Devrent Valley

What makes it special

What you look at here is the rock itself, in every direction. The stone is soft volcanic tuff, and erosion wore it away unevenly over a very long time, leaving rounded humps and pillars that read as figures once you start looking.

Start with the camel, the best-known shape and the easiest to find: it looks as if it is lying down to rest among the rocks. Then look for the snake, the dolphin and Napoleon's hat.

The figures depend on the light. At sunrise and sunset the low sun throws hard shadows across the formations, and the shapes stand out far more clearly than they do under a high midday sun.

Visiting

From the roadside, with its souvenir shops and visitor facilities, walk first to the camel, the valley's best-known shape. Most of the other strong shapes stand close to the entrance, so you see the best of the valley without going far.

A few short paths leave the road and wind in among the formations. The roadside is the busiest stretch, so a short climb on one of these paths gives you a wider view and fewer people around you.

Finish at the Devrent Seyir Terası, a café whose terrace looks straight out over the rock formations.

Tips

Tour coaches stop here in the middle of the day and fill the roadside, so time your visit for the early morning or late afternoon.

Wear shoes with a good grip, because the hard sand on the slopes turns slippery. If you plan to walk the upper paths for longer than a quick look, bring water and a snack with you.