Devrent Valley: Tours and Guided Visits

Devrent Valley — also known as “Imagination Valley" — is one of the sites in Cappadocia made famous for its fairy chimneys. These volcanic rock formations can be found across the region,  and are known for their unusual shapes.

The fairy chimneys of the valley are some of the most unique in the land, often likened to a plethora of different birds and beasts. On a tour in Devrent Valley, you'll roam the gorge finding fascinating shapes in the weathered rocks.

Here's all you need to know about Devrent Valley, one of the most fantastic sightseeing tours in Cappadocia.

Where is Devrent Valley located?

Devrent Valley is located in the heart of Cappadocia, in Turkey’s Anatolia region. It is situated approximately 5 kilometers away from the village of Aktepe.

You can access Devrent Valley from popular spots in Cappadocia, such as Göreme, easily by car. The journey from this historic town takes just under 20 minutes and heads north out of the town onto the D300 toward Karaseki.

While there are no public transportation options to reach the gorge, visitors without access to a car can book a guided tour to Devrent Valley and enjoy a fuss-free excursion.

What are the best things to do?

Devrent Valley is home to many of the fairy chimneys that litter Cappadocia's landscape. While other gorges and canyons have been inhabited for centuries, this has not been the case with Devrent Valley.

This means that the rock formations on site are all sculpted by nature and undisturbed by man. In other locations, early Christian monks founded settlements, and carved homes and churches from the rocks, forever altering the natural shape of the stone.

These rock formations are referred to as "fairy chimneys" and were formed by volcanic ash that was cast over Cappadocia, which later hardened into soft rock, known as "tuff."

As these formations weathered over the centuries, they were eroded away to leave the tall fairy chimneys you can see today. Devrent Valleys' fairy chimneys are known to be some of the most unique in Cappadocia as many of them resemble animal or human figures.

The most famous rock takes the shape of a camel, while others have been likened to dancers, birds and dolphins.

What are the best tours to visit Devrent Valley?

Devrent Valley plus Göreme tour

Leaving your accommodation behind, you'll set off on a scenic drive across Cappadocia to discover volcanic fairy chimneys on this Devrent Valley tour. With a knowledgeable guide on hand, you'll pause at rock formations to decipher the shapes and figures they resemble.

From there, you'll travel to Göreme National Park, where you can admire the multitude of intricate frescoes that adorn the ceilings of some of Turkey's oldest churches, hewn from rock. Discover the most impressive views in Anatolia from Uçhisar Castle.

While the castle itself is in ruins, the views from atop its citadel are worth the climb. View the fairy chimneys of Pasabag up close before admiring artisanal crafts at a workshop selling locally-made carpets and stoneware.

Small-group Cappadocia tour

You’ll begin this outing as a group of no more than 20 guests, heading to Devrent Valley, where you'll learn about the formation of the fairy chimneys. Let your imagination go wild as you try to pick out animal similarities from the rocks.

Next, visit Pasabag, surrounded by pristine vineyards and home to unique mushroom-shaped stones.

Admire the skill of expert potters in Avanos before learning how to create hand-spun ceramics yourself. After breaking for a local lunch, you'll spend the afternoon in Göreme National Park, where the majority of Cappadocia's fairy chimneys can be found.

Here, you can step inside the remains of 9th-century churches and discover the history of the Christians who originally fled to the area.

What are the prices of Devrent Valley tours?

Devrent Valley tours range from US$50 to US$90 per person, depending on the excursion you select. Tours that visit a limited number of sites are usually on the lower end of this range, while day trips around the highlights of Cappadocia cost more.

Tours generally include lunch, as well as round-trip transportation and a knowledgeable guide to show you around. Entrance fees to any historical sites you visit tend to be at your own expense.

Where does it start?

All tours to Devrent Valley include a convenient pickup service from your accommodation. You’ll simply select your hotel from a dropdown menu on the booking page and avoid the chaos of trying to find a meeting point.

Simply head to your hotel lobby 10 minutes before your pre-arranged pickup time and await collection from your friendly tour guide. When your Devrent Valley excursion ends, you’ll be dropped back at your accommodation to continue with your vacation plans.

When is the best time to visit Devrent Valley?

The best times of year to take a tour in Devrent Valley are between March and May, and from September to November. During these months, the climate is mild, which is perfect for hiking through the gorge.

If you wish to avoid crowds of tourists, head to Devrent Valley in the early morning or late afternoon.

The fairy chimneys of Devrent Valley are one of the most interesting landmarks in Cappadocia, so visit them on the first day or two of your trip to learn more about the region.

What are the other sightseeing tours in Cappadocia?

• Ihlara Valley
• Cavusin
• Salt Lake
• Love Valley
• Pigeon Valley
• Rose Valley

Travel tips

• Devrent Valley tours tend to include a fair amount of walking, so ensure you wear comfortable and sturdy footwear.
• If you visit Devrent Valley during the month of May, you should expect rain showers. Keep an umbrella on you, just in case.
• If you have limited time to spend in Turkey, choose the Devrent Valley tour that encompasses the most destinations.