cappadocia travel

30+ Best Things To Do In Cappadocia: The Comprehensive Travel Guide

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler. Globetrotter, Adventurer, and Frequent Traveler to Turkey!

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If you’re not sure what to do in Cappadocia, then you’ve come to the right place.

Cappadocia is one of our favorite destinations in Turkey because of how much there is to see and explore. From the iconic fairy chimneys to the surreal hot air balloon rides and epic rock-cut churches, there are plenty of things to do in Cappadocia, Turkey.

As the home of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Goreme National Park , this region of Central Anatolia is filled with stunning historical and natural wonders, and if you haven’t been to Cappadocia before, it can be a hard task narrowing down what attractions to add to your to-do list.

That is why we have written this comprehensive guide to the best tourist attractions in Cappadocia, so you can see the best of this region.

We’ve included some of the best attractions, as well as some hidden gems, so you can explore beyond the typical tourist.

We have also included essential information such as where to stay, where to eat, and more so you can have everything you need for your visit!

Planning a trip to Cappadocia last-minute?

Make sure you book your tours, places to stay, and airport transfers ahead of time to ensure availability!

Here is our recommended airport transfer in Cappadocia:

Airport Shuttle From Nevsehir Airport (NAV) or Kayseri Airport (ASR) (Super affordable!)

Here are our recommended tours in Cappadocia:

Hot Air Balloon Flight In Cappadocia At Sunrise (A must-do In Cappadocia)
ATV Tours At Sunset
Green Tour In Cappadocia (Perfect for those not renting a car!)

Here are our recommended places to stay in Cappadocia:

Koza Cave Hotel (Amazing views and great photo opportunities)
Museum Hotel (Most luxurious hotel in Cappadocia)
Kamelya Cave Hostel (Budget hostel with cave rooms!)

Best Things To Do In Cappadocia Turkey

1. explore cappadocia from above on a hot air balloon ride.

Perhaps the biggest attraction in Cappadocia is the opportunity to go on one of the hot air balloons and float through the sky during sunrise. There is no better way to appreciate the unique landscape of Cappadocia than to see it from above.

Visitors can see the unique rock formations that Cappadocia is known for. From the phallic fairy chimneys of Love Valley to the ancient rock-cut churches that dot the valley, everything is within your eye’s reach.

Riding one of the hot air balloons is the best way to appreciate the scale of this region. When you see the rock formations all over the valley, you’ll realize how special this place is.

The hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a bucket list item that should not be missed.

📚 Read More: The Complete Guide To Hot Air Balloons In Cappadocia

2. Watch The Hot Air Balloons At Sunrise

If you have several days in Cappadocia , consider waking up early one morning to see the hot air balloons at sunrise. Riding on one of them is an amazing experience, but seeing them at sunrise from one of the viewpoints in Cappadocia is equally breathtaking.

There are many places to see the sunrise in Cappadocia . The best views are a little bit further from town, but you can also just go to the terrace of your Cappadocia hotel to see the hot air balloons glide above you.

We recommend finding a viewpoint that faces east because that’s the direction the sun rises. The sun slowly rising and illuminating all the features of the valley is an incredible sight. If you are a photographer, don’t miss out on this opportunity.

3. Explore The Goreme Open-Air Museum and Its Rock Churches

Without a doubt, the best museum in Cappadocia is the Goreme Open-Air Museum. It was one of the first three sites in Cappadocia that was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Goreme National Park.

The most iconic feature of the Goreme Open-Air Museum is the numerous rock-cut churches, many of which contain original frescoes from the 10th to 12th centuries during the Byzantine and Roman era.

Though the Goreme Open-Air Museum dates back much older than that, it is the monastic settlement during this period that has made it one of the most popular sights in Cappadocia today.

One of the most well-preserved churches in the Goreme Open-Air Museum is the Dark Church. Because little light enters this dark cave, the frescoes are still vibrant and detailed. Visitors can admire frescoes depicting biblical scenes as well as the vaulted ceilings carved into the cave.

The best part about visiting Goreme Open-Air Museum is that it is within walking distance from the town center of Goreme!

4. Explore The Zelve Open-Air Museum

There are debates as to which open-air museum in Cappadocia is better – Goreme Open-Air Museum or Zelve Open-Air Museum . Our word of advice is to visit both as they are drastically different.

Unlike the Goreme Open-Air Museum, the one in Zelve is spread out into 3 valleys. Altogether, the three valleys used to make up the settlement that was called Zelve. Matter of fact, these valleys were inhabited until 1952, when the Turkish government relocated the residents due to the unsafe structural stabilities of the cave houses.

Historically, the Zelve Monastery was home to both Christians and Muslims. It was a place where they lived harmoniously. As you explore the valleys, you’ll find both mosques and churches that were once used.

You won’t find any religious frescoes here as you would at Goreme Open-Air Museum, but you’ll find tons of cave dwellings, cool fairy chimneys, and several churches that were dedicated to different parts of daily life.

5. Stay In A Cave Hotel

Thanks to the unique geological properties of the soft volcanic rock formations in Cappadocia, troglodytes carved cave dwellings out of them. While the majority of them are no longer inhabited, the tradition of living in caves has not died out.

Nowadays, travelers can experience a part of that history by staying in one of the many cave hotels in Cappadocia . These cave hotels are an upgrade from the more primitive kind, and feature modern luxuries such as free WiFi, private bathrooms, cozy decor, and comfortable amenities.

Cave hotels have natural insulation, which means they provide warmth in the cold winter of Cappadocia and coolness in hot summers.

We recommend Goreme Cave Lodge , which not only has authentic cave rooms, but a gorgeous outdoor area with a pool. It also has a terrace for relaxing and just admiring the views of Goreme after a long day.

6. Go Below The Surface at Derinkuyu Underground City

One of the most interesting places to visit in Cappadocia is the underground cities. They are truly a primitive engineering achievement as many of these underground cities are over several levels deep.

Thanks to the soft volcanic tuff of the region, early settlers (the Phrygians) in the 8th to 7th BCE were able to dig into them to create entire underground cities.

The biggest of which is the Derinkuyu Underground City . Derinkuyu Underground City didn’t really take its current form until the Pyygrians died out and Romans and Byzantines inhabited them.

In the underground city, you can find stables, cellars, storage rooms, chapels and more. However, its most iconic feature is the barrel-vaulted ceiling which indicates that the room was most likely used as a religious school.

There are a total of 8 excavated floors in Derinkuyu, extending a total of 85 meters deep. Experts estimate that there might be a total of 18 floors in total, but more work needs to be done. The underground city was capable of housing 20,000 people inside!

7. Explore Kaymakli Underground City

Though Derinkuyu is the largest underground city, it certainly isn’t the oldest. The oldest one is believed to be Kaymakli Underground City , just a little over 9 km north of Derinkuyu.

Though situated 9 kilometers away from each other, archaeologists have discovered underground tunnels that connect one city to another. In fact, there are over 200 underground cities in Cappadocia, and most of them are connected through underground pathways.

Kaymakli is a little smaller in size compared to Derinkyuyu, Only 4 of the floors are available for tourists to visit, but the complex is much deeper than that.

Its most iconic feature is the clever use of a deep ventilation shaft that keeps the underground city with good air circulation. Some believed that the ventilation shaft could be a well in the past.

At Kaymakli Underground City, visitors can find a massive millstone door that acted as a defense for the inhabitants. The caves were used as a hiding place for many of its residents in the past, and their design could sustain life for many months.

Here you’ll find places such as a stable, bathrooms, kitchen, storage spaces, and more! The underground cities in Cappadocia are proper cities!

📚Read More: Which Is Better? Kaymakli or Derinkuyu Underground City?

8. See Panoramic Views from Uchisar Castle

If you’re not sure what to see in Cappadocia, then Uchisar Castle is a great all-round attraction; it offers history, panoramic views, and is just a stone’s throw from the main town of Goreme.

Rising 60 meters above the ground, Uchisar Castle is the highest point in Cappadocia.

Historically, due to its stature, Uchisar Castle was used as a lookout spot and fortification. When the people saw that invaders were approaching, they would simply go inside the castle, close the doors, and be safe.

Consequently, this Turkish landmark attracted more people coming to seek refuge. The new settlers started carving out more of the volcanic tuff to create living spaces inside.

However, the castle could only hold so many people at once, so many had to settle outside the castle. This eventually formed the small town of Uchisar that you see today.

Though no longer a landmark for fortification purposes, Uchisar Castle still attracts plenty of travelers. Because of its height, visitors can get an epic panoramic view of Cappadocia and the Goreme National Park. It is one of the must-see places in Cappadocia, especially during sunset!

📚 Read More: Best Sunrise Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tours You Can’t Miss!

9. Watch Whirling Dervishes

If you’re looking for a more spiritual experience, then watching the Whirling Dervishes is a must. The Whirling Dervishes are part of the Sufi tradition and they are known to induce a trance-like state that leads to divine inspiration, or “ecstatic trances” for the performers.

The ceremony starts with the recitation of devotional Islamic prayer and then the dervishes start to spin. There are three sections to the dance, so they whirl around for about 10 to 15 minutes each time.

For many of them, this is a way to connect with God and achieve a state of inner peace. The experience can be quite powerful, even if you’re not religious.

There are plenty of places where you can watch the Whirling Dervishes in Cappadocia. However, if you want to see it in an atmospheric setting, then I suggest watching it at the 13th-century Saruhan Caravanserai near Avanos. It is one of the best things to do in Cappadocia at night.

10. Catch The Sunset At Goreme Sunset Point (Lover’s Hill)

Perhaps one of the best things to do in Cappadocia is watching the sun set over the lunar-like landscape. There are many places to do so, but none is as easy to get to as Goreme Sunset Point, also known as Lover’s Hill.

This sunset location is situated right about the town of Goreme, and it takes visitors no more than 15 minutes to arrive on foot from anywhere in town.

From Lover’s Hill, visitors can see as far as Uchisar Castle, which looks so beautiful with the sun setting next to it. There is also a platform for visitors to take an iconic photo with Goreme town as the background.

Goreme Sunset Point has a few restaurants and tea shops where you can sit and enjoy the view with Turkish Tea in hand. However, it is one of the windiest places we’ve been to in Cappaodic and the sand can get overbearing.

11. Check Out The Pottery In Avanos

One of the most hidden attractions in Cappadocia is the pottery scene in Avanos.

The pottery here has a long history, dating all the way back to the Hittite period, around 2,000 BCE. The clay used to make the pottery comes from the Red River (Kızılırmak), which runs through Avanos.

The pottery-making tradition has been passed down from generation to generation, and today, there are many pottery shops in Avanos where you can watch the potters at work. When you walk down the street of Avanos, you might see some of the master craftsmen still practicing their pottery skills in their family-owned business.

Some of the pottery shops also offer free pottery-making sessions, perfect for travelers that like an interactive experience when traveling in Cappadocia. Without a doubt, pottery from Avanos is the perfect souvenir to remember your Cappadocia trip.

But beware of the tourist traps in Avanos. Many of the pottery is now mass-produced in factoriesto mimic the work of the skilled potters. If you are not sure how to look for a good properly handcrafted piece of work, then make sure you find someone that can help you with it!

12. Explore Salt Lake Tuz

Situated over 160 km (99 mi) from Goreme is one of the best hidden gems in Cappadocia – Salt Lake Tuz (or Tuz Golu in Turkish).

This lake is actually the second-largest salt lake in Turkey and it’s one of the few hypersaline lakes in the world. Because of the high salt concentration of the water, it is home to hardly any living organism.

One of the things that survive in the salt lake is algae. These algae are responsible for turning the salt lake pink, which creates a beautiful scenery.

However, in the summer months when Cappadocia is dry, most of the water evaporates and leaves nothing but a bed of salt, so if you are visiting during the dry months (June and July) then you might want to skip this one as you won’t see a beautiful pink lake as you hoped.

If you’re visiting during Spring, Autumn or Winter, there are a few places where you’ll still find water, but you should know that it’s not guaranteed and you might not have the best pink lake experience you were hoping for.

The truth is, due to global warming, this lake is pretty much dried up now. Even when there is water, the lake only turns pink during the presence of algae, which is not all the time.

Because there are no tours that go to the Salt Lake in Cappadocia, it is difficult to get there. Your best bet is renting a car in Cappadocia or hiring a taxi driver for a day to take a day trip.

We’d personally only add this to your itinerary if you’re a photographer, or if you want to see the damning effects of climate change!

13. Visit Monks Valley

There are many cool valleys in Cappadocia , and one of the most unique ones is the Pasabag Valley , or Monks Valley in English. This valley is known for its unique fairy chimneys with double to triple mushroom heads.

The most interesting part of the valley is that some of the fairy chimneys have been turned into dwellings by monks and hermits, which is how the valley has gotten its name.

The caves were first inhabited by St. Simeon from Aleppo in the 5th century. Eventually, more and more monks followed in this footsteps and came to Monks Valley to escape from the world and live a simple life in nature.

Nowadays, the caves are no longer inhabited but you can still explore them! Just be careful with going in and out as some of the rooms are very high and might require a bit of climbing!

14. Try Pottery Kebab

One of the most iconic Turkish dishes you can try in Cappadocia is Pottery Kebab, or Testi Kebab in Turkish.

This Anatolian delicacy is usually made with lamb, beef or chicken with vegetables such as onions garlic, and potatoes. The ingredients are put inside a clay pot, which is then sealed with bread dough.

The whole pot is then cooked over a tandoor for hours so the flavor of the ingredients comes out. But pottery kebab isn’t just an experience for your taste buds. When served, the server must crack open the pottery kebab with a hammer to unleash the deliciousness within. Some of the restaurants in Cappadocia don’t serve them this way, and that is how you know it is not traditional.

It takes several hours to prepare this traditional Cappadocia dish, so you can’t just show up at a restaurant demanding one. You must make a reservation beforehand.

Two of the best places to try Testi Kebab in Cappadocia are Kapadokya Kebapzade and Dibek . They are both situated in the city center of Goreme so they’re most likely going to be within walking distance from your accommodation!

15. Explore St. John the Baptist Chapel at Cavusin Castle

One of the best free things to do in Cappadocia is to explore Cavusin Castle, an epic rock formation that rises above the village of Cavusin.

The Cavusin Castle is home to St. John the Baptist Chapel, which is one of the largest cave churches in Cappadocia. Unfortunately, most of the Cavusin Castle has been heavily eroded, which means that it might not be the safest place to visit. There is a bridge that allows visitors to get to the chapel, but it is quite damaged.

If you are looking for something adventurous and off-the-beaten path, Cavusin Castle is the perfect place. Here you’ll find what an old monastic settlement would look like if it wasn’t well-preserved – faded frescoes, litter, graffiti, and more.

16. Be Amazed By Chez Galip Hair Museum

Perhaps there is no attraction in Cappadocia more unusual than the Chez Galip Hair Museum in Avanos. This museum is exactly what it sounds like, a museum dedicated to hair, women’s hair. It is estimated that there are over 16,000 locks of hair in the museum.

The museum all started when the owner of a pottery shop, Galip Körükçü, was given a lock of her friend’s hair as a memento when she moved out. This story moved a lot of over women that stopped in the area, and many of them started to give some of their hair to Galip Körükçü.

Eventually, he opened up a museum dedicating the hair of women. Nowadays, women still come to donate their hair, but that is because they have a chance to win an all-expense-paid trip to Cappadocia.

When visiting the Chez Galip Hair Museum, make sure you check out the pottery shop that accompanies it.

17. Take Selfies at Devrent Valley

Devrent Valley , also known as Imagination Valley, is a place in Cappadocia filled with unique fairy chimneys. These rock formations have been carved out over time by erosion, and they look like different animals or objects.

The most notable one is the camel-shaped rock at the entrance of the valley. But as you walk around, you might find a dolphin-shaped rock, snail-shaped rock, and more! It is one of the best places to get a photo to remember your visit to Cappadocia!

Getting to Devrent Valley can be quite challenging since it is hard to get there via public transport. The best offer is to either get a taxi or take the red tour, which has Devrent Valley as one of the stops.

18. Go Carpet Shopping at Galerie Ikman

View this post on Instagram A post shared by SALIM BUFTHEIM | INDONESIAN (@theexoticman)

If you’re scrolling on social media to find inspiration for the best places to visit in Cappadocia, then you’ll likely find some beautiful shots of travel influencers in a carpet shop, with Turkish rugs hanging from the walls, stacked in piles, and covering the floors.

This is Galerie Ikman, the most photographed shop in Cappadocia (if not all of Turkey). It was once a hidden gem, but word got out!

In fact, it’s so famous for Instagram photos, that you have to pay a small entrance fee to visit the shop just to take photos.

If you buy a carpet, then you don’t have to pay an entrance fee.

Although touristy, it’s one of the highlights of any visit to Cappadocia since you can come away with unique photographs and a possible souvenir.

The staff here are very knowledgeable and can tell you the symbolism and meaning behind the patterns on the carpets, as well as how they are made.

Best Hikes In Cappadocia

Because of Cappadocia’s beautiful landscape, one of the best activities is to go hiking. There are many amazing hiking trails in the area that takes you up close to some rock-cut churches, pigeon homes, cave dwellings, epic fairy chimneys, and more. We have created a complete list of the best hikes in Cappadocia here .

Here are some of our favorite ones:

1. Rose Valley

Distance: ~4.3 kilometers (2.67 mi)
Duration: 1.5 hours of hiking
Difficulty: Medium

If there is one hike to do in Cappadocia, it is Rose Valley . On the hiking trail, visitors will come across some of the most stunning characteristics of the Goreme National Park. Hikers will see a total of three rock-cut churches, including the Crusader Church with its beautiful frescoes and the Column Church with its beautiful architecture.

Besides the historical values of the sites on this trail, Rose Valley hike offers stunning vistas with amazing views. The most popular one is at the end of the trail, which is the Red Valley Sunset Viewpoint. It is one of the most popular spots to watch the sunset in Cappadocia .

However, this trail can be a little bit difficult because there is a section that is very steep. You might want to reconsider this trail if you have mobility issues.

2. Red Valley

Distance: ~3.3 kilometers (2.05 mi) one-way
Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours of hiking, but allot extra time for photos
Difficulty: Medium

Red Valley is one of the most iconic hikes in Cappadocia. It earned its name from the rock formations that would have a red glow at sunset. The Red valley runs adjacent to the Rose Valley until they connect at the Red Valley Sunset Viewpoint.

As a result, we recommend you combine Rose Valley and Red valley to create a hiking loop. This way you don’t have to return the same way you came and can explore more along the trail.

The Red Valley doesn’t have as many cave churches as Rose Valley, but there are plenty of cool-looking fairy chimneys along the way. There is also a tea garden also the way where visitors can rest and have a refreshing drink before they continue hiking!

3. Pigeon Valley

Pigeon-Valley-Cappadocia-Turkey-Featured

Distance: ~3 kilometers (1.86 mi)
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy to Medium

If you are looking for an easy hike in Cappadocia, then check out Pigeon Valley . This valley connects Uchisar with Goreme, meaning that visitors don’t need to drive to the trailhead if they are staying in either of those towns.

As the name suggests, Pigeon Valley is known for its Pigeon houses (dovecotes). Historically, pigeons were treasured in this region of Cappadocia because their droppings were used as fertilizer. That is why you will see many pigeon houses carved into the cliffs along this valley.

Pigeon Valley is a great option for those who are short on time or are not looking for a strenuous hike. It has beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and is relatively flat compared to some of the other hikes in Cappadocia!

4. Ihlara Valley

Distance: ~10.5 kilometers (6.52 mi), but can shorten or lengthen depending on your preference.
Duration: 3 to 4 hours of hiking
Difficulty: Medium to Difficult

If you want to do some proper hiking in Cappadocia, then Ihlara Valley might be the perfect place for you.

The Ihlara Valley hike takes you through a canyon with towering walls on either side. The trail follows along Melendiz River which flows through the valley. You will come across many Byzantine cave churches and dwellings along the way that was carved into the canyon walls.

This hike can be as long or short as you want it to be since many different trails branch off the main path. However, we recommend starting at Ihlara Village and finishing at Selime so you can see the Selime Monastery.

But if you don’t want to hike for that long, you can start at Ihlara Village and finish at Belisirma Village, where you can have a meal at one of its iconic floating restaurants.

5. Love Valley And White Valley

Distance: ~ 7.5 kilometers (4.66 mi)
Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours

Perhaps one of the most famous hiking trails in Cappadocia is the Love Valley and White Valley. Love Valley earned its name from the numerous phallic fairy chimneys that inhabit the valley. Though they might sound gimmicky, those fairy chimneys are some of the most prominent and impressive ones we’ve seen in Cappadocia.

Meanwhile, the White Valley gets its name from the type of rock that gives the valley a white hue. These two valleys are connected and a popular hike for hiking from Goreme to Uchisar or vice versa.

Along this hike, you are blessed with stunning landscapes and natural rock tunnels for exploring!

6. Zemi Valley Loop

Distance: 3.2 km (2 mi)
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy

If you are traveling in Cappadocia with kids or elders and want to explore some of the outdoors, consider the Zemi Valley Loop. This is one of the easiest hikes in Cappadocia and hikers are blessed with some really amazing fairy chimneys along the way.

Some refer to the Zemi Valley as a mini Love Valley, thanks to some of the phallic fairy chimneys in the Zemi Valley too. Unfortunately, visitors won’t find any cave churches or pigeon homes, but the rock formations alone are enough to leave you amazed!

7. Hidden Church Hike

Distance: ~ 1.2 km (0.74 mi)
Duration: <30 minutes

There are many cave churches in the region of Cappadocia and unfortunately, not all of them are protected and well-preserved, such as the hidden church.

This is a cave church that you won’t find in any guidebooks because it is so hidden. Thanks to some of the friendly locals we met, we were able to visit this beautiful hidden church in Cappadocia.

Because it is not preserved, you won’t find any spectacular fresco or cool architecture. Matter of fact, many of the columns of the church have broken off, and that is exactly why we liked it so much. It showed what would happen if nature reclaimed what’s hers.

It is a short hike and there are no signs on the trail, so if you want more information, shoot us a message!

Tours In Cappadocia

If you are not sure what to do in Cappadocia, there are plenty of tours that showcase some of the region’s best sights without you having to do any planning. Though we aren’t big fans of them because we like to travel slowly and explore some of the sites extensively, they are a good option for those with a short stay.

Here are the tours we recommend in Cappadocia.

1. Red Tour

The red tour is one of the two most popular tours in Cappadocia, as it allows visitors to see plenty of the sights in the area in a shorter amount of time. Here are the stops on the Red Tour:

Uchisar Castle
Goreme Open Air Museum
Avanos Town (Pottery Workshop)
Pasabag Monks Valley
Devrent Imagination Valley

We love the red tour because it takes you to some of our favorite tourist attractions in Cappadocia such as the Goreme Open-Air Museum and Uchisar Castle. But it might not be the best in terms of value-for-money since many of these places are within a short walk from Goreme. Still, it’s great if you only have 1 to 2 days in Cappadocia and don’t want to do any planning.

2. Green Tour

The green tour is another very popular tour in Cappadocia. Similar to the red tour, it showcases some of the region’s best sights. Here are the stops on the Green Tour:

Esentepe Viewpoint
Derinkuyu Underground City
Ihlara Valley
Belisirma Village
Selime Monastery
Onyx Jewelry Factory

The green tour is known as the southern tour of Cappadocia since it focuses on attractions in the southern part of this region. The green tour is much better value-for-money than the red tour since a lot of the attractions are situated further from town, and visitors could spend ages or lots of money trying to get to them by themselves.

Some of the most notable attractions on the green tour are the Ihlara Valley and Derinkuyu Underground City.

📚Read More: Which Is Better? Red Tour or Green Tour In Cappadocia

3. Blue Tour

If you are looking to visit more of the less popular attractions in Cappadocia, then the Blue Tour might be the one for you. Here are the stops on the Blue Tour:

Red And Rose Valley Viewpoint
Ozkonak Underground City
Pigeon Valley

Note that different tour companies might offer a different itinerary for the blue tour. The one listed above is the most common. Seeing some of the hidden gems in the region is cool, but we don’t recommend this tour unless you are staying a long time in Cappadocia and running out of things to do.

Make sure you check out our complete review of the Blue Tour before going!

4. ATV Tour

If you are looking for adventurous things to do in Cappadocia, then you must try the ATV tour. Zip through the valleys at high speed on an all-terrain vehicle, and explore Cappadocia in a way that few have experienced it.

The ATV tour is one of the most popular activities in Cappadocia, and for good reason. It is an adrenaline-pumping experience that is perfect for those looking for a little thrill.

Just be sure to wear closed-toe shoes and long pants to avoid getting scraped up.

5. Horseback Riding Tours

If hiking the valleys in Cappadocia is too demanding, then consider exploring them on horseback.

Cappadocia is believed to be called “land of beautiful horses” and throughout the region, you’ll find plenty of stables and horse farms that offer an enjoyable ride.

The tours are led by what people call “Turkish cowboys” and most of them are locals that have grown up in Cappadocia.

Not only do you get to explore the beautiful valleys, but you’ll learn a lot from your Turkish cowboy!

6. Winery Tours

As if there aren’t enough reasons to visit Cappadocia ! The region is also home to some of Turkey’s best wineries.

Matter of fact, the practice of wine-making has been taking place here for a long time. Thanks to the excellent grapes and fertile soil (thanks to the pigeon droppings), the wine in Cappadocia is some of the best in Turkey.

And visitors can experience a part of that tradition through one of the many wineries tours in Cappadocia.

These tours will take you through the vineyards where you learn about the wine-making process. And of course, you get to sample tons of different types of wine in the process!

Alternatively, you can visit some of the popular wine cellars in Goreme, such as Red Red Wine House , which is the most popular wine bar in town.

Map Of The Best Attractions In Cappadocia?

Above is an interactive map filled with all of the best things to do in Cappadocia we mentioned. This map does not include all the tours because there are plenty of tour agencies in town that can assist you with that.

This map is great when planning your day-to-day activities in Cappadocia. Knowing how far the attractions are from one another is going to help you plan the perfect itinerary.

Next to the name of the map, you’ll find a small star where you can click and save this map to your personal Google Maps. This way, you can use it when you are in Cappadocia to get to places you would like to go.

Where To Stay In Cappadocia Turkey

Cappadocia spans around 5,000 square kilometers and there are numerous towns where visitors can stay. It is important that you pick a good place to stay otherwise all the tourist attractions might be situated very far away.

The best town to stay in Cappadocia is no doubt Goreme – the historic center of the Goreme National Park. In Goreme, you’ll find tons of tourist-friendly amenities, such as tour companies, restaurants, hotels, and more!

Here are some of the accommodations in Goreme we recommend!

Best Hostel In Goreme – Kamelya Cave Hostel

For budget travelers and backpackers, there is no better hostel to stay in Cappadocia than Kamelya Cave Hostel. They offer dormitory-style cave rooms so even people without a high budget can experience what it’s like sleeping in a traditional cave room.

The hostel also offers free breakfast every morning on their balcony, where guests can drink a nice Turkish Tea (cay) as they admire the landscape. The hostel also has its own roof terrace, perfect for relaxing after a long day or watching the hot air balloons at sunrise!

Best Hotel In Goreme – Henna Hotel

If you are looking for a hotel that just oozes Central Anatolian charm, then Henna Hotel is perfect for you. The common areas and rooms of this cave hotel in Goreme are decorated with traditional Turkish elements. You’ll find nice Turkish rugs and common Anatolian symbols all across the accommodation.

But perhaps the most outstanding amenity of this hotel is the terrace. Not only does it offer sweeping views of Cappadocia, but it is tastefully decorated for the perfect photo-taking opportunity. If you want to get a nice photo for Instagram or just your social media, Henna Hotel is where you need to stay!

How To Get To Cappadocia

Getting to Cappadocia is quite easy, as there are tons of long-distance buses in Turkey and there are two airports in Cappadocia – Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) and Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR).

Flights to Cappadocia

Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) is the closer of the two airports to Goreme, the historic center of the region. However, flights are usually more expensive and come only from Istanbul. That means even if you are coming from Antalya, you’ll have to do a layover in Istanbul.

Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) is an international airport that serves many destinations in Turkey as well as several European cities. The airport is situated outside of the Goreme National Park, and it takes about 1-hour to get to Goreme.

However, the prices of the flights to Kayseri Airport are usually cheaper and there are more availabilities. Plus, if you get a pre-arranged transfer ahead of time, you don’t have to deal with the taxi drivers that are going to scam you.

Buses to Cappadocia

For budget travelers, one of the long-distance buses to Cappadocia is perfect. There are many tour companies to choose from, such as Metro, KamilKoc, and more. From our experience, all the long-distance buses offer similar quality and comfort.

But you must decide whether you want to take a night bus or a night bus. Most of the popular destinations in Turkey are over an 8-hour drive from Cappadocia. Istanbul is over a 10-hour bus journey from Cappadocia, Antalya is over 9 hours away by bus, and going from Pamukkale to Cappadocia can take over 11 hours.

Try not to take a bus that arrives in the middle of the night because you might not be able to get to your accommodation until early morning.

We recommend checking out the bus schedule here before deciding on which bus to get!

How To Get Around Cappadocia

One of the most frequent questions we get asked is “How do you get around Cappadocia?” Is there public transportation or do you have to rely on taxis and private transport?

Luckily, there is public transport in Cappadocia, but it certainly isn’t the best. Visitors can go from Goreme to Nevsehir and Avanos pretty easily, but to get to places that are a little far out of town (like Ihlara Valley), public transportation simply won’t get you there.

To put it in perspective, we visited Derinkuyu Underground City using public transportation, and it took us 2 hours of commuting, 2 buses, and a whole lot of Google Translate with locals. With a taxi, it would’ve taken 35 minutes! It took 4 times as much time to use public transportation than a taxi.

For that reason, if you are not traveling on a budget in Cappadocia , it might be better to arrange a deal with a driver to take you to some of the places to visit in Cappadocia.

Best Time to Visit Cappadocia

The best time to visit Cappadocia is generally the fall, or the months of September or October. Not only is the crowd slightly smaller than the crowd in the summer months, but the weather is more tolerable.

Because Cappadocia is a desert, the temperatures become excruciatingly hot in the middle of the day, limiting what tourists can see and do. The heat and strong sun during the summer are some of the biggest dangers in Cappadocia , so tourists must be aware.

But in September and October, the mid-day temperature isn’t as hot, so you can go hiking, explore the open-air museums, or just go strolling around town.

The precipitation is also fairly low in the fall season, which means the hot air balloon tours won’t get interrupted frequently.

For hot air balloons, the best time to visit Cappadocia is in the summer. This is when the mornings are the warmest and the hot air balloons are least likely going to get canceled.

Visiting Cappadocia FAQs

How many days to spend in cappadocia .

It is recommended that you spend at least 3 full days in Cappadocia. This way you have enough time to visit some of the best tourist attractions, go on a hot air balloon, and do a hike. Four days is also not a bad duration to stay in Cappadocia, especially if you want a higher chance of getting on a hot air balloon as they might not operate every day.

Is the Cappadocia Museum Pass Worth Getting?

Cappadocia Museum Pass is a 3-day pass that offers free access to 8 museums in Cappadocia. At the moment, it sells for 400 TL. It is worth buying if you intend on going to the majority of the attractions. Even if you don’t go to all three underground cities (who would?), you can still get a good deal with the Cappadocia Museum Pass. Find out more about it here.

Is Cappadocia Expensive?

As the value of the Turkish Lira continues to decrease, Cappadocia is becoming more and more affordable. Budget travelers can get by with a daily budget of about 35 to 40 USD.

But if you want to splurge and live luxuriously in Cappadocia, there are plenty of options to do so. The sky is the limit when it comes to how much you want to spend in Cappadocia, but you can also have a cheap visit if you wish.

Before You Go

This concludes our guide on the best things to do in Cappadocia, and as you can see, there is so much to see and do!

Whether you’re into hiking, history, or taking to the skies in a hot air balloon, there can be no doubt that Cappadocia offers quite the adventure.

Hopefully, not only have we helped you discover some of the best Cappadocia attractions, but you have learned a whole lot about planning your Turkey itinerary !

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler

Sean Lau is a professional travel blogger and writer with adoration for Turkey. Originally from the USA, Sean frequently travels to Turkey to explore every nook and cranny. From bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the tranquil beaches of Antalya, Sean has seen it all. He hopes to share his first-hand knowledge, insider insights, and personal anecdotes to inspire fellow travelers to visit Turkey, especially to his favorite destinations – Istanbul and Cappadocia.

Cappadocia Travel Guide For Turkey (+Map)

Cappadocia Turkey is the most popular hot air ballooning location in the world, and for good reason — the prices are affordable, and you get to see some unique fairytale landscapes.

More than half of the world’s balloon trips happen here. And even if you’re not interested in the famous Cappadocia hot air balloon rides, it’s still worth coming here for the good food, cave hotels, history, and photogenic hiking trails.

This travel guide will explain how to get to Cappadocia Turkey, where to stay, and all the best things to do, complete with a Cappadocia map and everything else you need to know before you go!

Table of Contents show 1) What Is Cappadocia? What Is The History? 2) Where Is Cappadocia Turkey? 3) How To Get To Cappadocia Turkey 4) Where To Stay 5) Best Cappadocia Cave Hotels 6) Cappadocia Map 7) Best Things To Do In Cappadocia 8) How To Get Around Cappadocia 9) Best Cappadocia Tours 10) How Long To Stay 11) Best Time To Visit Cappadocia 12) More Turkey Travel Guides

Don’t miss the famous Cappadocia hot air balloon rides! (© GetYourGuide )

What Is Cappadocia? What Is The History?

The Cappadocia area has been settled by humans since prehistoric times, and over the centuries it’s been occupied by the Hittites, Persians, Romans, early Christians, Byzantines, Seljuk Turks and Ottomans.

Historically, Cappadocia Turkey is probably best known for being a place where Christians settled and sought refuge from the hostile Roman Empire, secretly carving thousands of houses, churches, and caves into the hills.

Most of these rock buildings and underground cities can still be seen today, and they look just like Star Wars movie sets. Supposedly George Lucas wanted to film parts of the original Star Wars movies in Cappadocia, but the Turkish government turned it down.

Cappadocia is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site , and today it’s one of the tourism hotspots of Turkey. It draws millions of tourists every year (3.8 million in 2019!) who come to enjoy the unique landscapes, cave houses, and hot air balloon rides.

Where Is Cappadocia Turkey?

Cappadocia is located in central Turkey, and the nearest major city and airport is Kayseri.

The Cappadocia tourist area includes the small towns of Goreme, Uchisar, and Urgup, but almost everyone bases themselves in Goreme since it has the best hotels and restaurant choices.

How To Get To Cappadocia Turkey

The best way to get to Cappadocia Turkey is to fly domestically from Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen airport (SAW) to the Kayseri airport (ASR).

There are a bunch of flights doing this route every day and it only takes 1.5 hours. A one way ticket can cost as little as 150 Liras ($20 USD)! You can shop for flights to Kayseri at Skyscanner.

After you arrive in Kayseri, you’ll need a van transfer since it’s a 1 hour drive to the Goreme town center in Cappadocia. You can arrange this with your hotel, or book it online.

I recommend pre-booking this top rated Cappadocia shared airport transfer for as low as $7 USD per person. They also have private airport transfers for $30 USD. We’ve used this company ourselves and had a great experience!

Where To Stay

Most Cappadocia hotels are located in the towns of Goreme, Uchisar, or Urgup.

Goreme is generally the best area of Cappadocia to stay in because it has a huge variety of restaurants, tour shops, and cave hotels for all budgets — from backpacker to luxury hotels.

The Cappadocia cave hotels below are some of our top recommendations! You can see more options here .

Best Cappadocia Cave Hotels

Zara Cave Hotel

Taskonaklar

Panoramic Cave Hotel

Anatolian Houses Cave Hotel

Mithra Cave Hotel

Cappadocia Map

Here’s a Cappadocia map below showing the main towns and some of the top tourist sights (click to enlarge).

The 4 popular tours in Cappadocia are color coded and each one covers a different area. My personal favorites are the Red Tour and Green Tour (more on that later).

Cappadocia Map Red Green Blue Tour Map For Cappadocia Turkey

Cappadocia map (click to enlarge) showing the color coded tour areas: red, green, blue, and orange.

Best Things To Do In Cappadocia

• cappadocia hot air balloon ride.

You can’t miss the famous Cappadocia hot air balloon rides. More than half a million tourists do this every year. The balloons are fun to watch from the ground, and even more fun to fly in!

You can wait and book your balloon ride once you arrive in Cappadocia, but I would recommend pre-booking online because it’s a very popular activity that can sell out.

Here’s a top rated 1-hour Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride with free hotel pickup starting at $70 USD. We’ve used this company ourselves and had a great experience!

Book Now: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon

The famous Cappadocia Turkey balloon rides (© GetYourGuide )

• Devrent Valley

This is a neat valley with a lot of uniquely shaped natural rock formations.

Some of them look like the typical chimney rocks, while others are shaped like animals or humans. The most popular one is Camel Rock, which has a neck and humps like a camel!

Devrent Valley is part of the Cappadocia Red Tour .

Devrent Valley

The famous Camel Rock at Devrent Valley

• Monks Valley (Pasabag)

This was one of my favorite stops on the Cappadocia Red Tour .

Like the name implies, Monks Valley was inhabited by monks in ancient times who carved their own homes and windows into the steep chimney shaped rocks.

Monks Valley (Pasabag)

This is a historic town just a short distance north of Goreme, and a lot of Cappadocia visitors stop here as part of the historic Red Tour .

Avanos is known for its pottery and artistic plates and mugs, and even if you don’t plan on buying souvenirs it’s definitely worth a visit to see their wares being made. Lots of talent!

Avanos pottery

A fancy plate in Avanos

• Love Valley

This valley gets its name from the natural phallic shaped rocks. There are a bunch of short, easy trails in the valley if you want to do some easy hiking!

Love Valley is part of the Cappadocia Red Tour .

Love Valley

• Goreme Open Air Museum

This area is full of interesting cave churches from the 11th and 12th centuries. You can go inside them, and some of the frescoes on the walls are fantastic.

The Goreme Open Air Museum is part of the Cappadocia Red Tour .

Goreme Open Air Museum

Wall murals

• Uchisar Castle

Uchisar is a town just a short distance southwest of Goreme, and the central landmark is a 60-meter tall ‘castle mountain’ carved into rocks.

It’s the highest point of Cappadocia Turkey, and you can get some amazing panoramic views from the top of the tower.

Uchisar Castle is part of the Cappadocia Red Tour .

Uchisar Castle

The small town of Uchisar

• Derinkuyu Underground City

There are 36 underground cities in Cappadocia and the deepest one is Derinkuyu.

This city is 85 meters deep in the ground, and it has stables, churches, storage rooms, and thousands of ventilation ducts that gave it fresh air when people were living in it. It’s a fascinating place to explore!

Derinkuyu is part of the Cappadocia Green Tour , but some companies go to Kaymakli instead. Kaymakli is the deepest underground city, and Derinkuyu is the widest.

Cappadocia Underground City

• Ihlara Valley

This is a 100 meter deep valley formed by the Melendiz River.

At one time, this valley was home to 80,000 people, and thousands of their cave houses and churches can still be seen in the rock walls. It’s an amazing area that can be seen on a day trip with some light trekking.

The Ihlara Valley trek is part of the Cappadocia Green Tour .

Ihlara Valley

• Melendiz River

This is a peaceful clear river that runs through the Ihlara Valley, and most day tours stop by the river for lunch.

In the autumn season (mid-October), you can see bright yellow fall colors here.

• Selime Monastery

This is the biggest religious structure in the Cappadocia area, and it’s one of my favorites.

It looks just like a Star Wars set, and you can go inside most of the buildings, which date back to the 8th or 9th centuries.

Selime Monastery is part of the Cappadocia Green Tour .

Selime Monastery

Inside the Selime Monastery

• Pigeon Valley

This is a great hiking valley near Uchisar with lots of easy walking trails that wind through the chimney rocks and cave houses.

Pigeon Valley is part of the Cappadocia Green Tour .

Pigeon Valley

Fall colors at Pigeon Valley

How To Get Around Cappadocia

Walking: If you’re staying in Goreme and want some exercise, a bunch of nice sights will be in walking distance from your hotel. Some ideas would be Rose Valley, Lovers Hill (sunrise point), and the countless cave houses and churches.
Horseback: This is another fun way to go sightseeing in Cappadocia. You can find 2-hour horseback riding tours online starting at $50 USD.
Car + Driver: The most comfortable and efficient way to explore Cappadocia is to hire a private driver . Prices for a 4-8 hour tour start at $60 USD. If you have a couple of friends joining you, this can be very economical. If your group is bigger than 3, you can even hire a private van for even better savings.
Scooter: As a solo traveler, renting a scooter in Goreme can be cost effective sometimes. Prices run about $30-$40 USD for the whole day.
ATV: Quad biking can be another fun way to see Cappadocia, and the terrain is perfect for it. You can find Cappadocia ATV tours online starting at $25 USD for 2 hours.
Group Tour: There are lots of Cappadocia group tours that you can join if you’re a couple or solo traveler. These normally include hotel pickup, lunch, and a full day of sightseeing. Read the section below for some more info on recommended Cappadocia tours!

Best Cappadocia Tours

The 4 popular tours in Cappadocia are color coded (Red, Green, Blue, Orange) and each one covers a different area of Cappadocia. My personal favorites are the Red Tour and Green Tour .

The Red Tour covers sights like Devrent Valley, Monks Valley, Avanos, the Goreme Open Air Museum, and Uchisar Castle. The Green Tour covers Ihlara Valley, Melendiz River, Selime Monastery, Pigeon Valley, and the Derinkuyu Underground City.

The Blue and Orange tours are less popular, and they cover sights like Ortasihar and the Gulsehir Open Air Museum. I didn’t do these tours, but we plan to try them next time we visit Cappadocia.

For the Red and Green tours, you can book them with a tour agency on the street in the Cappadocia, or you can pre-book the same tours online, which is what I did.

GetYourGuide has the Cappadocia Red Tour for $35 USD, or the Green Tour for $55 USD, with free lunch and hotel pickup included. We’ve used GetYourGuide for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they’re great! Highly recommended.

Book Now: Cappadocia Red Tour / Green Tour

How Long To Stay

At least 2 full days in Cappadocia are needed if you want to do both Red and Green tours and see the highlights of the countryside.

I’m sure you could spend longer too if you want to hit up more of the hiking paths and leave no stone unturned. Besides, Goreme town is a great place to get stuck, with loads of good Turkish restaurants!

If you plan to do the Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon ride, I would add at least 2 extra days to your itinerary in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. The balloon rides can get canceled on windy days, so it’s good to have a little extra time as a safety buffer.

Best Time To Visit Cappadocia

The best time to visit Cappadocia Turkey just depends on what you’re looking for. It’s a nice place all year round, but the temperatures go up and down quite a bit with the seasons.

Cappadocia has hot summers, and cold winters with snow. In either season, the landscapes will be stunning and photogenic, and hotels have air conditioning and heating so you’ll still be comfortable.

I went in the autumn (October) and this seemed just about perfect. The crowds weren’t too bad, and the leaves on the trees were almost at peak color.

Spring would also be a great time to visit, because you’ll get cooler temperatures and less crowds.

Happy travels!

More Turkey Travel Guides

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this Cappadocia Turkey travel guide.

Don’t forget to check out my other Turkey travel guides for more tips, info, and photos!

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Cappadocia travel guide — the fullest cappadocia tourist guide & cappadocia travel blog for first-timers.

Not only famous for its overwhelming and magnificent mosques, Turkey is also blessed with breathtaking, spectacular natural landscapes. Among the most famous tourist destinations in Turkey must mention to Cappadocia – a land with a scene like straight out from fairy tales. If you love history and love to explore, then Cappadocia in Nevsehir province in central Turkey, 290 km from the capital Ankara is one of the interesting destinations for you. This is a famous natural wonder of Turkey that has been recognized by UNESCO as a world natural heritage since 1985. So, what to do and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Cappadocia for the first-time? Let’s check out our Cappadocia travel blog (Cappadocia blog) with the fullest Cappadocia travel guide (Cappadocia guide, Cappadocia tourist guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

Where to go in Cappadocia? — Explore 9 best places to visit in Cappadocia
Where to stay in Cappadocia? — 8+ Top hotels & best cave hotels in Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia itinerary — How to spend 3 days in Cappadocia perfectly?
What to buy in Turkey 2024? — Top 26+ must-buy & best things to buy in Turkey
When is the best time to visit Turkey? — The best, worst, affordable & best season to travel to Turkey

Under the brilliant sunset covering the sky of the Cappadocia valley, the hot air balloons with vivid and brilliant colors flying under the sky, making visitors feel like they get lost in a wonderland. Indeed!! It’s not too ostentatious when visitors fondly called Cappadocia is a fairy valley. With thousands of stone pillars (bizarre forms of stone) like chimneys in fairy tales, this place is also known as the “mushroom valley”. Relying on the favor of nature, the people of central Cappadocia have carved and sculptured rocks, caves, mountains into houses, monasteries and churches…

Cappadocia travel guide: Overview of Cappadocia

Cappadocia is located in the central region of the Anatolia peninsula (also known as Asia Minor), in the Nevsehir province in central Turkey. Cappadocia is far from 2 big cities: Istanbul 756 km and Izmir 800 km and 290 km from the capital of Ankara.

About over 50 million years ago, the whole area of Cappadocia was just fissures and craters. Soft rock mountains have formed on that lava bed. After millions of years, thanks to the exogenous effects such as flood water, wind, and rain that make large erosion… have created extremely unique rocky mountains with bizarre stone columns.

Cappadocia is formed from sedimentary rocks and volcanic rocks. Under the influence of external conditions and time, the rock layer gradually eroded and produced unique shapes, sometimes mushrooms, sometimes camels. It is this that has created a fairy scene that is only possible in fairy tales in Cappadocia.

For more details, you can refer to the following Cappadocia tourist map (I have marked attractions, hotels and restaurants):

Cappadocia travel guide: The meaning of the name Cappadocia

The name of Cappadocia has absolutely nothing related with the above-mentioned geological factor, but rather means “the land of beautiful horses”. Since ancient times, when maritime trading was not yet developed, Cappadocia was an important transit point on the legendary of Silk Road.

When the merchants stopped here, they took advantage of trading and choosing horses. And only in Cappadocia there were the best horse breeds that can withstand the “storm and wind” for the long journey over thousands of kilometers to China. The name Cappadocia began to be widely used from then on.

Some interesting facts about Cappadocia:

Cappadocia once was part of the Roman Empire in the past.
An estimated 600 churches have been found inside the caves (and this number will increase as there are many more caves yet to be discovered).

Cappadocia travel blog: When should you visit Cappadocia?

According to my Cappadocia travel experience, you should visit here in spring (April – June) or autumn (September – November). These are the 2 best weather periods to both enjoy the beauty of Cappadocia and participate in exploration activities.

Avoid going to Cappadocia in the summer because the temperature at that time can reach 40 degrees Celsius. And because it is a valley, the real feeling will be much more suffocating.

In winter, when snow falls, the whole Cappadocia valley will be like a fairyland. However, if you come in this time, trekking and hot air ballooning activities will be limited.

Cappadocia travel guide: How to get to and getting around Cappadocia?

There are two ways to get from Istanbul to Cappadocia, one is by night bus, the other by plane. I do not recommend you to take the night bus because it takes time (10 – 12 hours) and is not much cheaper (from 60 – 120 TL / one-way). So, we decided to flying. Partly because this is a fairly safe and economical option, and partly because flying to Cappadocia takes exactly 75 minutes, so much faster than taking the bus.

NOTE: To fly to Cappadocia, you can choose to land at Nevsehir or Kayseri airport. But it is more convenient to fly to Nevsehir airport and from Kayseri airport to Goreme town (Central Cappadocia) takes more than 1 hour.

There are 2 airlines operating this Istanbul – Kayseri route: Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines. The price of the two airlines is not much different, but the better and cheaper one is still Turkish Airlines. We took the flight at a good time, so the price was a bit higher (160 TL / round trip). If you willing to fly late at night, it only costs about 98 TL.

Getting from Kayseri Airport to hotel (& vice versa)

You can take the airport shuttle bus or book the hotel transfer service where you will stay. Most tourists often directly book the transfer service of their hotel because the price is very affordable at €10/way with pick-up and drop-off service. If you work hard to deal a little, you will get a little discount, sometimes without pay money. We bought the Balloon Tour + Green Tour + Red Tour of the hotel, so we were offered a free one-way airport shuttle, which helped a lot.

Getting around Cappadocia

The capital of Cappadocia, Goreme which is quite small town, so you can walk around. As for tourist destinations that are quite far apart without public transport, you will have to rent a car with a driver.

You can book a car directly with the hotel (after booking service, the hotel will message you via email or WhatsApp).

Cappadocia travel guide: Where to stay?

Tourists often choose to stay in Goreme town because this is the main capital of Cappadocia, so it gathers many places to eat and drink, convenient for taking tours and also near the hot air balloon launch site. Most of the hotels in Cappadocia are built inside caves, but what is worth the money in each hotel is the balcony area. Because only a hotel with a balcony with a beautiful view can create photos of a lifetime.

The hotel that famous bloggers often stay at is the Sultan Cave Suites ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) , which located on a high hill with a large balcony with a beautiful morning view of hot air balloons. But the hotel does not have a 4-person room and the price is a bit high, so if you have a good budget, please consider to stay. We stayed in the Goreme Palace Cave Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) which also have a virtual living balcony, and it also offer a 4-person room at affordable price that is exactly what we want.

However, not every hotel with a balcony with a nice view can take pictures of the sky filled with hot air balloons. Because wanting to take photos like bloggers did on Instagram depends on the weather and wind direction. When we went to the hotel balcony to take some photos, but because the hot air balloons kept flying to the side, we couldn’t take any pictures.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

Aydinli Cave Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Millstone Cave Suites ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Mithra Cave Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Kelebek Special Cave Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Argos In Cappadocia ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )

Check out more top and best hotels in Cappadocia on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Cappadocia travel blog: Where to go, what to do?

Kaymakli Underground City

Cappadocia’s underground cities were first created during the Hittite Bronze Age but they were most famous during the early Byzantine period (6th and 7th centuries) when Catholics chose to live underground to evaded the Arabs and Persian invaders. Kaymakli is Cappadocia’s largest underground city with a labyrinthine system and rooms connected by tunnels that can extend up to eight floors. Exploring the underground city of Kaymakli will be one of your great experiences when traveling to Turkey, when you come here you will feel the raw and mysterious beauty of this thousand-year-old city.

Pigeon Valley

In the olden days pigeons were used as tools to deliver mail, and their waste was used as fertilizer. For the convenience of livestock, people have carved rocks and built nests for thousands of pigeons.

Today, the number of pigeons is not as much as before, but their “nest” is still preserved by local people. And that is also the origin of the name of this famous tourist destination “Pigeon Valley”.

Love Valley

At first, I did not understand why this place was called the Valley of Love, it turned out that there was a reason.

If you imagine, you will see that the stones here are shaped like the “reproductive organ of men”. But anyway, when the hot air balloon flew over this area, I felt like watching a sci-fi movie.

Avanos Village

A small, ancient village where two famous traditional trades are still kept: carpet weaving and ancient ceramics. Shops selling colorful ceramics line the cobbled riverside streets or narrow streets.

Uchisar Castle

Uchisar Castle is a large rock structure that rises high above the terrain. Different from the original thought of a castle, Uchisar has a special shape like a giant anthill, with small black holes. That shape is created from hundreds of small holes that are rooms inside the light rock texture.

Derinkuyu Underground City

Derinkuyu is a city built underground, extending to a depth of 60m. The first caves were formed from the 8th – 7th centuries BC and fully developed in the Byzantine period. Form a shelter and protect the locals from Arab attacks. This underground city is large enough to house up to 20,000 people along with their necessities (such as churches, shops, livestock, and public baths).

This area reminds me of Cu Chi tunnels, but the scale is much larger. And you should take the tour to understand more about the meaning of each area in the city. The most obnoxious point in this area is that when tourists go from the outside in or go from the inside, there will be a “choir” inviting to buy souvenirs.

Goreme Open Air Museum

The Goreme Open Air Museum is an ancient monastery built inside stone caves. Inside the caves, there are still exquisite frescos dating from more than 1000 years ago in pretty good condition. Note a bit that inside the cave is not allow to film and take pictures.

The Göreme Open Air Museum is home to a number of churches that medieval Christian monks carved into rock and where you can learn about the Eastern Roman people who created those unique pictures.

Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley)

Unlike other areas in Cappadocia, the Dervent valley has never been inhabited. The stones here are not honed by humans but have natural unique shapes.

You can find rocks with all unique shapes, maybe a camel or maybe a dolphin. That’s why Dervent Valley is also known by another name, Imagination Valley.

Cappadocia travel guide: Overview of tours in Cappadocia

There are many places to visit in Cappadocia, but they are very far apart. So for the most convenience, you can buy a tour at the hotel (The hotels here are linked with travel agents). Tours will include shuttle bus, guide, tickets to attractions, water and lunch for guests. The tours are quite strict, the guide always accompany you and they only allow you to take pictures and wandering around within 30 minutes. Made us rush to rush, fortunately we were able to take some nice photos. If you want to be proactive, you can rent a car with a private shuttle driver. The price is also quite reasonable.

There are 4 main tour routes (each tour will be marked with its own color Red, Green, Blue, Yellow) and Hot air balloon tour. The tours prices are very cheap from only 100TL (20€) which including all services (shuttle bus, tour guide, entrance tickets to attractions, water and lunch for guests).

But in short, I still recommend you to buy a tour, because the guide will tell you a lot of useful information about the tourist attractions, feeling like going to join an extra-curricular class. The “teachers” (we call the tour guides in a funny way) joked that before the end of the tour, they would check where we went for the day, if we could not answer, we could not return.

Taking a tour will have to go to souvenir shops which is very time consuming.
You can buy a tour through a travel agency or through your own hotel.
Tour price can be paid in € or TL. You should consider which one is more valuable, then choose. We bought the tour in Euro because the price was 20 TL cheaper per tour.

And below I will also review in detail about the 3 most recommended tours in Cappadocia: Green Tour, Red Tour and Hot air balloon tour.

Hot Air Balloon Tour – A must-try experience in Cappdocia

A hot air balloon tour will include hotel room pick up service (staff knocks on the door and pick you up), breakfast, champagne after landing and a certificate after the tour.

At first, we didn’t know and we thought the hot air balloon operated all day, we could go whenever we wanted, but it turned out that it was only available at dawn (I asked a hotel staff, he answered like that).

Many of you wonder whether should book a hot air balloon tour because the cost is VERY HIGH. But in my opinion, this is the most memorable experience when traveling to Cappadocia. I really have never seen such a beautiful sunrise, the whole sky is full of hot air balloons, like watching a sci-fi movie.

Duration: 1 – 1:30 hours
Price: 100 – 200 euros
Operators: Royal Ballons, Rainbow Ballons, Butterfly Ballons, Turkey Ballons, Sultan Ballons, …

Green Tour – The most recommended tour

Green Tour is the most recommended tour on TripAdvisor, because of going to the best spots in Cappadocia. Among the attractions, I like Derinkuyu Underground City the most, because I understand a lot more about the history and living habits of the ancient Cappadocia residents.

The most regret is the Pigeon Valley, so beautiful but it not include in the tour, instead we must visit a gem shop opposite.

Duration: 8 hours
The tour will go to the following spots: Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley hike, Selime Monastery, Pigeon Valley, Göreme Panorama.
Price: 120 TL

Red Tour – The popular tour inCappadocia

Red Tour will take you visit the main tourist attractions in Cappadocia, with a rather short tour duration, only 6 hours from 9:30AM to 3PM. So the feeling is not satisfied like Green Tour.

But one more boring thing is that the tour only allows to enter to visit the Goreme Open Air Museum while with other places you only just stand from afar to look at.

Duration: 6 hours
The tour will go to the following spots: Uçhisar Panorama, Goreme Open Air Museum, Love Valley, Pasabag (Monk’s Valley), Devrent (Imagination Valley), Cavusin.

Cappadocia travel blog: Before you go

Should wear a bohemian style will be very suitable for the landscape as well as the architecture in Cappadocia. And you must choose a comfortable pair of sports shoes (you will have to “climb” when visiting some tourist attractions in Cappadocia).
The people of Cappadocia in particular and Turkey in general are extremely friendly and hospitable.Before coming to Cappadocia, I had seen many photos on Instagram and admired the beauty of this place. And when I got there, I was even more impressed. If possible, look forward to returning to Cappadocia in the near future.
It is recommended to stay in Cappadocia for at least 2 nights to be able to hunt for a beautiful hot air balloon scene from early in the morning (we stayed for 3 nights but it was too windy, so all 4 mornings I couldn’t take photos of the hot air balloon).
You should book at least 1 night at a hotel with a nice view: Mithra Cave hotel or Sultan Cave Suites (book in advance). The remaining day is spent to experiencing hot air ballooning.
It is recommended to rent a self-drive car from Kayseri airport (the rental and gas prices in Turkey are extremely cheap), so you can experience more remote spots of Cappadocia such as: the Pasabag valley; Devrent Imagination valley; Red valley (with Ali cafe to watch the beautiful sunset).
Should experience camel riding tour (you can book a tour at your hotel).
Don’t forget to take “virtual living” photos with the beautiful rugs (carpets) here: Galeri Ikman carpet shop. You should book an appointment in advance if you want to take pictures with a drone or pay about 10 euros for 15 minutes of self-photography.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Cappadocia you can refer to

Hot Air Balloon Flight in Cappadocia
Cappadocia Devrent Valley Tour
Blue Tour Cappadocia
Green Tour with Trekking in Ihlara Valley
Historical Cappadocia Red Tour

Are you looking for more top things to do in Cappadocia : Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here . And Turkey here .

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Explore Cappadocia

Plan your trip to cappadocia: best of cappadocia tourism.

Essential Cappadocia

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Have wanderlust? Here’s why you should visit Cappadocia at least once in your lifetime

Whether you’ve been to one country, or one hundred, a visit to Cappadocia is sure to be one of the most memorable travel experiences of your life.

When I first moved to Turkey in 2014, I would talk about where I’d been and almost without fail I’d get interrupted and someone would ask, “…but, have you been to Cappadocia?” Eventually, I realized that I couldn’t keep answering no to that question.

When I finally did visit, I instantly understood why everyone asked that question. The landscape itself is dramatic and otherworldly, and, in truth, it reminded me more of my childhood visions of other planets more than any other place I’d been on earth.

As a travel writer, I’ve written about and recommended many places, all with varying levels of enthusiasm and verbosity. Yet, in the case of Cappadocia, I have to muster all my strength just so my brain doesn’t short circuit with a cacophony of adjectives.

An Intrepid group exploring Cappadocia

There’s no other way to say it, Cappadocia needs to be on more travel bucket lists because there are few, if any, places like it.

What makes Cappadocia special?

Cappadocia is a notable region for a number of reasons, but, namely because of its lengthy history and breathtaking scenery. Cappadocia’s human history is estimated to have started as far back as 1800 BC, and it has always occupied this “in-between” space as empires fought battles on either side (and sometimes through it). Due to its rocky formation, Cappadocia has been a hiding place for millennia, and most notably for the Christians in the fourth century who were petrified to face the wrath of Rome.

These people weren’t just “hiding,” they were creating. When you go to the region of Cappadocia, and particularly near Göreme, you’ll find literal cave chapels replete with stunning frescoes. That’s what resonated with me when I went, that even in a time of great duress, these people managed to establish a place of incredible beauty – a sanctuary within the rocks. You can still see these frescoes today, though, sadly, at varying levels of preservation.

It’s important that you learn about the history when coming to Cappadocia, but the geographical formations in this region are without comparison.

VISIT CAPPADOCIA ON A SMALL GROUP TOUR OF TURKEY WITH INTREPID

What should I see and do in Cappadocia?

In many ways, just being in this region of Anatolia is enough, but there are certain areas and activities that are well worth investigating. The good news is that the vast majority of Intrepid’s Turkey trips do an excellent job of covering the Cappadocia bases. I can tell you from personal experience that 2-3 days is going to give you a great feel for the area, and you might even need a new memory card for your camera when you’re finished.

Göreme Open Air Museum

To me, this is the best place to take in the feel of Cappadocia, both from a geological and historical standpoint. You can wander in and out of old frescoed churches and duck through houses carved into the rockside, but you can also stand on balconies and look across the valley at the great breadth of fairy chimneys. If you’ve brought a camera with you to Cappadocia (and you should!), make sure it’s charged before you arrive here.

Between the architecture and the rock paintings, this is the top tourist attraction in the region without question. Just think about it, some of these frescoes were painted over a thousand years ago and are still as vibrant as if they were painted yesterday.

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The underground cities

There are several major underground cities that are worth visiting in the region, but Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı that come to mind for me (in fact, they’re connected). I must admit, I always giggle when I read Kaymaklı Underground City because “kaymaklı” in Turkish literally translates to “with cream.”

That is, however, besides the point. The underground cities of this region in general are incredibly impressive. The caves were most notably used by Christians to evade persecution, and some of these cities were built up to 10 floors underground – just let that sink in for moment.

I’m not claustrophobic, but I swear when I was on the lowest floors of kaymaklı, I could feel the weight of the ground above me. It’s interesting because you can see how there were actually tunnels that served as escape channels should the caves be entered from the front, complete with defense mechanisms and the like that wouldn’t allow the persecutors to chase after them.

READ MORE: WHAT IT’S LIKE VISITING TURKEY SOLO ON A GROUP TOUR

A hot air balloon at sunrise

Going up in a hot air balloon over Cappadocia can be expensive, but it’s worth every single penny (or lira, as it were). This was one of the defining travel experiences of my life, and I’ve been lucky to travel to nearly 80 countries. You shoot up high over the cracked earth below, then effortlessly drift down into the valleys, as you skirt past fairy chimneys. I was in literal awe the entire time, and the pictures I have from that experience are cherished possessions of mine.

The view from a balloon

The cuisine

The Turkish food you’ll try in this region will, in all likelihood, wow you. I’d personally recommend the testi kebap, which is an array of meat, vegetables, and spices cooked in a sealed clay pot. I also found the gözleme, a Turkish crepe of sorts often served with potato or spinach, to be excellent in Cappadocia. I’m not the world’s biggest fan of Turkish coffee, but the Turkish tea (known as çay) was very much to my liking there. Cuisine in Göreme is cooked slowly and with care, so whatever you order is likely to be good, even your average kebab.

READ MORE: 6 DISHES YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO TRY IN TURKEY

So, why visit Cappadocia?

There isn’t anything else like it, period and, to me, that’s enough of a reason. Trust me, I’ve spent most of my life in pursuit of what makes this world unique, and this, my friends, is unique as it gets.

A photo I’m proud to have taken

It’s a history few people know about in a place that not enough people have visited. If anything, that’s more incentive to go and see it for yourself.

Your ticket to Cappadocia is a ticket to another world, and I mean that in the most literal sense. Let Cappadocia change you, as, thankfully, it changed me.

Ready to experience this incredible region for yourself? Check out Intrepid’s small group trips in Turkey.

(Image credits from top to bottom: Intrepid Travel x4, Christ Mitchell, Intrepid Travel, Chris Mitchell.)

Feeling inspired?

Chris Mitchell

Chris regularly thanks his unquenchable sense of curiosity for ensuring he's never in one place for too long. He's been to over 75 countries across this gorgeous planet of ours and has always felt that all that's needed for a good trip is a well-bound notebook, a well-written book, and a passport with an expiry date that offers a little wiggle room for extending your journey. As a freelance writer and blogger, Chris is only too pleased that his passion for travel, photography, and writing have ever so politely collided. You can follow his adventures at travelingmitch.com, or with the handle @travelingmitch on any of your favourite social media platforms.

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The 9 best experiences in Cappadocia

Mar 12, 2024 • 6 min read

A young girl walking inside a cave church in the Zelve Ancient City at Cappadocia in Nevsehir, Turkey

Cappadocia's ancient structures are among the most incredible sights you'll see in Turkey © wildart / Getty Images

Cappadocia is one of Turkey's most iconic destinations, with instantly recognizable landscapes and outstanding historical sites just begging to be explored.

There’s so much to do here that you may struggle with where to start – delving into the region’s rich cultural heritage or taking in the beautiful and distinctive views on a hike amidst the fairy chimneys? Start planning your trip now with our round-up of the nine best experiences in Cappadocia .

1. Hot-air ballooning in Göreme

Göreme’s fairy chimneys look amazing from ground level, but they’re incredible from above: taking a hot-air balloon ride amongst them is a unique experience that offers a whole new perspective on Cappadocia.

Pilots expertly guide balloons between rocky outcrops and head up to magnificent heights, allowing passengers great views of the surreal landscape framed against the sunrise – it's a trip that manages to be both thrilling and serene.

Planning tip: Due to high demand, most balloon companies offer two trips per day. It’s much better to get a spot on the earlier one, even though this will mean getting up at about 4:30am. That early start means that you’ll be able to see the sunrise from your balloon, and also reduces the risk of cancellation – weather conditions later in the morning often mean trips can't go ahead. You can also book your trip before leaving home, as the popular companies fill up quickly during high season.

2. Check out the churches in the Open-Air Museum

Cappadocia was an early adopter of Christianity but its followers were often subject to persecution, which meant that their places of worship had to be concealed. The fairy chimneys around Göreme were perfect places to hide a church – they could be hollowed out and Christians could worship inside undetected.

Over the centuries, these rock churches were expanded, and during the Byzantine era, the monks decorated them with astonishingly beautiful frescoes. Cave churches can be seen all over Cappadocia, but there’s a particular concentration in Göreme, where you can see many examples in the Open-Air Museum . The highlight is the Dark Church (Karanlık Kilise), in which the frescoes are simply stunning.

Detour: The churches at Göreme are remarkable, but they’re no secret, and the Open-Air Museum gets pretty busy. For a similar experience without the crowds, head to the St Jean Kilisesi in Gülşehir, 25km (15.5 miles) northwest of Göreme. The frescoes here are stunningly clear and you’ll be able to admire the depictions of the Last Supper, Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, and the Book of Revelation without having to jostle for space.

A woman taking a picture of Love Valley in Cappadocia, Turkey

3. Walk among the phalluses in Love Valley

Cappadocia’s landscapes are ideal hiking country and there’s no better place to take a walk among the fairy chimneys than Love Valley. This route from north of Göreme up to Uçhisar is particularly iconic thanks to the unique shapes that the rock formations here have taken: they resemble nothing so much as a collection of enormous phalluses pointing up into the sky. There can be very few places in the world where you can walk amidst such a suggestive landscape.

4. Make like a troglodyte at Kaymaklı

At first glance, Kaymaklı appears to be a small and fairly nondescript Turkish town, but it’s home to an astonishing historical site – extending 80 meters (262ft) deep, across eight levels, is a vast underground city.

Thought to have been initially tunneled out more than 2500 years ago, this subterranean labyrinth still contains relics of everyday life – visitors will see wine presses, bread ovens and even stables for horses. Most impressive of all are the gigantic circular stone doors, which could rumble securely into place, allowing the inhabitants to conceal themselves in times of danger.

5. Saddle up for a ride through Güllüdere Valley

One of the most beautiful valleys around Göreme is Güllüdere (Rose) Valley , so named for the color that its rock turns in the late afternoon and evening sunlight. It’s a good hiking route, but a great alternative is to take a horseback-riding trip along the sandy tracks, allowing you to admire the gorgeous scenery from the saddle. Trips typically take you through the valley to a small tea house, where you can enjoy a drink and watch the sunset, then head back before the light fades.

Planning tip: There are a lot of horse stables in Göreme, so it pays to shop around to find out what each offers. Take the time to make sure you use a stable that has healthy, well-cared-for horses – although most are ethiccal, there are a few operators where animal welfare regrettably seems not to be a top priority.

A woman standing next to a river in Ihlara Valley, Turkey

6. Hike the Ihlara Valley

Devout Byzantine monks fashioned their cave churches all over Cappadocia, but some of the most impressive can be found clustered in the Ihlara Valley . Far from the bizarre fairy chimney landscapes of Göreme, Ihlara is a beautiful river canyon flanked by high cliffs dotted with cave churches.

There’s a well-maintained path running for about 10km (6.2 miles) between the villages of Ihlara and Selime, which is a joy to walk – it offers a perfect combination of gorgeous scenery and cultural highlights. Don’t miss the Yılanlı Kilise (Snake Church), in which you’ll see vivid frescoes of sinners being tormented by a pack of snakes.

Detour: The nearby village of Güzelyurt also offers a walk down a pretty valley lined with cave churches in its cliffs, which is considerably less touristed and is free to visit. More expensive Ihlara has an entry fee for the valley.

7. Birdwatching at the Sultan Marshes

South of Göreme, there are fewer fairy chimneys and Cappadocia’s landscape becomes flatter – here you’ll find Sultan Marshes , an important stop for birds on their migratory routes. If you’re a birdwatcher, it’s a perfect place to visit, with an observation tower, hides and walkways among the marshes.

You can even take evening boat trips along the waterways to spot the local wildlife, which ranges from the common teal to the greater flamingo and the short-toed snake eagle.

A woman walking around Fairy chimneys surrounded by snow in Imaginary Valley in winter season in Cappadocia.

8. Let your imagination run wild

Devrent Valley , just northeast of Göreme and known locally as Imagination Valley, is one of Cappadocia’s most popular tourist spots. It takes its name from the rock formations here, which have been eroded over the years into evocative shapes. The most iconic is the Camel, which can be seen from the roadside, but there are countless other shapes to see – take a walk amongst them and you’ll find your imagination quickly begins to do the work for you.

Planning tip: Imagination Valley is popular with tour groups, and in the afternoon there are usually several coachloads of people here. If you’re under your own steam, visit in the morning instead, as you’ve got a better chance of having the place to yourself.

9. Explore the past in Kayseri Archaeological Museum

Cappadocia’s largest city is Kayseri and it has a storied history – it was known to the Romans as Caesarea and was prominent in the early Christian period and under the Seljuk Empire. The city’s archaeological museum, found on the lower floor of Kayseri Castle , walks you through this extensive history – from the Bronze Age to the modern day – with excellent and well-laid-out exhibits. Don’t miss the incredible Hercules Sarcophagus, decorated with friezes depicting the Twelve Labors of the mythic Greek hero.

Detour: Kayseri’s Seljuk heritage is on display throughout the city – check out the Mahperi Hunat Hatun Complex , across the road from the castle, which boasts beautiful intricate carving on its portal entrance. The Museum of Seljuk Civilization , in a park north of the castle, is a great place to dig deeper into the Seljuk era.

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The Ultimate Cappadocia Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to cappadocia with our comprehensive guide..

Meta-description: Embark on an unforgettable journey with The Ultimate Cappadocia Travel Guide. Explore this mystic land of fairy chimneys and mesmerizing landscapes. Learn about the best spots, traditional food, activities, and everything you need to plan your Cappadocia trip .

Introduction

Have you ever dreamed of exploring an alien-like landscape on Earth? Have you ever wished to step into a time capsule taking you back to the early days of civilization? If you’ve been nodding in agreement, let me introduce you to Cappadocia, a natural marvel tucked in the heart of Turkey . Let’s dive in and explore this unique destination with The Ultimate Cappadocia Travel Guide.

The Ultimate Cappadocia Travel Guide: An Overview

A snapshot of cappadocia.

Cappadocia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its distinctive “ fairy chimneys ,” tall cone-shaped rock formations clustered in Monks Valley and elsewhere. This enchanting region appears to be plucked straight out of a fantasy novel, with its captivating landscapes, historical caves, and magical hot air balloon rides .

History and Heritage

Steeped in history and heritage, Cappadocia is the cradle of early Christian civilization. The region is dotted with ancient cave churches adorned with Byzantine-era frescoes, and underground cities like Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, serving as silent witnesses to the area’s rich past.

Cappadocia’s Unique Geology

Cappadocia’s unique geology is thanks to the erosion of the soft volcanic rock by wind and water over millions of years, resulting in the iconic landscapes we see today. A walk around the region feels like you’re on another planet, making Cappadocia a geologist’s dream come true.

Planning Your Trip to Cappadocia

Join budget-friendly Cappadocia tours provided by One Nation Travel and experience the wonders.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Cappadocia is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), as the weather during these periods is more comfortable for outdoor activities.

How to Reach

The easiest way to reach Cappadocia is by flying into either Nevşehir or Kayseri Airport. From there, a taxi or shuttle will get you to your accommodation.

Where to Stay

Cappadocia offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets, from luxury cave hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Staying in a cave hotel is a unique experience not to be missed!

Unmissable Sights and Activities in Cappadocia

Hot air balloon ride.

Riding a hot air balloon is a must-do activity in Cappadocia. As you float above the fairy chimneys at sunrise, you’ll feel as if you’re in a dream. It’s an experience of a lifetime!

Explore Göreme Open-Air Museum

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to ancient cave churches and monastic settlements, offers a glimpse into Cappadocia’s rich history and religious heritage.

Visit the Underground Cities

Step into the labyrinthine tunnels of Kaymakli or Derinkuyu, and marvel at these ancient underground cities. They were once home to early Christians seeking refuge from persecution.

Hiking in the Valleys

Cappadocia’s breathtaking valleys, such as Love Valley, Rose Valley, and Ihlara Valley, are perfect for hiking enthusiasts. The hiking trails pass through beautiful landscapes and offer stunning views of fairy chimneys.

Cappadocian Cuisine: A Feast for the Senses

Traditional delights.

Cappadocia offers a range of delicious dishes. Try the local specialty, “Testi Kebab,” a succulent meat dish slow-cooked in a clay pot.

Wine Tasting

Cappadocia’s fertile lands are perfect for vineyards. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to sample some local wines.

Visit a Turkish Tea House

Unwind at a traditional Turkish tea house and enjoy a hot cup of Turkish tea or coffee – a perfect end to your day of exploring.

Travel Tips for Your Cappadocia Journey

Dress appropriately.

Remember to dress modestly as Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country. Always carry a scarf, especially when visiting religious sites.

Stay Hydrated

Cappadocia can get pretty hot during summer. Ensure to stay hydrated, and wear sunscreen and a hat for protection.

Respect the Environment

Preserve the beauty of Cappadocia by not littering and respecting the natural and historical sites.

What is Cappadocia famous for?

Cappadocia is famous for its unique landscapes dotted with fairy chimneys, ancient cave dwellings, churches, and underground cities. It is also known for its hot air balloon rides, which offer stunning aerial views of the region.

How many days do I need in Cappadocia?

A minimum of two to three days is recommended to explore Cappadocia’s main sights and attractions. However, if you’re a history buff or a hiking enthusiast, you might want to spend more time there.

Is Cappadocia safe for tourists?

Yes, Cappadocia is generally safe for tourists. As with any travel destination, it’s important to stay vigilant, especially in crowded places.

Do people live in the caves in Cappadocia?

While most people no longer live in the caves, many caves have been converted into hotels, restaurants, and museums.

Can I visit Cappadocia in winter?

Yes, you can visit Cappadocia in winter. The fairy chimneys covered in snow make for a magical sight, and the region is less crowded.

Do I need a guide in Cappadocia?

While it’s possible to explore Cappadocia independently, hiring a local guide can enrich your experience as they can provide insights into the history and culture of the region.

The Ultimate Cappadocia Travel Guide aims to provide a comprehensive look into this magical land’s offerings. From unique landscapes to rich historical sites, tantalizing cuisine, and exciting activities, Cappadocia promises an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags and set off on an adventure of a lifetime!

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Travel Guide to Cappadocia, Turkey [with Sample Itinerary]

Read our Cappadocia travel guide to help you have an idea with your next journey to this paradise-like city in central Turkey.

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Table of Contents

Cappadocia Travel Guide: Places to Visit in Cappadocia, Turkey

1. goreme national park.

Suggested Tour: Göreme: Small-Group Full-Day Cappadocia Red Tour

2. Fairy Chimneys

Suggested Tour: Cappadocia Highlights Tour with Lunch

3. Cappadocia Cave Dwellings

Suggested Tour: Cappadocia: Private Full-Day Tour

Suggested Tour: Ürgüp/Göreme: Full-Day Cappadocia Red Tour

5. Güllüdere Vadisi

Suggested Tour: Best of Cappadocia Private Day-Tour

6. Goreme Open-Air Museum

Suggested Tour: Cappadocia: Full-Day Private Custom Tour

7. Zemi Valley

8. Derinkuyu Yeralti Sehri

9. Uchisar Castle

Suggested Tour: Full-Day Cappadocia Red Plus Tour

10. Pigeon Valley

Another of Cappadocia’s beautiful valleys. A unique and fantastic place. You don’t need to spend long hours to appreciate the valley. A short stop is enough to see the highlights, the beautiful sceneries, and of course, a lot of pigeons.

11. Love Valley

The Love Valley is distinguished by several pillars of characteristic shape. Above it, there is a playground with a heart-shaped swing. It also offers a great view of the stone formations.

12. Sunset Point

From this place, a panoramic view of Goreme opens. Expect that it is crowded in the evenings. However, your eyes will have a beautiful view of the village, all in the lights during the evening. There is also a cafe so staying here is absolutely worth it.

13. Kaymakli Underground City

Suggested Tour: South Cappadocia Full-Day Green Tour with Trekking

14. Guray Museum

History of ceramics. It is an awesome museum with impressive architecture. It has a rich collection of valuable ceramics, both ancient and current. Not only that, but you can also learn about the history and manufacturing methods.

15. Ihlara Valley

Suggested Tour: Full-Day Cappadocia Blue Tour with a Small Group

Cappadocia Travel Guide: Sample Weekend Itinerary to Cappadocia, Turkey

Day 1 – weekend guide to cappadocia, turkey.

Goreme Open-Air Museum – For a starter, learn more about the Turkish culture by visiting the Goreme Open-Air Museum. You will be mesmerized by the country’s rich history.

Derinkuyu Yeralti Sehri – Another place for learning, your day 1 should be a “travel back in time” tour.

Day 2 – Weekend Guide to Cappadocia, Turkey

Goreme National Park – Continue exploring the past on your second day in Cappadocia. Goreme National Park is a very popular tourist destination in Cappadocia, Turkey. In this place, you’ll get to explore more rock formations like the chimneys.

Fairy Chimneys – Be amazed by the rock formations of these chimneys that look like mushroom hills.

Pasabag – Another site for fairy chimneys sightseeing. The different kinds of shapes in this site are just picturesque.

Day 3 – Weekend Guide to Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia Cave Dwellings – There’s a lot of great photo opportunities in this place, so make sure to not miss this one!

Ihlara Valley – Before you live Cappadocia, make sure to spend some time here at Ihlara Valley. Its beautiful landscapes attract a lot of tourists.

Cappadocia Travel Guide: Where to Stay in Cappadocia, Turkey

*All prices are subject to change.

Where to Stay in Cappadocia, Turkey if you’re a Backpacker

Epoch Stone House

Each accommodation at Epoch Stone House has garden views and free WiFi. The hotel features city views, a terrace, and a 24-hour front desk. All rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Guests at the accommodation can also enjoy a continental breakfast.

Price: Starts at $26 per night for Economy Double Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast , and free cancellation.

Ciner Hotel

Çiner Hotel is located in the town of Göreme in the historic Cappadocia region and provides rooms with free Wi-Fi. All rooms include a minibar, satellite TV, and a fridge. Each room has air conditioning and an en suite bathroom with a shower. Nevşehir Airport is 41 km away, while Kayseri Airport is 84 km away from the property.

Price: Starts at $38 per night for Standard Double or Twin Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast , and free cancellation.

Naturels Cave House

This cozy family-run pension offers cave rooms and stone rooms with an arched ceiling, and it also has a terrace. The authentic rooms at the pet-friendly Naturels Cave House feature underfloor heating, LCD TV with satellite channels, and an electric kettle with free tea and coffee set-up. They all have a private bathroom with free toiletries. Free Wi-Fi is also available in the rooms.

Price: Starts at $39 per night for Stone Room, includes taxes and charges, add $5 for breakfast , it offers a free cancellation.

Where to Stay in Cappadocia, Turkey if you’re on a Budget

Elysee Cave House

The friendly owners at Elysee Cave House offer a high standard of personalized service, including arranging hiking trips in the local area. Each of the rooms is fully heated in the cooler months. A unique menu of traditional Turkish and Ottoman cuisine is served in the rose garden or the cozy restaurant.

Price: Starts at $45 per night for Budget Double or Twin Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast , and free cancellation.

Cappadocia Cave Land Hotel

Cappadocia Cave Land Hotel offers Ottoman-style accommodation and concierge services. Free WiFi is accessible throughout the premises. Complimentary shuttle services are available in Goreme. Elegantly decorated rooms and suites at Cappadocia Cave Land Hotel include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an electric kettle, and a safety deposit box. Equipped with a bathtub or a shower, the private bathrooms come with a hairdryer, free toiletries, and slippers.

Price: Starts at $62 per night for Deluxe Double Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast , and free cancellation.

Kirkit Hotel

Kirkit Hotel offers rooms with free WiFi and has a restaurant that serves traditional cuisine. Each room has stone walls and wooden furnishings, some of which are antique. They include a private bathroom with a shower. Some rooms have balconies with views of the Kizilirmak River. Guests can also rent a bicycle and explore the countryside.

Price: Starts at $68 per night for Standard Double Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast , and free cancellation.

Where to Stay in Cappadocia, Turkey if you want Luxury

DoubleTree By Hilton Avanos Cappadocia

The Doubletree Avanos Capaddocia offers indoor and outdoor pools as well as various spa facilities in the city center of Avanos. Guests can enjoy modern guest rooms with free Wi-Fi access and luxurious bath products. The Avanos Capaddocia Hilton offers 24-hour room service. Freshly prepared, local dishes are available in the restaurant for lunch and dinner.

Price: Starts at $98 per night for King Bed Guestroom, includes taxes and charges, add $11 for breakfast , it offers a free cancellation.

Taru Cave Suites

Taru Cave Suites offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar, and a shared lounge. Each accommodation at the 5-star hotel has garden views, and guests can enjoy access to a garden and to a terrace. All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer, and a desk. They also have a buffet or continental breakfast.

Price: Starts at $198 per night for Suite with Balcony, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.

Seraphim Cave Hotel

Seraphim Cave Hotel offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar, and a garden. Among the facilities at this property are room service and concierge service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel provides an indoor pool, hammam, and a 24-hour front desk. The units at the hotel come with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and a shower. Continental and à la carte breakfast options are available every morning.

Price: Starts at $203 per night for King Suite, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.

Cappadocia Travel Guide: List of restaurants that you can try while in Cappadocia, Turkey

Ocakbasi Urfa Sofrasi

Serves Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine. You’ll have one of the best kebabs in Cappadocia here!

Operating hours: 9 :00 AM – 12:00 AM (Tue-Sun) / 08:15 AM – 12:00 AM (Mon) Address: Ataturk Cad. Carsi Meydani No: 13, Avanos 50500 Turkey

CanCan Cafe Restaurant

Offers Turkish cuisine, Cancan Cafe Restaurant not only serves excellent food but also offers great service.

Operating hours: 8 :00 AM – 10:00 PM (Wed-Mon) / 09:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Tue) Address: Avcilar Mahallesi, No.27, Goreme 50180 Turkey

Sakli Konak Restaurant

Sakli Konak Restaurant serves Turkish cuisine and has amazing wine options. Remember to book in advance before you dine here.

Operating hours: 08:30 AM – 11:59 AM and 1:00 PM – 11:30 PM (Mon-Thu) / 08:30 AM – 11:59 AM and 1:00 PM – 11:45 PM (Fri-Sun) Address: Tekelli Mahallesi, 2 KarlIk Sk No:3, Uchisar 50240 Turkey

Lil’a Restaurant

Their menu includes European and Turkish cuisines that are made with very high quality. All tourists can have an excellent fine dining experience at Lil’a Restaurant.

Operating hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Sun-Sat) Address: Tekelli Mah. No. 2 Uchisar Museum Hotel, Uchisar 50240 Turkey

Kapadokya Lezzet Sofrası

A lot of people say that to have the best and tasty Turkish dish, this is the place to be. Kapadokya Lezzet Sofrası has that for you.

Operating hours: 07:00 AM – 00:00 AM (Mon-Fri) / 06:45 AM – 00:00 AM (Sat-Sun) Address: CamiKebir Mahallesi, Vatan caddesi NO:21 Cami-i Kebir Mahallesi, Avanos 50500 Turkey

And that’s our Cappadocia travel guide for you! We hope we’re able to give you enough insights about this city. Have you been here? Or are you planning to go here? Share with us your experience!

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About the Writer

Written by Two Monkeys Travel - Contributor

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WORLD HERITAGE

Escape to Turkey's otherworldly landscape

This rocky wonderland was shaped by millions of years of natural phenomena—but human hands performed equally incredible works here.

Erosion shaped the incredible landscape of Turkey's Göreme valley, but thousands of years ago humans took a cue from Mother Nature and began carving an incredible chamber and tunnel complex into the soft rock. Beginning in the fourth century A.D., an urbanized—but underground—cultural landscape was created here.

Ancient volcanic eruptions blanketed this region with thick ash, which solidified into a soft rock—called tuff—tens of meters thick. Wind and water went to work on this plateau, leaving only its harder elements behind to form a fairy tale landscape of cones, pillars, pinnacles, mushrooms, and chimneys, which stretch as far as 130 feet (40 meters) into the sky.

But human hands performed equally incredible works here. The rocky wonderland is honeycombed with a network of human-created caves; living quarters, places of worship, stables, and storehouses were all dug into the soft stone. In fact, tunnel complexes formed entire towns with as many as eight different stories hidden underground.

Göreme was inhabited as early as the Hittite era, circa 1800 to 1200 B.C. and later sat uncomfortably on the boundary between rival empires; first the Greeks and Persians and later the Byzantine Greeks and a host of rivals. This precarious political position meant that residents needed hiding places—and found them by tunneling into the rock itself.

The site became a religious refuge during the early days of Christianity. By the fourth century Christians fleeing Rome’s persecution had arrived in some numbers and established monastic communities here. The monks excavated extensive dwellings and monasteries and created Byzantine frescoed paintings in cave chapels beginning in the seventh century, which endure in well-preserved isolation to this day.

Göreme is rich with history, but not all of Cappadocia’s troglodyte dwellings are museums. Some still serve as homes and others as hotels, which offer a truly unique hospitality experience.

The primary threats to this World Heritage site come from the forces that created it in the first place. Erosion is returning some human endeavors to a more natural state, and extensive preservation efforts are meant to ensure that the wonders of Göreme survive for another millennium. With increased tourist trade, however, humans have brought modern development and damage or destruction to some of the ancient sites they once created.

How to Get There

The town of Göreme is the main visitor center for visitors to the park, though Nevşehir, Avanos, and Urgüp also have tourist facilities. These towns can be reached via bus from Kayseri airport. Long-distance buses also run from Istanbul and Ankara to the Cappadocia region.

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When to Visit

Cappadocia is settled on a high, dry plateau in the middle of Turkey. The region is one of hot, dry summers and cold, sometimes snowy, winters.

How to Visit

In gateway towns, tours and guides abound to share the highlights of the park and the Cappadocia region. Those who wish to explore a bit on their own can rent bikes, scooters, or even cars in Göreme.

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Cappadocia Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, See and Eat in Cappadocia

Posted on Published:

Table of Contents

Updated: 2/26/2022 | Cappadocia Travel Guide

Disclaimer: We received complimentary tours from Voyager Balloons and Kapadokya Dayim to include in our travel guide. As always, all thoughts and opinions are 100% our own and honest.

after the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia Turkey

Cappadocia, or Kapadokya, is a World Heritage UNESCO site filled with dreamy, out-of-this-world landscapes. Seeing this Star Wars like destination has been on our bucket list for a very long time. We were so stoked to finally get a chance to see it.

About Cappadocia

Historically, Cappadocia Turkey is known for being the location where Christians settled during the Hittite era (1800 through 1200 B.C.) and sought refuge from the hostile prosecution by the Roman Empire. While seeking refuge in the area, they carved thousands of houses, churches, monasteries, and even pigeon caves into the limestone mountains, thus creating Cappadocia’s fairytale landscape that millions flock to explore each year.

Situated in central Turkey, Cappadocia is unlike any other destination I have been to. Its unique landscape of mushroom-capped fairy chimneys, cave houses, rock castles, pastel-colored valleys, and historic underground cities make it a destination that you will remember for a long time.

Cappadocia refers to an entire region in Turkey. The three most popular towns include Goreme, Uchisar, and Urgup. The entire region also includes the cities of Aksaray, Avanos, Nevsehir, Kirsehir, Nigde, and Kayseri.

What is the best time to visit Cappadocia?

Turkey experiences hot summers and very cold winters. The busiest seasons are in July and August where it is hot during the day and very comfortable in the evenings.

If you want to avoid the crowds, go during less busy months known as the shoulder season, meaning either Spring or Autumn ( April, May, and mid-September through mid-November).

If you decide to go during the winter season (December through February), here are some things you can expect:

The air temperature can drop significantly, so make sure to bring really warm clothing with you.
The winter season means more balloons cancelations. Plan to stay at least 4-5.
Prices for hotels, flights, restaurants and activities are much cheaper then usual during the low-season.
Enjoy the main touristic spots without crowds.

What languages are spoken in Turkey?

Turkish people speak Turkish. Many people in the tourism industry will speak both Turkish and English. You will find that many Cappadocia residents do not speak English fluently or at all.

What currency is used in Turkey?

Most Cappadocia establishments will accept credit cards or cash. They will accept USD, Euros, or Turkish Lira (abbreviated as TRY).

When we visited in July 2021, $1 USD was equivalent to 8 TRY.

How to Get to Cappadocia

If you are coming from Istanbul, you would have to fly into either Kayseri (the main airport) or Nevsehir. From Kayseri, it’s about an hour drive to the majority of cave hotels. Most hotels will help you arrange for a transfer from the airport to your hotel in Cappadocia for 75 Lira per person.

We flew with Pegasus and Turkish Airlines while traveling in and out of Cappadocia. Our flights were very affordable and cost under $50 USD per person.

Do I need a VISA to travel to Turkey?

You will need an e-visa to travel to Turkey. It’s super easy to obtain. Just apply online, pay the fee and you’ll receive a download link to the document as soon as payment is made. only takes a couple of minutes. I did it on the day of departure, but I highly recommend doing it a few days prior in case you run into any mobile connectivity issues.

What Electrical Plug Type is Used in Cappadocia?

Turkey uses a 220V, 50Hz. Socket Type F. It’s the socket that is indented into the wall and accepts plugs with two round prongs.

We highly recommend using this European converter by Tessan . It’s super cheap and has lasted us traveling to Europe and South America multiple times.

What’s the Best Way to get around Cappadocia?

There are many ways to get around Cappadocia. We highly recommend booking a tour or renting your own car to explore Cappadocia at your leisure.

Here are the ways you can explore and get around Cappadocia:

Walking – If you’re staying in Goreme, you’ll be able to easily access many attractions on foot. You can walk to Rose Valley and Lover’s Hill (a sunrise viewpoint that costs 3 Lira on foot and 10 Lira if you decide to drive up to the viewpoint).
Rent a Car – You can opt to book a tour or rent a car and do your own tour. We recommend renting one once you are in town. It cost us 300 Lira (30 euros or $37 USD) per day when we booked in town with Hiro Travel Agency. There are also companies that rent out colorful classic cars so that you can drive around Cappadocia in style. If you decide to rent a car, you will need an International Drivers License which can be obtained through AAA.
Private Driver – The most comfortable and efficient way to explore Cappadocia is to hire a private driver . Prices for a 4-8 hour tour start at $60 USD. If you have a couple of friends joining you, this can be very economical. If your group is larger than 3 persons, you can hire a private van to get around.
Scooter – Renting a scooter in Goreme can be cost-effective for couples and solo travelers. Rental prices run about $30-$40 USD per day.
ATV – Quad biking is a fun way to see Cappadocia and the terrain is perfect for it. We recommend booking an ATV tour with HIRO Tour Travel Agency located in Goreme town. We did the sunset ATV tour for only $28 USD. ATV rentals for private use are not permitted. You can only ride an ATV on a guided tour. This rule was implemented due to fatal accidents that occurred in the past.
Group Tour – There are lots of Cappadocia group tours that you can join. These typically include hotel pickup, lunch, and a full day of sightseeing. We recommend bringing snacks and water on your tour to stay hydrated and comfortable. We took a tour with Hiro Travel Agency for only 40 Euros for the Green Tour .
Horseback – This is another fun way to go sightseeing in Cappadocia. You can find 2-hour horseback riding tours online starting at $50 USD.

ATV Sunset tour with Hiro Travel Agency in Cappadocia Turkey

Sunset ATV Tour with Hiro Travel Agency

Is Cappadocia Safe to Travel To?

Cappadocia is very safe to travel to. We stayed in town late at night and were able to walk around without any problems.

The only thing we found annoying was travel company operators who are male would offer us a free night ATV tour with wine and a bonfire. We agreed to a night tour with a particular company and it ended up being the male operator wanting to party with my friend and me (two female travelers). We were lucky enough to be able to get a ride back to our cave hotel before things got too uncomfortable.

Where to Stay in Capadoccia

We highly recommend staying in a cave hotel in Goreme. Goreme has over 350 cave hotels and has the best view of the balloons. The balloons come closest to the town of Goreme because it’s located in the center of Cappadocia. Goreme is also super walkable and you’ll find plenty of things to do when you’re not exploring the rest of Cappadocia.

We stayed 4 nights in Cappadocia and were able to do everything on our itinerary with a slow day to relax and recharge at a hammam (Turkish bathhouse).

Another option is to stay in the town of Uchisar. Uchisar is a 10 min drive away and has more luxurious hotels. Uchisar is still stunning nonetheless but the balloons are a further way when they go up at sunrise. You can also split your time staying between two cities to experience both areas.

Regardless of where you stay, you are guaranteed a lodging experience like none other! Almost all the cave hotels are built into fairy chimneys and have the dreamiest backdrops with balloons and pastel-colored mountains. It’s so unreal!

View from Apex Cave Hotel

We also visited Avanos and Urgup but do not recommend them. They do not have interesting cave hotels and these cities start to get pretty slow in the evenings. We do recommend visiting Urgup for cheap souvenirs though.

Giant pinwheels in Urgup!

Top Ten Cappadocia Hotels

Here are our top 10 hotel picks in Cappadocia. We aimed for centrally located cave hotels in Goreme town with amazing rooftops with plush couches, pillows, breakfast, and more!

We recommend booking one to two months in advance because cave hotels have a limited number of rooms and sell out very quickly.

Apex Cave Hotel – They have a great balcony with an amazing view of the hot air balloons. We were centrally located in Goreme and it was super easy to access various businesses and establishments within the town. Breakfast was included from 8am-10am.
Anatolian Houses – This hotel has a hammam and has amazing views of the hot air balloons.
Antique Terrace Cave Suites – Super cute rooftop with Instagrammable installations.
Goreme Cave Rooms – Amazing rooftop views and centrally located.
Koza Cave Hotel – Amazing rooftop views and centrally located.
Local Cave House Hotel – This hotel is known for its stunning pool area.
Lunar Cappadocia Hotel – Amazing rooftop views!
Milat Cave Hotels – Dreamy rooftop views with super Instagrammable backdrops and installations.
Mithra Cave Hotel – Super cute rooftop area.
Sultan Cave Suites – This was our top pick! We wanted to book this but rooms were not available. They have an amazing rooftop area for photos.

We created a list of our favorite Cappadocia hotels here .

Book the Best Cappadocia Hotels

What to Do and See in Capadoccia

Cappadocia is packed with things to see and do. We highly recommend trying both a tour and renting a car to explore on your own so that you get a feel of what both experiences are like.

Cappadocia Tour Packages

Most tour companies will offer tour packages that include the Red and Green tours, which are most popular. There is also the blue and gold tour, but that will require a private driver and are not as popular.

Here is a map that shows you what destinations are included in the different tour packages. We recommend saving this image on Pinterest for referencing later.

#1 Take a Hot Air Balloon ride

If there is one thing you MUST DO, it’s a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. Hot air balloon tours are held 365 days a year when the weather permits. Departure points and routes of the flights may vary depending on the weather and who your balloon conductor is.

If it is too windy, which happened on one of the four days we were in Cappadocia, the balloons will not be permitted to go up. The good thing is that the next day if balloons are permitted to take flight, the sky will be filled with them! This makes for a pretty backdrop on a cave hotel balcony. We had friends who were unable to make their balloon rides because it was too windy throughout their entire trip and all balloons were canceled. We highly recommend staying in Cappadocia for at least 3 days to ensure you can make it up in a hot air balloon.

You’ll be able to see Urgup, Goreme, and Avanos and all the beautiful pastel landscapes from above. The balloon rides are approximately 1 hour long and if you’re lucky, you’ll go up before sunrise. At the end of your ride, you’ll get a champagne toast and hopefully walk away with new friends!

We highly recommend booking with Voyager Balloons . They have the most comfortable baskets and we were the second balloon to go up on the day we took flight.

And if heights aren’t your thing, you can have the best views of the hot air balloons in the town of Goreme. In the summertime, expect to be on the balconies around 5 AM to catch the balloons as they rise into the air around sunrise at 5:30 AM.

Hot air balloon ride with Voyager Balloons

#2 Devrent Valley (Imaginary Valley)

This is a valley with many uniquely shaped natural rock formations. They remind me of Hershey’s Kisses!

Some of them look like the typical chimney rocks, while others are shaped like animals or people. The most popular formation is Camel Rock which gets its name from the two humps shapes that resemble a camel.

Devrent Valley is part of the Cappadocia Red Tour .

#3 Monks Valley (Pasabag)

As the name implies, Monks Valley was inhabited by monks in ancient times who carved their own homes and windows into the steep chimney-shaped rocks.

This stop is included on the Cappadocia Red Tour .

Pasabag (Monks Valley)

#4 Love Valley

This valley gets its name from the natural penis-shaped rocks. There are a bunch of short and easy trails in the valley if you wish to hike it.

We took a sunset ATV tour and even took some photos on the Instagrammable swings provided by Ask Vadisi Salincak Cafe with the phallic rocks in the background.

Ask Vadisi Salincak Cafe heart swing in Love Valley

#5 Goreme Open Air Museum

This area is full of cave churches from the 11th and 12th centuries. You can go inside them and check out some of the awesome frescoes.

The Goreme Open Air Museum is part of the Cappadocia Red Tour and you’ll typically have one hour to spend exploring this destination.

#6 Zelve Open Air Museum

Zelve is another open air museum that is typically visited when you see Pasabag because the ticket to Pasabag also includes entry into Zelve.

We recommend going on your own to visit Zelve because it is not part of any tour packages. You can also visit Pasabag for a second time while you’re at it. The cost to enter both sites is 25 Lira.

Goreme Open Air Museum Cappadocia Turkey

Zelve Open Air Museum

#7 Uchisar Castle

Uchisar is a town just southwest of Goreme. Its main landmark is a 60-meter tall castle mountain that was carved into the rocks.

It’s the highest point in Cappadocia Turkey and you can get some awesome panoramic views from the top of the tower.

Uchisar Castle is part of the Cappadocia Red Tour . If you decide to visit this location on your own, we recommend driving up to the plaza and paying for parking, and walking up to see the castle. You’ll have to pay an entry fee to ascend to the top of the castle.

Uchisar Castle

#8 Derinkuyu Underground City

There are 36 underground cities in Cappadocia and the widest one is Derinkuyu.

Derinkuyu is 85 meters deep in the ground and it has stables, storage rooms, churches, a tomb, a wine-making room, and thousands of ventilation ducts that help keep fresh air flowing through the underground city. The city was once home to over 20,000 people along with their livestock. It’s super fun to explore how people lived during that era.

You should exercise caution when visiting. Some tunnels are very narrow and low. If you are claustrophobic, this attraction may not be for you.

Derinkuyu is part of the Cappadocia Green Tour . Some tour companies may go to Kaymakli underground city instead. Kaymakli is the deepest underground city while Derinkuyu is the widest.

You can also take a local bus from Goreme to Derinkuyu Underground City and includes one transfer and will take approximately 45 minutes.

Derinkuyu underground city in cappadocia turkey

Derinyuku Underground City

#9 Ihlara Valley

This is a 100-meter deep valley formed by the Melendiz River. It’s a nice day tour where you can leisurely hike and get lunch at the cafe along the river or at the end of the hike when you exit the valley.

At one time, this valley was home to 80,000 people, and thousands of their cave houses and churches can still be visited in the rock walls.

The Ihlara Valley trek is also part of the Cappadocia Green Tour . We recommend visiting in the Fall season (mid-October) where you can see gorgeous gradients of red, orange and yellow fall colors throughout the valley.

hike Ihlara valley along the melindez river cappadocia turkey

Hiking the Ihlara Valley

#10 Selime Monastery

This is the largest religious structure in the Cappadocia area and is reminiscent of a Star Wars set. You can explore the inside of most of the buildings which date back to the 8th or 9th centuries.

The Selime Monastery is part of the Cappadocia Green Tour .

Selime Monastery

#11 Pigeon Valley

This is a great hiking valley near Uchisar with lots of easy walking trails that wind through the chimney rocks and cave houses.

The chimney rocks were carved out by humans and turned into pigeon houses. They used pigeon manure to fertilize the farmlands in Cappadocia. The pigeons would nest in the chimney rocks and their poop would be collected for farming. You can easily spot pigeon rocks by the multiple holes carved into the rocks and looks like Swiss cheese.

#12 Lovers Hill for Sunrise and Sunset

This panoramic viewpoint in Goreme Town is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise and sunset. Unfortunately, it gets very crowded during both times.

Despite the crowds, it is one of the best spots in Cappadocia to take photos with hot air balloons in the backdrop. You are often above the balloons and can spot Uchisar Castle, Red Valley and panoramic views of Goreme town.

Sunset at Lovers Hill in Goreme

#13 Cavusin Castle

Cavusin Castle is super easy to scale and has an amazing lookout for sunset. We were brave enough to climb some sketchy rocks but it was so worth it.

We visited the castle on a sunset ATV tour with Hiro Travel Agency. We highly recommend revisiting the castle on your own so that you can enjoy the sunset without having to rush to get back to the tour.

Sunset from Cavusin Castle

Cavusin Castle

#14 Visit the most famous carpet shop in Cappadocia

In the center of Goreme, you’ll find Galerie Ikham, one of the most famous carpet shops in the world! When you walk into the space, you’ll see layers upon layers of beautiful carpets.

Many visitors visit this store for the sole purpose of taking photos against the beautiful carpeted backdrop. There is a cost to take photos with your own equipment. It’s free if you purchase a souvenir.

You can also opt to buy one of their photo packages with a professional photographer or drone camera photos.

#15 ROse Valley

Rose Valley was probably one of my most favorite landmarks. The valley stretches for miles and glows with gradients of pastel pink and reds. We stopped by the valley during our sunset ATV tour.

You can also visit Rose valley as part of the Green Tour .

What to Eat in Cappadocia

We can’t forget to tell you about our favorite restaurants. We love to travel for awesome sights and bites.

Here are our top restaurant picks in Cappadocia that you MUST try. They are organized by city.

Goreme Restaurants

Dibek – They offer testi kebab (pottery kebab dish with rice) and mezes. You can dine at one of their tables or opt for plush floor seating. You can also keep warm next to the fireplace.
Organic Wine Cave – They offer pottery kebabs (or testi kebab) that are broke open with a miniature hammer. The meat is super tender and flavorful. We highly recommend ending your meal with their rice pudding. They also have an amazing Sangria that is their bartender’s specialty. You can also request a non-alcoholic Sangria. It was so good we came back twice!

Organic Wine Cave Restaurant pottery testi kebab dinner

Organic Wine Cave testi kebab

Seten – Enjoy awesome rooftop views complete with a live band during dinner. They offer a variety of Anatolian and Turkish dishes are prepared from locally sourced ingredients using traditional cooking techniques. We highly recommend trying yaprak sarma (rice wrapped in vine leaves and cooked in a tandir oven), çiçek dolması (Göreme stuffed squash flowers), and their lamb pot pie. We also loved their non-alcoholic Coconut Kiss mocktail.
Topdeck Cave Restaurant – This Cappadocia restaurant is super cozy with only ten tables. The food is delicious and affordable.
Viewpoint Cafe and Bar – Get amazing panoramic views of Goreme. We loved their chicken fajitas and baked sea bream. At the end of our meal, the owner gifted us a Cappadocia magnet!
Panda Restaurant – We did not dine here, but they have an AWESOME carpet nook that you’ll want to take pictures in and colorful stairs that lead into the restaurant. They serve pizza and pasta dishes and we saw tons of families dining with kids.
Peking Chinese Restaurant – We enjoyed pickled fish, dumplings, and fried green beans. The portions are huge, so get ready to have leftovers or share with friends!
Pumpkin Restaurant and Art Gallery – Try their 3-course tasting menu for only 80 TRY (8 euros or 10 USD). This is a small, friendly restaurant with fixed menus from 80 TL per person. The price of the menu is fixed but not always what’s on them – so you might want to call in advance to see what their main dish is.

Panda restaurant!

Avanos Restaurants

Lezzet Sofrasi – Enjoy classic Turkish dishes in this casual establishment. It’s located along the river and bridge in Avanos.
Seyyah Han – This is the best spot to dine in Avanos. You can enjoy wonderful views from their terrace.
Uranos Sarıkaya Restaurant – This Cappadocian restaurant offers delicious both food and live entertainment during dinner. Enjoy a folk show with alcoholic beverages during dinner. They are known for their testi kebab.

Uchisar Restaurants

Elai – At this French-meets-Turkish restaurant, set near the stone-carved Uçhisar Castle, all of the tables overlook green valleys and snow-covered peaks.
Lil’a – Lil’a is an elegantly decorated restaurant with a terrace located in the Museum Hotel. Chef Mustafa Buyukhan crafts a menu that offers modern interpretations of classical Turkish dishes with amazing presentation. You’ll have to dress up when you dine here, so we highly suggest you dine here if you have a special occasion or want a romantic experience. Their menu is extensive, and both the atmosphere and presentation of the food are wonderful. Some of their most popular dishes include pit-roasted duck or lamb shank. They change their menu often and reservations are recommended. And if you’re interested, you can take cooking classes offered by the chef himself!
Seki Restaurant – This is a great Cappadocian restaurant located inside the Argos Hotel. You’ll also be able to enjoy the view, tasting menu, and even a wine cellar where you can sample wine prior to purchasing. They also offer wine tasting tours if you’ve already had dinner or lunch. It’s important to note that they don’t offer tasting menus late at night. We highly recommend making a reservations if you decide to dine here.
Saklı Konak ( Hidden Mansion) – The Hidden Mansion is one of the best restaurants in Uçhisar. We recommend going for dinner where you can try their testi kebab (clay pot kebab). Reservations are highly recommended.
Kadıneli Restaurant – This restaurant offers affordable and delicious Cappadocian dishes. You’ll find local cuisine items which include Turkish dumplings (manti), stuffed grape leaves (yaprak sarma), and pancakes (gozleme). It’s located a short walk from Uchisar square.
O Agacin Alti – This cafe is famous for its tree-based evil eyes and is a wonderful place to visit to take a coffee break and to take in the beautiful view.

What to Wear in Cappadocia

In the Summer, we recommend wearing breathable and lightweight clothing. You may need a jacket if you’re headed to the balloons early in the AM. I had a Turkish bath towel that kept me warm throughout the morning of our balloon flight.

When riding an ATV, I recommend wearing shorts and a tank top if it’s warm and staying bundled with a jacket and leggings when it’s cold. You will also want to bring a bandanna or face mask, because dust will be in your face the entire time.

If you’re headed there in the Fall or Winter, I highly recommend warm clothing such as a coat and long dresses. You may also want to bring scarves and gloves because it will be chilly.

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24 BEST Things To Do In Cappadocia: Complete Guide

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: October 8, 2023

Categories TURKEY

24 BEST Things To Do In Cappadocia: Complete Guide

Cappadocia is a beautiful region in central Turkey famous for its fairytale scenery, cave dwellings, remarkable rock formations, and, of course, the hundreds of hot air balloons that soar in the sky during sunrise each morning. There is also so much awesome hiking in Cappadocia, that it will take you at least a week to explore all of the diverse hiking trails in the region. I spent ten days in Cappadocia adventuring on all of the hiking trails, exploring the ancient valleys and of course, being mesmerized by the hot air balloons. I’ve created this list of all the top things to do in Cappadocia to help you explore this beautiful region.

My personal favorites are Cappadocia Royal Queen Flight for its luxury flight package and treatment and Sunset ATV Tour for its amazing sunset views in the dunes.

In this Cappadocia Travel Guide blog post, I will detail each of the individual places I visited. If you are particularly interested in one of the locations on this list and want more details about how to get there, what to expect and to see all of the photos from that specific Cappadocia attraction just click on the link to that blog post and you will be able to see the individual article I wrote about that location.

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Table of Contents

THE CAPPADOCIA TRAVEL GUIDE: 24 AWESOME THINGS TO DO

The hot-air balloons are the biggest attraction these days in Cappadocia. However, they are a relatively modern attraction, and this historic region has so much more to offer as you will see on this list of the top things to do in Cappadocia. Before we get into the list, here are the four ‘Top Rated’ tours in Cappadocia that you will love.

THE 3 MOST POPULAR CAPPADOCIA TOURS

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon : My number one recommendation is to do a sunrise hot air balloon flight and be blown away by this magical experience.
Cappadocia Sunset ATV Tour : The best way to spend sunset in Cappadocia is on the ATV tour amongst the amazing rock formations.
Cappadocia Red Tour & Goreme Open-Air Museum : All of the best tourist sites in one day!

FLYING IN A HOT AIR BALLOON AT SUNRISE

The Cappadocia hot air balloons are fast becoming one of the most common travel bucket list items in the world. It’s not hard to see why as you seamlessly float above the historic cave dwellings of Goreme Town with over 100 other balloons at sunrise in what can only be likened to a fairytale scene.

Each year more than half a million people enjoy hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, which is an incredible number and makes this region the number one hot air balloon destination in the world. You NEED to book your balloon flight in advance as they can often be sold out or have a backlog of flights if there are prior days of bad weather.

Book your tour: Cappadocia Classic Sunrise Balloon Flight (Hundreds of positive reviews)

Book your tour: Cappadocia Royal Queen Flight : Luxury Balloon Flight Package including buffet breakfast and royal treatment.

View the full blog post: CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOONS: THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA

Ultimate Luxury: Mithra Cave Hotel – Amazing Balloon View & Pool
My Favorite: Sultan Cave Suites – Insta-worthy & Amazing Terrace
Value Hotel: Traveller’s Cave Hotel is easily the best value (luxury) hotel in Cappadocia

RED VALLEY HIKE & SUNSET VIEWPOINT

When it comes to hiking in Cappadocia, it is hard to go past Red Valley. The Sharp sandstone ridges glow a deep, vibrant red as the sun burns into the unique landscape in the last moments of the sunset each night. If you only have a couple of nights in Cappadocia, this one is up high on the list for sunset spots. There is a great trail loop including Meskindir and Rose Valley or you can drive straight to the sunset viewpoint to chill at the cafe or hike to the top of the flag viewpoint. Whether you hike or not, this is one of the must-visit places in Cappadocia.

The hike is joined with Rose Valley in most cases and leads you through an ancient church inside one of the caves, past yellow sandstone rock formations and incredible cave dwellings. The trail is diverse and only moderate in difficulty making it a perfect adventure and of the top things to do in Cappadocia.

View the full blog post: RED VALLEY HIKE & SUNSET VIEWPOINT

SUNSET ATV TOUR

The most popular ‘short’ tour in Cappadocia. As you travel on a sturdy ATV (quad) bike, you will be greeted with spectacular rock-cut valleys that will leave you in awe. This activity is a good option for sightseeing as this will give the opportunity to wander the dunes, valleys, trails, and hills of Cappadocia. The tour finishes right at sunset out in the valley of rock formations for an amazing sunset view.

Book your tour: Sunset ATV Tour

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Sunset ATV Tour

Dunes, valley, trails, and hills
Rock-cut valleys
Easy to use bikes

ROSE VALLEY HIKE AND SUNSET SPOT

The Rose Valley hiking trail in Cappadocia winds through an incredibly unique area with sharp ridges, tinted in pink, especially during sunset! Over thousands of years, the ridges have formed to create a unique corrugated landscape. Almost all of the time, one side of a ridge is in the sun while the other is in the shadow, further accentuating the sharpness and scale of these sandstone formations.

What makes the Rose Valley one of the most unique places to visit in Cappadocia is that not only do you have these incredible rock formations but in this particular region, the minerals in the sandstone have a pink tinge. This pink becomes more and more evident throughout the day, peaking at sunset when the sun glows directly onto the Rose Valley giving it that fine shade of pink so many people come to see.

Prefer to ride through Rose Valley on an ATV or quad bike? Check out this tour to do just that: Rose Valley ATV Tour

View the full blog post: ROSE VALLEY HIKE IN CAPPADOCIA

CAPPADOCIA HORSE-RIDING TOUR

This 2-hour horse ride includes pick-up and drop-off at Cappadocia area hotels. You’ll ride through the valleys of Goreme with their beautiful horses and witness the enchanting fairy chimneys. Explore the peaceful environment with a professional guide.

Among the highlights of this ride are the rock-cut Hallacdere Monastery, the orchards and vineyards with their picturesque landscapes you’ll pass by. The best thing is that you can choose your own schedule and I highly recommend you’ll tour at least 2 hours before sunset.

Book your tour: Horse-riding Tour

Horse-riding Tour

Pick-up and drop-off
Beautiful horses
Peaceful environment

LOVE VALLEY TRAIL TO UCHISAR CASTLE

Love Valley is set just outside of Goreme and you can hike all the way through Love Valley to Uchisar Castle, passing by the rock formations up close on a trail with likely nobody else. It is a relatively flat, peaceful walk through to Uchisar taking 1-2 hours. The rock formations are phallic shapes, which is why the valley full of penis-shaped rocks got its name, ‘Love Valley’. It’s truly one of the most unique places to visit in Cappadocia.

Prefer to ride through Love Valley on an ATV or quad bike? Check out this tour to do just that: Love Valley ATV Tour

View the full blog post: LOVE VALLEY IN CAPPADOCIA: GOREME TO UCHISAR TRAIL

GOREME OPEN-AIR MUSEUM

The Goreme Open-Air Museum is one of the most popular attractions and historic sites in Cappadocia with an audio tour guiding you through the ancient paintings, churches, and cave houses from centuries ago. The tour below actually includes Goreme Open-Air Museum with a guide (I highly recommend) and a visit to other popular spots in Cappadocia.

View the full blog post: GOREME OPEN-AIR MUSEUM IN CAPPADOCIA

With more than 30 stops along the tour, the audio guide explains lots of the history and facts about the region and the people who lived in Cappadocia in the cave houses. This is one of the main reasons why it is one of the most popular things to do in Cappadocia.

Book your tour: Full-day Cappadocia Highlights Tour

Best of Cappadocia Tour

Unforgettable experience
Worth paying

SPEND SUNRISE AT LOVER’S HILL

This panoramic sunset viewpoint in Goreme Town is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise, which is why it is quite crowded in the morning for sunrise and of course sunset as mentioned. Despite the crowds, it is where I took all of my best Cappadocia hot air balloon photos. You are often above the balloons and can shoot towards Uchisar Castle, Red Valley, or over Goreme Town. There will be crowds but also epic views of the entire region.

View the full blog post: LOVER’S HILL SUNSET POINT IN CAPPADOCIA (ASIKLAR TEPESI)

EXPLORE IHLARA VALLEY

The Ihlara Valley is an incredible gorge with a stunning river running right down the heart of the valley for 16km within the volcanic rock. It is near the province of Aksaray but is still considered part of the southern Cappadocia region. It’s a great spot for a relatively easy walk amidst some peaceful, leafy nature as well as being a hub for cave churches, of which you will find many along the trail.

View full blog post: IHLARA VALLEY – AMAZING RIVER GORGE IN CAPPADOCIA

The Ihlara Valley is mostly comprised of the section running from Selime to Ihlara Village. Along the route, you will come across lots of churches. 16 of the 105 churches are open to visitors and there in intact paintings and carvings inside.

The tour I have linked below actually takes you to Derinkuyu Underground Village and the Ihlara Valley on the same day, which is a great combo.

Book your tour: Ihlara Valley and Derinkuyu Underground Village Tour

Underground City & Ihlara Tour

Unique rock formations
Stunning views of the chimneys

PIGEON VALLEY HIKING TRAIL

Pigeon Valley (also known as Guvercinlik Valley) is among the most popular hiking trails in Cappadocia, especially because it stretches between Goreme to Uchisar. Along the route, you will find cave dwellings, ancient paintings, earth pillars, and of course… pigeons.

The trail leads you through thick trees and several caves. If you keep your eyes peeled you will spot a number of ancient paintings on the walls of the cave dwellings, where people lived during the Byzantine period. The Pigeon Valley Trail is definitely one of the top things to do in Goreme, Cappadocia.

View full blog post: PIGEON VALLEY TRAIL IN CAPPADOCIA

ZELVE OPEN-AIR MUSEUM

The Zelve Open-Air Museum is an incredible site that once housed one of the largest communities in Cappadocia. In this incredible cave town, you can walk amongst historic dwellings, churches, and religious chambers as well as the town square.

They have done a great job at this location by creating an easy path to navigate but also giving adventurous people paths and trails to explore a bit further. There’s nothing worse than being stuck on the tourist track when there’s so much more to see but you can really immerse yourself in the scenery here. It’s actually much more interesting than the Goreme Open-Air Museum, which has 20 times more tourists visiting per day and is very crowded.

View the full blog post: ZELVE OPEN-AIR MUSEUM IN CAPPADOCIA

EXPLORE DEVRENT VALLEY

Devrent Valley in Cappadocia (also known as Imaginary Valley) is a beautiful valley full of unique rock formations, many of which are said to resemble animal shapes.

The beauty of Devrent Valley is that unlike other sites in Cappadocia, you can immerse yourself amongst the earth’s pillars and rock formations. You can explore and discover as you wind your way up the steep, slippery hills. If you are willing to get off the beaten path, you will enjoy wandering through Devrent Valley and adventuring amongst these unique natural structures.

View the full blog post: DEVRENT VALLEY (IMAGINARY VALLEY) IN CAPPADOCIA

WATCH THE SUNSET FROM THE TOP OF UCHISAR CASTLE

The Uchisar Castle is in the small, but beautiful town of Uchisar in Cappadocia, Turkey. It’s one of the best viewpoints in Cappadocia and is only a short drive or a small trek from the nearby town of Goreme. I had one of my favorite Cappadocia sunsets here and the Uchisar Valley below was incredible!

The trek isn’t tough with about 100 stairs to the top. However, the path first leads you inside the caves of the castle before you emerge to begin walking up the stairs on the exterior. With 360-degree views, there really is a lot to take in so make sure you walk around to all corners to see out over Goreme and all of the surrounding valleys. Making your way is one of the most fun things to do in Cappadocia!

View the full blog post: THE UCHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT IN CAPPADOCIA

VISIT PASABAG VALLEY

Pasabag Valley is one of the most popular spots in Goreme, Cappadocia with its epic fairy chimneys and cave dwellings.

View the full blog post: PASABAG VALLEY (MONKS VALLEY) FAIRY CHIMNEYS IN CAPPADOCIA

Aside from the large crowds and tour buses, Pasabag Valley is well worth a visit. The fairy chimneys truly are quite amazing. Often a rock, sits atop the chimney, ominously balancing its way through storms and heavy winds. Amongst the valley, you’ll find lots of cave dwellings, which are often double and triple stories. You are able to venture inside to explore the different levels.

There’s a great ‘Full Day Tour’ of Cappadocia that includes Pasabag Valley and the Goreme Open-Air Museum.

MESKINDIR VALLEY

The Meskendir is a short trail in Goreme that leads you past numerous cave dwellings and historic sites as well as through multiple tunnels. It is quite a shady trail, which makes it a top suggestion for during the middle of the day. I combined the Meskendir Trail, Rose Valley Trail , and Red Valley Trail all into one super hike as the paths all connect. However, if you prefer a short walk, you can just venture out on the Meskendir Trail and do an out-and-back hike.

The Trail has a series of sandstone tunnel that was super cool. Some of them were similar to the tunnels on the Love Valley Trail but these tunnels were longer and the roofs were much higher. Around every corner would be a little opening that would expose some amazing cave dwellings and historic sites.

View the full blog post: MESKENDIR VALLEY TRAIL IN CAPPADOCIA

LOVER’S HILL SUNSET POINT

There are a few great sunset points but the most popular place to watch the sunset in Goreme Town, Cappadocia is Lover’s Hill, which is also known as Asiklar Tepesi. You may also hear it referenced as ‘Sunset Point’, which is a pretty good indication that it is THE spot to go for sunset if you are staying in town.

The beauty of Lover’s Hill Sunset Point is that it is within walking distance of most hotels in Goreme, which is where most people stay in Cappadocia. The majority of people looking to catch sunset either do it at Lover’s Hill, Red Valley Sunset Point or from the terrace of their hotel. Therefore, as you can imagine, Lover’s Hill is quite busy being the closest sunset spot.

View the full blog post: LOVER’S HILL SUNSET POINT IN CAPPADOCIA (ASIKLAR TEPESI)

ORTAHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

Ortahisar Castle is one of the best viewpoints in Cappadocia with great views stretching all the way to Uchisar and Goreme!

At the base of the castle, you will first walk through a series of cobblestone alleys and paths, possibly getting distracted by a cafe, wine cellar or both. The climb up only takes about 5-minutes as you aren’t going all the way to the top just to the middle of the castle. The way leads you through the inner caves, ladders and exterior stairs of the castle.

Just before sunset golden light is beginning to look great on the castle and we could enjoy the views in all directions with the platform having a lookout spanning 3 different angles. There are lots of awesome things to do in Goreme but also Ortahisar and Uchisar have a lot to offer as well with their epic castles and nearby trails.

View the full blog post: ORTAHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT IN CAPPADOCIA

DISCOVER THE DERINKUYU UNDERGROUND VILLAGE

Derinkuyu Underground City cave system is one of the most remarkable things to see in Cappadocia. Walk down through more than five levels of the cave system, which once housed over 20,000 people and their livestock!

View the full blog post: DERINKUYU UNDERGROUND CITY IN CAPPADOCIA

Derinkuyu Underground City was a secret for a long time! It wasn’t until a local man in the Nevsehir Province decided to renovations in his home that the ancient city was discovered. After knocking down a wall he discovered a strange room and continued to dig further, exposing an intricate tunnel system with a series of cave rooms.

HIKE IN ZEMI VALLEY

The Zemi Valley Hike is a 6km stretch beginning in Goreme that leads you through a series of caves, arches and alongside a small stream as you keep your eyes open for cave houses and earth pillars! I think Zemi Valley is one of the most underrated places to visit in Cappadocia.

The trail is a wide, sandy path that is often covered by the trees within the valley but there is also ample time out in the direct sun, which we copped heavily! We met no-one on this trail except some ducks, which wound its way along a small stream and making several crossings. There were multiple times where we had to walk through a thin layer of mud, which I assume would be quite messy in the winter. All of this made it one of the most fun things to do in Cappadocia.

View full blog post: THE ZEMI VALLEY HIKE IN CAPPADOCIA

VISIT THE TWIN FAIRY CHIMNEYS

Cappadocia is full of fairy chimneys and incredible rock formations but some are just a little more amazing than others. The Twin Fairy Chimneys have risen to popularity, so much so that there are often hundreds of people crowded around to marvel at their brilliance.

Forming over millions of years it is hard to believe that they were formed naturally, looking more like the work of aliens. This is a great little stop en route to another attraction and involves no walking or adventure but still worth checking out.

LAKE TUZ – THE PINK SALT LAKE

Lake Tuz is an incredible salt lake near Aksaray but only just over an hour’s drive away from Cappadocia. The lake is remarkable because of its vibrant pink color. Despite how unique this location is, it’s not very popular and when I visited I enjoyed the entire lake to myself for as far as I could see.

There is a tour that takes you to salt lake for sunset, which is quite handy because we had to rent a car and figure it all out on our own.

This spot isn’t technically in Cappadocia but it’s just a drive away and we visited it on the same day as Derinkuyu Underground City and Ilhara Gorge on our day trip from Cappadocia. I highly suggest visiting these three spots just out of Goreme if you rent a car or hire a driver for the day.

Book your tour: Salt Lake Sunset Tour

View the full blog post : LAKE TUZ (PINK, SALT LAKE) NEAR CAPPADOCIA

CAVUSIN CHURCH

We originally came to check out the Cavusin Castle, but a lovely old lady invited us in to show us her sunflower garden, the Cavusin Church and a cave bedroom she said was 2000 years old. he church was closed on our visit to Cavusin although we couldn’t find out why. You can still get a great look at the church by walking around the base of it. It is a huge rocky mountain rather than a church building you may be thinking of. It is possible to trek to the roof of the church for a better view of Cavusin Valley.

CAVUSIN VALLEY

Within this valley, the Cavusin Valley, are hundreds of cave houses and earth pillars (chimneys) to marvel at. There are a few sites in particular that are truly remarkable feats of erosion over the centuries. It has one site similar to the popular ‘Twin Fairy Chimneys’, although you won’t find any crowds out here.

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CAVUSIN CASTLE

Cavusin Castle is actually one of my favorite places to visit in Cappadocia. It’s off the beaten path and such a sweet place to chill out. At the top of the castle, you can tell it has been built into the side of the cliff because it is almost just an extension of the mountain. Only as you walk further towards the edge does it become more a building and less of a cliff? There are hundreds of rooms to explore but it is quite difficult to get into them unless you come from the bottom side up. We made it over the flag pole, which seemed to be chained off but seemed relatively safe.

From the top of the castle, we had views over Cavusin Village, Cavusin Valley and all the way back to Cavusin Church and even Goreme.

View the full blog post: CAVUSIN CHURCH, VALLEY & CASTLE IN CAPPADOCIA

EXPLORE SWORD VALLEY

Just out of Goreme Town is a great little valley, which is full of cave dwellings and unique rock formations. Wandering around Sword Valley at golden hour is an epic time and I can actually suggest to come here at sunrise if you aren’t flying in a hot air balloon. Most of the balloons will fly straight over you, which makes it possible to get some great photos with the rock formations and balloons. We also found a few caves to hang out in here as there are some rock ladders to the doors but you need a bit of luck to find these spots.

DERVIS EVI SUNSET VIEWPOINT

Overlooking the Red Valley, this viewpoint is definitely a great spot to watch the sunset. Dervis Evi isn’t an official name just the closest point (A nearby hall) on google maps. If you head there on Google Maps you will see the hills nearby. Climb up, relax and enjoy the show as you watch over Goreme Town and the Red Valley. There won’t be huge crowds here, which makes it one of the. top things to do in Cappadocia for sunset.

HOW TO GET TO CAPPADOCIA

Cappadocia isn’t actually a town as many people think but it is an entire region. Within this region are towns such as Goreme (most popular tourist spot), Uchisar, Urgup and Ortahisar among others. There are two airports that serve Cappadocia.

Kayseri Airport (70km/60 minutes) is the main airport and takes just over an hour by van/bus to reach Goreme Town
Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (/40km/40 minutes is the secondary airport, which is closer to Goreme but only by about 20-minutes.

The big difference here is that Kayseri is a bigger airport, with more flight options and often has cheaper flights. It is very convenient and quick to fly into Kayseri and I did twice.

Book your airport transfer here: Transfer to Goreme, Cappadocia (Cheapest (and best-reviewed)

To get from Kayseri (or Nevsehir) you need to pre-book your shuttle or be prepared for an expensive taxi. The cheapest and easiest way to do that is to book online here . For under $15 you can ride in a shared, air-conditioned airport transfer or for $50 you can have a private transfer.

BEST TIME TO VISIT CAPPADOCIA

The beauty of Cappadocia is that while it is a fairytale location in summer, it only gets more and more beautiful in the winter. When it snows in Cappadocia it is truly a mesmerizing sight and something out of a dream world. Snowcaps cover rock formations and paint the valleys white. I visited during the summer but am seriously considering returning to fly again in the winter although the flights are a little more irregular due to the weather of course. Below are some recommendations for the best times to visit Cappadocia.

April to October: Most favorable time for the hot air balloons in Cappadocia with warm nights, clear skies and cool air. The hiking trails were quite hot, especially in the middle of the day.

November to February: If you do visit in February the weather is a bit more up and down but you have the chance to fly over snow, which would be a once in a lifetime experience. Some of the hiking trails will be great in the snow also!

HOW MANY DAYS TO SPEND IN CAPPADOCIA

Something most tourists don’t realize before they arrive in Cappadocia is that the hot air balloons don’t fly every day. In fact, when the wind is too strong they can’t fly because there are no brakes on the balloons and it can be dangerous. They need calm weather. This means that many tourists book 1-2 days in Cappadocia and expect to be able to fly in that window. Unfortunately, all too often the weather doesn’t agree and tourists leave without having seen a hot air balloon in the sky.

Firstly, book in advance and make sure you book for the first morning of your trip. If your flight is canceled, you don’t lose your booking or money, you simply get bumped to the next day. Therefore if you arrive and try and book in the town, there may be a backlog of people waiting because the hot air balloons haven’t flown for three days. So the best thing to do is to book in advance online for the first morning of your stay to give yourself the best chance of flying. You can Click Here to visit the booking page to get your tickets online for a set fee without having the hassle of bartering once you arrive and possibly missing out because of availability.
Secondly, you should stay for more than 1-2 nights to give yourself a window big enough to allow for unfavorable weather. I stayed for ten days to explore the trails so I had a huge window, which isn’t necessary but I would suggest allowing at least 3 days if not 4. I know most people have limited time and want to see lots of Turkey but trust me, there are so many spots to visit and trails to walk in Cappadocia that you are making a mistake if you only stay for two nights anyway!

My final suggestions are to stay for at least 4-5 days that way you guarantee you will fly in a hot air balloon and you can explore some of the hikes that you find in this guide!

WHERE TO STAY IN GOREME, CAPPADOCIA

Where I stayed: Design Cave Suites Cappadocia – I was lucky enough to stay at the Design Cave Suites in Goreme. The location was great and I walked to all attractions. The rooftop garden was awesome for sunrise balloon watching. The buffet breakfast spread was amazing as were the cave-style room designs.

Best Cave Hotel with Pool: Local Cave House Hotel – This cave hotel rose to fame because of its incredible pool. Make sure you click the link and check out how epic the pool backdrop is, with those classic Cappadocia rock formations in the background and traditional cave rooms it is a top pick.

Cave Hotel with Best Roof View (and dogs): Sultan Cave Suites – This cave hotel became famous because of its epic rooftop area for sunrise viewing. Guests can lay out on traditional pillows and carpets while watching the hot-air balloons flying above. The hotel dog might also join you for a photoshoot on the roof!

TRANSPORT IN CAPPADOCIA

Hire a Private Driver: Hiring a driver for a few hours to take you to several sites will cost about 100 Turkish Lyra depending on the car and your negotiation, which is about $20 USD. This is a good idea if you want to see 1-2 locations in an afternoon.

One of the best ways to get around is to hire a driver that will allow you to create a customized itinerary. That way you can visit all the spots you are interested in. To hire a private car with a driver/guide you can book online here or you might be a bigger group and in that case, it can be cheaper to hire a van in Cappadocia, which also comes with a driver.

Rent a Mountain Bike: We thought about renting a mountain bike but they were 150 Turkish Lyra for the entire day so it would have been 300 Turkish Lyra for both of us just to transit around. That’s almost $60 USD. It would have been fun but once we found out everyone wanted to help us by giving us lifts there wasn’t much need. We either walked or hitchhiked.
Rent A Scooter/Moped: A scooter costs about 150-200 Turkish Lyra ($30-40 USD) per day and could be handy if you want to explore some attractions a bit further away or venture over to Uchisar.
Rent an ATV: Given the rough terrain in Cappadocia, an ATV is a fun option to help you explore the natural wonders and rock formations of the region. Prices are about $40 USD for two hours. If you are keen to head out on an ATV there is an awesome Quad-Bike Safari Tour that takes you through Sword, Love and Rose Valley during golden hour!

a motorcycle parked on a dirt road in front of rock formations.

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT THE REST OF MY CAPPADOCIA BLOG POSTS?

Click on one of the articles below to check out all of the places you should visit while in Cappadocia!

The big guide! This post has all of my favorite activities, which I personally did while in Cappadocia for ten days: 24 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CAPPADOCIA

The hiking guide! Find out about all of the best hikes in Cappadocia with details, directions and lots of photos: 8 AWESOME HIKES IN CAPPADOCIA

Thinking about flying in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia? Read this first: CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOONS: THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY

Have you heard about the castles in Cappadocia? Check these out:

THE UCHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

CAVUSIN CHURCH, VALLEY & CASTLE

Not sure where is the best region to stay? Wondering which hotel provides the best value? Check out this guide that will help you decide: WHERE TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA: THE BEST HOTELS & HOSTELS

OR… I write a post about the 12 BEST CAVE HOTELS IN CAPPADOCIA that you might find interesting.

I’ve written a blog post for almost all of the places I’ve visited while in Cappadocia. You can find every single one of these articles right here: CAPPADOCIA ARCHIVES

Discover Pakistan

Saturday 7th of October 2023

What an interesting post and the places you mentioned are absolutely worth visiting.

Sunday 5th of February 2023

Great information 👌🙌🏽Thanks!

Saturday 24th of December 2022

I was looking to visit Turkey; now I think I should go to Cappadocia as following your post, it is a nice place to visit. By the way, greeting from Bangladesh

Saturday 17th of December 2022

Very nice overview, many thanks!

Thursday 17th of February 2022

Hi! First of all, that is one great article, well done! We are going to Cappadocia in August, and we would love to explore everything, but we don´t actually know what can we use to orientate ourselves, if you know what I mean? Like, I know all about these places and which one of them I exactly wanna visit, but we don´t wanna wander around. Did you use some kind of map or? I am not sure if we are going to have Internet down there, I think the only way is to buy their SIM card and buy some Internet, right? Thanks!

Monday 7th of March 2022

@Almira, yes the best way is to buy a sim card and load it with a data plan! I had a Turkcell sim card and there were no issues with service when I was there! Only at times when we were on the hiking tour the service was bad as we were surrounded by rock formations. Your hotel should also have good wifi, but having a data plan is the easiest and quickest option when in the city. This way you can use google maps on the go and easily travel from place to place (either by walking or with a taxi). Hope you enjoy your trip :)

Cappadocia Travel Guide – All You Need To Know

Explore Cappadocia with our travel guide to find out how to get to Cappadocia, which places are best to visit, eat, drink, and stay in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia is easily one of the most magical places on earth, and on the bucket lists of many people for this reason. Nowhere else are the fairy chimneys this dense or this filled with history. This guide will assist you in planning your trip, and help you enjoy the most beautiful and out-of-this-world place Turkey has to offer.

Short History of Cappadocia

Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys are not man-made. Cappadocia is around volcanic mountains that are no longer active. With the discharge that came from these mountains around 60 million years ago, Cappadocia’s earth became soft, ashy, and easily moldable. And it was molded indeed, by the rain, wind, and other natural causes. For millions of years, these natural causes slowly shaped the fairy chimneys into the shapes they have today.

Early humans knew there was something special about Cappadocia as well. The human inhabitants of Cappadocia date back to the Paleolithic era. During the Hittite Empire of the 12th century BC, Cappadocia became an important hub for commerce. During the 6th century BC, Cappadocia was part of the Persian Empire. The Persian emperor named the area hu-aspa-dahyu, meaning “land of good horses.”

After the death of Alexander the Great, who defeated the Persian Empire, the Kingdom of Cappadocia was founded in 332BC, and it became a part of the Roman Empire in 17 AD.

During the 3rd century AD, Cappadocia became an important hiding point for Christians who were escaping from the Roman Empire. Its natural qualities made it possible for Christians to live a secret life. During the 11th and 12th centuries, the area saw the influence of the Seljuk Empire. When the Ottoman Empire took over, the area became more stabilized. The last Christians living in the area moved elsewhere after the Lozan treaty was signed.

Climate of Cappadocia

The climate of Cappadocia is continental. This means Cappadocia has hot summers and cold winters. During summertime, the temperature can go up to 38 degrees Celsius, but it is not humid.

During Spring and Autumn, the temperatures can be anywhere from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it the perfect time to visit Cappadocia and hike around. Cappadocia’s hotels are usually in high demand during these times.

Winters bring a large amount of snowfall, whereas summers are usually dry. There is also a big difference between the daytime and nighttime temperatures. So it is best to keep another layer of clothing with you in case it gets chilly at night time. If you are planning to visit Cappadocia during winter to see fairy chimneys under the snow, it is best to bring thick clothes since it is normal to see temperatures between 3-10 degrees Celsius.

When we visited Cappadocia, it was mid March and the weather was very nice and sunny. We didn’t even need our coats. But two days later, it was snowing heavily and the weather was freezing. We absolutely loved this crazy change since we got to see Cappadocia under snow, but we were also happy we brought winter clothes just in case.

How to Get to Cappadocia?

Cappadocia is part of a larger region called Nevşehir, and that is part of the Central Anatolia region. There are several ways to reach Cappadocia.

First and maybe the best way is to go to Cappadocia is by renting a car. The road trip is fun and the views are wonderful. You can also use the car for traveling around in Cappadocia as well, since the public transport in the Cappadocia area is lacking. If you prefer not to deal with public transport, or driving yourself in Cappadocia, renting a private car with a private driver is the best option. And doing so in Cappadocia is very affordable.

Flying from Istanbul to Cappadocia

If you are in Istanbul , you can find direct flights to Nevşehir, which would be the fastest option to get to Cappadocia. Flights to Nevşehir from Istanbul can be less frequent than other options. For this reason, you may wish to fly to Kayseri, which is only 75 kilometers away from Nevşehir.

Once you arrive at the airport, you can use an airport pickup service that will take you straight to your hotel from the airport without trouble. There are different options for airport pickup service, and you can choose a shared pickup service or a private one depending on your preference.

Taking a bus from a major city such as Istanbul is another option. If you are in one of the major cities in Turkey, you won’t have problems finding a bus to the Nevşehir area. It will probably be a long ride, but it will get you there in the end.

Where to Visit in Cappadocia

Cappadocia offers many places to visit and enjoy, and we’ll talk about the most important places you should see if you are visiting Cappadocia. With all these beautiful places to cover, Cappadocia definitely deserves a good chunk of your time. A five-day-trip would help you see most of the wonders of Cappadocia. But don’t worry if you don’t have too much time to spend here, a short weekend getaway would still help you get a taste of what this place offers. Here are some of the best places to visit while you are in Cappadocia.

Devrent Valley

Even though they occurred from the same natural phenomenon, each of the valleys in Cappadocia has different characteristic. Devrent Valley, for example, is famous for its fairy chimneys that look like animals, and it is one of our favorite places. The valley’s other name is Imagination Valley, because people walk around imagining what each fairy chimney looks like. This fun valley brings a lot of photo opportunities, especially the chimney that looks like a camel which is very popular among visitors.

Reaching Devrent Valley requires a private vehicle or taxi, because there are no public transportation options to get here. The entrance is a bit steep, so it is best to visit with comfortable shoes. Other than that, it is a very nice walk. The time you’d spend here depends entirely on how many photos you’d like to take, from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Avanos Hair Museum

Avanos Hair Museum is not your usual museum. In fact, it is so unusual that it ranked in The Guinness Book Of World Records as one of the weirdest museums you can visit. It is actually a pottery museum and shop, and the hair aspect occurred very romantically. The owner of the museum once fell in love with a foreign woman. Before his girlfriend left for her country, the owner asked her to leave a lock of hair and pinned the hair on the wall of the museum. When the other visitors asked about the meaning of the hair, they were moved by the story so they left their own hair. Today, the corridors and rooms of the museum are filled with locks of hair left by visitors from all over the world.

Twice a year, the owner of the museum does a raffle among the people who left their hair, and the winners gain an all-expenses-paid holiday for one week.

It is forbidden to take photos inside the museum because people leave their personal information along with their hair for the raffle. But I was allowed to take a picture of my own hair just before it took its place on the museum wall.

Zelve Open Air Museum

Zelve Open-Air Museum is located in an old cave village where Muslims and Christians lived together. You can see the churches and the mosque located close to each other. It was one of the places in Cappadocia that people inhabited very early on, and it was also one of the last to be abandoned.

Zelve Open-Air Museum is not only significant, but also breathtakingly beautiful. It offers some of the best panoramic views and a great hike surrounded by birdsong and the smell of flowers. There were hardly any other people when we visited, so it was a very calm and peaceful experience as well.

Zelve Open-Air Museum’s entry fee is 20 liras in 2020, but if you have a museum card, you can enter for free. Same goes for most of the other museums and underground cities around this area.

Çavuşin Old Mosque

Çavuşin Old Mosque is one of the oldest buildings in the area, dating back to the Seljuk Empire. It was closed off in the 1950s. After some restoration work, Çavuşin Old Mosque was reopened to the public in 2011.

Güllüdere Valley

If you’d like to have a walk during your visit, this is the place to do it. The valley is located between Göreme and Çavuşin, and the path is filled with beautiful scenery, and wineries. The walk will take about an hour, and the path is 4 km long. If you are visiting during hot months, please make sure to stay hydrated and protected against sunburn.

Rose Valley

Rose Valley, or Kızılçukur Valley in Turkish, is one of the best spots to watch the sunset and take amazing photos. It has a particular red hue under sunset that is mesmerizing. It looks very pretty under snow as well. If you want to explore the valley, you can only do so by walking or cycling. If you only want to visit the sightseeing point, vehicles are allowed there. The entrance fee is around 3 Turkish liras in 2020, but if you arrived as a part of a tour group, you don’t need to pay any fee. If you’d like to be a part of a hiking tour, you can visit Rose Valley along with other most-loved locations.

Love Valley

Love Valley offers some of the best panoramic views. The reason it is called love valley is that the fairy chimneys are in phallic shapes, and many people propose to their loved ones on this spot. If you’d like to see this destination without being part of a safari group, you might find the roads are not in the best condition. It is quite narrow and frightening to drive the road with your own car, so walking is the best option to get there. It is about five kilometers, and takes an hour to walk. If you like to join a safari group, you can find many options that include this valley in their itinerary.

Göreme Open-Air Museum

Göreme Open Air Museum is one of the things you can’t miss in Cappadocia. The museum consists of an old monastery with churches, wine cellars, and cemeteries. The most famous church in the complex is called Karanlık Kilise (Dark Church) and takes its name from not having many windows. Lacking sunlight helped to protect the colors inside the church, and frescoes in this church are full of vibrant colors. Keep in mind that Karanlık Kilise requires an additional ticket, which is around 10 Turkish liras and it is not included in museum card free-pass locations. The regular entrance fee for the whole museum is 30 Turkish liras in 2020, and it is free with a museum card.

It definitely worth paying the additional fee in my opinion. It’s hard to see the same level of untouched colors anywhere else and it gives you an idea of how the whole thing must have looked back in the day. In many interior parts of the Göreme Open-Air Museum, Dark Church being one of them, it is forbidden to take photos. You can only take photos and videos in these parts after getting special permission from officials.

Üçhisar Castle

Üçhisar castle is one of the highest points in Cappadocia, making it a perfect spot for watching the sunrise or sunset. It is one of the most well-known places in Cappadocia, and it is visible from around for miles with its high altitude. It is best to be mindful of the steps to climb there since not all of them are in the best condition. The entrance fee for the castle is 6 Turkish liras for adults and 3 Turkish liras for the students. There are daily tours that include Üçhisar castle in their itinerary along with other beauties of Göreme.

Three Graces (Beauties)

Three Graces are the symbol of the Ürgüp region in Cappadocia and very well known with their distinctive appearance. There is a legend about them that everyone knows in the Cappadocia region. According to this legend, there was a king living peacefully with his daughter. Though as time passed, he became overprotective towards his daughter, worried about the consequences of her beauty and charm. All the men of the kingdom were in love with the princess, but she fell in love with a shepherd. The king was furious and wanted her to marry someone more suited to a princess. The princess ran away with the shepherd and had a baby. Thinking the king might forgive this new family, she returned to the kingdom. The king wasn’t feeling as forgiving as she’d hoped; he asked the soldiers to kill the family. The princess prayed that they could either be turned into birds or stones when they were about to be captured. Her prayer was granted, and they were turned into the Three Graces.

The Three graces is also a viewing point and it has a beautiful view. If you are there in the winter or late autumn, you might notice it feels quite a bit colder than the rest of the Cappadocia. I’d recommend to bring some extra clothes while visiting this location in case it is a freezing day.

Paşabağ Valley (Valley of the Monks)

Paşabağ, Valley of the monks, has some of the chunkiest, nicest looking fairy chimneys and beautiful trees blossoming in the spring time. St. Simeon Church was built inside one of the chimneys here. According to the legend, Simeon lived a reclusive life near Aleppo in the 5th century. In time, people started saying he was able to perform miracles and this brought a lot of attention to Simeon. He wasn’t happy with this, so he escaped to this valley and started living in a column. First he was in a 2-meter-high (6 ft) column, but then he moved to a higher one that was 15 meters high (50 ft). It is said he lived there for 37 years, only coming down occasionally for supplies.

Paşabağı’s entrance fee is 20 liras in 2020 and it is free with a museum card. There is also a large shopping area for souvenirs by the entrance.

Ortahisar Castle

Ortahisar Castle is the biggest fairy chimney in Cappadocia at a towering 18 meters in height. It was used as a castle in Byzantine times. In time its structure got damaged, but today with the restoration work, it is reopened. Now you can climb the ladders till you reach halfway up and enjoy the breathtaking view.

Although it is restored and reopened, it can be quite a steep and narrow climb at times. If you are scared of heights, you might want to skip this one. Instead of me, my boyfriend climbed the ladders in our case. Here I’m adding the pictures my boyfriend took, who later on said that I’d probably have a heart attack if I tried, and he wasn’t too far from it either.

Underground Cities

Cappadocia is not only filled with magical fairy chimneys, but also elaborate, large, carved underground cities you can explore. They are a big part of Cappadocia’s history and it is amazing to walk on the narrow paths of these structures.

Underground cities has a very interesting history. They started as a protection measure. People of Cappadocia were constantly threatened by attacks from various outside forces. Villages who were fed up with living in fear, decided to carve a secondary village, to escape to, under their own villages. Each house of the village had a hidden passage to the underground village. Every village in Cappadocia followed this method and in time, the underground villages were connected with each other and turned into underground cities.

Another fascinating aspect of the underground cities is their level of development and sophistication. They had sewer systems, ventilation system, and even mental hospitals inside the cities.

Today there are 36 underground cities excavated, but it is estimated that there are more than 150 underground cities in Cappadocia, waiting to be discovered. Here are some of the most visit-worthy ones.

Derinkuyu Underground City

Derinkuyu underground city is the biggest underground city you can visit in Cappadocia. It could be home to 20,000 people along with their livestock. It has 8 levels, a missionary school, and a christening pool. It also has a well inside and its name comes from this, Derinkuyu means deep well in Turkish.

It is thought there are many more underground cities under Derinkuyu, and there are 600 doors to these unknown cities. Some of these doors open to the currently used houses in Cappadocia. Today, people use these underground city entries as storage rooms.

The entrance fee is 50 liras in 2020, but it is for free with a museum card. By the entry, you can find a guide, which would cost you about 100 liras. You can also visit Derinkuyu as part of a tour group with a skip-the-line ticket.

Kaymaklı Underground City

Kaymaklı Underground City is about half the size of Derinkuyu and it can house 5000 people at once. Even though it is smaller, it’s kept in great condition and the lights that show the connections and paths make this a very neat place to visit. Kaymaklı also has 8 levels, but today you can visit the upper 4 levels only.

Kaymaklı Underground City is about 20 km away from Nevşehir. The entrance fee is 50 liras as of 2020, and it is again free for museum card holders. There are also hiking tours that include Kaymaklı in their itinerary.

Özkonak Underground City

Özkonak Underground City is thought to be built by Hittites, because an eagle statue, their symbol, was found within the city. Özkonak has 4 levels and some unique properties. For one, this city has long holes between the levels, allowing each level to communicate with one another. Another one is that the entrance sections have holes on top, allowing the citizens to pour hot oil on top of unwelcome visitors.

This slightly more vicious underground city’s entrance fee is 25 liras in 2020, and museum card can be used as well.

Other Activities in Cappadocia

If you’d like to fill your days with adventure, you have countless memorable experiences waiting for you in Cappadocia. From world-famous hot air balloon trips to horseback riding tours, there is something for every visitor. If you’d like to find out more about these options, please read our “Top 10 Things to Do in Cappadocia” post.

What to Eat in Cappadocia?

With its rich food culture, Turkey offers its visitors a wide variety of regional cuisines and Cappadocia is not different. Cappadocia offers some delicious options for food, and some of the dishes they serve can’t be found anywhere else in Turkey.

Testi Kebab

Testi kebab is a brew of meat and veggies slow-cooked inside a sealed pot. This method makes the meat so tender and mixes all the deliciousness together. With bread to dip inside the yummy sauce, you are all set. This is the perfect, hearty meal after a long day of hiking and sightseeing.

Dried Cream

Dried cream is a very different food from cream that you can find anywhere else in Turkey. Normally soft and spreadable, this cream is a bit tougher and crunchier since it’s dried. It can be consumed with jams and bread or just by itself.

Also called Turkish jellybean, koftur is somewhere between Turkish delight and grape molasses. Since the only ingredients are dried grape molasses, starch, and flour, it is a healthy-ish alternative to the desserts with sugar.

Stuffed Grape Leaves

Called yaprak sarma in Turkish, stuffed grape leaves are an extremely delicious Turkish delicacy, especially if the leaves are thin and nice. If they are not, it might slightly feel as if you are eating leather with saucy rice in it. The good news is, Cappadocia is one of the best places to have stuffed grape leaves with fresh leaves from many wineries nearby. A must-try that you can find in many restaurants.

Where to Eat in Cappadocia?

We talked about some of the food you can try in Cappadocia. Now let’s take a look at some of the best restaurants in Cappadocia.

No: 10 Restaurant

No: 10 Restaurant is the restaurant for Elika Cave Suits hotel and its menu has old Ottoman recipes and some other Turkish classics. Their starters are also very successful, their hummus was one of the best we’ve ever had. The staff is also very friendly and polite, and the view is wonderful.

No: 10 Restaurant on Google Maps

Ziggy Cafe has a wonderful menu, view and vibe to visit on a late afternoon. Here you can nibble on different starters and drink some wine. The cafe is named after their dog, Ziggy, and you can see Ziggy also influenced their interior design quite a bit.

Ziggy Cafe on Google Maps

Seki Restaurant

Seki Restaurant offers one of the finest menus, along with one of the finest views. Overlooking a valley and fairy chimneys, the restaurant is in the Argos hotel. They also have wine tastings in their historical wine cellar with their special wines. They charge Euros and are a bit pricey (about 70 Euros per person), but it is also a very unique experience. If you choose to go to the wine tasting, you should call them ahead and make a reservation during the day.

Seki Restaurant on Google Maps

Old Greek House Restaurant

With a charming location that once was a residence, Old Greek restaurant offers a great ambiance. The food is fresh, homemade, and delicious. A great place to try some mezes and cold dishes.

Old Greek House Restaurant on Google Maps

If you want to treat yourself with some fine dining, Lil’a is the place for you. With a dress code, ever-changing hip, and always delicious menu. Lil’a is a perfect spot for celebrations and special occasions. Best to be prepared for higher prices on the menu!

Lil’a Restaurant on Google Maps

Frequently Asked Questions About Cappadocia

Where is cappadocia.

Cappadocia is in Central Anatolia, Turkey, between the cities Niğde, Nevşehir and Kayseri.

How Do You Pronounce Cappadocia?

Kap-ah-DOK-yah

How To Get To Cappadocia?

You can get to Cappadocia with a short flight to Nevşehir or Kayseri from any of the big cities in Turkey. You can then take another short bus ride from Nevşehir or Kayseri to Cappadocia, or you can rent a car.

How Much Is A Hot Air Balloon Ride In Cappadocia?

Hot air Balloon ride prices start from $200, but it can easily reach to $250 and more depending on the services included.

Yacht Tourism in Turkey

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Cappadocia Travel Guide: Where to Stay + What to Do for First Timers

You’ve seen the magical destination of Cappadocia Turkey all over your social media, and thought “ I need to book tickets right now !” But, where do you start? This Cappadocia travel guide has you covered.

From breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon rides over the otherworldly landscape, to unique cave hotels in Cappadocia, to picturesque valleys with unusual rock formations , Cappadocia has so much to discover.

I stayed in this special place for a whopping 10 days and explored so many of the Cappadocia attractions. I can say without hesitation, that it lives up to the hype, times 100.

WHERE TO NEXT? Read more Turkey Destination Guides: Bustling City of Istanbul Pamukkale Thermal Pools Ancient City of Ephesus

* This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information.

Visiting Cappadocia should be on everyone’s bucket list and this Cappadocia guide will help you book that dream trip and make the most of it!

I’ve outlined everything you need to know on your Cappadocia trip from how to get to Cappadocia , the best time to visit Cappadocia , things to do in Cappadocia , Cappadocia restaurants and so much more .

Whether you are planning for your upcoming Cappadocia holidays or just daydreaming, this Cappadocia travel guide will give you plenty of information and inspiration, too!

Visit Cappadocia on this fabulous 10 Day Turkey Itinerary

Cappadocia Quick Guide

Planning a last-minute trip to Cappadocia? Here are the best resources for Cappadocia. Turkey, plus top Cappadocia tours and the best places to stay in Cappadocia.

TURKEY TRAVEL INSURANCE Check Prices of HeyMondo Insurance

CAPPADOCIA AIRPORT TRANSFERS Nevsehir Airport Shuttle Kayseri Airport Shuttle

WHERE TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA Luxury Cave Hotel | Sultan Cave Suites Luxury Cave Hotel | Koza Cave Hotel Mid-range Hotel | Argos in Cappadocia Economy Hotel | Village Cave House

CAPPADOCIA TURKEY FLIGHTS Check Flight Prices on Skyscanner

CAPPADOCIA CAR RENTAL Check Prices on Cappadocia Car Rentals

BEST CAPPADOCIA GUIDED TOURS Cappadocia Highlights Tour Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride North Cappadocia Red Tour Central Cappadocia Blue Tour Cappadocia Sunset ATV Tour

Cappadocia Pronunciation

For most of my life growing up in Canada, I always pronounced Cappadocia a certain way. But, after a good chat with my tour guide in Cappadocia, he said there are two different pronunciations that are acceptable and used regularly.

The word Cappadocia in Persian means ‘ Land of Beautiful Horses ’, which leads to me daydreaming of wild horses running through the beautiful Cappadocia landscape at sunset. But, frivolity aside, here they are:

‘Ka·puh-dow-shuh’ (most English speaking countries go by this)

‘Ka·puh-dow-kee-ya’ (this is how my Turkish tour guide pronounced it)

What Cappadocia Really Means

I learned so much from my tour guide while visiting all of the Cappadocia attractions (which should always be the case, really). He told me that the word Cappadocia wasn’t used in Turkey until the boom of Cappadocia tourism in the last few decades.

The Turkish geographical naming system usually names regions after the largest city in that region. In this case, Nevsehir is the largest city in the region. But, once tourism picked up, it was confusing for visitors because they thought locals were talking about the city and not the region.

Therefore Cappadocia was adopted to describe the collection of the four cities of Nevsehir, Kayseri, Aksaray and Niğde at each corner of the region.

Amongst this region are smaller towns such as Goreme (the main tourist town in Cappadocia), Urgup, Avanos, Derinkuyu, Kaymakli, Aksaray and Uchisar.

Where is Cappadocia Turkey

The area of Cappadocia is located in the centre of Turkey on the eastern edge of the region of Central Anatolia. Cappadocia is diverse with many mountainous areas and plains. Cappadocia is located approximately 725 km from Istanbul .

Click on the map of Cappadocia Turkey below to interact with Google Maps .

Cappadocia History

The landscape.

The tourist region of Cappadocia is surrounded by three volcanoes , Mt Erciyes, Mt Hasan and Mt Gullu. Don’t worry, they are either dormant or haven’t erupted in millennia. But, what these three volcanoes did about 60 million years ago was cover this region in lava and ash for centuries. My tour guide described it as ‘ hell on earth ‘.

What this eventually did was blanket the region in soft layers of rock, called ‘tuff’ , composed of cooled lava, ash and minerals. Over millions of years, this material was eroded by wind and rain creating what we now know as the unusual and otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia . This includes the popular fairy chimneys that can stretch to 130 feet in the air.

This soft rock layer or ‘tuff’ was taken advantage of by humans due to its malleability. Houses, storage rooms, churches and many other structures, including the famous underground cities, were carved into this rock by persecuted Christians in the Roman period.

Where to Stay in Cappadocia

Due to Cappadocia’s unique history both geographically and humanly, the landscape here has become popular for Cappadocia cave hotels . These rooms carved into the soft rock material of the region were built to maintain temperature during the extreme height of summer and chilling weather of winter.

Today, the cave hotels are a sought-after novel attraction and a quintessential Cappadocia experience. These cave hotels are some of the best places to stay in Cappadocia.

Of course, in Cappadocia, you can find any type of hotel from luxury boutique hotels to backpacker hostels. So finding where to stay Cappadocia shouldn’t be hard. Plus, you’ll likely want a hotel where you can watch the hot air balloons take flight at sunrise from the patio.

Where the difficulty lies for most travellers is what town to stay in Cappadocia . If it’s your first time, the definitive answer is Goreme .

Koza Cave Hotel

Argos in Cappadocia

The famous cappadocia cave hotels.

If you only have a couple of days in Cappadocia, you can still experience the best part of this region by staying in one of the novel cave hotels in Cappadocia . What staying in a Cappadocia cave hotel grants you is an authentic experience without even leaving your room!

Due to the influence of social media, sitting on the outdoor patio of any cave hotel in Cappadocia at sunrise watching the hot air balloons has become synonymous with this magical destination.

It’s important to note that most Instagrammable hotels in Goreme do not allow non-guests to enter at sunrise , so you will need to book a stay at a cave hotel in Cappadocia that comes with a stellar view if you want to incorporate this experience.

Note, most hotels in this region come with a large traditional breakfast included in the price.

The town of Goreme (the main tourist spot) is situated on a hill with tiers of homes and hotels lining the slope.

At the top of the slope, you will have famous luxury cave hotels such as Koza Cave Hotel , Mithra Cave Hotel and Sultan Cave Suites Cappadocia. These hotels in Cappadocia with a view will have the most epic views of the hot air balloons . Do note, that because these hotels are heavily involved in influencer marketing, you will have many influencers around you trying to get the shot at sunrise.

Sultan Cave Suites

Angel Cave Suite

More economical Cappadocia caves hotel options can be found a bit lower down the hill at places like Angel Cave Suite . All of these cave hotel Cappadocia options come with a view of the hot air balloons, albeit a bit less fancy.

Best Hotel in Cappadocia with Balloon View

I do have to admit, watching the hot air balloons fly at sunrise from the top of my hotel was my most memorable experience in Cappadocia . It will stick with you for years I’m sure. I would highly encourage you to prioritize this experience even over the luxurious cave hotels.

Goreme Hotels in Cappadocia

Many hotels that don’t have cave rooms have ‘cave-like’ rooms still on offer . Made with stone walls, these hotels still give you a feeling of authenticity but with a much more affordable nightly price tag. But what really counts is access to a grand view of the hot air balloons at sunrise . I’d recommend Antique Terrace Suites and Village Cave House hotel for this experience.

If you do feel like Cappadocia is the perfect place to splurge (which I would tend to agree!), then staying at the famous cave hotels like Koza Cave Hotel , Mithra Cave Hotel and Sultan Cave Suites are the best options for this.

These three hotels are some of my favourite hotels in Cappadocia to see balloons .

Antique Terrace Suites

Village Cave House Hotel

Uchisar hotels in cappadocia.

If you decide to stay near the Uchisar Castle, my recommendations for a Cappadocia hotel with hot air balloon view would be the mid-range Rox Cappadocia or the ultra-luxe Museum Hotel . or Argos in Cappadocia . Do note, because Uchisar Castle is a bit further away, the balloons wouldn’t be as close.

Rox Cappadocia

Museum Hotel

Best time to visit cappadocia.

The best time to visit Cappadocia is in the shoulder months of April to May and September to October . The weather in Cappadocia Turkey during this time is bright and sunny with a temperature of 22 degrees during the day. This is also the best time to go to Cappadocia for a successful hot air balloon ride at sunrise .

Nights can get a bit chillier so bring a warm layer.

I visited Cappadocia in November and unfortunately experienced a cloudy hot air balloon ride with no view of sunrise. It was still a great time, but if you want to have a better chance of a colourful awe-inspiring balloon ride, visit in the shoulder months.

Temperatures during November were warm during the day though so adventuring through the Cappadocia valleys and open-air museums was super pleasant. Nighttime gets chilly.

NOTE | There were multiple days of cancelled sunrise balloon rides during my time in Cappadocia in November, so Cappadocia weather can be a major factor in the enjoyment of your trip.

Cappadocia Summer

Travelling to Cappadocia in the summer months of July and August will offer scorching temperatures (averaging 32° celsius) and far more crowds.

Cappadocia Winter

Cappadocia in winter can be a magical experience and one everyone should consider. While temperatures dip below 0°, with a maximum daily high of 4°, a hot air balloon ride overlooking the otherworldly landscape blanketed in snow can be an amazing experience.

Pack your parka and snow boots and enjoy a romantic and/or fun-packed trip in Cappadocia winter.

How Many Days in Cappadocia Turkey

After spending 10 days in Cappadocia and never running out of things to do, I’d highly recommend staying for at least 4 days . No matter what month you decide to visit Cappadocia, there is always the possibility of cancelled hot air balloon rides due to weather.

Staying for 4 days in Cappadocia will give you the best chance to complete this quintessential Cappadocia experience while still having time to explore everything else this region has to offer.

If you only have 2 days in Cappadocia or 3 days in Cappadocia don’t fret! Take a look at the things to do in Cappadocia below to prioritize the best sights that suit your travel style for the perfect Cappadocia itinerary. Or, alternatively, choose an organised day tour to hit all your favourite Cappadocia highlights.

How to Get to Cappadocia

There are multiple ways how to get to Cappadoccia that suit any timeframe and budget . Due to the popularity of Cappadocia Turkey, you can find flights, car rentals and bus lines heading toward this magical destination.

First, I will outline general ways how to get to Cappadocia, then I will talk about how to go to Cappadocia from Istanbul specifically.

You can fly directly to Cappadocia from any major city in Turkey and even some major cities outside of Turkey. Since the region of Cappadocia has two airports (Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport and Kayseri Erkilet Airport) it’s very easy to find a flight for any time or budget. The main airlines that fly to Cappadocia are Turkish Airlines , Pegasus Airlines and SunExpress .

I personally use Skyscanner to book short-haul flights within Turkey (and globally).

Book Cheap Flight to Cappadocia

Nearest Airport in Cappadocia

There are two airports in Cappadocia Turkey, the Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport and the Kayseri Erkilet Airport located in their respective cities. The nearest airport to Cappadocia is the Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport .

The Nevsehir Airport is located about 40 minutes by airport shuttle or Cappadocia rental car to the west of Goreme (the central tourist town in Cappadocia).

If you do decide to fly into Kayseri Erkilet Airport, no worries, there are frequent airport shuttles and rental cars from there too, taking approximately 1.25 hours from the east of Goreme.

Whichever you choose to land, rest assured they are both highly serviced Cappadocia airports with plenty of options on how to quickly and best get to the centre of the region.

Renting a car and driving in Turkey is one of the best ways to see the country. Road conditions in Turkey are great, with smooth wide roads with clear markings.

Read this Complete Guide on Renting a Car in Turkey

The Perfect Turkey Road Trip

One of the best ways to do this is to pick up your rental car at the Istanbul airport , drive towards Cappadocia , then down to the emerald coastline of Turkey (especially the drive between Antalya and Fethiye). After driving north to the famous Pamukkale thermal pools, make your way to Ephesus and then drive back to the Istanbul Airport to drop off your car. A perfect 10 days in Turkey .

Exploring Turkey this way allows you to save money since you will be picking up and dropping off your car in the same place avoiding those pesky fees, and you can make stops in smaller more economical towns along the road for accommodation purposes.

Check out this 10 Day Turkey Itinerary by car, plane or bus

Renting a Car in Cappadocia

Since the entire region of Cappadocia has plenty to offer and all attractions are spread out, if you opt-out of an organized day tour, travelling around by rental car in Cappadocia is your second best option.

Pop onto Discover Cars and throw Nevsehir Airport (NAV) into the search bar to check rates and availability. Having a car waiting for you at the Nevsehir Airport when you get there makes a world of difference for the enjoyment of your trip. Easy peasy.

>>> Check Pricing and availability of rental cars for Cappadocia

If driving on unknown roads is just not your cup of tea and you’d like to explore a more economical option, the bus system in Turkey is pretty great. It runs to all major and minor cities, directly or indirectly and is quite simple to navigate.

I used 12Go for my entire six weeks in Turkey to book my bus tickets . This website is awesome at gathering all the information you need from all the different carriers, plus you get to purchase online with a credit card and show your digital copies at the bus station (in most cases).

Search for Bus Tickets to Cappadocia

How to Get to Cappadocia from Istanbul

Cappadocia to Istanbul is a very popular route for most Turkey holidays. There are three main options on how to go to Cappadocia from Istanbul including flights, rental cars and buses.

How to Get from Istanbul to Cappadocia: A Complete Guide

How far is Cappadocia from Istanbul?

BY ROAD | ~725km (7-9 hours driving by rental car) BY AIR | 1h 15m (direct flight)

Flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia (best way)

Cappadocia flights from Istanbul are easy to come by. Airlines like Turkish Airlines , Pegasus Airlines and SunExpress will be your main carriers. It is common to get from Istanbul to Cappadocia through the Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) in Istanbul which offers most of Turkey’s domestic flight itineraries.

Istanbul to Cappadocia flight options will be direct with approximately 1.25-hour flight times and fly multiple times a day.

>>> Check Flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia on Skyscanner

Car Rental Istanbul Cappadocia

If you have a bit of time in your Turkey itinerary, make sure to rent a car when entering Istanbul at the Istanbul International Airport (IST). This is truly the best way to see the country and a trip from Istanbul to Cappadocia will take approximately 9 hours if you don’t make stops along the way (which you will).

I find using Discover Cars a great way to check prices and availability of car rentals in Istanbul and have a car waiting for you at the airport when you get there. Whether you are looking for a luxury car rental Istanbul or a cheap car rental Istanbul, this site has you covered.

>>> Check Car Rental Istanbul to Cappadocia

Buses from Istanbul to Cappadocia

Boarding a bus from Istanbul to Cappadocia is the most economic way of transport. The bus has routes daily from three different bus stations in Istanbul (Dudullu, Esenler, and Alibeykoy) heading to Goreme, the tourist centre of Cappadocia.

Do note that the word ‘ otogari ’ means bus station in Turkish . Each bus station is located about a 25-minute drive (likely longer with traffic) from the centre of Istanbul, so remember to factor that into your travel time.

Buses from Istanbul to Cappadocia cost roughly 10 euros and take anywhere from 11-14 hours . Buses Istanbul to Cappadocia also come with night bus options . If you are good at falling asleep in vehicles, this could be a great option for you to make the most of your trip to Cappadocia.

Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul

If you plan to make Istanbul and Cappadocia your only two stops on your Turkish holiday, an organized tour to Cappadocia from Istanbul could be a great idea. Take all the fuss out of planning and book a 2 day Cappadocia tour from Istanbul where everything is taken care of for you.

All-Inclusive Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul

A all-inclusive 2 day Cappadocia tour from Istanbul will provide hotel pickup, return flights, accommodation with a cave hotel, a hot air balloon ride, and a visit to all the Cappadocia highlights.

This tour is well-reviewed and includes everything you could possibly want in a Cappadocia trip from Istanbul!

One-Way Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul

If you decide to move onward to another Turkish destination after Istanbul and Cappadocia, (like the famous Pamukkale travertine pools) then this one-way 2 day Cappadocia tour includes one-way hotel pick up and flights to Cappadocia from Istanbul only. This is great so you won’t have to return to Istanbul to continue your Turkish adventure.

Please note that this tour has an optional hot air balloon ride.

How to Get to Cappadocia from Other Cities

Visiting Cappadocia from somewhere else in Turkey besides Istanbul?

Antalya to Cappadocia

The best and fastest way to get to Cappadocia from Antalya is by air . You can fly direct from the Kayseri Erkilet Airport about a one-hour airport shuttle from Goreme. The flight takes 1.25 hours directly.

If you are looking for a more economical Antalya Cappadocia commute, you can take the bus. The route departs from the Goreme bus station and arrives in Antalya approximately 9-10 hours later. The cost of the bus ticket starts at 8 euros.

>>> Check Flights from Antalya to Cappadocia on Skyscanner

Pamukkale to Cappadocia

Pamukkale is a popular stop along a Turkey itinerary due to its famous travertine pools . In most instances, Cappadocia makes an ideal next stop. Pamukkale to Cappadocia is best done by rental car, or bus (there are no direct flights or trains).

A drive from Pamukkale to Cappadocia by rental car will take approximately 7-8 hours . Another option is the night bus which will have you arriving at the Goreme bus station in approximately 10 hours.

How to Get from Cappadocia to Pamukkale (and vice versa)

Do note, that the town of Pamukkale is located a 20-minute drive outside of the main bus station in Denizli . So remember to factor that into your travel plans. Ask your hotel reception where you can catch the shuttle bus that runs from Pamukkale centre to the Denizli bus station or simply find a taxi on the street as I did.

Where to Go Next After Cappadocia

Since the region of Cappadocia is located in the centre of Turkey, you can go in any direction and find some pretty great adventures. But, for the sake of time, I would recommend either heading from Cappadocia to Pamukkale thermal pools or to Antalya on the coastline (depending on your preferences).

Since I spent 6 weeks exploring Turkey I had plenty of time to take a flight from Cappadocia down to Antalya and hop along from quaint seaside town to quaint seaside town. If you are looking to fit in as many Turkish highlights as possible, the Pamukkale thermal pools should be your next stop.

Read this Epic Turkey Itinerary for some great Turkey destination ideas

How to Get Around Cappadocia

Cappadocia car rental.

Since Cappadocia is technically a region and all of its attractions are spread out, I’d recommend renting a car for your time spent in Cappadocia. Pick up a rental car at either the Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport or Kayseri Erkilet Airport, explore Cappadocia and then return it at the airport on your way out. Super easy.

Check out my detailed guide to renting a car in Cappadocia

Organized Day Tour of Cappadocia

The region of Cappadocia has many day tours available which are broken down into the red tour , green tour and blue tour to identify different areas within Cappadocia. Take a look at the section below about organized day tours in Cappadocia for an in-depth breakdown.

Cappadocia Minibus

There is a local minibus service that runs every 2 hours between the main towns of Avanos, Goreme, Uchisar, Nevsehir and Cavusin. The cost of the bus is 0.40 euros and 1.10 euros depending on where you get on and off.

You can technically get off anywhere along the route if you ask your driver, but for most attractions, you will still need to walk from your drop-off point.

In my humble opinion, taking the minibus is time-consuming , so if you only have 2-4 days in Cappadocia, I’d opt to rent a car or take an organized tour.

Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia

Best Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons Tour

Floating above the unusual landscapes while the golden sun parts from the horizon, ahhhhh, what an iconic and quintessential Cappadocia experience. Booking a sunrise hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is a must, you absolutely can’t leave Cappadocia without doing it.

Be ready for an early wake-up call on the day of your flight, between 4:30AM and 7:30AM depending on the time of year and weather forecast. You will get picked up in a luxury transport van, enjoy a light breakfast and be taken to the Cappadocia balloon launching site. Here you will witness the crew blowing up your hot air balloon and readying it for your epic flight.

Most flights last from 60-90 minutes and take off just before sunrise. Where the balloons fly really depends on the weather and wind patterns, so you will likely experience different Cappadocia highlights on any given day. Upon landing, you will be given champagne, cake and a flight certificate . A great way to end a memorable experience like this.

NOTE | If you are visiting Cappadocia and a hot air balloon ride is at the top of your list of priorities, make sure to stay at least 3 nights just in case your ride gets cancelled unexpectedly due to weather. This can happen more than you think, so be prepared. I would hate for you to leave Cappadocia disappointed.

BOOK | Cappadocia: Hot Air Balloon Ride Sunrise Flight

If you are looking to combine a sunrise hot air balloon in Cappadocia with other highlights, this tour is for you:

BOOK | Hot Air Balloon Ride + Best of Cappadocia Day Tour

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Price

Cappadocia hot air balloon price options really vary, since you can book anything from 36 people in a basket to a private flight, and every company is different. But, if you are looking for rough estimates for budgeting purposes, expect to pay at least $75 USD to $150 USD per person depending on the service level.

Best Tours of Cappadocia

Booking an organized day tour is the best way to see the region in my opinion. This is what I did and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. The knowledge from the tour guide makes it worth the price and you learn so many interesting facts about Cappadocia to supplement and enhance the attractions.

Most tour operators offer 3 different tours depending on what region of Cappadocia you’d like to explore. Tours of Cappadocia are broken down into red tour Cappadocia, green tour Cappadocia and blue tour Cappadocia.

Each tour recommended below offers an all-inclusive experience with hotel pick up, lunch and attraction entrance fees provided. Drinks are excluded and groups are limited to 15 people.

Red Tour Cappadocia

The red tour in Cappadocia focuses on the north end of the Cappadocia region and includes the following attractions:

Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley)
Pasabagi Valley (Fairy Chimneys)
Avanos to make pottery
Göreme Open Air Museum
Uchisar Castle

BOOK | Red Tour Cappadocia Day Tour

Green Tour Cappadocia

The Cappadocia green tour is the most active day tour and includes hiking through valleys and up to panoramic views. Expect to hike over 4km in the day (likely more). The green tour is fittingly named since it explores the surprisingly lush areas that Cappadocia offers.

Green tour highlights include:

Goreme Panorama
Kaymaklı Underground City
Ihlara Canyon (3.8 km hike)
Yaprakhisar Panorama (Star Wars filming set)
Selime Monastery
Pigeon Valley

BOOK | Green Tour Cappadocia Day Tour

Blue Tour Cappadocia

The Cappadocia blue tour explores central and southern parts of the region and includes highlights like the underground city (a must see!) and a casual hike along the Red and Rose Valleys.

Hike along the Red and Rose Valley
Cavusin Cave Village
Underground City
Greek houses of Uchisar
Ortahisar Castle

BOOK | Blue Tour Cappadocia Day Tour

ATV Tour Cappadocia

ATV tours are another common way to explore the rugged terrain of Cappadocia. You can take a 2 hour ATV Cappadocia tour either during the day or at sunset . Common valleys that will be explored on these tours are Sword, Love, Red and Rose. The staff will make sure you are comfortable driving the ATV before taking off on the safari, no worries.

BOOK | Check prices and availability of Sunset: Cappadocia ATV Tour

BOOK | Check prices and availability of Daytime: Cappadocia ATV Tour

Private Tours of Cappadocia

If touring around Cappadocia with a small group is not your jam, I’d recommend taking a private tour of the region. This tour includes the main Cappadocia highlights , plus hotel pick up and drop off, a professional historian, a luxury vehicle with driver and attraction entrance fees.

This is what I did, and I was super happy with the experience.

BOOK I Cappadocia Private Day Trip

Map Cappadocia Turkey Attractions

Since attractions in Cappadocia are further apart, I’ve created a map to help you plan out your adventures around the region and make the most of this dream trip.

I’d recommend starting in one area and exploring the nearby attractions before moving onto another area. This way you will save time that would otherwise be wasted going back and forth across the region.

>>> Click on the Google Maps below to be taken to an interactive guide

Things to do in Cappadocia

Wondering what to do in Cappadocia besides a hot air balloon ride? This region in Turkey has so much to offer, from unique rock formations, ancient cave churches, underground cities, picturesque valleys and more.

1. Watch Sunrise from your Cappadocia Hotel

Watching the sunrise from my hotel terrace in Goreme with the hot air balloons flying above is one of my best memories from my time in Cappadocia. My #1 recommendation is to make sure you can watch the Cappadocia balloons from your hotel rooftop or terrace.

If you are booking your hotel and are unsure if they offer this, reach out through email to the hotel staff before booking. This is something you cannot miss when in Cappadocia , and is sometimes even more enjoyable than a balloon ride (although I’d highly recommend doing both).

Yes, you will have to wake up awfully early to watch the balloons, make sure to check your weather app (I use AlpenGlow specifically to find out when the sunrise will be) to find out when to be on the terrace.

Because some balloons fly just before sunrise and some launch just after sunset, I’d suggest waiting around for a bit, sipping on some Turkish coffee and just enjoying the experience.

TIP | Bring a jacket! Due to Cappadocia’s landscape being desolate, mornings can be quite chilly here. Be prepared and bring a warm layer and even a beanie. I visited in November and mornings were between 2-5 degrees Celsius before rising to 20 degrees during the peak of the day.

2. Visit the Famous Valleys in Cappadocia

Due to the volcanic landscape of the region, Cappadocia valleys are plentiful. Each Cappadocia valley offers something a little different.

Pigeon Valley is the home to thousands of pigeon homes carved into the rock faces, Love Valley is renowned for the famous phallic rock structures, and Rose and Red Valley has the perfect panoramic viewpoint for sunset.

Pigeon Valley Cappadocia

Pigeon Valley (or Guvercinlik Valley) is a central Cappadocia attraction and one of the most famous valleys of Cappadocia . With thousands of tiny pigeon homes carved into the rock face, it’s an interesting place to explore.

After reaching the entrance, first, take a look from the panoramic viewpoint. Here you can see the entire valley leading to the towering Uchisar Castle at the opposite end.

Stop at the evil eye tree and make your way down the stairs to the hiking trail . This casual trail will take you all the way into Uchisar if you are up for a walk through the valley.

READ MORE | Ultimate Visitor’s Guide to Pigeon Valley

Love Valley Cappadocia

Love Valley Turkey is an iconic Cappadocia attraction due to the natural phallic rock structures present here. But, this is not all Love Valley has to offer. One of my favourite morning experiences was watching the sunrise and the hot air balloons from the Love Valley panoramic viewpoint .

Like most Cappadocia valleys, the valley of love offers a great hiking trail if that’s your cup of tea.

READ MORE | Complete Guide on Love Valley: The Best Sunrise Viewpoint

Rose + Red Valley Cappadocia

Rose Valley and Red Valley are interconnected just a 10-minute drive outside of Goreme. Both valleys take their names from the pink colour of the stone featured here. This stone changes colour at different times of the day.

Rose Valley and Red Valley both turn red at sunset which makes it an optimal time to visit. A common way to experience these valleys is through a sunset ATV Tour or horseback riding adventure .

I opted to watch the sunset from the panoramic viewpoint with a glass of wine that I got from Gulor Wine Cave on the way there. It was a perfect experience.

READ MORE | Ultimate Guide on Red Valley: Epic Sunset Viewpoint

Devrent Valley Cappadocia

Otherwise known as Imagination Valley Cappadocia, Devrent is full of interesting shaped rock formations .

Similar to looking at clouds and seeing bunnies, Devrent offers you the opportunity to see different human and animalistic shapes. We are talkin’ elephants, penguins and twirling women in skirts.

A great stop combined with the fairy chimneys of Pasabag Valley and Zelve Open Air Museum.

3. Explore the Open Air Museums

The region of Cappadocia is steeped in history and the open-air museums are a great place to learn about it. Large churches, storerooms, kitchens and living spaces have been carved into the soft rock hills over the centuries and have been well preserved by the Turkish people.

Goreme Open Air Museum is the most famous of the two popular locales due to its well-preserved religious paintings covering the rock-walled Cappadocia churches.

I’d also recommend visiting the Zelve Open Air Museum if you get a chance since it’s a much different experience with cave rooms littered through a small valley oasis.

4. Underground Cities in Cappadocia

Derinkuyu Underground City and Kaymalki Underground City are famous Cappadocia attractions. Over the centuries, Cappadocia didn’t have a military presence so instead of experiencing attack after attack, the people of the region took advantage of the soft rock and built cities underneath the surface .

These underground cities are up to 10 stories deep and can fit up to 10,000 people . And these two popular destinations aren’t the only underground cities, there were over a 100 littered all over the landscape. A great hiding place against constant attack from neighbouring regions.

If you are afraid of confined spaces , this might be a triggering experience. Just know that these underground cities are well-maintained and often patrolled for damage.

Interested in Ancient Sites in Turkey? Read this Guide on Visiting Ephesus

5. Visit Cappadocia Castles

Uchisar Castle was formed into a large and prominent rock formation in the centre of the town of Uchisar. As the highest viewpoint in Cappadocia, it enjoys panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

If you’d like to experience the views, head up the well-built stairs, or explore the surrounding rock formations and homes.

Uchisar is not the only Cappadocia castle though. Another statuesque rock castle in the region is in the town of Ortahisar. Ortahisar Castle can be viewed from the panoramic viewpoint located just across the small valley from the castle itself.

6. Fairy Chimneys in Cappadocia Pasabag Valley

These dwellings located inside interesting rock formations became a UNESCO world heritage site in recent years to protect and preserve history. These ‘fairy chimneys’ served as homes to the persecuted Christians in the region.

The fairy chimneys are located in Pasabag Cappadocia valley ( Monk’s Valley ) and can get very busy during the day with large tour groups. Visit early.

7. Cavusin Cappadocia (Old Greek Village)

The town of Cavusin is home to a small group of Greek rock houses and the beautiful Church of St John carved into the landscape. The church features well-preserved religious frescoes if that’s of interest to you. You can climb up the hill and explore the village. The trip should take you less than an hour.

Cavusin is located a 10-minute drive from Goreme.

8. Go Carpet Shopping in Cappadocia

When you think of Turkey you can’t help but have images of Turkish carpets pop into your head. Cappadocia, especially Goreme has a couple of great carpet shops for perusal.

Other the years one particular carpet shop called Galerie Ikman Cappadocia has turned into an Instagram hotspot with constant photo shoots happening in the space. If this interests you, make sure to contact the owner early and reserve a time. There will be a fee for using the shop for photos.

If carpet shopping is your goal, venture over to the lesser-known Sultan Carpets to purchase your Turkish keepsake.

9. Day Trip to the Pink Salt Lake Turkey

About a 2 hour drive west of Goreme, you will find a beautiful pink salt lake called Lake Tuz (or Tuz Golu). This is one of Turkey’s main salt lakes and is a treat to visit, especially during the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-November.

Due to evaporation in the summer months , the pink waters can be a bit of a walk through a dry salted landscape which can be tough on the feet.

I’d only recommend adding this to your Cappadocia itinerary if you have at least 4 full days in the region and have a rental car available to you. While there is a designated ‘entrance’ to the lake, I’d suggest stopping on the side of the road where the lake looks inviting to you and walking in from there.

10. Turkish Bath Cappadocia

A visit to the local hammam is a quintessential Turkish experience , and something you should do at least once on your visit to Turkey. Book yourself a spa treatment and Turkish scrub for after your sunrise hot air balloon ride. It’s a perfect way to warm up and relax.

Kelebek Special Cave Hotel has a great spa.

Best Cappadocia Restaurants

Cappadocia, especially Goreme, is full of restaurants catering to tourists. But, if you know where to look you can have a really pleasant local experience with quality food and service.

Here were my favourites:

PUMPKIN | This restaurant in the heart of Goreme offers set menus of local specialties including clay pot Kebab. The soup, salad and dessert were also extraordinary. Grab yourself a bottle of local wine and you have an amazing evening out. My top recommendation!

OMURCA ART CAVE | The perfect little eclectic lunch place . This second-floor family-run restaurant is home to many cats , so expect to be visited during your meal. The food here is homemade and absolutely delicious. I had the local bean salad and soup and was stuffed full. Cash only.

TURKISH RAVIOLI RESTAURANT | You guessed it, they specialize in the Turkish ravioli dish called Manti . You can’t leave Cappadocia without a plate of this scrumptious stuff. I wouldn’t be surprised if you visited twice.

Cappadocia Guide: Is Cappadocia Safe?

How safe is Cappadocia? After 2 months of travels through Turkey, I can say without hesitation, that Cappadocia is very safe. Centred around tourism, the majority of locals speak English and are more than happy to help you out in a crunch.

As one of Turkey’s tourism hot spots, you will also find a very high calibre of hotel staff and tour guides to make you feel comfortable and at ease. You can rest assured that you won’t have pushy salespeople in your face 24/7, either.

Cappadocia Travel Guide Conclusion

So, there you have it, the ultimate Cappadocia travel guide complete with my recommended things to do in Cappadocia. From epic Cappadocia cave hotels, ATV tours, and scenic valley hikes, to awe-inspiring sunrise Cappadocia hot air balloon rides, there’s something for everyone.

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Haley is the founder of the global travel blog, Haley Blackall Travel. She has travelled to 40+ countries across 5 continents over the last 15 years and is considered an expert in her field.

She loves to share honest first hand experience from her travels. Her goal is to help readers planning their next trip by providing in-depth travel guides and recommendations for her favourite boutique hotels, things to do and travel itineraries.

Haley focuses her expertise on countries such as Greece, Turkey, Italy, Costa Rica, Australia, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

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Cappadocia: discovering Turkey's fairytale land

Roxanne de Bruyn

Cappadocia travel guide

Planning a trip to Cappadocia? Here are our top picks...

Stay: Kelebek Special Cave Hotel

Day tour: Cappadocia green tour

Hot air balloon ride: Sunrise flight and champagne breakfast

Car hire: Find competitive rates with Discover Cars

You’ve seen the romantic pictures of hot air balloons floating above rock formations and beautiful breakfasts in an airy hotel room with sweeping views. And so, you’ve decided to visit Cappadocia.

In the middle of arid plains, Cappadocia looks like a fairytale kingdom, with rock chimneys and winding valleys, hidden churches and underground cities and luxurious cave hotels. The tourist town of Goreme is small and beautiful with sophisticated infrastructure. And all around, is whimsical, magical scenery and long walks through enchanting places.

Here is all you need to know to plan your trip to this fascinating part of the country.

Things to do in Cappadocia

Staying in Cappadocia you're surrounded by nature, so it should come as no surprise that hiking and walking are near the top of the list of things to do here - along with quintessential hot air balloon ride, of course.

However, there are also many historical and cultural landmarks to explore, so don't be surprised if cave churches and hidden cities find their way onto your itinerary. Here are just a few of the most popular things to do in Cappadocia.

Hiking through Pigeon or Rose Valley : You can go with a guide or by yourself - just remember to take water with you

Exploring one of the fascinating underground cities, used by early Christians

Going up a hot air balloon to watch the sunrise from the air - and get the perfect Cappadocia photo

Visit the Goreme Open Air Museum - an easy and accessible way to see cave churches with colourful frescos

Getting a small taste of local culture at a Cultural Night : There's a good chance you'll find yourself at one of these... just be warned that these are very touristy!

There's a lot to see and do in Cappadocia and organised day tours are a popular way to explore the region. For more ideas, read our article on things to do in Cappadocia .

Where to stay in Cappadocia

There are a few small towns in Cappadocia with good accommodation options, however the most popular places to stay are Göreme and Ürgüp. Cave hotels are popular, where rooms are carved out of the soft volcanic rock. Many are beautifully decorated and staying in a cave hotel is a wonderful experience while you're visiting Cappadocia.

Goreme is a pretty, little tourist village in the midst of the valley. It’s easy walking distance to the Goreme Open Air Museum and a couple of valleys. You’ll find budget and mid-range hotels here, along with a good selection of cafes and restaurants. It’s definitely a good choice if you don’t have car, and you’ll see the magical Cappadocia landscape all around you. It can get busy in the middle of summer, but it’s very pleasant during the shoulder season.

Stay at the beautiful Kelebek Special Cave Hotel in Goreme and try their farm breakfast

Ürgüp is one of the larger towns in the region and offers a mix of traditional and modern accommodation options. Once again, there’s good restaurants, cafes and shops, with the addition of some nightlife options. There are also some more luxury hotels in Ürgüp if you wanted a more high-end experience.

Stay at the Kayakapi Premium Caves hotel and make sure to find time to relax in the pool

Uchisar is the highest point in Cappadocia and many hotels have amazing views. It’s a little less touristy than Goreme and much quieter. Day trips frequently stop in Uchisar, but fewer people choose to stay here when they visit.

Stay at the Hotel Taskonaklar Cappadocia and take in the stunning surroundings

For a more off-the-beaten track experience, Cavusin is a good option. It’s located within the Goreme National Park and is home to a few boutique hotels. This is good for hiking, but you may want to hire a car if you stay here.

Stay in Azure Caves Suites in the middle of the national park

What to eat in Cappadocia

During your time in Cappadocia, you’re sure to come across the testi kebab. A traditional dish in this area, the testi kebab is a rich stew cooked slowly in a small clay pot (“testi” means clay). The dish is served in the sealed pot, which your waiter will crack with a little hammer, and lift the “lid” to reveal your dinner.

Traditionally, testi kebabs are cooked slowly in the coals of a tandoor oven, the filling usually containing lamb or beef and vegetables. While testi kebabs are available throughout Turkey, it’s worth trying it in Cappadocia. While some restaurants will make it to order, you really want the stew to simmer slowly over several hours. Busier restaurants in Cappadocia will prepare the dish early, others will let you order it advance – if in doubt, give them a call to check before you go.

Other than that, you’ll find foods similar to the rest of Turkey: kebabs of different types, pide bread, dried fruit and nuts. Aside, a type of grape molasses, is another Cappadocian speciality. What stood out for me was the quality of the honey and Greek yoghurt in Cappadocia. There is also a long history of wine production in Cappadocia, so you may one to taste a couple of local varieties while you’re there.

Best time to visit Cappadocia

Cappadocia can get very hot in summer and extremely cold in winter (although photos of Cappadocia in the snow look magical) so autumn and spring are the best times to visit. You’ll end up spending quite a lot of time outdoors in Cappadocia, and there are some beautiful hiking trails in the region, so going during more temperate weather is a good idea.

How to get to Cappadocia

If you want to head to Cappadocia from Istanbul, the quickest and cheapest way to to fly. There are regular flights to Kayseri Airport, which is a short drive or bus ride to the major towns of Ürgüp and Göreme. You can also hire a car from the airport or take a private transfer if you prefer.

Another, cheaper option is to take the overnight bus. The buses are relatively comfortable and stop often at modern bus stations with good facilities, however, don't expect to get a full night's sleep.

If you want to travel to Cappadocia from Pamukkale, you can also take overnight buses from Denizli bus station, arriving in Göreme around sunrise.

How to get around Cappadocia

There’s a lot to do in Cappadocia, but it’s a large region and a lot of the sites aren’t easily accessible by public transport. So, unless you want to spend a lot of your trip navigating buses, I’d suggest hiring a car if you want to travel independently.

Otherwise, there are several day trips which allow you to explore different parts of the region in a relatively affordable way. The day trips are run by qualified tour guides who can give you more insight into the history and culture of the region.

Best views in Cappadocia

This is a long list. The overall best view is probably when you’re in the hot air balloon, looking down at the incredible landscape. If you want to stay on land, there are still a number of places with amazing views:

Sunset Point in Goreme – look over the valley and into the tiny caves in the distant fairy chimneys

Fairy chimneys in Love Valley – yes, they are quite phallic looking

Uchisar castle – the best thing about this attraction is the view from the top… absolutely magical

Red Valley – the best place for sunsets

Pigeon Valley – just wander through the valley and look around.

Many of the hotels in Goreme and Uchisar also have spectacular views.

Cappadocia with children

With its wealth of outdoor activities, interesting views and cave hotel rooms, Cappadocia is a wonderful place to travel with children. From walks through canyons and forests, to hidden churches and underground cities, exploring Cappadocia is a real adventure.

Saying this, it would definitely be a more of a challenge with little children – those under six may struggle with walking the longer distances, or navigating the tunnels in underground cities. In other words, they’ll probably be fine, but be prepared to carry them a fair amount while you’re out and about. The terrain isn’t suitable for prams, but younger children in a front pack will be fine.

There is also a bit of driving to get to some sites, although the distances aren’t usually too far. Older children may also enjoy the opportunity to ride in a hot air balloon or try out a Turkish bath.

Cappadocia is a place where people are friendly, and children can have the freedom to run around and explore. There aren't too many cars in Goreme and the smaller villages, so walking is fairly safe.

Final thoughts

Cappadocia is a fascinating destination and fully deserves a place on any Turkey itinerary. Many people only spend a couple of days there and focus on the area around Göreme, however, there is a huge amount to do in Cappadocia and it's worth taking the extra time to fully explore the region.

Cappadocia is also a great starting point for travels further east and south into Turkey. Consider continuing your trip with a journey to the ancient ruins of Mount Nemrut and on to the fascinating cities of Gaziantep and Urfa .

Introduction
Things to do
Where to stay
What to eat
Getting there
Getting around

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Author - Roxanne de Bruyn

Roxanne is the founder and editor of Faraway Worlds. She is a freelance writer and guidebook author and has written for several travel publications, including Lonely Planet, TripAdvisor and The Culture Trip. With a background in communications, she has studied ancient history, comparative religion and international development, and has a particular interest in sustainable tourism.

Originally from South Africa, Roxanne has travelled widely and loves learning the stories of the places she visits. She enjoys cooking, dance and yoga, and usually travels with her husband and young son. She is based in New Zealand.

Last Updated 29 December 2023

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CHARLIES WANDERINGS

THE BLOG FOR THE ADVENTUROUS TRAVELER WHO LOVES A TOUCH OF LUXURY NOW AND THEN

BLOG , CAPPADOCIA , Destinations , Europe , Turkey · August 18, 2023

Top 13 Very Best Things To Do in Cappadocia

Are you planning a visit to Cappadocia and looking for the best things to do? Or maybe you just want some inspiration for future travel plans and you want to know more about this magical place? Well in both cases I got you completely covered!

I stayed in Cappadocia for 5 days and went on a bunch of excursions and I am here to tell you all about it! I wanted to see more of Cappadocia than the standard balloon sunrises and fairy chimneys . So I am very excited to share my full experience with you!

Cappadocia, also known as ‘land of the beautiful horses’, is a magical place in Turkey that you should visit at least once in your life ! And while it’s one of the number 1 honeymoon destinations, it’s also an amazing place to get in some quality time with your friends, or like I did with my mom :).

In this article I will give you the lay down of the best things to do in Cappadocia and what you can expect from your time here!

About Cappadocia History

Cappadocia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mesmerizing historical region nestled in the heart of Central Turkey. Renowned for its unparalleled beauty, it captivates visitors with its unique moon-like landscape and enchanting natural wonders.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Cappadocia is its whimsical fairy chimneys . These extraordinary rock formations, sculpted over millions of years by the forces of nature, resemble towering mystical creatures. As you explore the region, you’ll be transported to a realm of imagination, where ancient tales and legends come to life.

Cappadocia’s captivating landscape is not only a feast for the eyes but also offers numerous activities and adventures for every traveler. Dare to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon tour that will lift you above this surreal terrain, providing breathtaking panoramic views that will leave you speechless.

Delve into the intriguing history of Cappadocia by exploring its underground cities and rock-cut churches . These remarkable subterranean complexes, carved into soft volcanic rock, served as hiding places for early Christians during times of persecution. Step back in time as you wander through the narrow passages and marvel at the intricate frescoes adorning the ancient chapels.

Immerse yourself in the local culture by staying in one of the charming cave hotels , which seamlessly blend traditional architecture with modern luxury. Indulge in the region’s delectable cuisine, where you can savor unique flavors and specialties such as pottery kebab or sweet pumpkin dessert.

Cappadocia is generally regarded as the plains and the mountainous region of eastern Central Anatolia around the upper and middle reaches of the Kizilirmak river.

Due to its inland location and high altitude, Cappadocia has a rather continental climate, with hot dry summers and cold snowy winters.

The caravan path between Cappadocia and Konya also used to be a part of the Silk Road , a historic system of caravan trails through Turkey, Persia (Iran), India and China that allowed trade to prosper and cultures to come in contact over the centuries.

The typical landscape was shaped by erosion and by ancient volcanic eruptions . The thick ashes became solidified in rock formations and these were then shaped by the eroding wind and water. This way a fairytale landscape of cones, pillars, mushrooms and chimneys came to exist and every year draws in millions of people from all over the world!

But human hands also performed incredible work here and created a network of handmade caves and tunnels . You imagine it and they created it into the soft stone rocks: houses, places of worship, storages. They actually created entire towns underneath the ground , all connected through different tunnel complexes which could run 8 different storages deep underground!

When to visit Cappadocia

When it comes to visiting Cappadocia, timing is everything . While you can explore this enchanting region in Turkey at any time of the year, the ideal time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of Spring or Autumn . Let me tell you why.

In the Spring, from April to June, Cappadocia flourishes with vibrant colors as nature wakes up from its winter slumber. The weather is mild, with temperatures gradually rising and trees blooming with beautiful blossoms. It’s the perfect time to witness the captivating landscapes of fairy chimneys and unique rock formations while enjoying pleasant temperatures.

Autumn, from September to November, is another splendid time to visit Cappadocia. The summer crowds begin to thin out, and the temperatures start cooling down, creating a comfortable atmosphere for exploration. The surrounding valleys and vineyards come alive with shades of red, orange, and gold, making autumn a picturesque season to capture stunning photographs and immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery.

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During these shoulder seasons, you’ll also have the advantage of avoiding the peak tourist crowds that flock to Cappadocia in the summer months. This means shorter lines, better availability of accommodations, and a more peaceful and intimate experience overall.

Whether you choose to visit in Spring or Autumn, one thing is for certain – Cappadocia will leave you in awe of its otherworldly beauty. From hiking through the Rose Valley and exploring the underground city of Derinkuyu to floating above the surreal landscapes in a hot air balloon, there’s no shortage of incredible experiences to be had.

So, start planning your trip to Cappadocia during the shoulder season and get ready to embark on a memorable adventure filled with stunning sights, warm hospitality, and a touch of magic.

I do think that visiting Cappadocia during the Winter must be absolutely fantastic as well. The balloons keep on flying but there’s also snow on the ground which must make the scenery that much more magical!

Where to stay in Cappadocia

The Cappadocia region itself is rather large so knowing the best place to stay is crucial to your trip planning!

The town of Göreme is the historic center of the region and is where most tours will start as well . Göreme is also the place where you have one of the best views over the hot air balloons in the morning!

Some of the best places to take photos in Cappadocia are actually at the hotels themselves! And while you can’t enter most hotels during sunrise it is usually possible to visit afterwards. During sunrise and the hot air balloon event they want to ensure their guests have the best time of course. Then again, it can never hurt to ask!

Typical for people who travel to Cappadocia is that they stay in a cave hotel overlooking the town of Göreme . I’ve selected the best ones for you where I am sure you’ll not only have an amazing time but where you’ll also be able to take beautiful photos and make memories that last a lifetime!

Mithra Cave Hotel – Located on one of the top levels in Göreme and offering a spectacular view over the entire valley. This is the hotel where I stayed at and I 100% recommend staying here ! The owner is super nice and he owns several cute dogs that roam around the property!
Sultan Cave Suites – This is probably the most photographed hotel in Cappadocia. Known for inviting influencers from all over the place to promote their property. Sultan Cave Suites is actually located below Mithra Cave Hotel so I could actually see all of the mayhem in full blown action. :p
Local Cave House Hotel – Known for its pool which can come in handy on those sizzling hot Turkish afternoons.
Museum Hotel – This stunning Relais & Chateaux hotel is a masterpiece on its own and is definitely worth a visit! I got lucky to be invited during sunrise but I have to admit that the hot air balloons were really far. nevertheless it’s a stunning hotel and if you want to splurge yourself with some luxury then this is the way to go !

How to get to Göreme

The nearest airports to Göreme are in Kayseri or Nevsehir and most international flights will have a short layover in Istanbul . The Nevsehir airport is closest to the city center and only 40 minutes driving from Göreme. In the summer months, Turkish Airlines has daily flights from Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir.

From there you have a shuttle service that will take you to Cappadocia’s city center (Göreme) for around 35 TL .

If you’re flying into Kayseri airport your transfer will take around 1,5 hour and will therefore also be more expensive.

From Istanbul there are plenty of overnight busses that will take you to Cappadocia. While it might take more time to reach your destination it is a much cheaper way to travel.

From Istanbul the trip takes around 10 hours and wil cost around 100TL. Busses are usually comfortable and clean with enough space and WiFi on board. When booking an overnight bus make sure to look if you’re booking one with or without rest stops.

These busses won’t drop you off in Göreme but at busstop Otogar in Nevsehir from where it’s 25 minutes to the city centre.

You can always contact your hotel and they might be able to arrange a transfer for you.

This would be my favourite way of transportation in Turkey cause I am a sucker for road trips. I love the feeling of freedom and that you can plan on the go.

From Istanbul to Cappadocia it’s around 728km and the drive takes around 8,5 hours. On the way you’ll pass by Ankara, the second largest city in Turkey .

From Pamukkale to Cappadocia it’s a 650km drive, which should take around 7,5 hours.

Note that driving in Göreme might not be for the faint of heart cause the streets are super narrow and windy. I think it’s best to find a parking spot along the main road and then go from there.

Top Things To Do in Cappadocia

1. watch the sunrise from one of the many terraces in göreme national park.

I can tell you that one of the best and most spectacular attratcions to do in Cappadocia is to wake up early . Roll out of bed and make your way to one of the terraces in Göreme National Park. It is important to mention that these terraces are part of individual hotels. It is not allowed to access them if you are not staying there.

A lot of people don’t know this and drive to Göreme in the early morning in hope of seeing the balloons during sunrise. This will not be possible unless you are staying at one of the hotels! However, most hotels do offer free entrance after sunrise!

The balloons should fly every morning , however it does depend on the amount of wind. They usually don’t know this from before. Sometimes the balloons also rise a little after sunrise so it’s definitely worth it to stick around for a while. Cappadocia is a desert landscape, which results in very cold mornings . Make sure to pack warm clothes with you so you don’t freeze your but off while you’re out there waiting for the balloons!

💡 TIP – I stayed at Mithra Cave Hotel and absolutely loved my stay here! They have several platforms from where you can watch the sunrise and they also have the cutest little puppies!

cappadocia travel, cappadocia photography, mithra cave hotel

2. Indulge in the local cuisine

If I had to name one of my favourite cuisines, Turkish food is right there in my top 5. The Turkish cuisine is a fusion of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Eastern European, Armenian and Balkan cuisines.

And I am not just talking about their Turkish delight. I would love for you to try some of my favourite dishes: stuffed dolmas, eggplant and definitely try a meze! This is a selection of appetisers that can be shared with the entire table!

If you’re staying in Göreme I can recommend you the restaurant Dibek , a local restaurant where you should indulge in their pottery kebap!

3. Watch the sunset at Rose Valley

This is one of the best and most beautiful things to do in Cappadocia! Watching the sunset over Rose Valley is absolutely magical and an activity that you can not miss .

If you don’t have a rental car the easiest way to go there is by taxi. This is a very popular sunset spot so please, don’t expect to be there alone for a second :p. There will be a mix of tourists and locals, playing music, drinking, all waiting fir the sun to set over the valley!

We did not have a rental car during our stay and simply agreed on a pick up time with our taxi driver! It all went very smooth and we were back at our hotel in no time.

But what makes the Rose Valley so special isn’t just the incredible rock formations. But here the minerals in the sand stone have a pink hue which you can see clearly throughout the day. But the best time to see it in all its glory is during sunset.

That’s why Rose Valley is one of the most popular sunset point in the Cappadocia region.

4. Pay a visit to Pigeon Valley

Pigeon Valley, also known as Guvercinlik Valley , is a 10 minute drive away from Göreme and one of Cappadocia’s most famous valleys . Almost every tour around Cappadocia makes a stop here so you pretty much can’t miss it.

At the top is the famous Göreme Panorama, a moon-like landscape spreads out underneath your feet and all you can do is be in awe of mother natures work here. These typical shapes that you find around entire Cappadocia are the result of hundreds of years of erosion.

You’ll also encounter the famous Evil Eye tree here so make sure you don’t miss it!

cappadocia travel, cappadocia photography, evil eye tree, pigeon valley

5. Go on a hot air balloon flight during sunrise

If you’re planning a trip to Cappadocia, one of the best and most fun things to do is to go on a hot air balloon ride! But be ready to wake up bright and early cause you’ll get picked up at 4 am in the morning !

What I didn’t really like is that everyone is first brought to a local diner where “breakfast” is served. Don’t expect anything fancy, just some white none toasted bread and slices of ham and cheese next to it. Way too little for everyone who is there anyway…

But after that it’s time to go on one of the best hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia ! You’ll be divided into different groups and taken to your balloon in a small bus. Our balloon didn’t make it up in the air until after sunrise and while it was still a magical experience it also left me feeling a little bit disappointed.

The average price of a balloon ride is around €150 so make sure that before booking you read a lot of online reviews!

cappadocia travel, cappadocia hot air balloon ride, cappadocia photography

6. Discover Selime Monastery

The Selime Monastery, also known as the Kaledibi Monastery, is the biggest rock-cut monastery of Cappadocia with a cathedral-sized church. This remarkable architectural wonder dates back to the 8th century and is located in the central part of Turkey.

Nestled within the picturesque landscape of Cappadocia, the Selime Monastery is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of its creators. Carved into the soft volcanic rock formations, this monastery is a stunning example of Byzantine rock-cut architecture .

The monastery complex boasts a vast network of chambers, corridors, and tunnels that were used as living quarters, storage areas, and places of worship by the monks who once inhabited the site. The highlight of the monastery is its impressive main church, which features intricately carved details and stunning frescoes that have stood the test of time.

Exploring the Selime Monastery offers a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of Cappadocia . Visitors can wander through the labyrinthine passages, marvel at the breathtaking rock formations surrounding the monastery, and imagine what life was like for the monks who sought solace and spirituality within these walls.

It was carved by hand by the monks in the 13th century and apart from the church it also has living quarters for the monks, a large kitchen and stables for animals . The walls were once decorated with frescoes of which very little remains but it’s still a wonderful site to see today and to explore!

From on top of the Selime Monastery you also get a spectacular view over the Ihlara Valley , a 15 km long and 150m deep canyon. The valley contains around 50 rock-hewn churches and numerous rock-cut buildings.

💡 TIP – I loved visiting this place and it was part of the Green Tour that we took.

cappadocia travel, cappadocia photography

7. Go for a horse ride in the Red Valley during sunset

This was one of my favorite things to do in Cappadocia! I had never been on a horse before, that’s if you don’t include the ponies at the local carnival when I was a kid :p. But the horses were very well trained and our guide also provided us with instructions during the entire ride.

It took around 1,5 hour to reach the summit from where we admired the sunset over the Red Valley in Cappadocia . Afterwards you return back to the ranch through a different path and say goodbye to your handsome steed for the evening!

8. Stroll through Göreme Open Air Museum

The Goreme Open Air Museum is one of the most popular places and historic sites in Cappadocia. The museum is located rather close to the city centre of Goreme, which is only 15 minutes walking distance.

Try to avoid this attraction on the weekend cause the place will not only be swarmed with tourists but also with locals.

There are over 10 cave churches to admire and visit and upon entering you get an audio guide to take with you. This one explains in detail about the history of Cappadocia and how places like this came to exist.

Despite the big crowds it’s still a must visit if you want to learn more about the rich culture and history embedded in this place .

cappadocia travel, göreme open air museum

9. Visit the most famous carpet shop in Cappadocia

In the centre of Goreme you’ll find one of the most famous carpet shops in the world.

Galeri Ikham is also one of the most impressive carpet shops I have ever seen in my entire life! Layers and layers of carpets and cushion covers are laid out and I honestly didn’t know where to look first! Take a good look around cause I am a hundred percent convinced you’ll find your perfect Turkish souvenir here!

I found two gorgeous pillow covers and I am pretty sure that if my budget would have allowed me I would have gone home with way more!

A lot of people visit this store sole for the purpose of taking photos. If this is your only goal make sure to ask the shop owner if you’re allowed to do so.

It’s always so important to be respectful cause the constant clicking of a camera might set other possible customers off and the shops loses sales because of it.

Instead ask if it’s allowed and if they want anything in return . There’s nothing wrong with paying a small fee or buying a souvenir in return! It’s a win win situation: you get to take fun photos, they are pleased with you and you don’t ruin the experience for future visitors!

10. Visit Pasabag Valley

If you want to spot the best fairy chimneys and cave dwellings then Pasabag Valley is the place to be.

But the same advise goes here, try to visit on a weekday and not on the weekend. I think that’s why a lot of the magic was lost to me when i was there and don’t even get me started on taking photos cause that was absolute insanity!

I would love to return to Cappadocia one day and visit these places a second time!

11. Watch the sunset over Göreme

It’s not just the sunrise that are spectacular in Göreme but the sunsets are actually equally as impressive!

Watch the sunset from the privacy of your hotel terrace or you can also pay a visit to the famous Göreme look out point. This is called the Lover’s Hill Sunset Point and the best part is that it’s within walking distance of most hotels in the city.

The 3 most famous and most frequented sunset viewpoints in Cappadocia are Lover’s Hill, Rose Valley and a Rooftop terrace. So you can imagine that you’ll never have this place to yourself during sunset.

12. Explore the Derinkuyu Underground Village

One of its most intriguing attractions in Cappadocia is the Derinkuyu Underground City. This ancient subterranean complex is believed to have been built thousands of years ago, serving as a shelter and refuge for the local communities during times of turmoil and conflict.

The Derinkuyu Underground City is a remarkable feat of engineering, consisting of multiple levels that extend several stories deep into the ground. This sprawling labyrinth features narrow passages, hidden chambers, wells, and even ventilation shafts to ensure the inhabitants had access to fresh air. It is estimated that this underground city could accommodate thousands of people, providing them with the necessary facilities for living, such as kitchens, stables, churches, and storage areas.

Exploring the Derinkuyu Underground City is like stepping back in time, as you wander through its dimly lit corridors and discover the remnants of ancient life. As you descend deeper into the earth, you can’t help but marvel at the ingenuity and craftsmanship that went into constructing such a complex network of tunnels and rooms. It is truly a testament to the resourcefulness and resilience of the people who once called this place home.

You’ll go down below the ground until 5 levels deep into this cave system which once housed over 20.000 people!

Do know that if you suffer from claustrophobia this excursion might not be for you.

13. Marvel at Uchisar Castle

Uchisar Castle holds a significant historical and cultural importance in the region of Cappadocia . Situated in the charming town of Uchisar, this castle stands as a remarkable testament to the architectural brilliance of ancient civilizations.

Originally serving as a defensive stronghold, Uchisar Castle played a vital role in protecting the people of Cappadocia from invasions and external threats . Its strategic location on the hilltop offered a commanding view of the surrounding valleys and enabled the inhabitants to monitor any approaching danger from afar.

What makes Uchisar Castle truly mesmerizing is not only its historical significance but also its natural formation. Carved entirely from the soft volcanic rock that defines the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, the castle showcases the exceptional skill of its builders and their ability to work harmoniously with nature.

Exploring the castle’s interior, visitors can wander through a labyrinth of tunnels, corridors, and chambers that once housed the inhabitants and provided protection during times of conflict . These intricate passageways give a glimpse into the daily life of the people who sought refuge within the castle’s walls centuries ago.

As you make your way to the top of Uchisar Castle, a panoramic view unfolds, revealing the breathtaking beauty of Cappadocia. The sweeping vistas of fairy chimneys, towering rock formations, and lush valleys are truly awe-inspiring, leaving visitors in sheer admiration of the region’s geological wonders.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an avid photographer, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to Uchisar Castle promises an unforgettable journey through time and a chance to marvel at the wonders of ancient craftsmanship and the natural beauty of Cappadocia.

💡 TIP – If you participate in the Red Tour you have the opportunity to end your day at the top of Uchisar Castle to watch the sunset.

ancient stone formations under cloudy sky

Which Cappadocia tour should you choose

There are so many excursions that you can go on during a visit to Cappadocia. But it usually comes down to three colours: red, green and blue.

Which tour includes which activity you can find out below!

Know that these tours aren’t private tours! You’ll join 20-30 other people and you’ll be divided into groups according to your language. The tour guide speaks a lot of languages and could even speak a little bit of Chinese!

In all daily Cappadocia Tours, you will be picked up in the morning around 09.00-09.30 AM and tours will start around 10.00 AM . Pick up, transportation during the day, professional guiding, entrances and lunch are included in the price. The average pricing for a tour lies between €25 and €50 and depends on the length of the total tour.

Each of the color-separated tours is arranged according to the area, distance and entrance fee. In addition, one tour presents natural and historical buildings , while the other offers a tour plan with natural areas.

Cappadocia Green Tour

During the Green Tour you’ll do a lot more walking and you’ll drive further away from Göreme .

This is the tour you should choose if you wish to visit the Derinkuyu Underground Village .

All of the attractions in the Green Tour are: Göreme Panaroma, Underground City, Güvercinlik Valley, Ortahisar Rum Village, Red Valley, Kaledibi Monastery, Onyx Workshop.

I found this tour very interesting but it’s a full day tour and in the end I was dead tired. I wouldn’t recommend this tour if you have small children with you or if you want to make extra plans for sunset.

Cappadocia Red Tour

The Red Tour is the ideal tour if you only have one day in Cappadocia and you still want to see the main highlights.

You can easily combine this tour with one of the sunset excursions such as an ATV sunset tour or the horseback riding through red valley.

All of the attractions in the Red Tour are: Uçhisar Castle, Love Valley, Open Air Museum, Çavuşin Rum Village, Paşabağ Valley, Devrent Valley, Pottery Workshop.

Cappadocia Travel Guide – Is it safe to travel to Cappadocia

I will never understand why but a lot of times Turkey gets a bad reputation for solo female travel. Is it because people are sometimes scared of different cultures?

Well I have traveled to Turkey twice now, once with a girlfriend and once with my mom. Both times were a ton of fun and we never felt unsafe at any given moment!

Also Cappadocia is so accustomed to tourism that it’s one of the best places in Turkey to start your solo female travel journey. A lot of the locals speak English and are willing to help you if you have questions.

Charlotte Lint is the founder, main photographer and writer of Charlies Wanderings . She has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice. She is an expert on writing insightful hiking guides and creating unique and efficient travel itineraries . Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.

You’ll Also Love

Istanbul travel, Istanbul photography, Hagia Sophia

April 30, 2020 at 8:43 pm

Gorgeous looking place! Again, never imagined turkey held all these beautiful places. Love the photo of you with the lanterns ?

Charlotte says

April 30, 2020 at 8:47 pm

Thank you!!! I am dying to go back! I would love to do a road trip through Turkey!

Cirkeline says

March 4, 2021 at 1:46 pm

What a great article! We’re currently dreaming of going to Cappadocia again – we’ve been there before and we love, love love it! Here’s to hoping for a better 2021 and 2022 with loads of travel plans and new experiences!

– Cirkeline

February 19, 2022 at 5:33 pm

Thanks for the amazing explains article.

February 19, 2022 at 5:41 pm

My absolute pleasure! Hope you’ll have an amazing trip!

JTraveling says

November 17, 2022 at 10:48 am

Thanks for the story and information

Cappadocia Tours says

January 28, 2023 at 12:26 am

Thanks for the amazing explanation article.

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Cappadocia travel
Discover the geological oddity and human history of Cappadocia, a region of honeycombed hills and towering boulders in Turkey. Find the best attractions, tips, planning tools and articles from Lonely Planet experts.
Cappadocia Itinerary: 2, 3, 4 or 5 Day Options
Plan your trip to Cappadocia with this guide that covers the best tours, places to stay, and tips for visiting. Whether you have 2, 3, 4 or 5 days, you can find the perfect itinerary for your Cappadocia adventure.
30+ Best Things To Do In Cappadocia: 2024 Travel Guide
Best Things To Do In Cappadocia Turkey. 1. Explore Cappadocia From Above On A Hot Air Balloon Ride. Hot air balloons in Cappadocia at sunrise. Perhaps the biggest attraction in Cappadocia is the opportunity to go on one of the hot air balloons and float through the sky during sunrise.
Cappadocia Travel Guide For Turkey (+Map)
Cappadocia Travel Guide For Turkey (+Map) by David & Intan April 20, 2024. Cappadocia Turkey is the most popular hot air ballooning location in the world, and for good reason — the prices are affordable, and you get to see some unique fairytale landscapes. More than half of the world's balloon trips happen here.
8 best places to visit in Cappadocia
5. Kaymaklı. Best place to wander underground. The Byzantines might have burrowed into Cappadocia's soft rock to produce churches, but the inhabitants of Kaymakl ı went one better - digging deep into the ground, they developed a huge network of caves and passageways now known as Kaymaklı underground city.
Cappadocia travel guide
Cappadocia travel guide: Overview of tours in Cappadocia. There are many places to visit in Cappadocia, but they are very far apart. So for the most convenience, you can buy a tour at the hotel (The hotels here are linked with travel agents). Tours will include shuttle bus, guide, tickets to attractions, water and lunch for guests.
Cappadocia: All You Must Know Before You Go (2024)
Cappadocia Dream - 2 Days Cappadocia Travel with Balloon Ride from/to Istanbul. 160. from $468 per adult. Best of Cappadocia Small Group Guided Tour. 75. from $65 per adult. 2023. Cappadocia Green Tour (inc: Pro Guide, Transfers, Tickets, Lunch) 657. from $87 per adult. Goreme to North Cappadocia Tour. Guide, Lunch and Transfers incl.
The Ultimate Cappadocia Travel Guide (And Why It's A Must)
Cappadocia is a notable region for a number of reasons, but, namely because of its lengthy history and breathtaking scenery. Cappadocia's human history is estimated to have started as far back as 1800 BC, and it has always occupied this "in-between" space as empires fought battles on either side (and sometimes through it).
9 best things to do in Cappadocia
6. Hike the Ihlara Valley. Devout Byzantine monks fashioned their cave churches all over Cappadocia, but some of the most impressive can be found clustered in the Ihlara Valley. Far from the bizarre fairy chimney landscapes of Göreme, Ihlara is a beautiful river canyon flanked by high cliffs dotted with cave churches.
The Ultimate Cappadocia Travel Guide: Your Essential Guide
Conclusion. The Ultimate Cappadocia Travel Guide aims to provide a comprehensive look into this magical land's offerings. From unique landscapes to rich historical sites, tantalizing cuisine, and exciting activities, Cappadocia promises an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags and set off on an adventure of a lifetime!
Travel Guide to Cappadocia, Turkey [with Sample Itinerary]
Cappadocia Travel Guide: Places to Visit in Cappadocia, Turkey 1. Goreme National Park. Photo by Alex Proimos CC BY-NC 2.0 Göreme National Park, a place that attracts the most tourists for many years, entered the Unesco World Heritage List in 1985. You can have a nice visit to the past among the pages of its history, where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, along with ...
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Scooter - Renting a scooter in Goreme can be cost-effective for couples and solo travelers. Rental prices run about $30-$40 USD per day. ATV - Quad biking is a fun way to see Cappadocia and the terrain is perfect for it. We recommend booking an ATV tour with HIRO Tour Travel Agency located in Goreme town.
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THE CAPPADOCIA TRAVEL GUIDE: 24 AWESOME THINGS TO DO . The hot-air balloons are the biggest attraction these days in Cappadocia. However, they are a relatively modern attraction, and this historic region has so much more to offer as you will see on this list of the top things to do in Cappadocia. Before we get into the list, here are the four ...
Cappadocia Travel Guide
Explore Cappadocia with our travel guide to find out how to get to Cappadocia, which places are best to visit, eat, drink, and stay in Cappadocia. Cappadocia is easily one of the most magical places on earth, and on the bucket lists of many people for this reason. Nowhere else are the fairy chimneys this dense or this filled with history.
Cappadocia Travel Guide: Where to Stay + What to Do for First Timers
Cappadocia Travel Guide Conclusion. So, there you have it, the ultimate Cappadocia travel guide complete with my recommended things to do in Cappadocia. From epic Cappadocia cave hotels, ATV tours, and scenic valley hikes, to awe-inspiring sunrise Cappadocia hot air balloon rides, there's something for everyone. More Turkey Travel Guides
Cappadocia travel guide: discovering Turkey's fairytale land
Cappadocia is a magical destination with rock formations, cave hotels, underground cities and hot air balloons. Learn how to plan your trip, where to stay, what to do and what to eat in this comprehensive guide from Faraway Worlds.
Cappadocia travel guide: 10 best tips (2024)
Cappadocia travel guide. 1. How to get to Cappadocia. Getting to Cappadocia is both easy and inexpensive. You can either fly, take the bus or drive yourself. Flying is the quickest option, with regular flights to Kayseri Airport, which is just a short drive from the major towns of Ürgüp and Göreme in Cappadocia.
Visit Cappadocia: Travel Guide to Turkey
BEST TIME TO VISIT CAPPADOCIA. Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are the best times to visit Cappadocia. It isn't peak season and the weather is moderate. Summer (June-August) can get pretty hot — up to 32°C/90°F — and it's the busiest time of the year with tourists flocking in from the southern coast.
14 Best Things to do in Cappadocia Turkey: Your 2024 Guide
This Cappadocia travel guide will help you find the best things to do in Cappadocia (the balloons and beyond) and organise your trip here in 2024. Best Things to do in Cappadocia in 2024. Cappadocia is a region that extends across the Anatolian plains in the Nevsehir region of central Turkey. It is famous for its air balloon tours and its ...
Top 13 Very Best Things To Do in Cappadocia
Cappadocia Travel Guide - Is it safe to travel to Cappadocia. Top 13 Very Best Things To Do in Cappadocia About Cappadocia History. Cappadocia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mesmerizing historical region nestled in the heart of Central Turkey.
Cappadocia Travel Pass®
You can start using your Cappadocia Travel Pass® in 3 EASY STEPS! 1 Purchase your Cappadocia Travel Pass® online. 2 Visit any attraction you choose with reservation that can be done under only 15 seconds. 3 Scan your QR code or Pass ID at entries and enjoy your visit! Enjoy! See More Details.

30+ Best Things To Do In Cappadocia: The Comprehensive Travel Guide

Best Things To Do In Cappadocia Turkey

2. Watch The Hot Air Balloons At Sunrise

3. Explore The Goreme Open-Air Museum and Its Rock Churches

4. Explore The Zelve Open-Air Museum

5. Stay In A Cave Hotel

6. Go Below The Surface at Derinkuyu Underground City

7. Explore Kaymakli Underground City

8. See Panoramic Views from Uchisar Castle

9. Watch Whirling Dervishes

10. Catch The Sunset At Goreme Sunset Point (Lover’s Hill)

11. Check Out The Pottery In Avanos

12. Explore Salt Lake Tuz

13. Visit Monks Valley

14. Try Pottery Kebab

15. Explore St. John the Baptist Chapel at Cavusin Castle

16. Be Amazed By Chez Galip Hair Museum

17. Take Selfies at Devrent Valley

18. Go Carpet Shopping at Galerie Ikman

Best Hikes In Cappadocia

1. Rose Valley

2. Red Valley

3. Pigeon Valley

4. Ihlara Valley

5. Love Valley And White Valley

6. Zemi Valley Loop

7. Hidden Church Hike

Tours In Cappadocia

1. Red Tour

2. Green Tour

3. Blue Tour

4. ATV Tour

5. Horseback Riding Tours

6. Winery Tours

Map Of The Best Attractions In Cappadocia?

Where To Stay In Cappadocia Turkey

Best Hostel In Goreme – Kamelya Cave Hostel

Best Hotel In Goreme – Henna Hotel

How To Get To Cappadocia

Flights to Cappadocia

Buses to Cappadocia

How To Get Around Cappadocia

Best Time to Visit Cappadocia

Visiting Cappadocia FAQs

Is the Cappadocia Museum Pass Worth Getting?

Is Cappadocia Expensive?

Before You Go

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Cappadocia Travel Guide For Turkey (+Map)

What Is Cappadocia? What Is The History?

Where Is Cappadocia Turkey?

How To Get To Cappadocia Turkey

Where To Stay

Best Cappadocia Cave Hotels

Cappadocia Map

Best Things To Do In Cappadocia

• Devrent Valley

• Monks Valley (Pasabag)

• Love Valley

• Goreme Open Air Museum

• Uchisar Castle

• Derinkuyu Underground City

• Ihlara Valley

• Melendiz River

• Selime Monastery

• Pigeon Valley

How To Get Around Cappadocia

Best Cappadocia Tours

How Long To Stay

Best Time To Visit Cappadocia

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Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley)