Red Valley Cappadocia: The Best Cappadocia Sunset Point
Red Valley Cappadocia (Kızılçukur Valley), often mistaken as Rose Valley, has one of the best Cappadocia sunset viewpoints in the region. Named for the beautiful red hue the rock turns during sunset in Cappadocia as the sun descends towards the horizon.
During the day the interesting sandstone landscape can be everything from a light pinkish grey to peachy orange depending on how the light hits it.
Cappadocia Red Valley will be a highlight of your trip, I promise, and there are so many different ways to experience the rosy sunset Cappadocia has to offer. You can take a calming horseback ride, or an adrenaline-provoking ATV tour to watch the sun go down over the lunar landscapes of the iconic Turkish region of Cappadocia.
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Pigeon Valley: Cappadocia’s Best Hike
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I opted to visit a specific Cappadocia sunset point, sipped on a bottle of red wine and marvelled at how amazing our earth is. I was highly pleased with my choice.
This complete guide on watching the sunset in Red Valley gives you all the details on how to get to the best sunset point in Cappadocia, the best time to visit Red Valley Turkey, the best tours that explore this iconic Cappadocia valley and what to expect at Red Valley, one of the best valleys in Cappadocia.
Cappadocia Quick Guide
Planning a last-minute trip to Cappadocia? Here are the best resources for Cappadocia. Turkey, plus top Cappadocia tours and the best places to stay in Cappadocia.
TURKEY TRAVEL INSURANCE
Check Prices of HeyMondo Insurance
CAPPADOCIA AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Nevsehir Airport Shuttle
Kayseri Airport Shuttle
WHERE TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA
Luxury Cave Hotel | Sultan Cave Suites
Luxury Cave Hotel | Koza Cave Hotel
Mid-range Hotel | Argos in Cappadocia
Economy Hotel | Village Cave House
CAPPADOCIA TURKEY FLIGHTS
Check Flight Prices on Skyscanner
CAPPADOCIA CAR RENTAL
Check Prices on Cappadocia Car Rentals
BEST CAPPADOCIA GUIDED TOURS
Cappadocia Highlights Tour
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
North Cappadocia Red Tour
Central Cappadocia Blue Tour
Cappadocia Sunset ATV Tour
Where Is the Red Valley Cappadocia Sunset Point?
Approximately 10 minutes by car northeast of Goreme you will find the best place to see sunset in Cappadocia. It’s called Crazy Ali Panorama Cafe, and it overlooks both Red Valley and Rose Valley.
Click on the Red Valley Cappadocia map below to interact with Google Maps and plan your route to the best view in Cappadocia.
How to Get to Red Valley Cappadocia Sunset Viewpoint
The best way to get to sunset point Cappadocia is by rental car. It’s a quick and easy 15 minutes from the centre of Goreme (about 20 minutes from Uchisar) with plenty of parking available on site.
Find a Cappadocia rental car and have it waiting for you when you arrive!
>>> Check Prices + Availability of Rental Cars in Turkey
Detailed Guide on Renting a Car in Turkey (plus tips!)
As I visited this best sunset Cappadocia spot at the end of a private organized day tour, we didn’t have to pay the fee to access this viewpoint. If you visit by rental car, there may (or may not be) a local waiting on the road to take a ‘toll’ of sorts. I can’t imagine it’s very much though.
As I noted, you can also watch the Cappadocia sunset in Red Valley by ending a private or group day tour at this iconic attraction. I’ll go through my recommended tours of Red Valley Cappadocia next.
Best Tours of Red Valley Cappadocia
After spending 10 full days in this beautiful region and experiencing most of the highlights, I’d recommend not missing a visit to the Red Valley sunset view point Cappadocia, since it was one of my most memorable moments.
I’d count this as one of the top Cappadocia valleys, so there are plenty of organized group tours that visit Red Valley. I’ve scoured the earth and found the best tours which you can find below. For the optimal experience, book a private organized tour that you can customize to your liking.
Private Customizable Day Tour Ending at Sunset
One of the coolest experiences I had on my trip to Turkey was watching the sun go down overlooking Red Valley Cappadocia.
I specifically arranged to end my tour at Red Valley to watch a beautiful Cappadocia sunset. I was super pleased with this choice and feel confident recommending it to you.
Our private guide set us up at the best seat at the Panoramic Cafe, ordered us a cheese plate and cracked the bottle of red wine we purchased earlier in the day. It was perfect.
This tour is definitely worth the extra dollars to have a customizable and private experience.
BOOK | Customizable Private Day Tour of Cappadocia
Private Sunset Tour of Red Valley Cappadocia
A unique experience that starts right before sunset and lasts 4-5 hours. Start your tour at Red Valley for a lovely sunset experience. Then, your private guide will show you a few of the most beautiful Cappadocia attractions that glow at night. A romantic tour, to say the least.
Sit down to a delicious local dinner before exploring the towns of Avanos and Cavusin (the old Greek Rock Village) at night.
BOOK | Cappadocia Sunset Tour with Dinner
Daytime Tour of Red Valley Cappadocia (hike included!)
Looking to get out there and explore the valleys of Cappadocia on foot? This full-day tour including lunch will have you hiking through Red and Rose Valley in no time. There’s a lot to discover, including the famous fairy chimneys and one of the region’s many underground cities.
Take a break halfway through the day with an authentic Turkish lunch in the town of Avanos, included in the tour.
BOOK | Cappadocia Guided Day Tour with Lunch
Sunset ATV Tour of Cappadocia Valleys
Zip through the picturesque valleys of Cappadocia on this epic Sunset ATV group tour. The tour will take you through Sword Valley, White Valley and Love Valley with stops to visit the Cavusin old Greek rock village and the iconic Cappadocia fairy chimneys.
End the tour overlooking red rose valley Cappadocia and enjoy the sunset.
The Cappadocia ATV sunset tour includes some time, in the beginning, to get comfortable with driving an ATV, so no worries if it’s your first time!
BOOK | Sunset ATV Tour Cappadocia
Sunset Horseback Riding Cappadocia Tour
For something relaxing and scenic, opt for a sunset horse riding Cappadocia tour. This 2-hour tour will take you by the picturesque Cavusin Greek village and through the beautiful Rose Valley.
End your horse trek at a panoramic sunset view point in Red Valley.
BOOK | Cappadocia Sunset Horseback Riding Tour
Best Time to Visit Cappadocia
Red Valley
Time of Year
Like most of the region, Red Valley Cappadocia Turkey is best visited in the shoulder months of April-May and September-November.
I have also heard that winter in Cappadocia can be really nice, too. So don’t cross a visit to Cappadocia Red Valley off your list if you happen to land in the months of December-March. Just bring warm layers.
Time of Day
I visited Red Valley Cappadocia in November at sunset time. As the sun goes down, the temperature can dip, so make sure to bring a sweater or layers with you.
If you decide to visit the Red Valley Cappadocia sunset point, make sure to arrive early (at least an hour beforehand) as all of the best seats go early. Grab yourself a spot at the cliff’s edge for unobstructed views of the Cappadocia sunset.
If you go at the peak of the day to do a Red Valley hike, come prepared with sunscreen, sun hat and a reusable water bottle.
Find out how to watch the balloons in Love Valley at sunrise
Red Valley Cappadocia Entrance Fee
If you decide to visit the Panoramic Cafe viewpoint at sunset in Red Valley, there will be a very small fee of 6TL in cash. Simply pay this to the local standing guard on the road heading towards the cafe. The fee is paid per car.
When arriving by taxi, they will likely pay the guard and add it to your bill that you will pay at the end of your ride. A small price to pay for witnessing a stunning sunset over the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia.
If you decide to take a Red Valley hike Cappadocia during the daytime the entrance will be free.
Planning an epic trip to Turkey? Check out this Ultimate 10 Day Turkey Itinerary
What to Expect at the Red Valley Sunset in Cappadocia
Watching the sunset from the panoramic point at Red Valley Cappadocia is a very popular evening attraction. This area includes more than just the Crazy Ali Panoramic Cafe.
Upon entering this area, you will notice a viewing platform on the left before you head to the parking lot. If you choose to settle here, make sure to bring a blanket as there are no chairs available.
I’d recommend moving on to the end of the parking lot and scoring yourself a seat at the restaurant. Much more comfortable.
Parking at the Red Valley Panoramic Viewpoint
The panoramic area located at Red Valley comes with a large parking area that you pay for when you are charged the small entrance fee on the road leading in. There is no additional fee for parking, specifically. The lot is dirt only, but well-groomed.
Amenities for Sunset in Red Valley Cappadocia
There is a restroom available for restaurant patrons. Ask the staff at Crazy Ali Panoramic Cafe for the bathroom key. The bathroom is a basic outhouse style washroom a 30-second walk away. Bathrooms are available for 1TL.
The restaurant itself offers beer, wine, juices of local fruit, and snacks. If you decide to indulge in a glass of wine here, it will cost approximately 15TL.
We ended up buying a bottle of nice red wine from Gulor Wine Cave House on our way to the panoramic viewpoint and opened it there. The staff doesn’t mind as long as you order some food. The plate of local cheeses that the restaurant served us went really well with the wine. Super pleased.
Hiking in Red Valley
Besides watching the sunset at Red Valley, this Cappadocia valley also offers a really beautiful hike. You can find the Red Valley trailhead at this same location. Just head downhill on the dirt path that is located between the restaurant and the viewing platform.
Remember to take a picture on your phone of the trail map before you descend down the hill so you don’t get lost.
READ MORE | Pigeon Valley Cappadocia Guide + Hike
You will find a small cafe for refreshments and snacks at the base of the hill before starting on the trail. Shortly after, you will reach the Uzumlu Church, make sure to take a peek inside!
The Red Valley hiking loop should take you approximately an hour. If you decide to continue on and complete the Rose Valley loop as well, it will take about 3 hours.
Make sure you end your hiking trip back at the panoramic viewpoint and enjoy a perfect Cappadocia sunset before driving back to your Goreme hotel.
Can You Book a Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Sunset Ride?
Taking a sunset hot air balloon Cappadocia ride is really quite rare. During my 10 days in Cappadocia, I didn’t see any hot air balloons flying during sunset.
After experiencing a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, I can say without hesitation it was the best time to see Cappadocia from a bird’s eye view.
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Where to Stay in Cappadocia
(Goreme + Uchisar)
Goreme Hotels in Cappadocia
All of the recommended Goreme hotels below come with great views of the hot air balloon at sunrise and are centrally located for visiting all of the Cappadocia highlights.
Situated with a great view over Goreme town and Pigeon Valley, this luxury Cappadocia hotel features a main terrace, perfect for watching the hot air balloons fly in the morning.
Koza Cave Hotel rooms come with traditional Turkish rugs and cozy beds with several rooms boasting living rooms with fireplaces, spa baths and private terraces. The hotel has a quality onsite restaurant.
MY TOP PICK! Situated on the top of the Goreme town valley, Sultan Cave Suites features a large panoramic terrace, great for morning photoshoots (do note, that a lot of Instagrammers stay here). Most rooms come with a modern en-suite and seating area.
Sultan Cave Suites has a top-rated restaurant on site called Seten, a great place for date night.
Antique Terrace Suites is a mid-range accommodation that features a main sunrise terrace, a great buffet breakfast and cozy cave rooms for an economical price.
Uchisar Hotels in Cappadocia
If you decide to stay in Uchisar instead of Goreme, these wonderful Cappadocia hotels are highly recommended. Both come with views of the hot air balloons at sunrise (albeit a bit further away) and quality rooms.
The Museum Hotel is a member of Relais & Chateaux, which means you can expect a very high standard of service and accommodation here. It has a beautiful outdoor pool, a terrace with panoramic views and all the amenities you could possibly need.
The onsite restaurant offers locally produced fruits and vegetables harvested on-site. Museum Hotel is also pet-friendly!
Rox Cappadocia is located right next to Uchisar Castle and enjoys panoramic views of Goreme and Pigeon Valley from its terraces.
Although Rox is not a cave hotel, it comes with stone rooms (which allow for a more economical price) that mimic this feeling and is a great experience.
What to Bring to Red Valley Cappadocia
Many of the valleys of Cappadocia feature dry dirt paths and a lot of sun exposure. It’s important to come prepared with the proper equipment.
My recommendations:
DAY PACK | Since I spend my days as a full-time travel blogger, I carry my camera wherever I go. The WANDRD PRVKE 21L backpack comes with an optional camera cube, side access quick draw, and plenty of room for your sustainable water bottle, hat, shoes, sweater and anything else you may want to bring on your day trip. It also makes a great carry-on bag with its two padded technology sleeves.
DIGITAL CAMERA | Yes, you can definitely use your camera phone on your trip to Cappadocia (the latest phones have amazing cameras by the way!), but if you want to up your photography game I’d recommend investing in a digital camera with mirrorless technology, which keeps it lightweight and less cumbersome.
I use the Sony A7III every day and I couldn’t be happier. You can also check out my guide on the best cameras for bloggers to see what best fits your needs.
CAMERA LENS | If you are looking for a great complimentary camera lens that can be a jack of all trades, the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 ART Lens is highly recommended. This beast of a lens is a perfect choice if you only want to carry one lens.
SELF CLEANING WATER BOTTLE | Nowadays I don’t go anywhere without a self-cleaning reusable water bottle. It’s great for eliminating plastic and also to get clean drinking water wherever I go. I particularly enjoy my LARQ water bottle because of its easy self-cleaning technology and sleek design.
SUNSCREEN | Sunscreen is a necessity for most Cappadocia attractions since the majority of them are outdoors. I opt for the mineral based reef-safe 50 SPF Sunscreen from SunBum.
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