Aksaray, Central Anatolia Region — Travel Guide & Things to Do
Name
Aksaray
Description
Aksaray Province is a province in central Turkey. Its adjacent provinces are Konya along the west and south, Ankara to the northwest, Niğde to the southeast, Nevşehir to the east, and Kırşehir to the north. Its area is 7,659 km², and its...
Nearby attractions
Ihlara ValleySultanhanı CaravanseraiSelime CathedralSomuncu Baba TombAksaray Observation DeckGenç Osman ParkıPürenli ChurchEgri MinaretAksaray Paşacık Gülümse ParkıKılıçarslan ParkıNearby restaurants
KMU Mehmet Usta | Aksaray Restaurant & KahvaltıKardeşler Restoran, Kahvaltı & Kebap SalonuHanımeli Gözleme OrtaköyAnatolia Valley RestaurantNearby localities
ÇankayaAvanosAltındağSelçukluKaratayMelikgaziYenimahalleTarsusKeçiörenMeramRelated posts
Keywords
Aksaray tourism.Aksaray hotels.Aksaray bed and breakfast. flights to Aksaray.Aksaray attractions.Aksaray restaurants.Aksaray travel.Aksaray travel guide.Aksaray travel blog.Aksaray pictures.Aksaray photos.Aksaray travel tips.Aksaray maps.Aksaray things to do.Aksaray things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Basic Info
Aksaray
Aksaray, Central Anatolia Region, Turkey
Ratings & Description
Info
Aksaray Province is a province in central Turkey. Its adjacent provinces are Konya along the west and south, Ankara to the northwest, Niğde to the southeast, Nevşehir to the east, and Kırşehir to the north. Its area is 7,659 km², and its...
Aksaray Province is a province in central Turkey. Its adjacent provinces are Konya along the west and south, Ankara to the northwest, Niğde to the southeast, Nevşehir to the east, and Kırşehir to the north. Its area is 7,659 km², and its...
attractions: Ihlara Valley, Sultanhanı Caravanserai, Selime Cathedral, Somuncu Baba Tomb, Aksaray Observation Deck, Genç Osman Parkı, Pürenli Church, Egri Minaret, Aksaray Paşacık Gülümse Parkı, Kılıçarslan Parkı, restaurants: KMU Mehmet Usta | Aksaray Restaurant & Kahvaltı, Kardeşler Restoran, Kahvaltı & Kebap Salonu, Hanımeli Gözleme Ortaköy, Anatolia Valley Restaurant
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Reviews
Things to Do in Aksaray, Central Anatolia Region, Turkey - Aksaray Attractions & Activities
Attractions of Aksaray
Ihlara Valley
Sultanhanı Caravanserai
Selime Cathedral
Somuncu Baba Tomb
Aksaray Observation Deck
Genç Osman Parkı
Pürenli Church
Egri Minaret
Aksaray Paşacık Gülümse Parkı
Kılıçarslan Parkı
Ihlara Valley
4.6
(7.1K)
Open 24 hours
Click for details
Sultanhanı Caravanserai
4.5
(4.5K)
Open 24 hours
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Selime Cathedral
4.7
(2.3K)
Open 24 hours
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Somuncu Baba Tomb
4.9
(901)
Open 24 hours
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Restaurants of Aksaray
KMU Mehmet Usta | Aksaray Restaurant & Kahvaltı
Kardeşler Restoran, Kahvaltı & Kebap Salonu
Hanımeli Gözleme Ortaköy
Anatolia Valley Restaurant
KMU Mehmet Usta | Aksaray Restaurant & Kahvaltı
4.6
(2.7K)
$$
Click for details
Kardeşler Restoran, Kahvaltı & Kebap Salonu
4.4
(1.8K)
$$
Click for details
Hanımeli Gözleme Ortaköy
4.6
(44)
Click for details
Anatolia Valley Restaurant
2.5
(9)
Click for details
Ihlara Valley
Ihlara Valley
4.6
Anilkumar KarimbanakkalAnilkumar Karimbanakkal
Ihlara Valley, nestled in the heart of Cappadocia, is a true masterpiece of nature. A landscape carved by time and steeped in history. This 14-kilometer gorge, with its dramatic depths of nearly 100 meters, leaves one in awe of nature’s craftsmanship and humanity's resilience.
Walking along the riverbank of the Melindiz River, where centuries-old waters still flow gracefully, was an unforgettable experience. The valley’s vibrant greenery, interwoven with the serene sound of the river, creates an almost surreal atmosphere. This oasis has not only nurtured life over millennia but also safeguarded it; hidden crevices once sheltered communities seeking refuge from Roman soldiers, a testament to the valley's role in human history.
During my Green Tour, lunch was arranged beside the river—a tranquil scene that seemed painted from a dream. Sitting there, surrounded by the calm ripples of water and the whisper of leaves, I felt immersed in the valley's enduring spirit. Following lunch, our walk along the riverbank deepened my appreciation for the harmony of nature and history here. Every step seemed to bridge the past and present in a uniquely peaceful yet awe-inspiring experience.
If you seek a place where natural beauty meets ancient mystery, Ihlara Valley is that rare gem.
BradBrad
We recently visited the Ilhara Valley as part of the Green Tour operated by My Trip Travel. This is a unique 15 km long valley that reaches 150 metres deep in the heart of Cappadocia. The area we visited (15 Euro per foreign visitor for independent visitation) included a roughly 3 km stretch which our tour guide led us down into the valley and along the riverside until existing.
The grounds within the valley were very green and with much vegetation demonstrating a microclimate that felt significantly different to what we found throughout the rest of the region. We saw numerous cliffside cave dwellings used during past centuries including a couple of interesting old churches, one with old frescos that dated back to around the 7th century.
The visit to Ihlara Valley included a break stop at a make-shift riverside cafe for those who fancied a drink or snack break as part of the otherwise gentle hike that lasted around 45 minutes. While the walk was easy for most, it did require a roughly 400 step downward stretch to enter the valley. As part of the guided trip, we were dropped off and then picked up at separate locations. This would present some challenge and planning needs for those visiting independently.
Dejan BrakiDejan Braki
First advice for all wanting to visit this place is to have a full day at their disposal.
Ihlara Valley is 1,5 hours drive from Goreme one way, and there's far more to see in the area than just this valley - the Belisirma river with its floating restaurants, the Selime rock Cathedral, ...etc which I'll write in separate reviews.
Considering the Ihlara, have in mind its grandness - it is around 15 km long with rock Churches, Mosques and cave dwellings within it. The central staircase at the visitor center leading to the canyon bottom is at around the middle - there are around 350-400 steps, very exhausting so be warned it's not suitable for elder or people with mobility issues (there is NO elevator).
Once down, for most visitors (including us) it is enough to walk 1-2 km in each direction where you'll see great nature, small river, few Churches carved in rock and to climb back up - for this only count minimum 2 hours. However, hiking the entire valley probably takes a whole day.
The valley looks like a forested Grand canyon (on a smaller scale of course), very picturesque.
Entry fee is 55 TL, around 5 Euros, but it was included in our "Museum Cappadocia Pass" which I strongly recommend
EmrullahEmrullah
Ihlara Valley is a hidden paradise in Cappadocia, offering a refreshing break from the region’s rocky landscapes. This 13 km long canyon is surrounded by lush greenery, a flowing river, and towering cliffs, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and hikers.
The hiking trail takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete, but you can always opt for a shorter walk and still enjoy the beauty. Along the way, you’ll pass by ancient rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes, like Ağaçaltı Church and Yılanlı Church, adding a historical charm to the experience. The sound of the Melendiz River makes the walk even more peaceful. Should do it with guide .
There’s an entrance fee of 15 euro which you can pay by card cash only turkish lira , and parking is available. Be prepared for a descent of around 400 steps at the main entrance, but after that, the hike is fairly easy. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, as the weather is perfect for walking.
Overall, Ihlara Valley is a must-visit for anyone looking for a scenic and relaxing experience in Cappadocia. This 13 km canyon offers the perfect mix of nature, history, and adventure—highly recommended with the guide.
David BaylyDavid Bayly
This is a relaxing and enjoyable place to visit. Along the way, you'll see a number of fascinating churches built into the cliff walls.
Several churches were closed the day we chose to walk the valley, but enough were open that we felt that we saw most of what was on offer.
The valley is pretty, not stunning but immensely pleasant even in the rain, with a stream running through it, and a number of places to stop and enjoy the view along the way.
The entire valley is a 14 km walk, but if you are by yourselves as we were, that will be a 28 km walk because you will need to reverse course at the end back to your car. We were told that finding a taxi to return us to our car would be a dicey proposition, not something we should count on. For that reason we started our walk at the village in the middle for the canyon, Belisarma, and walked to the south end and then back.
We highly recommend this valley. You will enjoy it immensely.
Sultanhanı Caravanserai
Sultanhanı Caravanserai
4.5
Alessio AstolfiAlessio Astolfi
I love to travel and have always been attracted by the local cultures and histories. During a recent trip to Turkey, I had the good fortune to come across the charming Sultanhan Kervansaray, a caravanserai that has been preserved and is situated in the Aksaray Province. I felt obligated to share my experience in this thorough assessment with other tourists and history buffs.
When I first arrived at Sultanhan Kervansaray, the splendour of the building grabbed me. This caravanserai was constructed in the 13th century under the rule of the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I and served as a significant resting and trade location along the Silk Road. The exquisitely carved entrance portal, which is embellished with delicate geometric and floral motifs, is proof of the Seljuk craftsmen's superior skill.
When I entered the courtyard, I was taken back in time to a time when tired travellers and traders sought sanctuary behind the caravanserai's sturdy walls. Arcades that originally used as stables, storage spaces and sleeping quarters border the large courtyard. The peaceful ambiance is enhanced by a modest mosque that is perched on a platform in the middle of the courtyard.
Exploring the huge covered hall, or iwan, where travellers met to network and conduct business, was one of the pleasures of my trip. The hall has a number of enormous columns and arches that give the room a breath-taking sense of expanse. Further complementing the experience is the hall's almost supernatural feel created by the interaction of light and shadow.
The site was in good shape the entire time I was there, the product of careful restoration efforts. Around the caravanserai, educational plaques offer helpful historical context that enhances visitors' understanding of the value of this old structure.
Sultanhan Kervansaray, in addition to its historical appeal, provides contemporary conveniences including a small museum, a nice café, and clean facilities. My questions were gladly answered, and the helpful staff was pleased to share intriguing anecdotes about the history of the caravanserai.
To sum up, Sultanhan Kervansaray is a must-visit location for everyone interested in learning more about Turkey's extensive history and soaking up the atmosphere of the old Silk Road. An extraordinary experience may be had at this caravanserai thanks to its outstanding architecture, well-preserved ruins, and historical ambience. I wholeheartedly advise making time to thoroughly explore this hidden gem, take in its ambience, and make lifelong memories.
Nate AllenNate Allen
The people are the treasure anywhere we go in the world.
This was most definitely the case when I showed up to this beautiful ancient center of civilization when I met my new friend @sezgnn_ & his little sister. They were just out for a stroll and happened to say hi. He is studying in Cyprus to be an architect and designer and actually played a big role in the preservation and rebuilding of this 800-year-old hub of civilization of the ancient Silk Road. His little sister is a real cutie pie and loves to play hide and seek. At first she was very shy but after a few minutes warmed up with her big ear-to-ear smile. She's a ball of energy and I love her to pieces 💜💝💞💕💓💗
Back in the day people would come here to trade spices, cattle, and other goods from all over the world. They were welcome to stay here for 3 days absolutely free of charge. There is a mosque in the middle and a huge stable in the back for livestock that is incredibly cold even though the temperatures outside here are insanely hot. This happens from the super thick stone the stable is made out of but also the way the pillars were designed trapped the cold air and force the hot air out. Inside the corners of the pillars are ancient holes that were used to tie livestock for the night before trading.
Located an hour east of Konya Sultan Hani Caravanserai is the biggest masterpieces of the Seljuk Period without a doubt! This glorious structure was built by a grand architect Muhammad Bin Havlan El-Dimiski by the order of Anatolia Seljuk Sultan Aladdin Keykubat in between the years 1227 and 1229 🤩
One of the largest caravanserais in the world, Sultan Hani Caravanserai was made during the Seljuk Time in order to be used as an accommodation for the traveling people, especially merchants. What is really impressive to me was this place has been used as a defence for the silk road trade routes... This was the first insurance system in recorded history up to this time 🎉💰⚔️👮
Today you can see the ancient touches with a bit of modern restoration. Honestly walking through here feels like something out of "The Mummy" movies 😂🤣😂 Very impressive!
Esin Çelebi BowyerEsin Çelebi Bowyer
Sultan Han – An Unforgettable Stop on the Silk Road
Visiting Sultan Han was one of the highlights of our trip. The caravanserai itself is breathtaking — beautifully preserved, spacious, and full of atmosphere. When we arrived, it was wonderfully quiet, which gave us the chance to explore at our own pace and really take in the details of this historic site.
Inside, there was a carpet exhibition that added an unexpected layer to the visit. Seeing the handmade carpets displayed in such an impressive setting was fascinating, and even more memorable was watching three women weaving right there. They kindly invited me to try the process myself, which made the experience even more personal and authentic.
It’s also the kind of place where you can simply sit, have a coffee, and soak up the ambiance — a rare chance to pause and imagine what life might have been like when caravans passed through centuries ago.
And on a practical note, I was genuinely impressed by how clean and well-maintained the facilities were — even the toilets were spotless and thoughtfully designed, which is always a welcome surprise while traveling.
Overall, Sultan Han is absolutely worth a visit. Whether for its history, its atmosphere, or the chance to connect with living traditions like carpet weaving, it’s a place that stays with you long after you leave.
Adam KalinowskiAdam Kalinowski
Visiting Sultanhanı Caravanserai was an unexpectedly magical experience for us. We stumbled upon it by chance while traveling from Konya to Cappadocia, and immediately felt like ancient wanderers who had found refuge and a place to rest. The place made a profound impression on us, and we were awestruck by its well-preserved grandeur.
Entering through the impressive, intricately decorated gate felt like stepping back in time. Inside, the spacious courtyards and historic chambers transported us to another era, allowing us to envision the lives of travelers in the Middle Ages.
One of the surprises was the interior of the caravanserai, where we had the opportunity to admire a fascinating collection of carpets. It was not just a historical experience for us but also a chance to learn about the culture and craftsmanship of the region.
Sultanhanı Caravanserai is more than just a tourist attraction; it's a place to pause and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We highly recommend every traveler to stop by and experience its unique atmosphere and rich history.
susan chowsusan chow
We arrived in Konya to visit the 13th Century old Caravanserai where Silk Road Tradesmen between China & Europe stopped overnight stay in the ancient days.
The Sultanhani Seljuk Caravanserai, located on the Konya-Aksaray road, is the largest and most beautiful Seljuk Caravanserai.
Lead by our Guide, the entrance is richly decorated with momumental marble portal. At the centre of the open courtyard ,is a small mosque.
Surrounding compound of the courtyard are buildings that include kitchen, the dining hall, the hamam or bath house, and sitting rooms and bedrooms.
The place was empty inside thus we are free to explore most rooms.
Very beautifully decorated with handcrafted wall carpets. The fully enclosed quarters house stables for the load carrying and riding animals.
Caravansarays provided accommodation, food and drink free of charge for up to three days for both locals and foreigners of different ethnic groups and religion without
discrimination.
Well preserved caravanserai and beautiful Seljuk architecture !!! worth the time spent !!
Selime Cathedral
Selime Cathedral
4.7Church
Gyoza S. PizzaioloGyoza S. Pizzaiolo
This is not just a historical site, it is an extraordinary place that bears the traces of human history and faith. It was impossible not to be fascinated from the moment I stepped here, as it was completely different from the structures and geographies I had seen so far.
In particular, its size and preserved structures were truly impressive. It contains a huge kitchen, large rooms, a basilica-style church and wonderful columns and reliefs carved into the rocks. These details clearly show how important a center this place was in the past.
How did worship take place in such a difficult environment? And how was it preserved for so long? Many questions came to my mind while visiting this place, and with each step I understood better how valuable this place is in terms of history and religion.
Additionally, its unique geographical structure offers an extraordinary view both from inside and outside. It has a magnificent and peaceful atmosphere where nature and history are intertwined.
Even though it is a little far from Göreme, it is definitely a place worth seeing.
I 100% recommend this unique place where history, faith and nature come together!
BradBrad
This is a multi-storey complex and most elaborate cave structure in Cappadocia. The monastery dates back to the 8th or 9th century and was first used for religious purposes during the Byzantine period. You can visit Selime from 8am to 6pm daily. Entry is 15 Euros per foreign visitor (Sept 2025).
We visited as part of the popular Green Tour from Goreme and enjoyed what can be seen and experienced here. Our visit lasted around 30 minutes with our guide leading us through the complex seeing numerous kitchen, cathedral and other rooms while providing brief history regarding the complex. We felt that was a sufficient amount of time for Selime Castle before proceeding with our tour into the Ilhara Valley to the south.
On the whole, a visit to Selime Castle is similar to Uchisar Castle but with much better examples of chapel, cathedral and church rooms which remain in very good preserved condition here at Selime.
Susana TSusana T
Our visit to Selime Cathedral as part of the Green Tour left us absolutely impressed, and it unquestionably stood out as one of the tour's highlights. This remarkable site, carved into the towering rock formations of Cappadocia, is a testament to human ingenuity and historical significance.
As we explored the intricately carved chambers and marveled at the ancient frescoes, it was impossible not to be awed by the sheer magnitude of this cathedral. The scale and detail of the rock-cut architecture are a true testament to the craftsmanship of the past.
What truly made the experience memorable was the profound sense of history and spirituality that permeated the site. Standing within those ancient walls, we could feel the weight of centuries of human history. It was a moment of awe and reflection that made the visit to Selime Cathedral a truly unforgettable experience.
Dejan BrakiDejan Braki
To visit this outstanding site you need a full day out from Goreme combining it with the nearby Ihlara Valley (read that review). It's an almost 2 hrs drive from Goreme, from Ihlara some 20 min. Entry fee is included in the Museum Cappadocia Pass which is highly recommended.
While in Goreme you'll see many small churches carved in rocks, here is the biggest and largest of all of them also rock carved - it is the biggest religious structure in all Cappadocia with a Cathedral, separate Chapel, monastery along with kitchen, storage room and stables.
The entire complex dates back to 8th century. Inside there're beautiful frescoes, not that greatly preserved but still visible. With Seljuks arrival the monastery was converted into a Carvansaray for silk route traders in 12c.
There's a free parking in front and count on 1 - 1,5 hours for a visit
Anders BohmanAnders Bohman
Beautiful place to visit and I do not regret going here. However I went here as a part of the green tour and it felt a little bit stressful to visit the place in such short time. According to our guide this place was the setting of parts of one of the Star Wars movies, however I have read after that that it was only a rumour. Our guide told us proudly about George lucas and his wish of filming the entire movie here but supposedly it was only limited to a few scenes. If someone can point me to a reliable source I would be very happy.
The place is well worth a visit though, it is very beautiful!
