider Tip: Flights are direct and run almost every hour. Plan your hotel in Göreme for easy access to all the balloon action! · 2. 🚌 Overnight Bus (Best for Your Wallet) Travel Time: 10–12 hours (Overnight = couch nap + no need for a hotel night—win-win!) Where to Catch the Bus: · Esenler Bus Terminal (Esenler Mah., Istanbul, open 24/7) · Alibeyköy Bus Terminal Timings: Buses leave Istanbul late evening (8:00 PM – Midnight) and pull up in dreamy Göreme just as the sun rises. Top Bus Operators: · Metro Turizm · Kamil Koç (FlixBus) · Nevşehir Seyahat · Süha Turizm Estimated Bus Price: 💶 €25–35 (950–1,500 TRY) Perfect For: Backpackers and night owls who love a good city-to-desert adventure. · 3. 🚄 High-Speed Train + Bus Combo Travel Time: 8–10 hours (Ultimate chill + killer scenery!) Route: · YHT (High-Speed Train) from Istanbul to Ankara or Konya · Swap to an intercity bus straight to Göreme or Nevşehir Estimated Cost: 💶 €40–60 for the whole journey Why Try This: If you vibe with window-gazing and train snacks, this route is pure serotonin. · 4. 🚗 Drive (Ultimate Turkish Road Trip!) Travel Time: 7–9 hours (depending on stops and traffic) The Classic Route: Istanbul → Ankara → Aksaray → Nevşehir → Göreme Roadside Gems: · Stop in Ankara for a Turkish coffee break · Feast your eyes on Lake Tuz (Salt Lake)—it’s seriously dreamy! Good to Know: · HGS (electronic toll) is required for highways—grab it at your rental agency. · Flex mode: This is your best bet if you want to uncover hidden villages or take wild detours. · ⭐ Quick Travel Cheat Sheet · 🚀 Fastest: Book a flight to Nevşehir (NAV) or Kayseri (ASR) and arrange a hotel shuttle via trip.com. · 💰 Cheapest: Take the overnight bus direct to Göreme. · 🚄 Most Scenic: All aboard the high-speed train + bus for pics and vibes. · 🚗 Most Flexible: Road trip it up if you’re craving more stops (and adventure stories). Ready to level up your Turkey trip? Cappadocia’s waiting—choose your adventure and go live those hot air balloon dreams!

Plant dyeing is a color science about time and oxidation. It uses the natural resources of plants as pigments to record the changing seasons on fibers. Unlike the glaring vibrancy of chemical dyes, plant-dyed colors always possess a low-saturation grayscale and a warm, gentle quality, as if filtered through the lens of time. This process is full of uncertainty; the same formula, under different water qualities, temperatures, and mordants, will produce drastically different hues. This unpredictable surprise is precisely what makes it so captivating. Plant dyeing is not only an aesthetic choice but also a gentle promise to the skin. The natural pigments and minerals will not cause allergies or burdens to the human body over time. When you wear a plant-dyed garment, you are not just wearing color, but also the memories of sunshine, rain, and earth. This dyeing philosophy, which follows the seasons and draws from nature, is the gentlest reflection on the fast fashion industry and a delicate double care for both environmental friendliness and physical comfort. #NewYearDestinations2026 #travel2026

A 30-million-year natural wonder! The three active volcanoes—Mount Erciyes, Mount Hasan, and Mount Güllüdağ🌋—have been continuously erupting, creating this area known as "the place on Earth that most resembles the Moon." The tuff, eroded by wind, rain, and water, has formed iconic fairy chimneys🧚‍♀️ and magical canyons, truly like the surface of Mars in real life! 🤩 【Red Line (North Route) Must-Visit】🔴 1. Pasabag (Monks Valley) 📍A dreamy gathering place of multi-headed conjoined fairy chimneys ✨Home to the St. Simeon ascetic cave, every photo is a masterpiece 2. Göreme Open-Air Museum (World Heritage Site) ⏰8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Over 30 mysterious rock-cut churches Medieval frescoes in the Dark Church and Apple Church are breathtakingly beautiful🎨 3. Love Valley / Rose Valley 🏇Perfect routes for horseback riding or ATV off-roading Pink rock pillars at sunset are romantically stunning😍 【Medieval Miracle: Rock-Cut Churches Revealed】 ✨No bricks or tiles! Medieval fleeing Christians carved entire churches directly into the rock~ ✔️Hand-carved entirely ✔️Perfectly replicates all details of ground-level churches ✔️Thousand-year-old faint frescoes with geometric cross patterns still visible on the walls ✔️Lower-level blind arch niches (for placing relics) ✔️Mysterious graffiti by monks Do you see those blurred inscriptions on the rocks? They are likely messages left by pilgrims from a thousand years ago!✨

Right in the middle of busy Istanbul streets, Aksaray Mosque feels surprisingly peaceful. The area outside is always full of life — trams, shops, people rushing everywhere — but once you step inside, everything suddenly becomes calm. I really liked the soft light coming through the windows and the simple atmosphere of the mosque. It may not be as famous as Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia, but that’s exactly why it feels more local and authentic. One of my favorite moments was just sitting in the courtyard and listening to the city sounds mix with the quietness of the mosque. It gives you a different side of Istanbul beyond the tourist spots. 📍A great stop while exploring Fatih & Aksaray area 📸 Best time for photos: early morning or before sunset 👟 Dress respectfully and avoid prayer times for visiting

There are three options for getting into the city: · metro · taxi/transfer · bus ▫️We chose the Havaist bus. It's a good deal if you're traveling alone or with two people. For more people, I'd recommend a transfer from trip.com, which costs approximately 3,300 rubles per car for four people. ▫️The bus station is easy to find. Exit after the green corridor and turn left, following the bus signs. Go to the elevators marked Havaist. Go down to the -2 floor. Look for the platform you need or just ask at the ticket office. ▫️We stayed at the Seres Hotel Old City, so we needed the Aksaray stop. It's platform 12. We loaded our luggage into the luggage compartment and paid for the ticket by card right on the bus. Price: approximately 800 rubles per person. ▫️We reached the Aksaray final stop in an hour and a half. From there, it took us about three minutes to reach the T1 tram heading towards Kabataş. ▫️We got to the Gülhane stop. And it took us about four minutes to reach the hotel 🥳 Is it economical for two? Absolutely. And it wasn't difficult, but we were traveling light. With suitcases, I'd prefer a trip.com transfer.🔥 #Istanbul #Istanbul #Transfer #Transfer #Havaist

#springtravel Legends in Stone: The Yılanlı (Snake) Church Body: Don't miss the Yılanlı Kilise, also known as the Church of St. George. It’s famous for a fresco showing St. George and St. Theodore fighting a dragon (which looks like a giant snake!). But the real curiosity is the depiction of St. Onuphrius—a hermit with a long beard and a leaf covering his waist. The raw, direct style of these paintings shows the transition from symbolic art to storytelling. It’s a quiet spot that feels like a gateway into the folk legends of medieval Cappadocia. Vibe: Mysterious, legendary, and rustic. Fact: The low ceiling makes the frescoes feel very close and intimate.#SnakeChurch #StGeorge #MedievalArt #DragonLegend #GoremeDiscovery #TripFeatured

What to do in Cappadocia during the winter season? In winter, life here slows down and becomes more tranquil and measured. Cafes are uncrowded, and hotel prices are pleasantly low. Winter vacations have their own unique charm. The mountain houses are covered in snow, making them even cozier. Hot air balloons rarely fly during this period, but there's no need to be disappointed—there's plenty to amaze you here. If you want a cave hotel, choose Goreme. If you prefer something more modern, stay in Uchisar. There's no significant difference between these towns, and you can walk from one to the other through Pigeon Valley, which is about 4-5 km. This walk won't be tiring; it will be filled with impressions. 🔥 Take a tour of the underground city. You can choose any of them—they're all fascinating and unique. 🔥 Ride an ATV; the routes are not difficult and require minimal driving skills, but you'll gain a wealth of impressions. 🔥 Walk through at least one valley from end to end. It will be the best walk of your life. You won't see such beauty from tour buses. (I recommend Pigeon Valley and Love Valley.) 🔥 Take a million Instagram photos at one of the many photo spots. No queues or crowds of tourists. 🔥 Try authentic kebab cooked in a clay pot over fire and, of course, Turkish coffee. Bring comfortable shoes and warm clothing, as temperatures can drop to -5°C at night. Leave for the airport a bit earlier, as icy roads may hinder bus travel. These narrow streets have steep inclines.

This is a historic church nestled quietly on a small hill overlooking the spectacular valley of Belisirma village🌄. Ala church and Bezirhane are neighbors and just located in the same location, they pass by on the Green Line tour and can visit for free! The valley itself is already very attractive, if you want to feel the cradle of civilization in Turkey, you must not miss this place🙏. The valley of Eherara and the church are a must! Every corner exudes an ancient atmosphere, perfect for those who love to take pictures and love history📸. Ala church Address: Belisırma Köyü Yolu, 68500 Belisırma/Güzelyurt/Aksaray, Türkiye Planning to visit Türkiye in September? These two places are really for you, the views in the valley are amazing in autumn! 🌟

Deep in the rocky heart of Cappadocia, the majestic Selime Cathedral rises straight from the stone — a vast monastery carved into cliffs that once echoed with monks’ prayers and travelers’ footsteps. At its center lies the Church of the Virgin Mary, one of the most sacred spaces in the complex. Dating back to the 8th–9th centuries, it’s believed to have been a key worship site during the early Christian era — a place of refuge, devotion, and awe. Climb through narrow tunnels, explore ancient frescoes, and stand where centuries of silent faith still linger. With views over the dramatic Ihlara Valley, this site is not just history — it’s pure wonder. #SelimeCathedral #VirginMaryChurch #Cappadocia #AncientMonastery #HiddenGemsTurkey #IhlaraValley #SpiritualJourney #RockCutChurch #ChristianHeritage #ExploreCappadocia

This location boasts ancient gardens, churches, and historic caves. However, the valley is so long that it's difficult to see everything in one visit, especially since it requires a lot of walking. The valley has multiple entrances, and for those who enjoy long walks, the entire route can be completed in about 5 hours. If you'd prefer to explore specific spots, the Belisirma entrance is recommended as it provides easy access to churches, tea gardens, and caves. Otherwise, you might find yourself bored and unable to exit the valley. Keep in mind that there are entrances every 5km. :) Note that vehicles or strollers cannot be used when descending into the valley or during the walk.

It was a really great experience. I entered at 5pm. I entered through Gate 1, put on my watch and walked along the same distance. I walked about 3km along the Melendiz River and came back the same way. The walk was not that hard. You can cross the river by crossing a small bridge while walking, and you can also see a church. Think of it as a round trip total distance. It is about that distance. It is a nature walk where you can witness the most important history in Turkey. #June travel support fund

We were able to stop at 2-3 places on this tour with the kids, which alone took 1 hour and 30 minutes. However, it took 3 hours and was quite difficult because we had to walk through the middle of the valley, as well as going up and down to the church, and going back the way we came. The valley consists of about 10 places we stopped at, and if you want to visit all the churches and cathedrals along the way, it would take a total of 7-8 hours for a round trip at a medium pace. Still, it was recommended because the scenery was great! #JuneTravelSupport

A huge canyon in the Güzelyurt region of Aksaray Province, follow the valley through the glass observation deck. Natural cooling is provided even in the summer heat. The museum card is valid. This is a wonder of creation, discovered many years ago by religious figures, priests, and saints as a place of solitude and worship. The sparkling stream flowing through the middle of the valley follows you constantly as you walk, making the trip even more colorful. #JuneTravelSupport

Make sure to set aside 4-5 hours to visit. The main gate is closed due to construction, so you have to enter from the Belisirma side. It's a much longer walk if you go the other way. The inside is designed like a nature trail, so make sure to bring water. It was really fun to sit at a few spots and watch the scenery and the stream. There are a few churches inside, most of which are destroyed. And there's also a guardhouse that looks like a hobbit house. Everything inside is ridiculously expensive, so I recommend buying it outside. #JuneTravelSupport

Bring a small backpack. Make sure to bring water and snacks. Make sure to bring a hat. If you can bring slippers, you can soak your feet in the water and rest when you are tired. There are blackberry bushes in the valley, which are a good organic snack for a tired trip. Note: We camped at a high point near the water flowing into the valley, not in the valley. Accommodation and camping in the valley is prohibited. #JuneTravelSupport

If you have a lot of time to visit the valley, it is recommended to set aside a whole day. When you first enter, it may not seem much different from an ordinary valley, but the cool water, nature, and historical beauty will captivate you. It is recommended to take enough rest when you explore the entire valley. Once you enter the valley with caves, nature, various trees, cool water, and the soothing sound of water, you will not want to leave. #June Travel Support Fund

It's a relatively moderate walk, the trail is easy to follow and there're a few tea houses/cafes along the way. We spent 4 hours, round-trip walking from the ilhara valley entrance to Belisirma and back. Most of the time was spent walking to Belisirma including a nice amount of time at Diker aile (cafe) enjoying Tea and some food. We visited some of the churches and just enjoyed the walk and the nature. It got a little more crowded towards our walk out, but overall not bad and we started at 11. #6월여행지원금

Must see valley if in Cappadocia, full of Bizantine churches and cave dwelings. Also really nice café in the valley. Path is realy calm and nature is beautiful. #6월여행지원금

One of the best places to visit. Amazing scenery to walk alongside the river Ihlara Valley (often misspelled as Ilhara Valley), near Mount Hasan and Mount Melendiz (two of the three volcanoes of Cappadocia) is a canyon with a depth of approximately 100m and was formed by the Melendiz River thousands of years ago. It begins at Ihlara village and ends with Selime Monastery at Selime village after making 26 bends along 14 kilometers. #6월여행지원금

Walking along the riverbank of the Melindiz River, where centuries-old waters still flow gracefully, was an unforgettable experience. The valley’s vibrant greenery, interwoven with the serene sound of the river, creates an almost surreal atmosphere. This oasis has not only nurtured life over millennia but also safeguarded it; hidden crevices once sheltered communities seeking refuge from Roman soldiers, a testament to the valley's role in human history. #5월여행지원금

Ihlara Valley, nestled in the heart of Cappadocia, is a true masterpiece of nature. A landscape carved by time and steeped in history. This 14-kilometer gorge, with its dramatic depths of nearly 100 meters, leaves one in awe of nature’s craftsmanship and humanity's resilience. #5월여행지원금

Beautiful canyon close to Aksaray. You can walk on both sides of the river and visit many of the hewn out churches and houses in the walls of the canyon. I went there in December and it was just me, the birds and God. I entered in Belisırma and walked towards Ihlara (and back). The entire tour took me about two hours. #5월여행지원금

I went to the Green Tour course. There are many reviews saying that it is not a very special trekking course, but for me, it was a fun time where I was able to see new scenery! If you walk along the sound of the stream for about 40 minutes, you will come across a small cafe. You can soak your feet there to cool them down and wash away your fatigue with a cup of sweet apple tea. #MayTravelSupport

A good place for a 1-hour trekking course. There are churches and caves everywhere. If you like walking, it would be good to visit the courses leading to caves or churches. Like the Gapyeong Valley in Korea, there are restaurants and cafes doing business with tables in the middle, but it is not so bad that it spoils the scenery. You can stop by the Seleme Monastery at the end of the course. #May Travel Support Fund

I have a picky palate, so I didn't really think any food was delicious after coming to Turkey, but when I came to Ihlara Valley, I happened to sit down at a restaurant and tasted heaven. The little waiters were very good at their jobs, the prices were cheap, and the service was better than anywhere else. I thought the food was full of sincerity, but after reading the reviews, I realized I wasn't the only one who felt that way... If you're going to Cappadocia and take the Ihlara tour, don't go to Star Kebab, but definitely go to Baba Kebab~ You won't regret it~ There are some disadvantages, but they don't accept credit cards and there are a lot of flies on the table. #May Travel Support Fund