There are such a lot of issues to do in Cappadocia, which frequently surprises folks. Having spent years dwelling in and exploring Turkey, it’s the one place that at all times blows me away. From the wonderful landscapes to the jaw-dropping sunsets, that is certainly one of my favourite locations of all time.
Sightseeing in Cappadocia at all times exhibits you one thing new, regardless of what number of occasions you’ve been. What I really like most about this space is that it’s so far-off from the hustle and bustle of town; it’s like being in one other world completely.
Situated within the middle of Turkey, the beautiful landscapes of Cappadocia have been fashioned via historic volcanic eruptions and climate erosion. In fact, there’s additionally a colossal quantity of historical past so as to add into the combination too, and whenever you throw in all of the totally different locations to go to in Cappadocia, that is one location that I can really say is not like some other I’ve ever seen.
Finest Issues To Do in Cappadocia
I’ve visited Cappadocia just a few occasions, and having lived in Turkey for some time, I do know it’s a spot that even locals wish to expertise. There are such a lot of distinctive issues to do in Cappadocia, however if you happen to don’t learn about them, you would possibly assume it’s nearly strolling and sizzling air balloon rides.
However, Cappadocia is a lot greater than that. It’s some of the romantic and exquisite areas on the planet, and it’s additionally an incredible place to go to with kids, who will love operating round and exploring the fairy chimneys. So, that will help you work out the place to go first, I’ve put collectively this record of prime issues to do—which is able to you strive first?
1. Scorching Air Balloon Trip
Probably the greatest issues to do in Cappadocia, and doubtless essentially the most well-known, is to take a sizzling air balloon experience. It’s a kind of issues that most individuals have on their bucket record and with good motive. It’s mind-blowing, and even if you happen to’re afraid of heights, I’d actually urge you to try to really feel the concern and do it scared anyway.
If you happen to actually can’t deal with leaving the bottom, watching the balloons take off at dawn is magical in itself. The very best time of 12 months to do that exercise is spring and fall; in winter it’s wonderful to see the snow-covered panorama, however you’re extra prone to have your journey canceled because of unhealthy climate. Click on right here for particulars and to guide.
Deal with: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
2. Sundown Quad Safari
Whether or not you’re touring with children, as a pair, and even solo, some of the enjoyable issues to do in Cappadocia is to take a sundown quad safari tour. I’ve carried out this earlier than, and I actually loved it – the views have been merely beautiful and it was a lot enjoyable.
The tour itself takes simply two hours so you possibly can simply go for a meal afterward. The route takes you round Sword Valley and Love Valley, and the fairy chimneys draped within the altering gentle are one thing I’ll always remember. Click on right here to be taught extra.
Deal with: JRXR+QQ, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
3. Keep in a Cave Resort
I believe one of many coolest issues to do in Cappadocia isn’t essentially an exercise, however an lodging. Sure, I’m speaking about cave resorts. There’s one thing particularly mind-blowing about waking up figuring out you’re in a room carved right into a rock slightly than a freestanding constructing.
The cave resorts are positioned proper within the coronary heart of Cappadocia, and whereas they do price a little bit greater than the resorts exterior of the park, it’s an expertise I’d undoubtedly suggest. I stayed on the Cappadocia Cave Suites and loved all the pieces about it.
Deal with: Gafferli Mahallesi, Ünlü Sk. No:19, 50180 Göreme/Merkez/Nevşehir
4. Go to Underground Cities
Whereas Cappadocia is undoubtedly lovely from above, there are greater than 200 underground cities beneath your ft. Most are inaccessible, however two are actually fashionable and are undoubtedly must-visits — Derinkuyu and Kaymakli. Derinkuyu was my favourite, and I used to be shocked at how massive, but intricate it was.
These underground cities are undoubtedly among the finest locations to go to in Cappadocia and date again to Byzantine occasions. Again within the day, folks used to maintain their animals down there with them too, so you possibly can think about simply how massive these areas are.
I’d suggest you put aside half a day to go to each underground cities and actually take your time immersing your self within the subterranean world.
Deal with: Ağcaşar/Derinkuyu/Nevşehir
5. Hike Pigeon Valley
If you happen to love nature, among the best issues to do in Cappadocia is to hike in Pigeon Valley. You can even take a tour which encompasses the underground cities if you happen to’re a little bit brief on time.
The valley is understood for its historic homes, and it’s additionally half of a giant climbing path within the space. It’s some of the well-known points of interest in Cappadocia, and it’s a good suggestion to plan half a day, or a full day right here if you happen to actually wish to discover the pure environment as a lot as doable. Click on right here for tour info.
Deal with: Pigeon Valley/Güvercinlik Vadisi
6. Paragliding
You may not image paragliding as one of many prime issues to do in Cappadocia however I can guarantee you, the view from this attitude is just breathtaking.
You’ll be strapped to an teacher the entire time who will take pictures for you as you soar excessive above Goreme Nationwide Park. Naturally, that is one for individuals who have a head for heights, however if you happen to dare, I’d say go for it.
I’m not the largest fan of heights, however I went paragliding in Ölüdeniz, and it’s one thing I’m so glad I used to be courageous sufficient to strive – it was really particular. Click on right here for info and to guide.
Deal with: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
7. Kızılçukur Valley
You’ll want your climbing boots for this one, however when you get to the highest, I assure you’ll be unable to match the sights to something you’ve ever seen earlier than. That is additionally among the best locations to see the sundown within the space, and the house supplies a panoramic view of how extraordinary Cappadocia actually is.
This is without doubt one of the most fascinating issues to do round Cappadocia for a way of how massive the world is. I couldn’t consider the landscapes, and there actually isn’t wherever else that appears fairly prefer it. I discovered it to be a extremely peaceable spot too, though it’s fashionable; I felt completely at one with nature.
Deal with: Yukarı Kızılçukur Vadisi, 50500 Ürgüp/Nevşehir
8. Turkish Breakfast with a View
One among my favourite issues to do in Cappadocia, in actual fact, certainly one of my favourite issues to do wherever in Turkey is to have a full-on breakfast, recognized domestically as kahvalti. Belief me, you gained’t be hungry till dinner, and also you’ll undoubtedly wish to take pictures to seize the feast in entrance of you.
The beauty of breakfast in Cappadocia is that you just get the wonderful backdrop together with a incredible meal. I loved each chunk at Want Terrace and the views have been simply as scrumptious because the meals.
Deal with: Aşağı, Trafo Çıkmazı Sok No:3, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
9. Take a Pottery Workshop
Taking a pottery workshop is an effective way to spend just a few hours in Cappadocia, and also you’ll be taught rather a lot in regards to the conventional crafts of the native space. Not solely will you be taught lots however you’ll get to make your individual piece of pottery to take residence, in addition to take pleasure in some scrumptious refreshments.
Out of all of the stuff to do in Cappadocia, this is without doubt one of the most unusual, and even kids will love creating one thing handmade to take residence and maintain as a reminiscence of their time. Click on right here for tour particulars.
Deal with: Cumhuriyet, 525. Sk. No:12, 50500 Avanos/Nevşehir
10. Go on a Yoga Retreat
If you happen to’re deciding what to do in Cappadocia and also you’re in search of one thing a little bit totally different, a yoga class or retreat is a good alternative. You’ll discover just a few totally different choices, however the magic of dawn is one of the best time to take pleasure in this sacred follow, overlooking Goreme Nationwide Park.
When determining what to do in Cappadocia, it’s straightforward to stay to sightseeing, however there are extra actions to take pleasure in than you would possibly assume; I used to be stunned myself. I cherished my yoga expertise in Cappadocia and being in such a good looking and pure setting undoubtedly helped me to connect with my breath and unwind. Click on right here for particulars.
Deal with: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
11. Discover the Fairy Chimneys
The fairy chimneys are essentially the most well-known vacationer points of interest in Cappadocia, and one of the best factor is that they’re not off-bounds. If you happen to’re touring with children, that is the best time to allow them to run round and discover. I visited Cappadocia with household, and my nieces cherished to play cover and search behind these enormous rock formations and climb so far as we’d enable them to.
Visiting feels such as you’ve traveled to a different world, and also you’ll discover these rock formations in all valleys, nonetheless, Pasabag Valley is residence to among the largest. When the solar rises and units, the rocks appear to vary shade, providing you with a distinct view each time.
Deal with: 50502 Aktepe/Avanos/Nevşehir, Türkiye
12. Selime Monastery
One among my favourite issues to do in Cappadocia is to go to the beautiful Selime Monastery, a part of the Inexperienced Tour that exhibits you many areas in a single journey. This monastery dates again to the Byzantine period, and it’s completely enormous. Regardless of its age, it’s additionally extraordinarily properly preserved.
You may actually really feel the historical past throughout you, and it’s an incredible spot to go to on a heat day as a result of the cave makes it really feel a lot cooler. Spend a while deeply exploring this monastery since you don’t wish to miss the main points, such because the kitchen and the totally different hallways. Click on right here for Inexperienced Tour info.
Deal with: 68500 Yaprakhisar/Güzelyurt/Aksaray
13. Goreme Open Air Museum
Certainly, among the best and most well-known locations to go to in Cappadocia is the Goreme Open Air Museum. This can be a well-known spot that exhibits you the perfect of the world; strolling round feels such as you’re in the midst of historical past. Out of all of the Cappadocia points of interest, undoubtedly go to this one.
Probably the greatest methods to see the world is to take a strolling tour, the place your information will be capable of let you know the historical past of all you’re seeing. Take your time and take up the serene ambiance of this space. Click on right here for tour particulars.
Deal with: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
14. Wine Tasting
A go to to a neighborhood vineyard is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Cappadocia for {couples}. The tour takes 4 hours, so there’s loads of time to find out about how wine is made on this a part of the world and revel in just a few glasses your self.
Turasan Vineyard is known within the space, and so they develop their very own grapes. Seeing the harvest is basically lovely, and I loved the peaceable really feel across the space. I additionally loved the wine, and I’m certain you’ll too! It’s the most important vineyard within the space, so there may be lots to see and do. Click on right here for tour particulars.
Deal with: Temenni, Tevfik Fikret Cd. No:44, 50400 Ürgüp/Nevşehir
15. Discover Ihlara Valley
Ihlara Valley is without doubt one of the finest spots in Cappadocia for climbing, and the canyons provide such an exquisite distinction of colours, from rock to inexperienced and again once more. This space is fairly straightforward to stroll round; you simply want comfy footwear and loads of time to discover. Whether or not you’re a newbie or an avid hiker, this place is appropriate for all ranges of expertise.
Taking a guided tour lets you know extra about what you’re seeing and means you gained’t miss the hidden spots which may in any other case go you by. I actually loved my go to to Ihlara Valley, and it’s someplace I undoubtedly wish to return to. Don’t miss this off your itinerary. Click on right here for tour particulars.
Deal with: 68500 Ihlara/Güzelyurt/Aksaray.
16. Go to Love Valley
You may go to Love Valley as a part of Cappadocia’s Purple Tour, and it’s a must-visit. You would possibly marvel why the valley has its title, and it’s right down to the rock formations, (that are phallic-shaped), however you possibly can overlook that and simply adore the fantastic thing about the panorama.
Love Valley is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Cappadocia for households as a result of kids can run and climb to their coronary heart’s content material. As with most different valleys within the space, it’s significantly spectacular at sundown, however even if you happen to go to in the midst of the day, you’ll be glad you went. Click on right here for Purple Tour particulars.
Deal with: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
17. Go to Carpet Galerie İkman
If you happen to’ve checked out locations to go to in Cappadocia on-line you’ll most likely have seen an image of a carpet store. This place is a particular must-visit and is someplace that may doubtless refill your digicam reel, quick. I cherished all of the totally different coloured carpets, though I didn’t give in to the temptation to purchase one.
If you happen to’re severe about taking care of your Instagram feed, the Cappadocia Instagram Tour will take you round a number of wonderful spots together with a distinct carpet retailer with equally lovely shows. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Deal with: Müze Cd. No:2, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
18. Hike in Sword Valley
A full day of climbing in Sword Valley and past is an effective way to spend your day, and also you’ll undoubtedly sleep properly on the finish of it. There are such a lot of issues to see in Cappadocia, and I discovered a day climbing confirmed me lots of them in a single go. If you happen to’re visiting for just some days, I’d undoubtedly suggest such a tour.
Sword Valley itself is basically lovely, and the fairy chimneys listed below are uniquely sword-shaped, (therefore its title). This house can also be larger than among the different valleys, which permits you loads of room to roam and discover. Click on right here for tour particulars and to guide.
Deal with: JRXR+QQ, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
19. Benefit from the Sundown
Probably the greatest free issues to do in Cappadocia is to easily sit again and benefit from the sundown. You don’t must go wherever to do that – simply stand exterior in awe. In actual fact, I’d go so far as to say that the sunsets in Cappadocia are among the finest I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been to a number of locations.
One among my favourite issues to do is to take a seat on the resort terrace with a heat glass of çay (tea) and turn into utterly absorbed in admiring the sky. It actually brings residence simply how small we’re on this planet and the way wonderful Mom Nature is.
Deal with: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
20. Uncover Devrent Valley
Taking a tour round Devrent Valley will present you much more of Cappadocia’s beautiful landscapes, and that is one other valley that’s each massive and simple to wander round. It’s certainly one of my favourite issues to do close to Cappadocia once I wish to spend a while with my ideas.
You’ll hear this valley also referred to as ‘Creativeness Valley’, as a result of a number of the rock formations seem like animals and different figures. If you happen to use your creativeness, you possibly can see totally different shapes relying on the sunshine. I may sit right here and have a look at them for hours. Click on right here for tour info.
Deal with: Devrent mevkii no:1, 50500 Aktepe/Avanos/Nevşehir
21. Chill out in a Conventional Hammam
A go to to a hammam, also referred to as a Turkish tub, is a calming factor to do, to not point out how nice it’s in your pores and skin and well-being. Enjoyable in a standard hammam is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Cappadocia after you’ve drained out your legs exploring.
After you’ve spent ten minutes in a sauna, sweating out all of the impurities, you’ll go into the primary room and have your pores and skin washed and scrubbed. In the long run, you’ll really feel cleaner than you ever have earlier than and a little bit such as you’re floating on air – it’s heavenly. Click on right here for particulars and to guide.
Deal with: Aydınlı Mah, Güngör Sk. No:18, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
22. Stroll in Pasabag Valley
I’ve talked about Pasabag Valley in passing however spending a while right here and climbing the world is at all times an incredible thought. I actually appreciated this valley particularly; it’s massive, and that is the place the largest fairy chimneys might be discovered. There are additionally loads of inexperienced spots, which I used to be actually stunned to see.
For me, it’s one of many locations to see in Cappadocia that ought to make it onto your must-see record, and if you happen to plan to spend a minimum of half a day there, you’ll be capable of get some wonderful pictures. You might hear this place referred to as ‘Monks Valley’ too, however they’re one and the identical.
Deal with: 50502 Aktepe/Avanos/Nevşehir
23. Take a Cookery Class
The final time I visited Cappadocia, I took a cookery class and I loved it a lot I intend to go once more. Conventional Turkish meals is basically scrumptious, and even the road meals will make your mouth water. Cappadocia is known for mantı, (a sort of dough with filling), usually referred to as Turkish ravioli, and also you’ll discover ways to make different scrumptious snacks, similar to Gözleme ( a standard Turkish stuffed turnover).
This tour takes 4 hours, so it’s a great solution to spend half a day, mixed with one other exercise. Be sure you arrive hungry as there are many snacks to strive alongside the best way. Click on right here for tour particulars and to guide.
Deal with: 15 temmuz mahallesi, Urgup Nevşehir TR, 50400
24. Get pleasure from Leisure at a Turkish Night time
You is perhaps stunned to be taught that there are numerous issues to do in Cappadocia at evening. One among my favourite issues to do within the night is to take pleasure in a Turkish evening, stuffed with conventional leisure and meals. Most resorts provide a Turkish evening round as soon as per week, the place you’ll be capable of witness stomach dancing, whirling dervishes, and conventional music performances.
This can be a family-friendly present, and youngsters will love watching the leisure and participating alongside the best way. I went to a present that included meals and drinks, and it turned out to be such a enjoyable night. Click on right here for particulars.
Deal with: Başoğlu Cd. No:47, Yukarı, Başoğlu Cd. No:47, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
25. Uchisar Citadel
If you happen to don’t thoughts strolling up rather a lot of steps, Uchisar Citadel is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to close to Cappadocia with essentially the most wonderful views. From the highest, you’ll be capable of discover the citadel itself and acquire a panoramic view over your complete space. As you possibly can think about, sundown is an insanely magical time to go to.
The ironic factor about this “citadel” is that it’s not a daily citadel in any respect; it simply seems like one. As an alternative, it’s a rock formation that has eroded to look significantly fortress-like. It’s thought up to now again to across the 14th century, and it’s nonetheless as majestic even right now.
Deal with: Tekelli, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
Fast Journey Itineraries For Cappadocia
Now you realize what to see in Cappadocia, how will you hyperlink them collectively and be sure you see as a lot as doable throughout your go to? The advantage of Cappadocia is that though it’s a big space, a number of the primary sights are comparatively shut collectively, which means you possibly can actually pack rather a lot into just a few days.
1 Day in Cappadocia Itinerary
In the future in Cappadocia isn’t an enormous period of time, however you possibly can slot in just a few issues if you happen to stand up early sufficient. If you happen to’re eager to take a sizzling air balloon experience, you’ll must guide that forward of your journey and issue that into your go to – ideally guide a dawn slot to offer you additional time.
Goreme Open Air Museum is a must-see and also you must also go to Derinkuyu underground metropolis as a naked minimal. That offers you a full day, however one which is able to let you see an outline of Cappadocia.
2-3 Days in Cappadocia Itinerary
Two to 3 days in Cappadocia will let you see the primary components and a few valleys. Once more, if you wish to do the recent air balloon experience, it’s finest to schedule it at dawn so you continue to have a full day forward of you.
On day one, go to the Goreme Open Air Museum, which ought to take you half a day. From there, go to Derinkuyu underground metropolis and discover the huge subterranean house. Within the night, schedule a Turkish evening and revel in some conventional leisure and a scrumptious meal.
On day two, get up early and go for a full Turkish breakfast with a view. Along with your urge for food satiated, it’s time to don your strolling boots and head off to Love Valley and Ihlara Valley. These are each doable inside sooner or later however anticipate to have sore ft on the finish.
1 Week in Cappadocia Itinerary
Per week in Cappadocia lets you see a number of the native space. In your first day, get up early and revel in a full breakfast with a view. This may set you up for the day forward earlier than you go to Goreme Open Air Museum and Derinkuyu underground metropolis. I prefer to hyperlink these two actions collectively as a result of they stream properly and so they’re inside shut proximity.
On day two, schedule a sizzling air balloon experience and take within the fascinating views. Then, head to a different underground metropolis—Kaymakli. After a few hours there, seize your comfy footwear and head to Pasabag Valley to see the large fairy chimneys.
Take a full-day climbing journey in your subsequent day to offer you a full overview of the world. Within the night, attend a Turkish evening and benefit from the leisure. Day 4 may embody a visit to Uchisar Citadel and Devrent Valley. On day 5, head off on a quad safari journey, and take a pottery class within the afternoon.
You might be feeling drained by day six, so take pleasure in a calming hammam and take a cookery class within the afternoon to fill you up. In your last day, head to Sword Valley and take a look at the wonderful rock formations, earlier than heading again to your resort and having fun with your final evening with some scrumptious Turkish meals and flavors.
Issues To Do in Cappadocia: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Cappadocia:
Cappadocia is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed space well-known for its historical past, numerous landscapes, sizzling air balloon rides, and cave resorts.
You may go to Cappadocia at any time of 12 months however the spring and fall months provide preferrred circumstances.
Cappadocia is unquestionably price visiting. It’s a kind of locations that needs to be on everybody’s bucket lists.
Three days is sufficient to see the fundamentals of Cappadocia, however I like to recommend spending every week right here if you wish to actually delve into the world.
Cappadocia is a very secure space to go to.
Scorching air ballooning might be the most well-liked factor to do in Cappadocia however exploring the underground cities is a detailed second.
Mantı, usually referred to as Turkish ravioli, is a well-known dish from the Cappadocia space.
Three days in Cappadocia will present you the fantastic thing about the world, however you might not be capable of see all the pieces.
Some cave resorts are fairly costly, at round 2500 Turkish lira/$90 per evening, nonetheless, costs do fluctuate all year long. Foods and drinks are on par with the remainder of Turkey and aren’t any dearer.
If you happen to don’t thoughts heights, a sizzling air balloon experience over Cappadocia is a once-in-a-lifetime expertise.
In Closing
I do know you’re itching to guide your trip and head off to Cappadocia now. I’d be stunned if you happen to weren’t. There are such a lot of locations to go to in Cappadocia that it’s like going to a different planet and exploring a very new world for the primary time. I additionally know you’ll most likely wish to return.
For me, Cappadocia is a magical world that, though not a hidden secret, actually does really feel secluded. It’s virtually like being in a bubble from the fashionable world, the place all the pieces slows down, and also you’re laser-focused on the fantastic thing about nature. All you have to do now’s work out whenever you’re going to go.
