Arrival, information and tours

There are hourly dolmuşes to Avanos from Üçhisar, Göreme and Nevşehir and every two hours from Ürgüp. From the otogar, head 250m north to the river and cross the bridge into town. The tourist office (summer Mon–Fri 8.30am–noon & 1.30–7pm; winter Mon–Fri 8.30am–noon & 1.30–5pm; t 0384/511 2298) is more or less immediately on your right. The PTT is located just beyond the pottery monument on the main street, Atatürk Caddesi, next to the public toilets. Uğur Mumcu Caddesi runs parallel to the river.

Kirkit Voyage, Atatürk Cad 52 (t 0384/511 3259, w www.kirkit.com), is an excellent tour operator that runs horseback trips, as well as bike and snowshoe tours all over Cappadocia.