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If you have done the things to do in Turkey, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Aksaray.
Aksaray, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Turkey, is a treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders waiting to be explored.
From ancient ruins to enchanting landscapes, the city offers a plethora of exciting experiences that will leave you in awe.
So get ready to unlock the secrets of Aksaray and embark on a journey of discovery that will leave you breathless.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Aksaray:
1. Acemhöyük Archaeological Site
Acemhöyük is an archaeological site located in the Aksaray province of Turkey.
It is said to be one of the oldest and most important archaeological sites in the country, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Chalcolithic period.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the site and see the excavation work being done by archaeologists. The site features remnants of ancient houses, buildings, and streets, as well as a cemetery.
Visitors can also see artifacts discovered at the site, including pottery, jewelry, and tools that provide insight into the daily lives of those who lived there.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Acemhöyük is the massive city walls that surround the site. These walls are made of mud brick, and are believed to have been built during the Bronze Age.
Another important feature is the palace complex, which includes a large courtyard and a throne room.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to hire a guide or take a tour in order to fully appreciate the historical significance of the site.
Visitors should wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved. Additionally, the site can get quite hot during the summer months, so it is recommended to bring sunscreen and water.
2. Aksaray Museum
Aksaray Museum is a historical museum located in the city of Aksaray, Turkey. The museum showcases artworks and artifacts from the Neolithic, Hittite, Roman, and Ottoman periods.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s collections, including beautiful mosaics, pottery, and sculptures from the ancient world. The museum also features interactive exhibits and educational displays that illustrate the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the beautifully preserved Roman-era mosaics that cover the museum’s floors. The intricate designs and patterns of these mosaics are a testament to the advanced artistic skills of the ancient Romans.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to bring your camera to capture images of the intricate and beautiful artifacts on display at the museum. It’s also recommended to visit during the weekdays to avoid crowds.
3. Ağaçaltı Cave
A fascinating cave system located in the Aksaray region of Turkey.
What to see or do: Explore the unique rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites inside the cave system. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and geology of the area.
Don’t miss: The “fairy chimneys,” which are unique formations created by thousands of years of erosion.
Insider travel tips: Wear sturdy shoes and bring a light jacket, as the cave can be cool and damp. The tours can be crowded during peak tourist season, so consider visiting during off-peak times for a more peaceful experience.
4. Eğri Minaret
Eğri Minaret is a historic tower located in the city of Aksaray, Turkey.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the impressive cylindrical structure of the Eğri Minaret, which stands at 33 meters high and dates back to the 13th century.
The minaret is made of brick and features intricate, geometric designs.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to climb to the top of the minaret for stunning views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
Insider travel tips: – The Eğri Minaret is located in the center of Aksaray and is easily accessible by foot.
5. Hasan Dağı National Park
Hasan Dağı National Park is a stunning protected area in the Aksaray province of Turkey, covering an area of 34,000 hectares.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy magnificent views of the cone-shaped mount Hasan and explore its scenic surroundings. The park has well-marked hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult.
The more challenging trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding plains and snow-covered mountain peaks. There is also a campsite area where visitors can stay overnight and prepare their own BBQs.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to witness the spectacular sunrise or sunset reflecting off the snow-capped Mount Hasan. Also, be sure to visit the nearby rock-cut underground cities of Cappadocia, such as Derinkuyu and Kaymakli.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to visit during the spring or autumn for the best weather and comfortable hiking conditions. Bring warm clothes as the temperature can drop quickly at night, especially at higher elevations.
Be sure to check weather conditions before starting any hikes.
6. Ihlara Valley
Ihlara Valley is a stunning gorge carved out by the Melendiz River in central Turkey. The valley is home to rock-cut churches, monasteries, and beautiful natural scenery.
What to see or do: Take a hike through the valley and explore the numerous Byzantine-era churches carved into the rocks. Admire the stunning natural beauty of the towering cliffs and rushing river.
You can also visit the village of Belisirma, which is located in the middle of the valley and has a few restaurants serving local cuisine.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the famous Agacalti (Underground) Church, which features some of the best-preserved frescoes in the valley.
You also shouldn’t miss the Selime Monastery, located at the end of the valley, which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk for several hours if you want to explore the valley thoroughly.
7. Selime Monastery
Selime Monastery is a stunning rock-cut monastery located in the Cappadocia region of Turkey.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the intricate rock-cut architecture of the monastery, including the main cathedral and numerous chapels, living quarters, and storage rooms.
The expansive complex also features several large courtyards and outdoor spaces to wander through, as well as a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscape from the top of the monastery.
Don’t miss: One of the most impressive features of Selime Monastery is the underground tunnel system, which allowed the monks to move throughout the complex without being seen.
Visitors can also marvel at the 10-meter-high chimney built into the rock, which helped to regulate the temperature within the monastery.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking and climbing involved in exploring Selime Monastery.
Also, try to arrive early in the day to beat the crowds and get the best views from the top of the monastery.
Finally, consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of this incredible site.
8. Sultanhanı Caravanserai
Sultanhanı Caravanserai is a historical inn built in the 13th century on the ancient Silk Road route, in the town of Sultanhanı, Aksaray Province, Turkey.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the vast courtyard and the stone-walled rooms, which once provided shelter, food, and water to the Silk Road travelers.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the impressive entrance portal with its Arabic inscriptions and the Seljuk-style ornamental motifs on the walls.
Insider travel tips: To fully appreciate the historical significance and unique architecture of Sultanhanı Caravanserai, it is recommended to visit in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and the crowds are smaller.
Also, make sure to have enough water and sun protection for the hot and dry climate of the region.
9. Asikli Hoyuk Archaeological Site
Asikli Hoyuk is an archaeological site located in Aksaray, Turkey, and is considered one of the oldest settlements in the Cappadocia region.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the remains of the ancient settlement including houses, temples, and fortifications. The site also features a small museum with artifacts that were unearthed during the excavation.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the site is the well-preserved wall paintings found in the houses.
These paintings offer a glimpse into the daily life and beliefs of the people who lived there over 10,000 years ago.
Insider travel tips: Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as the site is extensive and requires a fair amount of walking. It is also recommended to hire a guide to fully appreciate the historical significance of the site.
10. Kiliclar Castle
A medieval castle located on top of a hill in the Aksaray region of Turkey.
What to see or do: Explore the castle’s ruins, admire the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and visit the nearby Selime Monastery.
Don’t miss: The chance to climb to the top of the castle’s tower and take in the stunning views.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the climb to the top of the castle can be steep and rocky. Also, consider visiting during sunset for a truly magical experience.
11. Güzelyurt Village
A historic and picturesque village located in Aksaray, central Turkey.
What to see or do: Take a walk through the cobblestone streets, marvel at the Ottoman-era architecture, visit the underground city of Saratli and the stunning Ihlara Valley nearby.
Don’t miss: The annual Cherry Festival held in June where visitors can taste and buy delicious local cherries, and enjoy traditional Turkish music and dance performances.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to try the local specialty dishes, such as ‘güvec’ and ‘testi kebabı’. Also, consider hiring a guide to better understand the history and culture of the village and its landmarks.
12. Derinkuyu Underground City
Derinkuyu Underground City is an ancient multi-level subterranean complex located in the Aksaray province of Turkey.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the intricate network of tunnels, rooms, chapels, ventilation shafts, and staircases that make up this remarkable historical site.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the massive stone doors that once protected the underground city from enemy invasions, the impressive water supply system, and the communal areas that served as kitchens, stables, and storage rooms.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes and clothing as it can be dimly lit and cramped while exploring the underground city.
13. Sivrihisar Castle
A medieval castle located in the town of Sivrihisar in Aksaray, Turkey.
What to see or do: Climb to the top of the castle to get breathtaking panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside. Explore the castle interior and admire the impressive 13th-century architecture.
Don’t miss: The ancient cisterns located within the castle walls and the stunning sunset views from the top of the castle.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes with good grip for climbing the castle. Avoid visiting during midday when the sun is most intense.
Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning views from the castle.
14. Guzelyurt Museum
Guzelyurt Museum is an open-air museum located in the town of Guzelyurt in Aksaray province, Turkey. It is known for showcasing the rich history and cultural heritage of the Cappadocia region.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the traditional houses, churches, and other historic buildings that make up the museum complex.
There are also artifacts and exhibits that offer insights into the lifestyle and traditions of the people who lived in the region over the centuries.
Don’t miss: Be sure to visit the monastery and underground city within the museum complex, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of the early Christian communities in Cappadocia.
Insider travel tips: Take your time exploring the museum complex, as there is a lot to see and do.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen, as most of the exhibits are outdoors and can get quite hot in the summer months.
15. Zindan Cave
Zindan Cave is a unique natural wonder located in the province of Aksaray in Central Turkey.
It is a part of the Ihlara Valley and is considered one of the most impressive underground caves in the region.
What to see or do: The cave is a labyrinth of narrow corridors, tunnels, and large halls adorned with magnificent limestone formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. Visitors can take a guided tour to explore the cave’s hidden beauty and learn about its geological and historical significance.
Don’t miss: The main attraction of Zindan Cave is the impressive “Osmanli Kemerleri,” a series of seven arches that were carved into the rock during the Ottoman period.
The arches were used as a water channel to supply water to the surrounding villages and towns.
Insider travel tips: – The cave temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius, even in the hottest months, so visitors are advised to bring a light jacket.