Kaymakli Underground City is the biggest and deepest underground settlement in the Cappadocia region. Located in the Kaymaki Village, Kaymakli Underground City is also one most popular places to see in Cappadocia.
Top Kaymakli Tours & Tickets
If you are looking for the best Kaymakli Underground City tours, trust our recommendations, save time and money, we have you covered. Below are some of best experiences you can find! Feel free to book online in advance, and make an eco-friendly option of online tickets.
- Cappadocia Blue Tour with optional Balloon Flight
- Best of Cappadocia Private Blue ( South ) tour
- Cappadocia Blue Tour (Red Valley)
- Cappadocia Daily Blue Tour
- Cappadocia: Balloon Flight and Private Cappadocia Blue Tour
- Cappadocia: Blue Tour (Lunch, Museums, all extra included)
- Private Cappadocia Blue Tour
- Cappadocia: Blue Tour with Entry Fees and Lunch
- Cappadocia: Blue Tour with Lunch and Hotel Transfer
Top Facts
- Kaymakli Underground City is the largest and most popular underground city in Cappadocia, Turkey. It is believed to have been built during the Hittite era, around 3000 BC.
- Kaymakli is a town about 20 km south of Nevsehir. This is where the underground city is.
- There are 8 floors below ground in Kaymakli Underground City, but only 4 are open to the public. People can look around the city’s winding tunnels, storage rooms, air shafts, and underground churches.
- Early Christians used the city as a safe haven when they were being persecuted. It was also a place where people could stay temporarily during wartime.
- Over the years, the underground city has been used for many things, such as a place to store goods, a place for animals to stay, and a winery.
- No matter what time of year it is, the underground city stays cool. This makes it a great place to get away from the summer heat in Cappadocia.
- When people go to Kaymakli Underground City, they can be amazed at the old engineering that went into building it. The tunnels are tight and windy, and there are ventilation shafts strategically put to let people get fresh air.
- There are other underground towns in the area, but Kaymakli is one of the only ones that has been fully dug out and is now open to the public. It gives tourists a one-of-a-kind chance to learn about Turkey’s past and culture.
- The Kaymakli Underground City is a UNESCO World Heritage site that gets a lot of tourists every year. Taking a guided walk is the best way to get the most out of your trip.
- Kaymakli Underground City is a must-see for anyone in Cappadocia because of its interesting past and amazing underground architecture.
Quick History
Kaymakli Underground City is one of the best known underground cities in Cappadocia, Turkey. In the 8th and 7th centuries BC, the first Christians who lived in the area built it. The city may have been a safe place for people to hide from battles, attacks, and natural disasters. The city also had places to store food and water and keep animals safe.
The Phrygians built the city of Kaymakli underground. The Phrygians were a group of people who lived in central Anatolia between 1200 BC and 700 BC. In the Byzantine era, though, Christians lived in the area and built up and grew the city.
Kaymakli Underground City has eight floors, but only four are open to the public. Another part of the underground city is made up of tubes and passages that connect different rooms and areas.
Someone from Turkey who was cleaning up his house in 1964 found the city. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can fit up to 3,500 people without being too crowded.
What to Expect from Your Visit?
Kaymakli Underground City is one of the biggest and best-preserved underground towns in the area. It is thought that the first Christians built it as a place to hide from being persecuted.
When people go to Kaymakli Underground City, they will see a maze-like system of tubes, chambers, and galleries cut deep into the volcanic tuff rock. There are eight floors to the city, but only four are open to the public. The underground city is more than 85 meters deep and can hold up to 3,000 people.
You will find steep stairs, narrow and low passages, and rooms that were used for different things as you walk around Kaymakli. There are also ventilation shafts, water wells, and storage places to be seen. Some of the rooms, like the church, barns, and kitchens, were used as common areas. Also, you will find burial rooms. These were used to bury people who died inside the city walls.
One of the most interesting things about the city is the big round stone door that kept outsiders out. People say the door weighs more than a thousand kilograms and can only be opened from the inside. Another interesting feature is the air cooling system that is still there and is thought to have been used to keep the city’s temperature and humidity in check.
You can learn about the past of the site and the people who lived there when you go to Kaymakli Underground City. People who go there should wear shoes that are easy on the feet and bring a light jacket, since it can be cooler underground than on top.
What’s Inside?
Kaymakli Underground City has 8 levels underground (only 4 are open) carved from the soft volcanic stone that are connected with each other by narrow tunnels. Visitors may visit stalls, stables, stores, refectories, churches, wineries, kitchens and the other sections.
Going for 40 meters under the ground, Kaymakli Underground City has a capacity of 5000 people. It is very exciting to imagine that how people lived here. A visit to Kaymakli Underground City is a must on your Cappadocia holidays.
Visitors having claustrophobia are not recommended to enter the underground city.
Video Tour
Visiting Hours & Admissions
Opening Hours
Open every day between 08:00-17:00.
Ticket Price
* €13 at ticket window on location
* Please double check the hours and admissions from muze.gov.tr
Visiting Tips
- When you go to Kaymakli, make sure you wear shoes that are comfortable and have good traction because the underground tunnels can be small and uneven.
- It can get cool and damp inside the underground city, so wearing layers will help you stay comfy while you’re there.
- If you want to get around in the dark underground tunnels and other places that aren’t well lit, bring a small flashlight.
- Going on a guided trip is a great way to learn about the history and culture of Kaymakli Underground City. You can also explore the area on your own. While you’re there, a guide can tell you interesting things about the underground city that will make your experience better.
- Watch out for what’s going on around you. The underground tunnels can be tight, and some spots can be hard to get to, so you should always be aware of what’s going on around you. If there are warning signs or markers that point out possible dangers, stay on the tracks that have been set up for you.
- Please be aware that Kaymakli Underground City is a significant historical and cultural site, and that you should treat it with care. To protect the underground city, don’t touch any of the buildings or artifacts, and pay attention to any rules this may have.
- In order to stay safe while visiting Kaymakli Underground City, it is suggested that people with claustrophobia (a fear of small places) do so. People may feel anxious or uncomfortable in some parts of the underground tunnels because they are small and tight, and some parts have low ceilings.
- In the underground city, there are places to rest if you feel stressed. You can also go outside and enjoy the fresh air for a moment.
- After all is said and done, Kaymakli Underground City might not be the best place for someone with extreme claustrophobia or a related condition. It’s possible that people who are afraid of being squished would enjoy some of Cappadocia’s other interesting and unique sights more.
Top Rated Cappadocia Blue Tour Options
We believe that booking your Cappadocia day tour with one of the below companies and online not only guarantees a world-class experience but also provides the convenience of flexible booking, free hotel transfers, and the assurance of thousands of satisfied travelers who have shared their positive experiences through online reviews. It’s the smart choice for a hassle-free and memorable adventure in Cappadocia.
Here we only suggest the proven ways and top rated ones with travelers’ comments. You can feel free to book one of the below top selling Cappadocia Blue Tours including Kaymakli Underground City.
1. Cappadocia Blue Tour with optional Balloon Flight
This is one of best Cappadocia blue tours made. You’ll see several top sites in Cappadocia on a small-group full-day tour with hotel pickup and drop-off. You’ll explore fairy chimneys in Ucguzeller, stop at Cavusin village, descend into Kaymakli Underground City, and take a walk in Red Valley with a guide who shares the history and landmarks at each stop. Upgrade to include the optional pre-sunrise hot air balloon flight.
You can cancel cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Read more and book this Blue Tour online
2. Best of Cappadocia Private Blue ( South ) tour
This is a great private tour that you’ll discover the hidden gems of Cappadocia with this captivating Blue Tour, a full-day guided adventure that takes you off the beaten path. You’ll see and explore Mustafapasa Village: Greek heritage charm, Gomeda Valley: Enchanting rock-cut houses, and Kaymakli Underground City: Subterranean marvel.
You can cancel cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Read more and book this Blue Tour online
3. Cappadocia Blue Tour (Red Valley)
This is a great Blue Tour that you’ll see the highlights of Cappadocia on a full-day tour to Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, and Selime Monastery. Your guide shares the history of each site as you see fairy chimneys, ancient churches carved into the rock, underground living quarters, and more. Includes a riverside lunch, transportation, entrance fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
You can cancel cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Read more and book this Blue Tour online
4. Cappadocia Daily Blue Tour
This is also one of the best and private blue tour that will allow you to spend a wonderful day by allowing you to visit and see the hidden areas in the region. The route usually includes the southern part of Cappadocia. You can visit places further from the center compared to the green and red tour. The tour has many stopovers that you can visit and explore. Their professional and experienced guides who dominate the region accompany you on this tour.
You can cancel cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Read more and book this Blue Tour online
5. Cappadocia: Balloon Flight and Private Cappadocia Blue Tour
This is one of the best tours with balloon flight. You’ll fly over the Cappadocia landscape early in the morning in a hot air balloon, a truly surreal experience you’ll never forget. Follow this up with a 6.5-hour tour full of incredible natural formations, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and ancient art.
You can cancel cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Read more and book this Blue Tour online
6. Cappadocia: Blue Tour (Lunch, Museums, all extra included)
You’ll be picked you up from your hotel and visit the Red and Rose Valley and Çavuşin Cave Village. Descend to Kaymaklı or Özkonak Underground City. Explore Pigeon Valley, Uçhisar’s Greek houses and Ortahisar Castle. You’ll also Enjoy a delicious lunch and get dropped off back to your hotel.
You can cancel cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Read more and book this Blue Tour online
7. Private Cappadocia Blue Tour
This is a superb private tour that you’ll visit both historical and natural attractions. You’ll explore ancient rock-carved monasteries near the village of Soganli, discover the Roman history of the Sobesos Ancient City, visit the old Greek village of Sinassos, and take an easy hike through the Red Valley. You’ll travel in comfort by a luxury minivan with your own private guide to ensure a stress-free experience.
You can cancel cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Read more and book this Blue Tour online
8. Cappadocia: Blue Tour with Entry Fees and Lunch
This is one of the best private tours that you’ll be accompanied by a tour guide and driver, visit historic sites in Cappadocia such as the Underground City, Red, and Rose Valley, the Greek houses of Uchisar, and Ortshisar Castle on a full-day tour. It includes local art historian guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by luxury vehicle, lunch, national park fees, all museum entrances and all taxes, duties, and handling fees.
You can cancel cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Read more and book this Blue Tour online
9. Cappadocia: Blue Tour with Lunch and Hotel Transfer
This is a great tour that you’ll explore the hidden gems of Cappadocia on a guided tour with lunch included. Visit the Mustafapasa Village, Keslik Monastery, Sobesos ancient city, Soganlı valley, the Mazi Underground City, and the Ortahisar Castle and viewpoint.
You can cancel cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Read more and book this Blue Tour online
How to Get to There?
Kaymakli Underground City is located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Goreme, making it easily accessible by car, bus, or organized tour.
Kaymakli Underground City is situated in Kaymakli Village. About;
- 36,2 km. from Avanos
- 25,3 km. from Goreme
- 21,3 km. from Uchisar
- 31,7 km. from Urgup.
It is better to visit Kaymakli Underground City via Cappadocia excursions or your private/rented car. Here’s how to get to Kaymakli Underground City from some of the nearby towns:
- From Goreme: The easiest way to get to Kaymakli Underground City from Goreme is by joining an organized tour or hiring a private driver. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Nevsehir and then transfer to a bus heading to Kaymakli.
- From Urgup: You can take a bus from Urgup to Nevsehir, and then transfer to a bus heading to Kaymakli. Alternatively, you can join an organized tour or hire a private driver.
- From Uchisar: You can take a bus from Uchisar to Nevsehir and then transfer to a bus heading to Kaymakli. Alternatively, you can join an organized tour or hire a private driver.
- From Avanos: You can take a bus from Avanos to Nevsehir and then transfer to a bus heading to Kaymakli. Alternatively, you can join an organized tour or hire a private driver.
It’s worth noting that while driving is an option, the roads in the area can be narrow and winding, so it may be more comfortable to travel by bus or organized tour. Additionally, entry to the underground city is only possible with a guided tour, so it may be more convenient to book an organized tour that includes transportation and entrance.
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All Above Recommended Alternative Tours
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