Avanos, is a town and district of Nevşehir Province in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey, located 18 km north of Nevşehir, the capital city of the province. It is situated within the historic and touristic region of Cappadocia. According to 2000 census, population of the district is 35,145 of which 12,288 live in the town of Avanos.
The district covers an area of 994 km2 and the average elevation is 920 m with the highest point being Mt. İsmail Sivrisi at 1,756 m.
The old city of Avanos, whose name in ancient times was Venessa overlooks the longest river of Turkey, the Kızılırmak which also separates Avanos from the rest of Cappadocia.
The most famous historical feature of Avanos, which is still relevant and very visible today, is its production of earthenware pottery, it is also the most economic activity in the town. The ceramic trade in this district and its countless pottery factories date right back to the Hittites, and the ceramic clay from the red silt of the Kızılırmak has always been used.
View of the city center of Avanos. It is a popular destination because of its attractive old town with cobbled streets, and views over the river.
A very nice place were we enjoyed carpets and potery craftmen skills and production. Lot's of shops were craftmen will be please to show you how they master their ancestral techniques.
Caught the bus from Goreme only takes about twentyfive minutes and costs approx two and half TL.Went to quite a few pottery caves some very lovely items could have spent a fortune.
There was such an amazing view that will forever be etched in my memory!
We were in Goreme, but took a taxi to Avanos, and it was well worth it. Its a nice lovely little town. It had some gondolas on the river as well, but at it was hot and we didn't stay till evening we didn't try them, but they looked good.
you should try to make pottery
It seems so easy however you really need to focus on wheel and balancing
you should try
The clay from the Red River is spun and shaped into all sorts of items. You can get all of them cheaper outside of Avanos!
Avanos is worth a half day visit! It is not about the tourists but local people living and hanging out there…more authentic and good shopping opportunities. We went on Friday, and had the chance to visit the local market, where local people go for veggies and other staff's shopping. That was an interesting place to visit.
Do not buy your ceramics anywhere else in Capadoccia….we looked in all shops in Goreme and other areas Cavusin etc and the prices we thought we inflated…we then heard about Avanos being the pottery town and took the bus there, the prices here are fair the shops in general do not try and tell you your their best friend for…
This is a rather fresh and new looking smaller town nearby the Cappadocian sights/sites. Shopping there is actually pleasant, the river and surrounding park are delightful on a sunny days (as was our time there). There are numerous coffee shops and cafes that are delightful, and there are a variety of shops selling local handicrafts, especially pottery and ceramics.
You have to pay a visit to "Kapadokya Seramik! It has a great variety of Ceramics with motifs from all around Turkey and history. Both kitchen equipment and decorative stuff are available with wide range of prices. They welcome you with a pottery-making show and then let you give a try which is the most enjoyable part 🙂