2025 Derinkuyu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

Attraction: Derinkuyu Underground City Address: Bayramlı, Niğde Cd.,Derinkuyu, Türkey Opening Hours: 8am to 6:15pm Derinkuyu underground city is an ancient multi-level underground city in the town of Derinkuyu in Turkey, it is approximately 85 metres deep. It is large enough to have sheltered as many as 20,000 people together with their livestock and food. It is now a UNESCO world heritage site. It is strongly recommended to visit this place if you are visiting Cappadocia. You can learn a lot of history about how people used to escape wars and how they lived under the caves. Tip: Mind your head as you walk as the paths and narrow and short. #timetotravel #turkey #cave #heritage

Beneath the surface where sunlight cannot reach, we ventured into the Derinkuyu Underground City—a miraculous world carved out of rock. This ancient refuge was built by early inhabitants to escape wars and religious persecution. Spanning eight levels, it could accommodate up to 20,000 people. Winding passageways, ventilation shafts, granaries, and chapels intertwine, with every stone door and corridor holding centuries-old wisdom and faith. Our guide explained that the origins of this underground city date back to the Hittite period, later expanded by the Byzantines into the vast structure we see today. Walking through the narrow rock walls, the echo of our footsteps felt like a dialogue with history. What surprised us most was meeting a local guard who shared, with a smile, "There’s a passage from my family’s old house that connects to here." In that moment, this seemingly distant ancient relic suddenly connected with modern life—history was no longer just a story in books but a living reality. Emerging back to the surface, the sunlight was so dazzling it was almost blinding. Yet, the underground world we had just left continued to resonate within us. It wasn’t merely a relic but an echo of time—a reminder of how humanity survives in extremes and finds hope in darkness.

📅 Itinerary Day1：Arrival to Kayseri at 1 AM. Transfer from airport to the Peri Cave Hotel in Goreme at 2:30 AM. 4:0 AM pick up and transfer to the Ihlara Valley. 6:30 a ballon flight over the Ihlara Valley. 7:30 AM. 10:00AM - 3:00 PM sleeping at the hotel. 3:00 PM - 10 PM exploring Goreme. Day2: 5:00 - 7:00 AM sunrise and balloons flight observation. 8:30 - 9:30 AM brakfast at the hotel. 10:30 AM renting a scooter for 30€ for 1 day. 10:45 - 11:45 AM road to Derinkuyu. 11:50 - 12:50 AM visiting Derinkuyu Underground City. 1:00 - 1:50 PM road to Nevşehir. 2:00 - 3:00 PM Nevşehir Castle & Rock City observation. 3:00 - 4:30 PM road and dinner in Uchisar. 5:00 - 6:00 PM Uchisar Castle observation. 6:30 - 8:00 PM road back to Goreme and returning back the scooter. 8:10 - 10:00 PM exploring night city live. Day3: 8:30 - 9:30 AM brakfast at the hotel. 11:00 - 12:00 AM exploring Pigeon Valley Trail from Goreme to Uchisar. 12:00 AM - 2:30 PM exploring Uchisar. 3:00 - 4:40 PM walking back to Goreme exploring beautiful mountain views. 5:00 - 7:00 PM sunset observation from the Goreme highest viewpoint. 7:10 - 10:00 PM exploring night city live. 🏨 Accommodation #goreme Peri Cave Hotel 🍴 Food Recommendations Pistachio Coffee 📌 Tips

Cappadocia is a city in Türkiye that you absolutely must visit during your trip! While there are many places worth exploring in Cappadocia, one standout destination is the "Derinkuyu Underground City," where you can see the ancient way of life preserved and learn about the history and environment of that era. It's truly fascinating to think that such a massive underground village existed and that people lived there not just for days but for months!

Stop: Derinkuyu Underground City, Cappadocia Derinkuyu Underground City is a remarkable feat of human ingenuity, showcasing the capacity for architectural adaptation in response to both environment and historical necessity. Carved into the soft volcanic rock of Cappadocia, this subterranean city extends multiple levels deep, with tunnels, staircases, ventilation shafts, and communal spaces that could accommodate thousands of inhabitants. Its design reflects careful planning, combining functionality with safety, as hidden passageways, wells, and defensive mechanisms were used to protect residents from invaders. Exploring Derinkuyu, visitors encounter living quarters, kitchens, storage rooms, and even chapels, all ingeniously integrated into the underground labyrinth. The architecture demonstrates an extraordinary understanding of spatial efficiency, structural stability, and community organization, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who sought refuge here centuries ago. What makes Derinkuyu extraordinary is its fusion of human resilience and architectural creativity. For travelers, it is a stop where history, engineering, and culture converge, providing a tangible experience of how past societies shaped their environment to survive and thrive beneath the surface. #mytraveldiary

Photos 1-7, Selime Monastery in Selime, Cappadocia, Turkey, is an ancient monastery located in a large rock area formed by weathered volcanic rock. This monastery is carved into the rock and consists of a church, kitchen, dining hall, and living quarters. Its interior walls feature many ancient Christian frescoes. Selime Monastery is a window into early Christian history. Photos 8, Star Wars filming location: The unique landscape of Cappadocia inspired the producers of the Star Wars series. Although the actual filming did not take place here, the scenery resembles certain scenes from the movies, leading to occasional misconceptions that it was a filming location. Photos 9-10, Derinkuyu Underground City, In the Cappadocia region, several underground cities were excavated in the soft rock, the most famous being Derinkuyu and Kaymakli underground cities. These cities were used for living, hiding, and defense. In the 4th century AD, Cappadocia became an important center for early Christianity. Christians here, facing persecution from the Roman Empire, dug underground cities and cave churches to escape persecution. From the 7th to 11th centuries, Cappadocia was often a frontline in conflicts between the Byzantine Empire and the Arab Empire. During this period, the underground cities again provided refuge for local residents. In the 11th century, the Seljuk Turks invaded Anatolia, and the Byzantine Empire gradually lost control of Cappadocia. During this time, many Christians left, and Turkish Muslims settled in the area. Photo 11, Ihlara Valley, where you can hike along the valley floor. Photos 12-13, Uchisar Castle, located in Cappadocia, Turkey, is a historic natural fortress made from a volcanic rock about 60 meters high, resembling a piece of modernist art. The castle dates back to around 350 BC and was originally used as a natural fortress and watchtower, further developed during the Roman and Byzantine periods. Early settlers hollowed out the rock to form interconnected cave communities used for shelter, storage, and defense against enemies. Photo 14, Pigeon Valley is named for the numerous pigeon holes carved into the rocks on both sides of the valley. These pigeon holes vary in size and shape, some even two stories high, comparable to ancient cave houses. Pigeons play an important role in the Cappadocia region, serving not only as messengers but also providing ample fertilizer for locals. At dusk, flocks of pigeons return to their nests, creating a spectacular scene and a unique feature of Pigeon Valley.

🏞️ During my trip to Türkiye, the magical landscapes of Cappadocia left a lasting impression. Here's a travel guide based on my itinerary: The overall schedule included hot air balloon rides, a Jeep tour in Göreme, and a visit to the Derinkuyu Underground City. 🛬 Arrival in Cappadocia Upon arriving in Cappadocia, most travelers choose to stay in Göreme. This area is famous for its unique rock formations called "fairy chimneys," creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. On the day of arrival, I recommend strolling through Göreme village to soak in the local vibe. 🌄 Day 1: Hot Air Balloon Experience Early in the morning, around 4–5 AM, hotel pickups begin for the hot air balloon ride. Local operators provide a light breakfast and check weather conditions before launching the balloons. The flight typically lasts about an hour, offering breathtaking views of Rose Valley, Love Valley, and Göreme Valley. The sight of dozens of balloons floating in the sky, combined with the sunrise painting the landscape in shades of red, is truly indescribable. ✅ Tip: Hot air balloon rides require advance booking and may be canceled due to weather conditions. It's advisable to stay for at least two nights to allow for alternative plans. 🚙 Day 2: Jeep Tour Around Göreme On this day, I joined a Jeep tour to explore Cappadocia's off-road attractions. The tour navigates through hills and valleys that are inaccessible by regular vehicles, showcasing the region's unique terrain. Key stops included: - Love Valley - Rose Valley - Sunset Point The Jeep tour typically lasts about four hours, with stops at picturesque locations perfect for capturing memorable photos. 🕳️ Day 3: Visit to Derinkuyu Underground City I visited one of Cappadocia's historical landmarks, the **Derinkuyu Underground City**. This ancient underground city, used as a refuge from invasions, features over eight levels of interconnected spaces, including chimneys, chapels, and kitchens. ✅ Tip: The interior is narrow and dimly lit, so those with claustrophobia should exercise caution. Accompanying a guide can enhance the experience with detailed historical insights. 🏨 Wrapping Up the Trip On the final day of my Cappadocia journey, I spent time shopping near the hotel or relaxing at a local café, savoring the last moments of this unforgettable trip.

Have you ever dreamed of walking on an alien planet? In the heart of Turkey's Anatolian Plateau, Cappadocia carves your imagined fantasy into a tangible reality. ✨ Why is Cappadocia the ultimate embodiment of "unreal" beauty? One-of-a-kind geological wonder: The fairy chimney formations, found nowhere else on Earth, are vast and eerily shaped, offering a surreal visual spectacle. Hot air balloon spectacle: The sky filled with floating balloons against the bizarre landscape creates one of the planet's most iconic and dreamlike scenes. Cave-living experience: Sleep inside rock-carved rooms, walk through stone passages, and touch walls shaped over millions of years—an immersion like no other. Traces of ancient civilizations: Byzantine church frescoes and labyrinthine underground cities add layers of mystery and cultural depth to this fantastical land. Best seasons: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and vibrant colors. Summers are hot but with high balloon flight rates. Must-do experiences: Hot air balloon rides (book early!), cave hotel stays, Göreme Open-Air Museum, underground city exploration, and valley hikes/ATV tours. Booking tip: Reserve popular cave hotels and balloon rides well in advance. Cappadocia is no fairy tale—it’s a grander, more magical dream woven by Mother Earth herself. Here, the line between reality and fantasy blurs completely, leaving only awe and wonder you’ll never forget.

#JulyTravelSupport Below the tranquil grounds of the Cappadocia plains lies the secret city of Derinkuyu, 60 meters deep and eight stories high. Thousands of years ago, people fled persecution and descended here, building churches, kitchens, and even wine cellars. Traces of those who chose to live in silence, closing stone doors, remain in every dark passage. The further you descend the stairs, the more awe-inspiring the experience becomes. #TurkiyeTravel #Turkiye

It was included in the Green Tour. It's amazing to see and imagine the underground city that was so large that more than ten thousand people could live there in the past... Of course, tourists can only see 10% of the total. It's a sad history of having to escape enemies, but there's a school, a kitchen, a ventilation shaft, and a stable. I'm amazed by the systematic appearance of the city. #June Travel Support Fund

It is a historical site where people hid and lived to escape the persecution of the Roman army. It is a large historical site that is as deep as an apartment building 21 stories deep and has a school and a wine cellar. It is difficult to walk around bending down, but it is worth a visit. It is like an ancient apartment building with 8 floors underground and it was so much fun to see. It was amazing to see the chapel and living room deep underground, and the air passage that also served as an elevator was amazing. There are several sections in the middle that are very narrow and you have to duck to get through. So I think it would be difficult for the elderly to go down that deep. #June travel support fund

A large underground city dug underground. It is known to have once been a place where Christians who fled from Arabs resided. Internal passages and ventilation shafts connect each underground floor, and there are churches, schools, bedrooms, kitchens, and wells. #June Travel Support Fund

Derinkuyu is a large underground city that has been dug underground like an anthill. It is known to have been a place where Christians who fled from Arabs once lived. Internal passages and ventilation shafts are connected to each underground floor, and there are churches, schools, bedrooms, kitchens, and wells. In preparation for enemy invasion, round wheel-shaped stones were installed in each passage to block the passages in case of emergency, and unique symbols were used to mark the paths so that intruders from outside would get lost, and there were many passages like a maze. According to the guide, The bathrooms were not inside for sanitary reasons. It is known to be 8 underground floors, and there are small holes for communication, and there is also a winery. Most cooking was done during dinner time. It is said that Derinkuyu became known when a farmer accidentally discovered it while chasing a chicken. #June travel support fund

Inside Derinkuyu, there are churches, schools, kitchens, wells, and warehouses. In particular, round wheel-shaped stone gates were installed to block passages in case of emergency to prevent intrusion from the outside. It has been open to the public since 1965, and only about 10% of the total area is currently open. The ventilation system inside is still functioning, showing how sophisticated the construction techniques were at the time. Derinkuyu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, and is one of the must-see attractions for travelers visiting the Cappadocia region. #June Travel Support Fund

A huge underground city where early Christians built churches and houses underground to escape the persecution of the Roman Empire and lived in hiding. It is a huge underground facility with 8 floors underground that can accommodate up to 30,000 people. It is a must-visit course for group tourists, and depending on the time of day, it can be very crowded, and the underground paths are narrow and rough, so comfortable shoes that do not slip are essential. #June travel subsidy

I booked through Real Turkey. The balloon tour started with a pickup around 4 AM and returned to the accommodation around 6:30 AM. The flight time was approximately 1 hour! At first, when ascending into the sky, it was scarier than I imagined, but later, I enjoyed taking photos and the experience. (As of June 25, 2010, the cost was 105 euros, and payment via lira was also possible!) The Green Tour ran from 10 AM to 6:30 PM, covering valleys, mountain ranges, underground caves, and more. Lunch was provided during the tour. Essentials include a parasol, sunscreen, and water, as it requires more physical stamina than expected. If you prefer a comfortable tour over renting a car due to the distances involved, I highly recommend it.

📍Derinkuyu Underground City Bayramlı, Niğde Cd., 50700 Derinkuyu/Nevşehir, Turkey I took a bus to the underground ruins of the city of Derinkuyu. There is another underground city called Kaymakli, but I decided to go further away because I heard that it was overflowing with people from tours. At first, it was difficult to even move forward because of the large number of tour guests, but once the waves passed, I was able to calmly look around. Derinkuyu Underground City can be visited up to the 8th floor underground, and even though it is underground, it is a real city with living space, wineries, food storage, reservoirs, and even schools! The many passages that are spread out like a maze are just like an ant's nest. Many of the passages required bending down to move through, so my back hurts 💧 #AbsolutelyFreeTravel

"I want to take you to romantic Turkey" – Cappadocia brings this lyric to life! A must-do experience when visiting Turkey is the hot air balloon adventure in Cappadocia. ✨ Why Cappadocia is Unmissable: ✅ Planetary-Level Wonder: A 3-million-year-old volcanic "lunar landscape" with fairy chimneys, cave churches, and underground cities – every shot looks like an alien blockbuster! ✅ The Ultimate Hot Air Balloon Experience: The world's most beautiful ballooning destination! Hundreds of balloons take flight at sunrise, painting the sky with romance against the dawn glow 🎈 ✅ Dual UNESCO Heritage: Recognized as both a Cultural and Natural World Heritage site, featuring millennia-old frescoes and 8-story underground cities brimming with mystery 🚀 Recommended 3-Day Itinerary Day 1: Cave Hotel + Sunset Ceremony Stay in a Rock Palace: ✅ Luxury Option: Cappadocia Cave Resort (~¥2300/night) with 5-star cave spa and terrace wine views of surreal rock formations ✅ Budget-Friendly: Dervish Cave Hotel (¥800+/night) with stone-walled rooms and rooftop balloon viewing platform – perfect for photos Sunset Chasing: 🌄 Uçhisar Castle: 360° panoramic views as sunset turns "fairy chimneys" rose gold Day 2: Hot Air Balloon + Green Tour 5:00 AM Balloon Ride: ⚠️ Book 1 month ahead! Choose 16-person baskets (¥1100-1800) for 60-90 minute flights, avoiding crowded large baskets 📸 Photo Tips: Wear bright sweaters/long dresses – corner basket spots are most photogenic! - Green Tour (¥400+): → Derinkuyu Underground City: Explore 8-level tunnels of ancient Christian refuge → Ihlara Valley: 4km riverside hike discovering cave churches → Selime Monastery: Star Wars filming location with breathtaking cliffside monastery Day 3: Red Tour Photography + ATV Adventure - Red Tour Self-Drive (¥350/day private car): 💖 Love Valley: Must-photograph "stone forest" viewpoint with sci-fi landscapes 🖼️ Göreme Open-Air Museum: 30 cave churches with millennia-old frescoes (₺300 entry) 🏺 Avanos: DIY pottery! Turkish blue ceramics make perfect souvenirs - ATV Sunset Tour: 💥 Ride through Rose Valley (¥150/2h), chasing sunset through red rock canyons – absolutely epic! 💡 Practical Tips 🔸 Transport: ✈️ Istanbul→Kayseri (cheaper) or Nevşehir (closer) airports, ¥150/person hotel transfer. 🚗 Join day tours for Red/Green routes – easier than self-driving and includes lunch/entry fees 🔸 Money-Saving: 💸 Book balloons early – Cool Destinations offers ¥1140 early-bird deals (vs ¥1800+ walk-in). 🍴 Avoid tourist traps – try Testi Kebab (₺200 claypot meat) and rice pudding in Göreme town

#HawaiiFlightEvent Derinkuyu Underground City was one of the tourist destinations that was really loved by locals. I recommend that you visit it at least once. The underground city that I visited while traveling to Goreme! It was a Turkish culture that I couldn't see in Korea.

#HawaiiFlightEvent The underground city I visited on a trip to Goreme! It was a Turkish culture that I had not seen in Korea. I visited the underground city during the Green Tour, and even if it was not a tour, it was a famous place that many locals visit!

#HawaiiFlightEvent I went on a trip to Goreme and visited the underground city. It was a Turkish culture that I couldn't see in Korea. I visited the underground city because it was part of the Green Tour scheduleㅜ It was a fun place with a lot to see beyond my expectations.

#HawaiiFlightEvent The underground city I visited on a trip to Goreme! It was a Turkish culture that I had not seen in Korea. The underground city was one of the Green Tour itineraries, and it was more fun and there was more to see than I expected! Maybe because there was a guide, I was able to understand it well, which was nice.

Never thought this view will occur in-front of my eye. It is like the picture in story tale. Very impressive

I wonder if you can imagine 50,000 people living in this underground ancient city thousands of years ago? And this underground ancient city is even 12 floors deep, we stay in this underground world twenty-four hours a day! 🤯 Walking in more like an underground maze, the route is very complicated, following the bag if you have a walk can easily get lost. There is a kitchen, living room, bedroom, even a church inside - it can be said that the development is very mature. I heard that this underground ancient city was built to escape war and plague, to protect their clan. 🤯🤩 💰Average consumption per person: ~$200 #globaltravel

The "Green Route" one-day tour of Cappadocia took me deep into the secrets of this magical land, exploring spectacular canyons, mysterious underground cities, and magnificent natural landscapes. Although there are red and blue line itineraries in the area, the green line covers the most magnificent natural scenery and cultural history, which left a deep impression on me. Early in the morning, we first came to Derinkuyu Underground City, which is the deepest underground city in Cappadocia. Walking into the narrow passage, it’s as if you’ve traveled back in time hundreds of years. This was once a refuge built by Christians to escape persecution. There are churches, storage rooms, ventilation shafts, etc. in the underground city. The structure is complex and ingenious, which makes people marvel at the wisdom and perseverance of the people at that time. Next, we head to Ihlara Canyon, one of the most beautiful canyons in Türkiye. I walked along the stream, flanked by towering rock walls and lush green vegetation, a stark contrast to the rest of Cappadocia’s dry and desolate landscape. Walking on the quiet trail, feeling the breeze on your face, you can occasionally see ancient churches and murals hidden in the rock walls, which makes this journey even more mysterious. After lunch, we went to the Selime Monastery, a majestic monastery carved directly into the rock. Standing on a high place and overlooking the entire canyon, you have a broad view and can almost feel the tranquility and piety of the monks who once practiced here. Finally, the tour guide took us to a viewing platform to admire Cappadocia's unique Pigeon Valley. This place is full of small holes that were carved by people in the past to raise pigeons, and now it has become a paradise for photography enthusiasts. The rocks were painted in warm hues at sunset, a perfect end to the trip. This green line trip made me deeply realize that Cappadocia is not just about hot air balloons and strange rock formations, it also has rich history, culture and magnificent natural scenery. If you want to explore more unknown secrets, the Green Line is definitely a route worth experiencing.

#Overseas travel The most mysterious and amazing experience I had during my trip to Cappadocia was the Derinkuyu Underground City! This is a huge underground city that goes down to about 8 floors deep. It was built as a refuge for ancient people to escape external invasion and war, and later, during the Roman Empire, it was a place where early Christians hid to escape persecution by Islamic forces. I was really surprised by its size, as it could accommodate up to 20,000 people. The passages that got narrower as you went down were impressive. Even one person could barely pass through, and even then, you had to crouch down. It was so dark and narrow that you couldn't tell where anything was, and it was so stuffy. Nevertheless, I could feel the amazing architectural skills of ancient people who lived there, having a kitchen, a chapel, a wine cellar, and even a ventilation system. I felt that it wasn't just an underground space, but a huge city, and it's said that it hasn't been fully excavated yet. Derinkuyu was one of the places where you could most vividly experience the unique history and culture of Cappadocia. If you want to get a glimpse of the hidden ancient life, be sure to stop by! #Cappadocia #CappadociaTravel #TurkeyTravel #Turkey #TurkeyTravelRecommended #Turkiye #TurkiyeTravel #DerinkuyuUndergroundCity #Derinkuyu

#100TravelStyles Going to the Underground City Derinkuyu Personally, it was my first time experiencing an underground city since I was born, and I felt a little suffocated to the point where I couldn't breathe well, whether it was due to lack of oxygen or claustrophobia First of all, I had a lot of thoughts, starting with how people lived here There are still many places that haven't been excavated I toured for about an hour, but my back hurt so much ㅎ It was really hard for me personally, but I felt like it was worth going once~ #Turkiye #Cappadocia #Derinkuyu #DerinkuyuUndergroundCity #UndergroundCity

Cappadocia, Turkey, is renowned for its unique and breathtaking landscapes, and the best way to take in its beauty is by floating above in a hot air balloon. The surreal rock formations, ancient cave dwellings, and fairy chimneys make it feel like you’ve entered another world. A hot air balloon ride is one of the most magical and unforgettable experiences in Cappadocia. ### **History of Cappadocia and Ballooning** Cappadocia’s history is as rich as its landscapes. The region is home to ancient civilizations and is known for its vast underground cities, rock-cut churches, and unique geological formations shaped over millions of years by volcanic activity and erosion. Hot air ballooning began here in the 1980s, and since then, it has become one of the most sought-after activities for travelers worldwide. ### **Tips for an Unforgettable Balloon Ride** - **Book in Advance**: Cappadocia’s hot air balloon rides are in high demand, especially during peak seasons. It’s highly recommended to book your ride in advance to secure a spot. - **Early Morning Flight**: Most balloon rides take place at sunrise, offering the best lighting to see the colors and shadows of the landscape. Be prepared for an early start, but the stunning views are well worth the effort. - **Dress in Layers**: Mornings in Cappadocia can be quite chilly, especially at higher altitudes. It’s a good idea to dress in layers so you can stay warm during the ride. - **Photography**: Bring your camera or smartphone to capture the stunning scenery. Many companies offer professional photo packages, but you’ll want your own snapshots of the magical views. ### **Travel Tip** After your balloon ride, take time to explore other attractions in Cappadocia, such as the **Göreme Open-Air Museum** and the **Derinkuyu Underground City**. These are essential stops to truly understand the region’s rich history and culture. #CappadociaHotAirBalloon #MagicalCappadocia #BucketListExperience #FairyChimneys #ExploreTurkey #TravelGoals #Wanderlust #100waysoftravel