Pigeon Valley is a lovely valley located near Uchisar town named after the thousands of pigeon houses carved into the soft tufa since ancient times and offers another spectacular panoramic view over Cappadocia together with the spectacular views of the dovecotes. The valley takes its name from pigeons and valley ranks first among the popular, most known, and impressive valleys of Cappadocia.
Top Facts
- Pigeon Valley is a unique natural wonder and the name comes from the fact that thousands of pigeon houses have been built into the rocks there. People picked up the pigeon droppings and used them to feed crops.
- The valley is up to 100 meters deep and goes for about 4 km between the towns of Uchisar and Goreme.
- A lot of people who come to Cappadocia like to go climbing in Pigeon Valley. The hike trail is clearly marked and has beautiful views of the valley and the rocks in the area.
- Fig trees, wildflowers, and eagles are just some of the plant and animal types that live in the valley.
- Photographers and nature fans from all over the world come to the valley to see the beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
- Cappadocia is known for its strange landscapes, rock formations, and underground towns. Pigeon Valley is right in the middle of this area.
- People who come to Pigeon Valley can check out the Uchisar Castle, the Goreme Open Air Museum, and other nearby sights.
- You should go to Pigeon Valley in the spring or fall, when the weather is nice and the scenery is the most beautiful.
- As a national landmark, the government looks after Pigeon Valley because it is an important space for history and culture in Turkey.
What to See?
Pigeon Valley is a fantastic place where certain cave dwellings have been painted white to attract the birds for their valuable droppings. The valley is also famous for its beautiful views.
The pigeons are very important for the locals as they have proved their usefulness for centuries. The pigeons of the region date back to 9th century.
The pigeon eggs were used as filling material for the frescos in the 9th century, as well as their fertilizers are used at the region’s grape-yards and farms to obtain extremely productive crops. And thus this is the source of Cappadocia’s delicious grapes and wine-making tradition.
You’ll see variety of lovely fairy chimneys that are carved for pigeons’ nest. There is a also famous tree named “Evil Eye Tree” in the Pigeon Valley that worth a visit and see.
You can walk up the hills along the valley, watch the valley from the edge of the famous evil eye beaded tree, and feed the pigeons here.
The valley has about 4 km. track and the west end of the valley ends in Uchisar. Although the tracks through the valley are a bit challenging, the region is also ideal for trekking and trekking. The walking path is a bit long, so we recommend you take comfortable outdoor shoes with you.
The walk in the valley takes about 45 minutes. The best time to hike in the valley is early in the morning.
Eating Out
On the road to the Pigeon Valley, you’ll find a range of nice terrace restaurants and cafes to enjoy the magnificent views of the region while drinking your tea, coffee or having your meal.
Shopping
You’ll find various souvenir shops on the road to the valley. Handmade towels, woven rugs, carpets and bags, as well as stone sculptures and magnets in the form of miniatures of the region’s famous fairy chimneys, can be a good gift option.
Best Sightseeing Tours to See Love Valley
Private Cappadocia Tours
Private Cappadocia Tours are the most preferred daily excursions in Cappadocia, as well as the best way to explore and enjoy Cappadocia within a well-planned and custom itinerary along with a private vehicle, driver and professional guide.
We recommend the below tour options for the great value for money.
- Cappadocia: Full-Day Private Cappadocia Tour
- Full Day Private Cappadocia Tour (Car & Guide)
- Full Day Private Cappadocia Tour with Car & Guide
- Cappadocia Private Tour with Car & Guide
- Cappadocia PRIVATE TOUR, All in One Day, with guide (ENG-Portuguese)
- Cappadocia: Private Van & Guide Service
- Highlights of Cappadocia (Private Tour)
- Best Of Private Cappadocia Tour (Car & Guide)
- Cappadocia: Full-Day Private Guided Tour with Transportation
- 3 Days Private Cappadocia Tour
- Cappadocia: Full-Day Private Highlights Tour
- Cappadocia: Private Cappadocia Tour with Lunch
- Full Day Private Tour with Local Guide and Vehicle in Goreme
- 2 Day Private Cappadocia Tour With Airport Transfers
- Cappadocia: Full-Day Private Custom Tour
Wanna learn more about Private Tours in Cappadocia?
More Info & Private Cappadocia Tour Booking
The Green Tour
The Green Tour is a bit more off the beaten path and covers attractions that are less visited by tourists. It is a full-day tour and starts at 9 am and ends at 5 pm. The tour covers places such as Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, and the Pigeon Valley. This tour is ideal for those who want to explore the less crowded and more natural parts of Cappadocia.
Good for
The Cappadocia Green Tour is an excellent choice for those who want to experience the best of Cappadocia’s natural and historical sites in a single day. Below are some of best Green Tour experiences you can find!
We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.
- Green (South) Tour Cappadocia (small group)
- Cappadocia Green Tour (Pro Guide, Tickets, Lunch, Transfer)
- South Cappadocia Green Tour with Trekking in Ihlara Valley
- Cappadocia Green Tour - All-inclusive
- Cappadocia: Green Tour with Lunch, Guide, and Entry Tickets
- Cappadocia: Small-Group Guided Green Tour with Lunch
- Cappadocia: Green Tour - Ihlara Valley & Underground City
- Cappadocia Green Tour (VIP Service, Small group, Expert Guide)
More Info & Booking Green Tour
How to Get There?
Pigeon Valley is situated near Uchisar. About;
- 13,2 km. from Avanos
- 5,5 km. from Goreme
- 1,1 km. from Uchisar
- 12,9 km. from Urgup