Everyone on the internet recommends the two biggest options: Kaymakli and Derinkuyu. While both are incredible subterranean networks, they aren’t your only options, and depending on how you feel about tight spaces, crowds or travel times, they might not even be the best choice for you.
Here is a breakdown of Cappadocia’s underground cities across the categories that actually matter to travelers.
1. Location & Distance from Göreme
If you have a private driver or tour, the drive from central towns like Göreme or Uçhisar takes about 30 minutes to reach most underground cities.
- Kaymakli & Derinkuyu: Located along the same southern road. Kaymakli is a few minutes closer to Göreme than Derinkuyu.
- Özkonak: Located to the north. This is the closest underground city if you are staying in or near Avanos or Göreme.
- Public Transit Access: No direct municipal buses run straight from small tourist towns like Göreme. You must first take a local minibus (dolmuş) to the main city of Nevşehir, then transfer to a minibus heading to your target town (e.g. Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu).
2. Depth and Physical Size
If you want sheer scale, Derinkuyu (“Deep Well”) is the deepest excavated underground city in Turkey, descending roughly 85 meters (280 feet) across 8 visible levels.
However, once you are inside the subterranean chambers, most visitors stop noticing the depth difference. If physical comfort matters more to you than depth records, the passageways inside are what you should compare.
3. Tunnel Tightness & Claustrophobia Risk
All underground cities remain a cool 15°C (60°F) year round and are equipped with modern electric lighting. You do not need to crawl on your hands and knees, but adults will need to crouch through connecting tunnels.
| Underground City | Tunnel Traffic | Space & Crowd Level | Best For… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaymakli | One Way Traffic | Broader tunnels; lower wait times | Comfort in narrow spaces |
| Derinkuyu | Two Way Bottlenecks | Deep narrow shafts; potential crowd queues | Maximum depth & history |
| Mazı | Optional Tunnels | Largest individual cave rooms; minimal crowds | Claustrophobic travelers |
| Özkonak | Short Tunnels | Compact site; quick visits | Short single day visits |
Pro Tip for Claustrophobic Travelers: Choose Mazı Underground City. Entering the main chambers requires no narrow crawlspaces. Exploring deeper side tunnels is entirely optional and tourist crowds here are virtually non existent.
4. Admission Ticket Prices
- Derinkuyu & Kaymakli: Higher tier admission fee (prices are always kept equal to each other).
- Mazı & Özkonak: Lower admission fees, though both offer fewer total excavated chambers to explore.
5. Unique Historical Features
- Derinkuyu: Features a unique underground cruciform monastery and religious school space used by Christian monks.
- Kaymakli: Features extensive food storage cellars, copper refining blocks and massive rolling stone doors.
- Rock City (Nevşehir): Located directly in Nevşehir city, this hillside complex includes ancient wineries, linseed oil factories and rock cut churches, ideal if you want an open air subterranean settlement without tight tunnels.
6. Tour Inclusions & Program Fits
If you are booking a group excursion:
- Green Tour (South Cappadocia Tour): Almost always includes Derinkuyu (or occasionally Kaymakli).
- 1 Day Express Tours: Frequently substitute Özkonak due to its proximity to Göreme.
- Custom / Private Tours: Request Mazı in advance if you want to avoid crowds or narrow shafts.