Pigeon Valley

About Pigeon Valley

Pigeon Valley runs between the towns of Uchisar and Goreme in Cappadocia, in central Turkiye. It gets its name from the thousands of small holes cut into the soft rock along the cliffs, which are dovecotes, or pigeon houses. Local farmers carved them over centuries to collect pigeon droppings, which they used as fertilizer for the vineyards and orchards in the valley. Look closely at the rock faces and you'll see the openings dotted everywhere, some decorated with painted patterns around the entrances.

The valley is best known for two things: the walking trail that threads through it and the viewpoints looking down over it. The full trail links Uchisar and Goreme and takes you past the eroded rock formations, fruit trees, and vineyards that fill the valley floor. Many day tours of the region's southern and western routes stop at the viewpoint above the valley rather than walking the whole thing, so how much time you spend here depends on the tour you pick. Some guided full-day trips walk a stretch of the trail; others pause at the overlook for photos before moving on to sites like Uchisar Castle, Cavusin, and the underground cities at Kaymakli or Derinkuyu.

There's no ticket needed to walk the trail or stop at the viewpoints, though you'll often find a small area at the top selling drinks and souvenirs, including the blue evil-eye charms hung on a bare tree that has become a local photo spot. Wear proper shoes if you plan to walk, since the path is uneven in places and can be dusty or muddy depending on the season. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light on the rock and are also when the valley is quietest, as most organized tours arrive in the middle of the day.