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 wonderful landscapes to the jaw-dropping sunsets, that is one in every 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 like most about this space is that it’s so far-off from the hustle and bustle of the town; it’s like being in one other world fully.
Positioned within the heart of Turkey, the gorgeous 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 whenever you throw in all of the completely different locations to go to in Cappadocia, that is one location that I can really say is in contrast to every other I’ve ever seen.
Finest Issues To Do in Cappadocia
I’ve visited Cappadocia a number of 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 in case you 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 one of the romantic and delightful areas on the planet, and it’s additionally an important place to go to with kids, who will love working round and exploring the fairy chimneys. So, that can assist you work out the place to go first, I’ve put collectively this record of prime issues to do—which is able to you attempt first?
1. Sizzling Air Balloon Journey
Among the best issues to do in Cappadocia, and possibly probably the most well-known, is to take a hot air balloon ride. It’s a kind of issues that most individuals have on their bucket record and with good cause. It’s mind-blowing, and even in case you’re afraid of heights, I’d actually urge you to try to really feel the worry and do it scared anyway.
For those who actually can’t deal with leaving the bottom, watching the balloons take off at dawn is magical in itself. The perfect time of yr to do that exercise is spring and fall; in winter it’s wonderful to see the snow-covered panorama, however you’re extra more likely to have your journey canceled attributable to unhealthy climate. Click here for details and to book.
Deal with: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
2. Sundown Quad Safari
Whether or not you’re touring with youngsters, as a pair, and even solo, one of the enjoyable issues to do in Cappadocia is to take a sunset quad safari tour. I’ve executed this earlier than, and I actually loved it – the views have been merely gorgeous and it was a lot enjoyable.
The tour itself takes simply two hours so you’ll be able to 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 here to learn more.
Deal with: JRXR+QQ, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
3. Keep in a Cave Resort
I feel 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 realizing you’re in a room carved right into a rock moderately than a freestanding constructing.
The cave motels are positioned proper within the coronary heart of Cappadocia, and whereas they do price a bit of greater than the motels outdoors of the park, it’s an expertise I’d undoubtedly advocate. I stayed on the Cappadocia Cave Suites and loved every little thing about it.
Deal with: Gafferli Mahallesi, Ünlü Sk. No:19, 50180 Göreme/Merkez/Nevşehir
4. Go to Underground Cities
Whereas Cappadocia is undoubtedly stunning from above, there are greater than 200 underground cities beneath your ft. Most are inaccessible, however two are actually standard 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 few of the finest locations to go to in Cappadocia and date again to Byzantine occasions. Again within the day, individuals used to maintain their animals down there with them too, so you’ll be able to think about simply how massive 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
For those who love nature, among the finest 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 case you’re a bit of brief on time.
The valley is understood for its historical homes, and it’s additionally half of a giant mountain climbing path within the space. It’s one 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 in case you actually wish to discover the pure environment as a lot as doable. Click here for tour information.
Deal with: Pigeon Valley/Güvercinlik Vadisi
6. Paragliding
You won’t 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 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 case 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 attempt – it was really particular. Click here for information and to book.
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 among the finest 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 attention-grabbing issues to do round Cappadocia for a way of how huge 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, regardless that it’s standard; I felt completely at one with nature.
Deal with: Yukarı Kızılçukur Vadisi, 50500 Ürgüp/Nevşehir
8. Turkish Breakfast with a View
One in every of my favourite issues to do in Cappadocia, the truth is, one in every of my favourite issues to do wherever in Turkey is to have a full-on breakfast, identified regionally as kahvalti. Belief me, you received’t be hungry till dinner, and also you’ll undoubtedly wish to take images to seize the feast in entrance of you.
The wonderful thing about breakfast in Cappadocia is that you simply get the wonderful backdrop together with a improbable meal. I loved each chunk at Wish Terrace and the views have been simply as scrumptious because the food.
Deal with: Aşağı, Trafo Çıkmazı Sok No:3, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
9. Take a Pottery Workshop
Taking a pottery workshop is a good way to spend a number of hours in Cappadocia, and also you’ll be taught loads in regards to the conventional crafts of the native space. Not solely will you be taught a lot 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 here for tour details.
Deal with: Cumhuriyet, 525. Sk. No:12, 50500 Avanos/Nevşehir
10. Go on a Yoga Retreat
For those who’re deciding what to do in Cappadocia and also you’re searching for one thing a bit of completely different, a yoga class or retreat is a good alternative. You’ll discover a number of completely different choices, however the magic of dawn is one of the best time to take pleasure in this sacred observe, overlooking Goreme Nationwide Park.
When determining what to do in Cappadocia, it’s simple 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 good looking and pure atmosphere undoubtedly helped me to hook up with my breath and unwind. Click here for details.
Deal with: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
11. Discover the Fairy Chimneys
The fairy chimneys are probably the most well-known vacationer points of interest in Cappadocia, and one of the best factor is that they’re not off-bounds. For those who’re touring with youngsters, that is the best time to allow them to run round and discover. I visited Cappadocia with household, and my nieces beloved to play disguise and search behind these big 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 dwelling to a few of the largest. When the solar rises and units, the rocks appear to vary shade, supplying you with a unique view each time.
Deal with: 50502 Aktepe/Avanos/Nevşehir, Türkiye
12. Selime Monastery
One in every of my favourite issues to do in Cappadocia is to go to the gorgeous Selime Monastery, a part of the Green Tour that exhibits you many areas 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 nicely preserved.
You may actually really feel the historical past throughout you, and it’s an important 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 completely different hallways. Click here for Green Tour information.
Deal with: 68500 Yaprakhisar/Güzelyurt/Aksaray
13. Goreme Open Air Museum
Surely, among the finest 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.
Among the best 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 in the serene environment of this space. Click here for tour details.
Deal with: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
14. Wine Tasting
A visit to a local winery 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 luxuriate in a number of glasses your self.
Turasan Vineyard is known within the space, and so they develop their very own grapes. Seeing the harvest is admittedly stunning, 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’s a lot to see and do. Click here for tour details.
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 a beautiful distinction of colours, from rock to inexperienced and again once more. This space is fairly simple 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 received’t miss the hidden spots that 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 here for tour details.
Deal with: 68500 Ihlara/Güzelyurt/Aksaray.
16. Go to Love Valley
You may go to Love Valley as a part of Cappadocia’s Red Tour, and it’s a must-visit. You would possibly marvel why the valley has its identify, and it’s right down to the rock formations, (that are phallic-shaped), however you’ll be able to overlook that and simply adore the great 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 in case you go to in the midst of the day, you’ll be glad you went. Click here for Red Tour details.
Deal with: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
17. Go to Carpet Galerie İkman
For those who’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 replenish your digital camera reel, quick. I beloved all of the completely different coloured carpets, though I didn’t give in to the temptation to purchase one.
For those who’re critical about taking care of your Instagram feed, the Cappadocia Instagram Tour will take you round a number of wonderful spots together with a unique carpet retailer with equally stunning shows. Click here for more details.
Deal with: Müze Cd. No:2, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
18. Hike in Sword Valley
A full day of hiking in Sword Valley and past is a good way to spend your day, and also you’ll undoubtedly sleep nicely 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. For those who’re visiting for only a few days, I’d undoubtedly advocate such a tour.
Sword Valley itself is admittedly stunning, and the fairy chimneys listed here are uniquely sword-shaped, (therefore its identify). This house can be larger than a few of the different valleys, which permits you loads of room to roam and discover. Click here for tour details and to book.
Deal with: JRXR+QQ, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
19. Benefit from the Sundown
Among the best 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 outdoors in awe. In actual fact, I’d go so far as to say that the sunsets in Cappadocia are a few of the finest I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been to lots of locations.
One in every of my favourite issues to do is to take a seat on the resort terrace with a heat glass of çay (tea) and grow to be utterly absorbed in admiring the sky. It actually brings dwelling simply how small we’re on the earth and the way wonderful Mom Nature is.
Deal with: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
20. Uncover Devrent Valley
Taking a tour around Devrent Valley will present you much more of Cappadocia’s gorgeous landscapes, and that is one other valley that’s each massive and straightforward to wander round. It’s one in every of my favourite issues to do close to Cappadocia once I wish to spend a while with my ideas.
You’ll hear this valley often known as ‘Creativeness Valley’, as a result of lots of the rock formations appear to be animals and different figures. For those who use your creativeness, you’ll be able to see completely different shapes relying on the sunshine. I may sit right here and have a look at them for hours. Click here for tour information.
Deal with: Devrent mevkii no:1, 50500 Aktepe/Avanos/Nevşehir
21. Chill out in a Conventional Hammam
A visit to a hammam, often known as a Turkish tub, is a soothing factor to do, to not point out how nice it’s in 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 a bit of such as you’re floating on air – it’s heavenly. Click here for details and to book.
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 an important thought. I actually appreciated this valley particularly; it’s massive, and that is the place the most important fairy chimneys could 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 in case you plan to spend at the least half a day there, you’ll be capable of get some wonderful images. It’s possible 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 known for mantı, (a kind of dough with filling), usually referred to as Turkish ravioli, and also you’ll learn to make different scrumptious snacks, resembling Gözleme ( a conventional Turkish stuffed turnover).
This tour takes 4 hours, so it’s a really perfect approach to spend half a day, mixed with one other exercise. Ensure you arrive hungry as there are many snacks to attempt alongside the way in which. Click here for tour details and to book.
Deal with: 15 temmuz mahallesi, Urgup Nevşehir TR, 50400
24. Take pleasure in Leisure at a Turkish Night time
You could be stunned to be taught that there are various issues to do in Cappadocia at evening. One in every of my favourite issues to do within the night is to take pleasure in a Turkish evening, filled with conventional leisure and meals. Most motels 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 way in which. I went to a present that included meals and drinks, and it turned out to be such a enjoyable night. Click here for details.
Deal with: Başoğlu Cd. No:47, Yukarı, Başoğlu Cd. No:47, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
25. Uchisar Citadel
For those who don’t thoughts strolling up loads of steps, Uchisar Citadel is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to close to Cappadocia with probably the most wonderful views. From the highest, you’ll be capable of discover the fort itself and acquire a panoramic view over all the space. As you’ll be able to think about, sundown is an insanely magical time to go to.
The ironic factor about this “fort” is that it’s not a regular castle at all; it simply seems like one. As an alternative, it’s a rock formation that has eroded to look significantly fortress-like. It’s thought thus far again to across the 14th century, and it’s nonetheless as majestic even as we speak.
Deal with: Tekelli, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
Fast Journey Itineraries For Cappadocia
Now what to see in Cappadocia, how are you going to hyperlink them collectively and be sure you see as a lot as doable throughout your go to? The benefit of Cappadocia is that though it’s a big space, lots of the principle sights are comparatively shut collectively, that means you’ll be able to actually pack loads into a number of days.
1 Day in Cappadocia Itinerary
Someday in Cappadocia isn’t an enormous period of time, however you’ll be able to slot in a number of issues in case you rise up early sufficient. For those who’re eager to take a sizzling air balloon experience, you’ll must ebook that forward of your journey and issue that into your go to – ideally ebook a dawn slot to offer 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 provides you with a full day, however one which is able to permit you to see an outline of Cappadocia.
2-3 Days in Cappadocia Itinerary
Two to 3 days in Cappadocia will permit you to see the principle components and a few valleys. Once more, if you wish to do the new 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 luxuriate 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 anticipate to have sore ft on the finish.
1 Week in Cappadocia Itinerary
Every week in Cappadocia lets you see lots of the native space. In your first day, get up early and luxuriate in a full breakfast with a view. It will 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 nicely 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 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 offer you a full overview of the world. Within the night, attend a Turkish evening and benefit from the leisure. Day 4 may embrace 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.
It’s possible 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 closing 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 motels.
You may go to Cappadocia at any time of yr however the spring and fall months provide very best circumstances.
Cappadocia is unquestionably price visiting. It’s a kind of locations that must 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 safe space to go to.
Sizzling air ballooning might be the preferred 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 great thing about the world, however you might not be capable of see every little thing.
Some cave motels are fairly costly, at round 2500 Turkish lira/$90 per evening, nonetheless, costs do fluctuate all year long. Food and drinks are on par with the remainder of Turkey and usually are not any costlier.
For those who 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 ebook your trip and head off to Cappadocia now. I’d be stunned in case 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 trendy world, the place every little thing slows down, and also you’re laser-focused on the great thing about nature. All it’s essential do now’s work out whenever you’re going to go.
