2026 Selime Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

If you're looking for a great fall travel destination, this is the place to go! Turkey is the place to be! A visit to Cappadocia, a must-see destination in Turkey, is a must! Green Tours are a must-do after ballooning in Cappadocia, a popular destination! Green Tours allow you to conveniently visit places you might otherwise miss. From the Seleme Monastery to the underground city, Cappadocia is brimming with diverse attractions. #FallTravel #TurkiyeTravel #Cappadocia #CappadociaTravel

Fall is a great time to travel because of its wonderful weather. I recommend Turkey as a fall travel destination! It's a great place to soak up the warm sunshine, and Cappadocia is especially beautiful for its breathtaking natural scenery! The Seleme Monastery, which we visited on a Green Tour, is carved into a large rock. It's so captivating and beautiful, I couldn't take my eyes off it! Highly recommended for a trip to Cappadocia! #falltravel #cappadocia #cappadociatravel #turkiyetravel

A full-day course from morning to night! Göreme ➡️ Derinkuyu ➡️ Crater Lake ➡️ Ihlara Valley ➡️ Selime Monastery --- ⛏️ Derinkuyu Underground City A massive underground city, 85 meters deep and eight stories high! An anthill-like structure with a chapel, classroom, and warehouse... Amazing the engineering prowess of pre-Christian people 😮 🌊 Narrigol Crater Lake An oasis-like view in the desolate Cappadocia. We rented a car, so we drove down and admired the lake from the lawn 🏞️ The tour group said they only saw it from above... This was truly healing ✨ 🌿 Ihlara Valley Lush forest + babbling stream + walking trail 🚶♀️ Soaking my feet and enjoying a beer was a truly blissful moment 🍻 The cave churches and murals on the cliffs add to the tranquility. 🏛️ Selime Monastery Finally arrived late in the afternoon after the tour group had left! The view, famous as a backdrop for Star Wars movies 🌌 The otherworldly atmosphere, complete with the sunset... Today's highlight ✨ --- 🌟 TIP If you're renting a car, I highly recommend taking some time to relax at Crater Lake and Ihlara! You can take your time and enjoy the sights the tour group misses 🙌 #AdventureMoment #SelimeMonastery

✅ Enjoy breathtaking natural scenery ✅ Perfect for a day trip itinerary ✅ Numerous photo-worthy spots ✅ Escape the city and enjoy a peaceful time A tour of Selime Monastery is the perfect choice for those looking to relax amidst a busy schedule. It’s an emotional journey where you can experience tranquility, nature, and history all at once! 🌿📸

I’ve just come back from Cappadocia, and trust me — it’s one of those places that can either feel truly magical or strangely overhyped. Everything depends on how you plan it. On instagram or pinterest Cappadocia looks like a fairytale: hundreds of hot air balloons at sunrise, cave hotels and breathtaking rocks landscape. This is my 3-day Cappadocia itinerary, and everything I genuinely wish I had known before going, so you can avoid the same mistakes and actually enjoy the experience 💌 Day 1 • Watch the hot air balloons at sunrise from your hotel terrace • Visit Love and Pigeon Valleys • Explore Göreme Open Air Museum • Catch the sunset at one of the panoramic viewpoints in Göreme Day 2 • Take a hot air balloon flight at sunrise • Relax after the flight at a hammam or spa • Visit the Instagram-famous carpet shop Galerie İkman • Go horseback riding through the valleys at sunset • Dinner on an open terrace at Konak Rooftop Bar & Restaurant or TUMA Restaurant Day 3 • Breakfast at Sovi Coffee, Göreme • Visit an underground cities in Derinkuyu or Kaymakli • Go hiking in Ihlara Valley ~2km road • Watch the sunset at the ancient rock-carved Selime Monastery And finally, a few extra tips that can make your trip smoother, calmer, and way more enjoyable — especially if things don’t go exactly as planned. Pro Traveler Tips: • Stay in Göreme to be right in the heart of Cappadocia and wake up to hot air balloons every morning. • If you don’t get to fly in a balloon, don’t be disappointed, there are stunning viewpoints where you can watch the balloons and create beautiful content 📸 • Book your hot air balloon flight in advance. Despite the price, spots sell out fast. You can book via GetYourGuide or through your hotel reception (usually more expensive). • Make time for other must-see spots, including my personal favorites: Selime Monastery, the Göreme Open-Air Museum, and a sunset horseback ride 🐎 Cappadocia is one of those destinations that gives back exactly what you put into it. With realistic expectations, a bit of flexibility, and the right planning, it can feel absolutely magical 💔✨ I hope this guide helps you experience Cappadocia the way it’s meant to be: slow mornings, unforgettable landscapes, and that one hot air balloon ride of the dream. I’m Julia, I’m a multilingual UGC creator & travel blogger ✈️🌍 solo traveling for almost 3 years, with 30+ countries visited along the way @juliettraveller follow me on ig to see more about Cappadocia and other travel destinations #hellochristmas #travel #myitinerary #naturalwonders #cappadocia #turkey #turkeytravel #turkiye #hotairballoon #travelguide #instatravel #hotballoon #cave #traveltips

When traveling in Cappadocia, you'll likely join various tours. One of the destinations included in these tour itineraries is the Selime Monastery! Selime Monastery is a unique historical site located in the Cappadocia region of Turkey, dating back to the 8th-9th century. It features a variety of structures carved into rocky mountains, including churches, dormitories, kitchens, and storage spaces. This extraordinary place allows you to witness fascinating rock formations and immerse yourself in the history of that era. Truly a unique destination! 👍

🏰 Selime Cathedral: Cappadocia’s Majestic Rock-Cut Monastery Nestled at the end of the Ihlara Valley in central Turkey, Selime Cathedral (also known as Selime Monastery) is one of the most impressive rock-hewn religious complexes in Cappadocia. Carved into the region’s soft volcanic tuff, this expansive site offers a fascinating glimpse into Byzantine monastic life. ⸻ 🏛️ Architecture & Layout Selime Cathedral is a two-story structure with a basilica-style church at its heart. The upper courtyard features a grand cathedral with a vaulted ceiling, arched windows, and a large apse. The walls are adorned with faint frescoes depicting biblical scenes and saints, though many have faded over time. The lower courtyard includes living quarters, kitchens, stables, and a defensive tower, reflecting the monastery’s dual role as both a place of worship and a fortified refuge. ⸻ 🕰️ Historical Significance Believed to date back to the 8th or 9th century, Selime Cathedral was a prominent monastic center during the Byzantine period. Its strategic location atop a rocky outcrop provided both spiritual solace and protection from invasions. The monastery later served as a caravanserai during the Seljuk era, offering shelter to travelers along the Silk Road. It remained in use until the 16th century . ⸻ 🌄 Visiting Tips • Location: Selime Cathedral is situated near the village of Selime, approximately 28 kilometers from Aksaray, at the end of the Ihlara Valley . • Access: Visitors can reach the site via a scenic hike through the Ihlara Valley, which offers views of rock-hewn churches and the Melendiz River. • Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the soft light illuminating the rock formations. • Facilities: The site is open to visitors and is managed by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. It is advisable to wear sturdy footwear due to uneven terrain. ⸻ 📸 Highlights • Cathedral Interior: Admire the vaulted ceilings, arched windows, and remnants of frescoes depicting biblical scenes. • Defensive Tower: Climb to the top for panoramic views of the Ihlara Valley and surrounding landscapes. • Rock-Cut Living Quarters: Explore the chambers and kitchens that once housed monks and pilgrims. ⸻ Selime Cathedral stands as a testament to the architectural ingenuity and spiritual devotion of its creators. Its blend of religious and defensive features offers a unique insight into the monastic life of medieval Cappadocia. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or nature admirer, a visit to Selime Cathedral is a memorable experience.

#EuropeTravel ✨ The Attractions of This Place • The largest rock-cut monastery in Cappadocia! 🚩 • The entire towering rock face of the monastery boasts a majestic setting, reminiscent of a movie set. 🎬 • Believed to have been built around the 8th century, the monastery still retains the monks' meeting hall, kitchen, and chapel. • The cathedral interior boasts a high ceiling and grandeur, reminiscent of a Gothic cathedral. 🖼️ Key Attractions • Cathedral Hall: This massive structure is said to have held up to 5,000 people! • Monks' Quarters and Kitchen: The living spaces are well-preserved, allowing you to imagine the monks' lives. • Rock-cut Staircases and Secret Passages: Explore the narrow paths and tunnels carved into the rock face. 🧗♀️ • Viewing Point: The valley view from the top of the monastery is breathtaking 🌄 📸 Photo Spot • Capture the majestic scale of the massive rock face in one photo by taking a photo from below. • Silhouette photos taken in the cave passages inside are also breathtaking. 💡 Visiting Tips 1️⃣ Operating Hours: Typically 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM (subject to change depending on the season) 2️⃣ Admission Fee: Approximately 50 Lira 💰 3️⃣ There are many slippery rock steps, so sneakers and comfortable shoes are essential. 👟 4️⃣ The sun is strong during the day, so bring a hat and water. 🧢🥤 5️⃣ The interior of the ancient monastery is dimly lit, so a flashlight app is helpful. 🔦 ⸻ ✔️ In summary, Selime Monastery is not just a religious site; it's a massive fortress-like monastery carved from a single rock. This is an overwhelming attraction where you can experience both the secret history of Cappadocia and its magnificent scenery. #SelimeMonastery #CappadociaTravel #TurkeyHotPlaces #TurkeyTravelItinerary #CappadociaHotPlaces #Rock-HewnMonasteries #TurkeyLifeShots #TurkeyPlacesToVisit #WorldHeritageTurkey #CappadociaHotSpots #TurkeyAttractions #AncientMonasteries #TurkeyHistoricalTravel #Rock-HewnMonasteries #CappadociaPhotoSpots #TurkeyRecommendedTravelDestinations #TurkeyHotTravel #Rock-HewnMonasteries #TimeTravel #TurkeyVlog #TurkeyScenery #CappadociaScenery #TurkeyHistoricalSite #CappadociaHotTravelDestinations #TurkeyHistoricalAttractions #TurkeyHotSpots

Stop: Selime Monastery, Cappadocia Selime Monastery is a remarkable example of rock-cut architecture in Cappadocia, where human ingenuity transforms the natural landscape into a functional and spiritual complex. Carved directly into volcanic cliffs, the monastery features chapels, living quarters, stables, and a cathedral-like hall, all integrated seamlessly into the rugged terrain. Its towering façades and arched interiors demonstrate a mastery of both structural stability and spatial design. Exploring Selime, visitors encounter narrow passageways, carved staircases, and intricate rock-hewn details that reveal the resourcefulness of the Byzantine monastic communities that once inhabited the site. The monastery’s elevated position offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, enhancing the dramatic impact of its architecture and underscoring the connection between natural and built environments. What makes Selime Monastery extraordinary is its combination of spiritual purpose, architectural innovation, and environmental adaptation. For travelers, it is a stop where history, geology, and design converge, offering a vivid glimpse into the monastic life and creative architecture of Cappadocia’s past. #mytraveldiary

Photos 1-7, Selime Monastery in Selime, Cappadocia, Turkey, is an ancient monastery located in a large rock area formed by weathered volcanic rock. This monastery is carved into the rock and consists of a church, kitchen, dining hall, and living quarters. Its interior walls feature many ancient Christian frescoes. Selime Monastery is a window into early Christian history. Photos 8, Star Wars filming location: The unique landscape of Cappadocia inspired the producers of the Star Wars series. Although the actual filming did not take place here, the scenery resembles certain scenes from the movies, leading to occasional misconceptions that it was a filming location. Photos 9-10, Derinkuyu Underground City, In the Cappadocia region, several underground cities were excavated in the soft rock, the most famous being Derinkuyu and Kaymakli underground cities. These cities were used for living, hiding, and defense. In the 4th century AD, Cappadocia became an important center for early Christianity. Christians here, facing persecution from the Roman Empire, dug underground cities and cave churches to escape persecution. From the 7th to 11th centuries, Cappadocia was often a frontline in conflicts between the Byzantine Empire and the Arab Empire. During this period, the underground cities again provided refuge for local residents. In the 11th century, the Seljuk Turks invaded Anatolia, and the Byzantine Empire gradually lost control of Cappadocia. During this time, many Christians left, and Turkish Muslims settled in the area. Photo 11, Ihlara Valley, where you can hike along the valley floor. Photos 12-13, Uchisar Castle, located in Cappadocia, Turkey, is a historic natural fortress made from a volcanic rock about 60 meters high, resembling a piece of modernist art. The castle dates back to around 350 BC and was originally used as a natural fortress and watchtower, further developed during the Roman and Byzantine periods. Early settlers hollowed out the rock to form interconnected cave communities used for shelter, storage, and defense against enemies. Photo 14, Pigeon Valley is named for the numerous pigeon holes carved into the rocks on both sides of the valley. These pigeon holes vary in size and shape, some even two stories high, comparable to ancient cave houses. Pigeons play an important role in the Cappadocia region, serving not only as messengers but also providing ample fertilizer for locals. At dusk, flocks of pigeons return to their nests, creating a spectacular scene and a unique feature of Pigeon Valley.

If you're traveling to Cappadocia, Turkey, I highly recommend the Green Tour as a day tour! 👏🏻 1. Göreme Panorama Get a bird's-eye view of the unique landscape of Göreme, created by a combination of volcanic activity and erosion! A photogenic spot for those unforgettable moments! 📍Aydınlı - Orta, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir, Turkey 2. Selime Monastery This monastery was built by Christians who fled religious persecution by digging a cave. You can still see the frescoes and chapels that remain. 📍Kayaaltı, 68500 Selime/Güzelyurt/Aksaray, Turkey 3. Ihlala Valley This valley is said to be the only one in Göreme with a lush green forest. Take a two-hour trek and recharge in nature! 📍Harmanlık, 68500 Ihlara/Güzelyurt/Aksaray, Turkey 4. Pigeon Valley This unique region, home to thousands of pigeon nests, even inspired Star Wars! 📍Göreme No:24, 50180 Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir, Turkey #EuropeTravel #Turkiye #TurkiyeTravel #Cappadocia

Deep within the cliffs of Cappadocia, the Selime Monastery, carved from rock, stands quietly. Its stone corridors and sanctuaries, along with the serene traces of frescoes, preserve the marks of monks who have left the secular world behind. Here, where the entire mountain feels like a sacred sanctuary, even the wind seems to whisper.

#JulyTravelSupport At the end of the Ihlara Valley, climb the majestic cliffs to reach the Selime Monastery. The intricate structures carved into the volcanic rock embody the lives and prayers of the monks, and the distant landscape conveys a sense of serenity, as if time has stopped. The unique topography creates an otherworldly beauty. #TurkiyeTravel #Turkiye

#JulyTravelSupport Perched atop a massive volcanic cliff, the Selime Monastery, seemingly a monastery in itself, is a fortress of prayer where monks lived centuries ago, isolated from the world. The high ceilings, expansive spaces, and murals on the walls tell of a time when their breath and faith permeated the rock. It's a place where even the silence is profound and the wind flows slowly. #TurkiyeTravel #Turkiye

Deep in the rocky heart of Cappadocia, the majestic Selime Cathedral rises straight from the stone — a vast monastery carved into cliffs that once echoed with monks’ prayers and travelers’ footsteps. At its center lies the Church of the Virgin Mary, one of the most sacred spaces in the complex. Dating back to the 8th–9th centuries, it’s believed to have been a key worship site during the early Christian era — a place of refuge, devotion, and awe. Climb through narrow tunnels, explore ancient frescoes, and stand where centuries of silent faith still linger. With views over the dramatic Ihlara Valley, this site is not just history — it’s pure wonder. #SelimeCathedral #VirginMaryChurch #Cappadocia #AncientMonastery #HiddenGemsTurkey #IhlaraValley #SpiritualJourney #RockCutChurch #ChristianHeritage #ExploreCappadocia

I booked through Real Turkey. The balloon tour started with a pickup around 4 AM and returned to the accommodation around 6:30 AM. The flight time was approximately 1 hour! At first, when ascending into the sky, it was scarier than I imagined, but later, I enjoyed taking photos and the experience. (As of June 25, 2010, the cost was 105 euros, and payment via lira was also possible!) The Green Tour ran from 10 AM to 6:30 PM, covering valleys, mountain ranges, underground caves, and more. Lunch was provided during the tour. Essentials include a parasol, sunscreen, and water, as it requires more physical stamina than expected. If you prefer a comfortable tour over renting a car due to the distances involved, I highly recommend it.

We are going up a lot, you are always climbing while walking around :) When you get to the top, you will see 3 places of worship. On the way to the places of worship, there is a road where they put a gate to lock when the museum is closed, it is said that caravanserais pass through there. Here is the view from above; the gate of the fairy chimneys; #5월여행지원금

Selime Cathedral is the largest in Cappadocia and it doesn’t disappoint. You may enter this site with the All Turkey MuseumPass card (1000 TL) and parking (15 TL) (2022 prices) This is my second visit to this cathedral. Just East of the Cathedral and a short climb is a little known highlight. The St. Mary Chapel that has frescos of the Jesus’ mother Marry with Christ child and a representation of Mary‘s funeral. Mary is said to have died in Cappadocia. Estimated amount of time I would give to explore this site is 2 hours #5월여행지원금

The cathedral, carved into the rock mass, has a huge magnificent view. You experience the historical mystical atmosphere. It was not difficult to climb, they made stairs, it is not tiring. It is definitely a must see #5월여행지원금

We visited on a green tour. You have to climb uphill, but it's not very difficult. Some frescoes remain inside the walls. You will enjoy it a little better if you know the story of priests who fled from persecution. It is also a place that became the motif of the Star Wars movie. #5월여행지원금

We came here as part of a "green" tour. This was my second favorite stop after the underground city. I really enjoyed that we were able to just explore the space, climb up stairs and go through dark tunnels. Would have also been nice it have a good guide here that can explain the history. #5월여행지원금

One of the best complex in Cappadocia. Same ticket for ilhara valley to visit this beautiful place. Easy to climb up to the top and wonder around the chimneys. Lovely #5월여행지원금

This was probably the highlight of my visit to Cappadocia. We visited in the off season and had the place completely to ourselves. The history and heritage of the site is incredible and climbing up through the area is extremely rewarding with fantastic views and picture perfect vistas. Give yourself time here if you can. We had about an hour here but I wish I had more time. Fantastic experience. #5월여행지원금

enjoyable.. we explore the space. Beautiful caves and tunnels We came here as part of a "green" tour. You should be fit for climbing up stairs and go through dark tunnels. Would have also been nice it have a good guide here that can explain the history. In front of cathedral or castle there is Selime's tomb and behind it there is a river. Amazing view from top.. #5월여행지원금

It's magnificent. It's a monastery built by priests who fled Christian persecution. It has a restaurant, a chapel, and even a winery, making it a charming and cool space. The rocky forest can be seen in the distance, which is also really cool. The hole in the chapel's ceiling is impressive, and the labyrinthine path is dangerous, so I recommend preparing trekking shoes or gloves. #May Travel Support Fund

You can enter for free with the Eulala Valley admission ticket. The scenery is truly unique. It is smaller than the outdoor museum, but it is still worth visiting!! Ignore the merchants around you who try to take you somewhere else as if they are guides. Please note that you have to pay for the restroom and parking separately. #MayTravelSupportFund

I went to the Selime Monastery through the Green Tour. It was difficult because I had to climb the stairs, but I could see a view that I couldn't see anywhere else. It was a great place to take pictures and it was really cool. It was so different from what I'd seen before in the buildings/terrain that I was really curious. #MayTravelSupport

Even if you go to Eulala, you can enter with a museum pass. It's not hard, but it's steep to climb up and down, so make sure to wear sneakers. Even if you're not religious, it's fun to go up to the top and look at the scenery. There are a lot of merchants who try to solicit customers, saying things like there's a Maria Church nearby, so be careful. #MayTravelSupport