Ürgüp was the historical tourist center of Cappadocia, but a few decades ago budget travelers discovered the agricultural town of Avcılar, located in a steep landscape valley just one mile (1.5 km) from the Göreme Outdoor Museum.
Avcılar was renamed Göreme, more comfortable guesthouses, hotels and inns were arranged in refurbished Cappadocian houses, good open restaurants, and the city is the lively center of the tourist trade.
With peaks of "fairy tale" from volcanic rock rising right in the center of town and cave houses on the walls of the valley, Göreme is a close rival of Ürgüp.
Sensitive locals and foreign residents work hard to preserve the beauty of the city. The Göreme Charity Foundation makes donations and organizes volunteers to restore and beautify the city.
