Fairy Chimneys: Tours and Guided Visits

The most fascinating landmarks of Cappadocia are its unique fairy chimneys, which are tall stone structures that have been shaped by the elements over time.

These geological wonders come in all shapes and sizes, and form a magical landscape of multi-colored volcanic cones and pinnacles across the region.

Fairy chimney tours enable you to explore these remarkable rock formations up close and discover the deep history of human life in this part of Turkey.

Here's all you need to know about Fairy Chimney, one of the most captivating sightseeing tours in Cappadocia.

Where are the fairy chimneys located?

The fairy chimneys are located throughout the valleys of Cappadocia in the central region of Anatolia. However, the majority can be found at Göreme National Park.

The park is easy to reach by car along the D302, which runs across Cappadocia. There are bus connections to this part of Anatolia from several cities across Turkey, including Istanbul.

What are the best things to do?

Göreme National Park

Named a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1985, Göreme National Park covers an area of over 100 square kilometers and is home to the largest collection of fairy chimneys in Cappadocia.

The park’s activity is thought to date back to the 4th century when Anchorites began carving churches and dwellings from the mounds of volcanic tuff.

As the religious devotees continued building, whole villages were formed completely underground, so as to avoid raids by Arab troublemakers.

Devrent Valley

Devrent Valley also holds an impressive collection of fairy chimneys. Unlike the classic conical shapes you can see in Göreme National Park, the valley has gained a reputation for its distinctive and peculiar rock formations.

Many animal shapes can be found in the fairy chimneys by those who have a great imagination. The most visited rock in Devrent Valley has been expertly molded by the elements over time to form the shape of a camel.

You’ll also find chimneys that resemble snails and birds, as well as dolphins. Alongside animals, there are several quirky natural carvings of human shapes that visitors can seek out on a tour.

Ürgüp

The “Three Beauties of Ürgüp” are a collection of fairy chimneys that are steeped in local legend. It is said that a princess fell in love with a humble shepherd, which made her father furious.

Angry at the princess’s insistence on marrying below her station, the king refused the love match. The princess then ran away and had a child with the shepherd, thinking this would bring peace to the kingdom.

Sadly, upon learning of this baby, the king sent his troops to capture the family instead. Upon realizing they had no way out, the princess prayed to God to keep her family together.

Her prayer was answered and they were turned into three rock formations, destined to always be side by side.

What are the best tours to visit the fairy chimneys?

Fairy chimneys hot air balloon tour in Cappadocia

One of the most spectacular ways to view the unusual fairy chimneys is on a hot air balloon ride. You'll rise before the sun and make your way to your takeoff point in complete darkness.

Lifting off into the air, you'll float gently through the skies of Cappadocia as the sun appears from beyond the horizon, washing the landscape in a golden glow.

Reach heights of up to 300 meters above the ground, you'll gain panoramic views of the fair chimneys and far beyond. You'll also pass over Göreme National Park, known for its rock-hewn churches dating back to the 4th century.

Sunset horse riding tour in fairy chimneys

Begin your horse riding tour of the fairy chimneys at a horse ranch, where you'll meet your four-legged friend and learn how to ride.

Once you've got the gist, you'll set off through the Cappadocian countryside, trotting gently through several of the region's most picturesque valleys. Here, you can see the famous fairy chimneys up close under the romantic glow of sunset.

Whether you're a novice or equestrian enthusiast, you'll leave this tour with a newfound love of horse riding.

Small-group fairy chimney tour

Oh this tour of the fairy chimneys, you'll visit Göreme National Park, which is home to a diverse range of landscapes, from rugged hills to deep valleys, rivers and of course fairy chimneys. You'll explore the frescoes inside its many ancient churches.

From there, you’ll continue on to Pasabag, which contains a church dedicated to Saint Simeon, as well as unusual mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. Identify the animal resemblance of Devrent Valley’s historic rocks before ending the day sculpting your own ceramics in a pottery-making class.

Fairy chimneys plus northern Cappadocia tour

Set off toward Uçhisar Castle on the morning of this Cappadocia tour. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy clear views across the region and learn about the deep history of this part of Anatolia.

Moving on, you’ll visit Göreme Open-Air Museum, where you can explore its Christian monasteries, and see how the inhabitants lived here centuries ago.

Discover the artisanal craft of pottery in Avanos before exploring the animal-shaped rocks of Devrent Valley. Admire the “Three Beauties of Ürgüp” — a trio of fair chimneys associated with a royal legend of love and loss.

These three fairy chimneys are said to represent a Turkish princess, her lowly shepherd husband and their young child.

What are the prices of fairy chimney tours in Cappadocia?

Tours to the fairy chimneys that take place in a small group cost around US$50 per person and include lunch, as well as round-trip transportation, and a guide. You'll also pay this amount for a horse riding tour through the fairy chimneys and for a tour of northern Cappadocia.

Hot air balloon tours of the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia cost between US$140 and US$170 per person. This includes all necessary insurance and a celebratory beverage upon touchdown.

Where does it start?

Usually, fairy chimney tours include a convenient hotel pickup and drop-off. You can simply wait for your guide in the lobby of your accommodation and not have to worry about finding a meeting point.

When is the best time to visit the fairy chimneys in Cappadocia?

The best time to plan a tour of the fairy chimneys in Cappadocia is either during the spring months (May to June), or the fall (September to October). At these times, you can expect mild conditions that range from 12 to 21 degrees Celsius.

If you prefer a warmer climate, visit during September when temperatures can reach highs of 27 degrees Celsius. These months fall outside of the main tourist season, meaning you'll enjoy a more tranquil experience.

What are the other sightseeing tours in Cappadocia?

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

Travel tips

• Make sure you take your camera on your fairy chimneys excursion so that you can capture the unique rock formations in all their glory.
• If you are traveling to Cappadocia during the summer months, ensure you are well prepared for your tour. Pack a sunhat, sunscreen and an ample supply of water, as temperatures soar up to 30 degrees Celsius.
• If you are pressed for time, choose a tour that visits several different destinations for a whirlwind overview of the region.