Belisirma
The picturesque village of Belisirma is located in the centre of the Ihlara Valley in Turkeys Cappadocia region. The Melendiz River runs through the valley and quirky restaurants sit on the bank below the village, their low seated tables just a foot or two above the running water. Belisirma is a pleasant lunchtime spot and often visited on Cappadocia Day Tours. Here you can taste a good selection of Anatolian food or simply enjoy the stunning scenery.
The historically Greek village is quite unique to the region as it is one of the few that is situated inside of a valley, in fact the old stone houses cling to the right slope above the river. At the northern end of the valley lies Selime Monastery, the largest and most majestic of the many rock-cut religious building in the Cappadocia region, while at the southern end is Ihlara village, 7 kilometres away. Belisirma sits roughly in the middle of a hiking trail which connects the two places following the many bends of the river through the valley. An easy hike along the river will take you past hermits caves, troglodyte homes and rock-hewn churches, some of which still house original frescoes. Archaeological records suggest that the Ihlara valley once has at least 100 excavated cave-churches and over 4,000 rock homes. The best part of the trail is between Belisirma and Ihlara, a steep path leads down from the village into the valley and passes many of these ancient sites.
If you don't fancy hiking then an alternative way to visit Belisirma is by car, the village lies 100 kilometres from the regions main tourist town, Goreme or the more adventurous may want to join a horse riding, quad biking or jeep excursion.