Meskendir Valley
Meskendir Valley is bewitching sight, hidden among the rugged hills and steep valleys that make up the Cappadocia region in the heart of Turkey's Central Anatolia. Meskendir Valley is known for its unusual rock formations, multi-coloured stone and moon-like landscape. The hue of the rocks is particularly striking under the bight rays of the sun. Exploring the valley you can find rock-hewn churches from Early Christian times, excavated hermits caves and man-made pigeon houses. Ancient settlements date back to the bronze ages and Hittites, Persians, Seljuk Turks and Ottomans are just a few of the many civilizations to have inhabited the region.
A good way to explore the Meskendir Valley is on foot, a trail is signposted on the road between Ortahisar, a rustic town with an impressive castle overlooking the valley, and Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of a kind museum. Accommodation in cave hotels is available in both towns. The trail through Meskendir Valley continues for around 4 kilometres through reddish rocks and impressive fairy chimneys and connects with a trails through Rose Valley to Cavisin.
If walking is not your favourite activity don't worry because there are plenty of other ways to explore this magical region. Daily Cappadocia tours offer regional excursions by jeep or quad bike, by horse or by mini-van so you can find what suits you. Perhaps the best way to see Meskendir Valley is from the air; hot air balloons start their journey every morning around sunrise and float above the captivating Cappadocia region.