There are such a lot of issues to do in Cappadocia, which regularly surprises individuals. Having spent years dwelling in and exploring Turkey, it’s the one place that at all times blows me away. From the superb landscapes to the jaw-dropping sunsets, that is one in every of my favourite locations of all time.
Sightseeing in Cappadocia at all times reveals you one thing new, regardless of what number of instances you’ve been. What I really like most about this space is that it’s so distant from the hustle and bustle of town; it’s like being in one other world completely.
Situated within the heart of Turkey, the beautiful landscapes of Cappadocia have been fashioned by means of historical 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 while you throw in all of the totally different locations to go to in Cappadocia, that is one location that I can actually say is in contrast to some other I’ve ever seen.
Greatest Issues To Do in Cappadocia
I’ve visited Cappadocia a couple of instances, 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 in the event you don’t find out 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 one of the crucial romantic and exquisite places on the planet, and it’s additionally a fantastic place to go to with kids, who will love working round and exploring the fairy chimneys. So, that will help you work out the place to go first, I’ve put collectively this listing of prime issues to do—which can you strive first?
1. Scorching Air Balloon Journey
The most effective issues to do in Cappadocia, and doubtless essentially the most well-known, is to take a sizzling air balloon trip. It’s a kind of issues that most individuals have on their bucket listing and with good cause. It’s mind-blowing, and even in the event you’re afraid of heights, I’d actually urge you to attempt to really feel the worry 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 yr to do that exercise is spring and fall; in winter it’s superb to see the snow-covered panorama, however you’re extra more likely to have your journey canceled as a result of dangerous climate. Click on right here for particulars and to ebook.
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, one of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Cappadocia is to take a sundown quad safari tour. I’ve performed 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 may simply go for a meal afterward. The route takes you round Sword Valley and Love Valley, and the fairy chimneys draped within the altering mild are one thing I’ll always remember. Click on right here to study extra.
Deal with: JRXR+QQ, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
3. Keep in a Cave Lodge
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 motels. There’s one thing particularly mind-blowing about waking up figuring out you’re in a room carved right into a rock reasonably than a freestanding constructing.
The cave motels are positioned proper within the coronary heart of Cappadocia, and whereas they do price somewhat greater than the motels exterior of the park, it’s an expertise I’d undoubtedly advocate. 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 huge, but intricate it was.
These underground cities are undoubtedly a number of the finest locations to go to in Cappadocia and date again to Byzantine instances. Again within the day, individuals used to maintain their animals down there with them too, so you may think about simply how giant these areas are.
I’d advocate 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, probably the greatest issues to do in Cappadocia is to hike in Pigeon Valley. It’s also possible to take a tour which encompasses the underground cities in the event you’re somewhat brief on time.
The valley is thought for its historical homes, and it’s additionally half of a giant mountain climbing path within the space. It’s one of the crucial well-known sights in Cappadocia, and it’s a good suggestion to plan half a day, or a full day right here in the event you actually wish to discover the pure environment as a lot as attainable. 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 solely breathtaking.
You’ll be strapped to an teacher the entire time who will take images for you as you soar excessive above Goreme Nationwide Park. Naturally, that is one for individuals who have a head for heights, however in the event you dare, I’d say go for it.
I’m not the most important 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 actually particular. Click on right here for info and to ebook.
Deal with: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
7. Kızılçukur Valley
You’ll want your mountain climbing boots for this one, however when you get to the highest, I assure you’ll be unable to check the sights to something you’ve ever seen earlier than. That is additionally probably the greatest locations to see the sundown within the space, and the house gives 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 huge the world is. I couldn’t imagine the landscapes, and there actually isn’t anyplace else that appears fairly prefer it. I discovered it to be a very peaceable spot too, regardless that it’s fashionable; I felt completely at one with nature.
Deal with: Yukarı Kızılçukur Vadisi, 50500 Ürgüp/Nevşehir
8. Turkish Breakfast with a View
Considered one of my favourite issues to do in Cappadocia, in actual fact, one in every of my favourite issues to do anyplace 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 images to seize the feast in entrance of you.
The beauty of breakfast in Cappadocia is that you simply get the superb backdrop together with a improbable 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 a couple of hours in Cappadocia, and also you’ll study loads concerning the conventional crafts of the native space. Not solely will you study loads however you’ll get to make your individual piece of pottery to take dwelling, 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 dwelling and preserve 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 somewhat totally different, a yoga class or retreat is a superb selection. You’ll discover a couple of totally different choices, however the magic of dawn is the perfect 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 suppose; I used to be stunned myself. I beloved my yoga expertise in Cappadocia and being in such a fantastic and pure atmosphere 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 sights in Cappadocia, and the perfect factor is that they’re not off-bounds. If you happen to’re touring with children, that is the perfect time to allow them to run round and discover. I visited Cappadocia with household, and my nieces beloved to play conceal and search behind these big rock formations and climb so far as we’d permit 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 dwelling to a number of the largest. When the solar rises and units, the rocks appear to vary coloration, supplying you with a distinct view each time.
Deal with: 50502 Aktepe/Avanos/Nevşehir, Türkiye
12. Selime Monastery
Considered one of my favourite issues to do in Cappadocia is to go to the beautiful Selime Monastery, a part of the Inexperienced Tour that reveals you many places in a single journey. This monastery dates again to the Byzantine period, and it’s completely big. Regardless of its age, it’s additionally extraordinarily effectively preserved.
You possibly can actually really feel the historical past throughout you, and it’s a fantastic 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 small print, 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
Undoubtedly, probably the greatest and most well-known locations to go to in Cappadocia is the Goreme Open Air Museum. This can be a well-known spot that reveals you the perfect of the world; strolling round feels such as you’re in the course of historical past. Out of all of the Cappadocia sights, undoubtedly go to this one.
The most effective methods to see the world is to take a strolling tour, the place your information will be capable to let you know the historical past of all you’re seeing. Take your time and take in 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 an area 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 study how wine is made on this a part of the world and revel in a couple of glasses your self.
Turasan Vineyard is legendary within the space, and so they develop their very own grapes. Seeing the harvest is admittedly lovely, and I loved the peaceable really feel across the space. I additionally loved the wine, and I’m positive you’ll too! It’s the biggest vineyard within the space, so there may be loads 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 mountain 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 snug 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 cross 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 possibly can go to Love Valley as a part of Cappadocia’s Crimson 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 may 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 notably spectacular at sundown, however even in the event you go to in the course of the day, you’ll be glad you went. Click on right here for Crimson 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 in all probability have seen an image of a carpet store. This place is a particular must-visit and is someplace that may probably refill your digicam reel, quick. I beloved taking a look at 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 superb 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 mountain climbing in Sword Valley and past is an effective way to spend your day, and also you’ll undoubtedly sleep effectively on the finish of it. There are such a lot of issues to see in Cappadocia, and I discovered a day mountain climbing confirmed me lots of them in a single go. If you happen to’re visiting for just some days, I’d undoubtedly advocate any such tour.
Sword Valley itself is admittedly lovely, and the fairy chimneys listed here are uniquely sword-shaped, (therefore its title). This house can be greater than a number of the different valleys, which permits you loads of room to roam and discover. Click on right here for tour particulars and to ebook.
Deal with: JRXR+QQ, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
19. Benefit from the Sundown
The most effective free issues to do in Cappadocia is to easily sit again and benefit from the sundown. You don’t must go anyplace to do that – simply stand exterior in awe. The truth is, I might go so far as to say that the sunsets in Cappadocia are a number of the finest I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been to plenty of locations.
Considered one of my favourite issues to do is to sit down on the resort terrace with a heat glass of çay (tea) and grow to be fully absorbed in admiring the sky. It actually brings dwelling simply how small we’re on this planet and the way superb 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 giant and straightforward to wander round. It’s one in every of my favourite issues to do close to Cappadocia after I wish to spend a while with my ideas.
You’ll hear this valley often known as ‘Creativeness Valley’, as a result of plenty of the rock formations seem like animals and different figures. If you happen to use your creativeness, you may 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, often known as a Turkish tub, is a soothing factor to do, to not point out how nice it’s to your pores and skin and well-being. Stress-free in a conventional 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 principle 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 somewhat such as you’re floating on air – it’s heavenly. Click on right here for particulars and to ebook.
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 mountain climbing the world is at all times a fantastic concept. I actually favored this valley particularly; it’s giant, and that is the place the most important fairy chimneys may 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 listing, and in the event you plan to spend at the least half a day there, you’ll be capable to get some superb images. Chances are you’ll 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 admittedly scrumptious, and even the road meals will make your mouth water. Cappadocia is legendary for mantı, (a kind of dough with filling), typically referred to as Turkish ravioli, and also you’ll discover ways to make different scrumptious snacks, corresponding to Gözleme ( a conventional Turkish stuffed turnover).
This tour takes 4 hours, so it’s a great solution to spend half a day, mixed with one other exercise. Ensure you arrive hungry as there are many snacks to strive alongside the way in which. Click on right here for tour particulars and to ebook.
Deal with: 15 temmuz mahallesi, Urgup Nevşehir TR, 50400
24. Get pleasure from Leisure at a Turkish Night time
You may be stunned to study that there are various issues to do in Cappadocia at night time. Considered one of my favourite issues to do within the night is to take pleasure in a Turkish night time, stuffed with conventional leisure and meals. Most motels provide a Turkish night time round as soon as per week, the place you’ll be capable to witness stomach dancing, whirling dervishes, and conventional music performances.
This can be a family-friendly present, and kids will love watching the leisure and collaborating alongside the way in which. 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 Fortress
If you happen to don’t thoughts strolling up loads of steps, Uchisar Fortress is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to close to Cappadocia with essentially the most superb views. From the highest, you’ll be capable to discover the fortress itself and acquire a panoramic view over the complete space. As you may think about, sundown is an insanely magical time to go to.
The ironic factor about this “fortress” is that it’s not a daily fortress in any respect; it simply seems to be like one. As a substitute, it’s a rock formation that has eroded to look notably fortress-like. It’s thought up to now again to across the 14th century, and it’s nonetheless as majestic even right this moment.
Deal with: Tekelli, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
Fast Journey Itineraries For Cappadocia
Now you already know what to see in Cappadocia, how will you hyperlink them collectively and ensure you see as a lot as attainable throughout your go to? The benefit of Cappadocia is that though it’s a big space, plenty of the principle sights are comparatively shut collectively, that means you may actually pack loads into a couple of days.
1 Day in Cappadocia Itinerary
Sooner or later in Cappadocia isn’t an enormous period of time, however you may slot in a couple of issues in the event you stand up early sufficient. If you happen to’re eager to take a sizzling air balloon trip, you’ll must ebook that forward of your journey and issue that into your go to – ideally ebook a dawn slot to present you additional time.
Goreme Open Air Museum is a must-see and also you also needs to go to Derinkuyu underground metropolis as a naked minimal. That will provide you with a full day, however one which can mean you can see an outline of Cappadocia.
2-3 Days in Cappadocia Itinerary
Two to 3 days in Cappadocia will mean you can see the principle elements and a few valleys. Once more, if you wish to do the recent air balloon trip, 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 night time 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. Together 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 count on to have sore ft on the finish.
1 Week in Cappadocia Itinerary
Per week in Cappadocia lets you see plenty 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 circulation effectively and so they’re inside shut proximity.
On day two, schedule a sizzling air balloon trip and take within the fascinating views. Then, head to a different underground metropolis—Kaymakli. After a few hours there, seize your snug footwear and head to Pasabag Valley to see the massive fairy chimneys.
Take a full-day mountain climbing journey in your subsequent day to present you a full overview of the world. Within the night, attend a Turkish night time and benefit from the leisure. Day 4 may embrace a visit to Uchisar Fortress and Devrent Valley. On day 5, head off on a quad safari journey, and take a pottery class within the afternoon.
Chances are you’ll be feeling drained by day six, so take pleasure in a soothing 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 superb rock formations, earlier than heading again to your resort and having fun with your final night time with some scrumptious Turkish meals and flavors.
Issues To Do in Cappadocia: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Cappadocia:
Cappadocia is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed space well-known for its historical past, various landscapes, sizzling air balloon rides, and cave motels.
You possibly can go to Cappadocia at any time of yr however the spring and fall months provide perfect situations.
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 per week right here if you wish to actually delve into the world.
Cappadocia is a really protected 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, typically 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 to see all the pieces.
Some cave motels are fairly costly, at round 2500 Turkish lira/$90 per night time, nonetheless, costs do fluctuate all year long. Food and drinks are on par with the remainder of Turkey and aren’t any costlier.
If you happen to don’t thoughts heights, a sizzling air balloon trip over Cappadocia is a once-in-a-lifetime expertise.
In Closing
I do know you’re itching to ebook your trip and head off to Cappadocia now. I’d be stunned in the event you 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 in all probability 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 it’s good to do now’s work out while you’re going to go.
