Pigeon Valley ( Güvercinlik Vadisi ), just outside Goreme in Cappadocia, is one of Turkey’s most beautiful landscapes. The unique rock formations known as fairy chimneys, or peri bacalar, which are made from wind and water erosion on soft volcanic rock, rise high from the valley floor like chimneys and are dotted in their tops with birdhouses. Some reach at tall as 130 ft Pigeons live in these dovecoats carved into the rocks and cliffs. Years ago the pigeons were used to carry messages from this remote region, and their droppings have long been used by local farmers for fertilizer. Today, however, there are fewer Pigeons in the valley.
Pigeon Valley is a great place for hiking. The whole area around Goreme is made up of valleys with almost no fencing and there are well-marked trails. The mildly hilly trail through Pigeon Valley is free of charge and about 2.8 miles long running between Goreme and Uchisar.
Pigeon is ideal for walking as the trek is relatively easy. Within the valley are man-made caves which make for excellent exploration. Alternatively if walking is not your idea of fun, still head to the top of the valley at sunset where the vibrant orange colors moving down behind the mountains produce wonderful holiday pictures. The valley earned its name from the hundreds of pigeons that have made their homes in the rocks.
Pigeon Valley ( Güvercinlik Vadisi ) Goreme-Cappadocia
Beautiful landscape. Great place to take photos.You can see some of the pigeon houses for which the valley is named.
This whole place is magic…but this place has a great story to go along with the beauty.
Thanks to Butterfly Balloons and our wonderful pilot Mike, we had wonderful views of this amazing valley.
We did a lot of hiking in Cappadocia and this was the closest (we stayed in Goreme) and one of the best. The evening colors were beautiful.
Loved the panoramic view, It's a shame the tradition is not reserved. Didn't go for a hike, maybe next time.
The best way to do this walk is from the citadel back to Goreme. This way is downhill and easier. Lots to photograph.
My two friends and I walked from Uchisar Castle to Göreme via Pigeon Valley. Probably due to the time of year, we didn't see a single person the whole way, and felt like we had the world to ourselves. From the castle it's a bit tricky to hike down (direction Göreme) to the street that meets the path, but there…
We walked from Goreme to Uchisar via this valley and it was a very pleasant walk. The scenery is maybe not as good as the other valleys but it's still pretty special.
Cappadoccia is a place where all views are spectacular! But for us – the valley has the best view! Well, maybe because of all the pigeons – the kids are fascinated! They had more fun in the valley than in St. Marco's Square in Venice! Really!
Breath-taking view! We wish to come back to hike the valley.
Nice views but I liked the opn air museum and the national park a lot better