ÜÇHİSAR & THE CASTLE
Üçhisar, known as the “roof of Cappadocia,” is dominated by its ancient rock fortress, offering the highest and most spectacular panoramic views in the region. It’s a quieter, more upscale alternative to neighboring towns, blending luxury cave hotels with traditional village life.
This region is the heart of Cappadocia’s unique geological and cultural heritage, a land sculpted by volcanic rock and human hands. From the towering Uçhisar Castle you can survey a stunning landscape of fairy chimneys, open-air museums, and silent, historic valleys.
Most Popular Attractions
The Rock Fortress & Village Core:
Uçhisar Castle (Uçhisar Kalesi): The highest point in all of Cappadocia, this volcanic rock fortress is a honeycomb of rooms and tunnels. Climb to the summit for a breathtaking 360-degree panorama stretching across the entire region, especially magical at sunrise or sunset.
Traditional Uçhisar Village: Wander the charming, quieter streets of the town, discovering old stone houses and intricate facades carved into the rock face.
Tığraz Castle: A lesser-known but substantial rock-cut castle and cave settlement near Üçhisar, offering a less crowded experience and a deeper look into the ancient dwellings.
Kuran Castle (Kuran Kalesi): Another, smaller rock outcrop castle in the area, providing additional viewpoints and a glimpse of the region’s defensive past.
St. Basil’s Church (Basil Kilisesi): A small, rock-cut church dating back to the 6th century, one of the few historical religious sites directly within the town of Üçhisar.
Valleys & Nature:
Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi): Named for the thousands of tiny pigeon houses carved into the rock—historically used for fertilizer—this 4 km-long valley connects Üçhisar to Göreme and is a premier spot for hiking and photography.
Love Valley (Bağlıdere Vadisi): Famous for its particularly distinct, tall, and phallic-shaped fairy chimneys, this valley offers an iconic hiking and ATV trail with stunning geological formations.
Red & Rose Valleys (Kızılçukur & Güllüdere Vadisi): Known for the dazzling pink, red, and orange hues of their rock faces, these valleys are quintessential sunset viewing and hiking destinations near Üçhisar.
Cultural Experiences & Nearby Sites:
Hot Air Balloon Ride: The ultimate Cappadocia experience. Take a pre-dawn flight over the valleys, witnessing the sun rise and hundreds of other balloons filling the sky.
Göreme Open Air Museum: A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring dozens of rock-cut churches and monasteries with exceptionally well-preserved frescoes from the Byzantine era.
Pasabağ (Monks Valley): Home to some of the most striking multi-headed fairy chimneys, where Byzantine-era monks lived in seclusion in rock-cut dwellings.
Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley): A valley where the fairy chimneys and rock formations resemble different animal shapes, prompting visitors to use their imagination.
Kaymaklı Underground City: One of the region’s largest and deepest subterranean settlements, where early Christians sheltered during invasions, a marvel of ancient engineering.
Zelve Open Air Museum: A stunning abandoned cave village featuring a trio of valleys with rock-cut settlements, churches, and houses spanning centuries.
Wine Tasting: Sample local wines made from unique Anatolian grape varieties at a nearby winery like Kocabağ, often found in atmospheric cave cellars.
Pottery Workshop in Avanos: Visit the town famous for its red-clay pottery, watch a demonstration using a kick-wheel, and try your hand at the craft.
Horseback Riding: Explore the valleys on the native Cappadocian horses, offering a romantic and traditional way to view the landscape.
ATV or Jeep Safari Tour: An exciting way to cover a lot of ground, driving through the valleys and rugged trails to reach panoramic viewpoints.
Göreme Town Center: The central tourist hub, offering a lively atmosphere with countless restaurants, souvenir shops, and hostels, easily accessible from Üçhisar.
Ortahisar Castle: A prominent, massive rock-cut fortress similar to Üçhisar, with a picturesque town at its base, offering another fantastic vantage point.
Gülşehir Open Palace (Acıgöl): An ancient settlement with a magnificent rock-cut church featuring elaborate paintings and the remnants of a large monastic complex.
Ihlara Valley: Located a bit further afield, this deep, lush canyon features a river running through it and dozens of rock-cut churches along its hiking trails.
Sinasos (Mustafapaşa): A beautiful historic town known for its unique old stone Greek houses and elegant, carved mansions.
Activities & Experiences
Take a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight: Experience the quintessential Cappadocia adventure, drifting over the fairy chimneys, valleys, and the majestic Üçhisar Castle as the sun rises.
Climb Üçhisar Castle at Sunset: Ascend the natural rock fortress, the highest point in Cappadocia, for breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the entire region, especially magical during the golden hour.
Hike the Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi): Trek the scenic trail between Üçhisar and Göreme, passing hundreds of pigeon houses carved into the rock face and enjoying the unique valley landscape.
Stay in a Traditional Cave Hotel: Experience the region’s unique architecture by sleeping in a luxury or boutique hotel carved directly into the soft volcanic rock.
Go on a Horseback Riding Tour: Explore the picturesque valleys (like Rose or Love Valley) on horseback, embracing Cappadocia’s ancient nickname, “Land of Beautiful Horses.”
Explore the Underground Cities: Take a day trip to the ancient, multi-level underground cities like Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu, which early Christians used as a refuge.
Join an ATV Quad Bike Safari: Get off the beaten path and take an exhilarating ATV tour through the rugged valleys, particularly popular for sunset rides.
Participate in a Turkish Night Show: Enjoy an evening of traditional Turkish folk dances, music, and belly dancing, often including dinner and local beverages.
Visit a Local Pottery Workshop in Avanos: Head to the nearby town of Avanos, famous for its red-clay ceramics, to watch a demonstration and even try your hand at the potter’s wheel.
Take a Traditional Turkish Cooking Class: Learn to prepare classic Central Anatolian dishes, such as testi kebabı (pottery kebab) or mantı (Turkish dumplings).
Sample Local Wine and Raki: Explore the regional winemaking tradition, particularly around Ürgüp, and sample local Turkish wines or the anise-flavored spirit, rakı.
Wander through the Residential Cave Streets: Explore the less-traveled, steep, winding streets of the Üçhisar village to see the historic cave dwellings and stone houses still in use.
Local Tips & Transport
Shuttle Transfers from the Airport: The two main airports serving Cappadocia are Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) and Kayseri Erkilet International Airport (ASR). Arrange an affordable and convenient shared or private shuttle transfer directly to your hotel in Üçhisar, which is generally more efficient than a taxi for the long distance.
The Local Dolmuş (Minibus) Network: For inter-town travel, the dolmuş (shared minibus) is a budget-friendly and efficient option. Regular routes connect Üçhisar to neighboring towns like Göreme, Avanos, and Ürgüp. Look for the “dolmuş” signs or ask your hotel for the nearest stop and timetable.
Car Rental for Flexibility: While Üçhisar village is walkable, renting a car offers the greatest flexibility to explore the region’s vast and spread-out attractions, such as the distant underground cities and other towns at your own pace. Be prepared for potentially narrow roads and limited parking in popular areas like Göreme and at the castle during peak times.
Exploring on Foot: Üçhisar is very compact, but its streets are very steep. Be prepared for a challenging walkability due to the inclines, but all the village’s amenities and the castle are easily reachable on foot from any hotel. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are essential for navigating the steep, cobblestone streets and hiking trails.
Sunrise is the Main Event: Most activities, especially the hot air balloon flights and major photo opportunities, revolve around the sunrise. Plan to be up very early (often pre-dawn) to catch the best views and the most iconic spectacle of the region.
Wear Layers and Sturdy Shoes: The high altitude means temperatures can vary wildly, even within a single day. Dress in layers, especially for the cool early mornings before balloon flights. For the rocky, uneven terrain of the valleys and the castle climb, quality hiking or trekking shoes are non-negotiable.
Embrace the Cave Dining Experience: Look for restaurants, particularly in Üçhisar and Göreme, that are carved into the rock, offering a unique and atmospheric setting for trying traditional Anatolian cuisine. Don’t miss the slow-cooked regional specialty, Testi Kebabı (pottery kebab).
The Significance of Pigeons: When hiking Pigeon Valley, you will notice countless rock-cut pigeon houses. Historically, pigeon droppings were vital for fertilizing the region’s vineyards, giving the birds a crucial role in local agriculture.
Cultural Tip: Museum Pass Not Valid: Be aware that the entrance to Üçhisar Castle is often privately operated and does not accept the official Turkish Museum Pass, unlike some other state-run attractions in Cappadocia. Always check the current entrance fee.
Hidden Gems Nearby:
Tığraz Castle: A lesser-known rock fortress near Üçhisar, offering incredible views without the same crowds as the main castle.
Love Valley Viewpoint: Famous for its phallic-shaped fairy chimneys, the viewpoint offers spectacular morning views and is a popular spot for hot air balloon watching.
Gülşehir (Rose Valley) and Kızılçukur (Red Valley): These valleys are famous for their stunning multi-hued rock formations that glow a deep red at sunset—ideal for a late afternoon hike.
Local Gözleme Spots: Keep an eye out for small, humble village stands where local women prepare gözleme (a traditional Turkish savory flatbread) fresh on a griddle. It’s an authentic and delicious local snack.
Top Restaurants
Saklı Konak Restaurant [$15-$30] – Famous for its local and traditional cuisine, particularly dishes cooked in a wood-fire oven by the celebrated local cook, Pembe Abla. They source organic ingredients directly from the villagers.
Tandir [$15-$25] – A well-regarded spot in Üçhisar that specializes in tandır (tandoor oven) dishes, a traditional Anatolian cooking method, perfect for trying slow-cooked meats.
Kadıneli Restaurant [$10-$20] – An eatery known for its affordable and delicious home-style Turkish cuisine, including local specialties like yaprak sarma (stuffed grape leaves) and mantı (Turkish dumplings).
Fırın Expres Uçhisar [$10-$20] – A local, no-frills spot focusing on Turkish bakery items and possibly simple, inexpensive meals, ideal for a quick, authentic bite.
Nazar Börek & Cafe [$5-$15] – Highly recommended for its cheap and delicious Turkish börek (flaky filled pastry) and hearty breakfasts, offering a genuine local cafe experience.
Kelebek Cave Restaurant [$15-$30] – Offers traditional Turkish dishes with an emphasis on local flavors in a unique cave setting near the castle.
Old Greek Restaurant [$20-$35] – While located in nearby Mustafapaşa (Sinasos), it’s close enough and highly recommended for its classic Anatolian menu in a beautifully preserved village house.
Göreme Han Restaurant [$15-$25] – Though slightly outside Üçhisar, it offers amazing and authentic Turkish cuisine at a reasonable price, with the Yağlama (layered flatbread dish) highly recommended.
Sultan Sofrası [$15-$30] – Offers traditional regional cooking and is a good local option for classic Turkish stews and kebabs in a relaxed atmosphere.
Anatelein Boutique Cave Restaurant [$20-$35] – A restaurant focusing on traditional home cooking and regional recipes, set inside a cozy cave structure.
Millocal Restaurant Kapadokya [$30-$50] – Offers an inviting and warm dining experience with a focus on modern interpretations of local ingredients and flavors, highly rated for special occasions.
Moniq Restaurant & Cocktail Bar [$35-$60] – Nestled on top of the Pigeon Valley with an uninterrupted view, this spot prides itself on modern dishes made with local flavors and the freshest produce.
Elai [$30-$50] – Located in Üçhisar, this restaurant offers a sophisticated blend of Turkish, French, and Lebanese culinary influences, renowned for its panoramic terrace.
Saklı Terrace Restaurant [$25-$45] – The open-air dining extension of Saklı Konak, offering a fixed “Feast Menu” of starters, mezzes, salad, and a main course, all with a spectacular view of Üçhisar Castle.
Sekiyen Terrace [$25-$45] – Offers a mix of modern and traditional Turkish dishes on a terrace with stunning views, a slightly more contemporary take on local cuisine.
Lil’a Restaurant by Museum Hotel [$60-$100] – The à la carte restaurant of the prestigious Museum Hotel, offering refined Turkish and almost-forgotten Anatolian flavors, with exquisite service and a magnificent view.
Seki Restaurant & Lounge [$50-$80] – Located in Argos in Cappadocia, this pioneering, award-winning restaurant offers an inspired reinterpretation of regional cuisine with Mediterranean and Anatolian influences, overlooking Pigeon Valley.
Nahita Restaurant [$50-$80] – Located in Argos in Cappadocia, this Gault-Millau recognized restaurant focuses on resurrecting forgotten Anatolian flavors and recipes with contemporary presentation.
Ziggy Cafe & Restaurant [$40-$70] – Known for its creative take on traditional Turkish cuisine and a lovely, sophisticated atmosphere.
Gül Konakları Restaurant [$40-$70] – Located in a restored mansion nearby, offering high-quality traditional food with a refined touch and excellent ambiance.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Moniq Restaurant & Cocktail Bar: Perched atop Pigeon Valley, this stylish spot in Üçhisar offers innovative cocktails and local wines with an uninterrupted, stunning view of the surrounding landscape.
Sunset Wine Garden Uçhisar: As the name suggests, this venue provides a beautiful setting for enjoying local and international wines, especially during the spectacular Cappadocia sunset, located near the village center.
Inside Restaurant & Cocktail Bar Cappadocia: A chic establishment in the heart of Üçhisar, known for its creative cocktails and a menu of local flavors, often set against a backdrop of panoramic views.
Sırlı Antik Wine House: Located within Üçhisar, this charming, rustic wine house specializes in local Cappadocian wines, providing an authentic and cozy atmosphere.
Lil’a (Museum Hotel): Though primarily a fine dining restaurant, this venue within the luxurious Museum Hotel in Üçhisar offers an elegant Loggia and panoramic terrace for sophisticated cocktails and drinks overlooking Pigeon Valley and Mount Erciyes.
Kocabağ Şarap Evi (Wine House): While technically in the Uçhisar/Nevşehir region, this is a classic spot to sample the renowned local Kocabağ wines directly from the producer’s cellar.
Saklı Terrace Restaurant: Located just across from the panoramic viewpoint of Üçhisar Castle, this restaurant’s terrace is a wonderful place for dinner and drinks (including wine and spirits) with a breathtaking view.
Rooftop by Castle Restaurant & Bar (Göreme Area): Although technically closer to Göreme, it’s a popular choice for Üçhisar visitors, located on a rooftop for stunning sunset views of the valleys, perfect for enjoying a carefully crafted cocktail.
Çiçeklik Uçhisar: A delightful bar and restaurant offering local food and wines in Üçhisar, appreciated for its inviting atmosphere and scenic setting.
Cappadocia Senza Restaurant: Found in Üçhisar, this spot offers a blend of culinary art and breathtaking views, perfect for an evening drink.
Müzeyyen Meyhanesi: A traditional Turkish meyhane (tavern) in Üçhisar, serving mezes and classic Turkish drinks like rakı, offering a more local and traditional drinking experience.
Kapadokya Kahvaltı Zen Cafe Restaurant: While a daytime spot, its evening ambiance near the Üçhisar center makes it a relaxed place for a beer or glass of wine after exploring.
Felis Restaurant & Pub: Situated in Üçhisar, this venue provides a more casual pub setting along with local cuisine, suitable for a relaxed evening drink.
Uchisar Manzara Cafe & Wine House: Offers a breathtaking view of the castle and valleys, providing a quiet, picturesque place for a glass of local wine or a refreshing drink.
Uchisar Anatepe Viewpoint: While primarily a viewing spot, the cafes and stalls here often serve simple alcoholic beverages (like beer/wine) along with coffee and snacks, making it a casual sunset gathering point in Üçhisar.