Pigeon Valley
About Pigeon Valley
Get the inside scoop on Pigeon Valley from local experts, travel creators, and tastemakers. Browse genuine trip notes, Pigeon Valley reviews, photos, travel guides, and itineraries from real travelers and plan your trip with confidence.
What people say
Pedro Pereira
Available for hire
"Guvercinlik Vadisi, or Pigeon Valley, derives its name from the numerous dovecotes carved into the soft volcanic rock, known as tuff. These man-made pigeon houses were historically essential to the Cappadocia region, as pigeons were raised both for their meat and for their droppings, which were used as fertilizer for the otherwise infertile soil. While pigeons are no longer as vital to the local economy, their carved nests are still maintained by locals. These unique structures can be found throughout the region, particularly in Pigeon Valley, where they sit atop rock pillars and inside abandoned cave dwellings and churches.
Pigeon Valley is a prime location for exploring Cappadocia’s striking landscape. Stretching between Göreme and Uçhisar, the valley offers a scenic hiking trail that connects the two towns, passing by rock-hewn Christian churches and cave houses along the way. For a bird’s-eye view, many visitors opt for a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, floating over the valley's natural beauty as the sun casts its golden light over the surreal terrain. Horseback riding and jeep safaris are also popular ways to experience the valley, offering adventurers a chance to discover its hidden treasures.
"
Liveta Greitaityte
"Pigeon Valley gets its name from the many artificial pigeon houses that have been carved into the soft volcanic rock.
Pigeons have been used for food and as fertilizer for barren soil in the Cappadocia region since ancient times.
Although pigeons no longer play such an important role in this area, residents still care for them. Throughout the region you will see pigeon houses built into rock formations, dug caves inside houses and churches, but in this valley there are especially many of them."
Read more in:
Mentioned in these guides
Save this spot for later or start mapping out a new trip today