There are such a lot of issues to do in Cappadocia, which frequently surprises individuals. Having spent years residing 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 all 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 far-off from the hustle and bustle of the town; it’s like being in one other world totally.
Situated within the heart of Turkey, the beautiful landscapes of Cappadocia have been fashioned via historical volcanic eruptions and climate erosion. After all, there’s additionally a colossal quantity of historical past so as to add into the combination too, and once you throw in all of the totally 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 couple of instances, and having lived in Turkey for some time, I do know it’s a spot that even locals need 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 may 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 delightful places on the planet, and it’s additionally an incredible place to go to with youngsters, 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 checklist of high issues to do—which can you strive first?
1. Sizzling Air Balloon Journey
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Cappadocia, and doubtless probably the most well-known, is to take a sizzling air balloon experience. It’s a type of issues that most individuals have on their bucket checklist 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 worry and do it scared anyway.
When you 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 superb to see the snow-covered panorama, however you’re extra prone to have your journey canceled as a result of dangerous climate. Click on right here for particulars and to ebook.
Handle: 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 crucial enjoyable issues to do in Cappadocia is to take a sundown quad safari tour. I’ve accomplished 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’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 on right here to study extra.
Handle: 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 resorts. There’s one thing particularly mind-blowing about waking up understanding you’re in a room carved right into a rock fairly than a freestanding constructing.
The cave resorts are situated proper within the coronary heart of Cappadocia, and whereas they do price a bit of greater than the resorts exterior of the park, it’s an expertise I’d positively advocate. I stayed on the Cappadocia Cave Suites and loved all the things about it.
Handle: 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 common and are positively 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 positively among 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’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.
Handle: Ağcaşar/Derinkuyu/Nevşehir
5. Hike Pigeon Valley
When you love nature, among the finest issues to do in Cappadocia is to hike in Pigeon Valley. You too can take a tour which encompasses the underground cities if you happen to’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 crucial 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 need to discover the pure environment as a lot as doable. Click on right here for tour data.
Handle: Pigeon Valley/Güvercinlik Vadisi
6. Paragliding
You won’t image paragliding as one of many high 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 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 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 really particular. Click on right here for data and to ebook.
Handle: 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 gives 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 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, although it’s common; I felt completely at one with nature.
Handle: Yukarı Kızılçukur Vadisi, 50500 Ürgüp/Nevşehir
8. Turkish Breakfast with a View
One among my favourite issues to do in Cappadocia, in actual fact, one in all my favourite issues to do wherever in Turkey is to have a full-on breakfast, identified domestically as kahvalti. Belief me, you received’t be hungry till dinner, and also you’ll positively need to take pictures to seize the feast in entrance of you.
The beauty of breakfast in Cappadocia is that you just get the superb backdrop together with a unbelievable meal. I loved each chew at Want Terrace and the views have been simply as scrumptious because the meals.
Handle: 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 rather a lot concerning the conventional crafts of the native space. Not solely will you study lots 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 original, and even youngsters will love creating one thing handmade to take dwelling and hold as a reminiscence of their time. Click on right here for tour particulars.
Handle: Cumhuriyet, 525. Sk. No:12, 50500 Avanos/Nevşehir
10. Go on a Yoga Retreat
When you’re deciding what to do in Cappadocia and also you’re in search of one thing a bit of totally different, a yoga class or retreat is a superb alternative. You’ll discover a couple of totally different choices, however the magic of dawn is the most effective time to take pleasure in this sacred apply, 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 may assume; I used to be stunned myself. I cherished my yoga expertise in Cappadocia and being in such a ravishing and pure setting positively helped me to hook up with my breath and unwind. Click on right here for particulars.
Handle: 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 the most effective factor is that they’re not off-bounds. When you’re touring with youngsters, that is the perfect time to allow them to run round and discover. I visited Cappadocia with household, and my nieces cherished to play conceal 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 among the largest. When the solar rises and units, the rocks appear to alter shade, supplying you with a unique view each time.
Handle: 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 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 nicely preserved.
You possibly can 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 need to miss the main points, such because the kitchen and the totally different hallways. Click on right here for Inexperienced Tour data.
Handle: 68500 Yaprakhisar/Güzelyurt/Aksaray
13. Goreme Open Air Museum
Undoubtedly, 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 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 points of interest, positively go to this one.
Top-of-the-line 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 soak up the serene ambiance of this space. Click on right here for tour particulars.
Handle: 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 study how wine is made on this a part of the world and revel in a couple of 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 positive you’ll too! It’s the biggest vineyard within the space, so there’s lots to see and do. Click on right here for tour particulars.
Handle: 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 supply such a beautiful distinction of colours, from rock to inexperienced and again once more. This space is fairly straightforward to stroll round; you simply want snug sneakers 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 which may in any other case move you by. I actually loved my go to to Ihlara Valley, and it’s someplace I positively need to return to. Don’t miss this off your itinerary. Click on right here for tour particulars.
Handle: 68500 Ihlara/Güzelyurt/Aksaray.
16. Go to Love Valley
You possibly can go to Love Valley as a part of Cappadocia’s Purple Tour, and it’s a must-visit. You may 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 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 youngsters 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 if you happen to go to in the course of the day, you’ll be glad you went. Click on right here for Purple Tour particulars.
Handle: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
17. Go to Carpet Galerie İkman
When you’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 doubtless refill your digicam reel, quick. I cherished taking a look at all of the totally different coloured carpets, though I didn’t give in to the temptation to purchase one.
When you’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 unique carpet retailer with equally lovely shows. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Handle: 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 positively 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. When you’re visiting for only a few days, I’d positively advocate any such tour.
Sword Valley itself is basically lovely, and the fairy chimneys listed here are uniquely sword-shaped, (therefore its identify). This house can be greater than among the different valleys, which permits you loads of room to roam and discover. Click on right here for tour particulars and to ebook.
Handle: JRXR+QQ, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
19. Benefit from the Sundown
Top-of-the-line free issues to do in Cappadocia is to easily sit again and benefit from the sundown. You don’t have to go wherever to do that – simply stand exterior in awe. In actual fact, I might go so far as to say that the sunsets in Cappadocia are among the finest I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been to lots of locations.
One among my favourite issues to do is to take a seat on the lodge 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 the earth and the way superb Mom Nature is.
Handle: 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 straightforward to wander round. It’s one in all my favourite issues to do close to Cappadocia after I need to spend a while with my ideas.
You’ll hear this valley also called ‘Creativeness Valley’, as a result of lots of the rock formations seem like animals and different figures. When you use your creativeness, you’ll be able to see totally different shapes relying on the sunshine. I might sit right here and take a look at them for hours. Click on right here for tour data.
Handle: Devrent mevkii no:1, 50500 Aktepe/Avanos/Nevşehir
21. Chill out in a Conventional Hammam
A go to to a hammam, also called a Turkish bathtub, 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. Ultimately, 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 on right here for particulars and to ebook.
Handle: 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 incredible concept. I actually favored 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 checklist, and if you happen to plan to spend at the very least half a day there, you’ll be capable to get some superb pictures. Chances are you’ll hear this place referred to as ‘Monks Valley’ too, however they’re one and the identical.
Handle: 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 kind of dough with filling), typically referred to as Turkish ravioli, and also you’ll discover ways to make different scrumptious snacks, akin to Gözleme ( a conventional Turkish stuffed turnover).
This tour takes 4 hours, so it’s a really perfect method to spend half a day, mixed with one other exercise. Be sure to arrive hungry as there are many snacks to strive alongside the best way. Click on right here for tour particulars and to ebook.
Handle: 15 temmuz mahallesi, Urgup Nevşehir TR, 50400
24. Take pleasure in Leisure at a Turkish Evening
You is likely to be stunned to study that there are lots of 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, filled with conventional leisure and meals. Most resorts supply a Turkish evening 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 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.
Handle: Başoğlu Cd. No:47, Yukarı, Başoğlu Cd. No:47, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
25. Uchisar Fortress
When you don’t thoughts strolling up rather a lot of steps, Uchisar Fortress is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to close to Cappadocia with probably the most superb views. From the highest, you’ll be capable to discover the fortress itself and acquire a panoramic view over your complete space. As you’ll be able to 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 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 at the moment.
Handle: Tekelli, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
Fast Journey Itineraries For Cappadocia
Now you understand what to see in Cappadocia, how will you hyperlink them collectively and be sure to 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 rather a lot into a couple of days.
1 Day in Cappadocia Itinerary
In the future in Cappadocia isn’t an enormous period of time, however you’ll be able to slot in a couple of issues if you happen to rise up early sufficient. When you’re eager to take a sizzling air balloon experience, you’ll have to 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 must also go to Derinkuyu underground metropolis as a naked minimal. That gives you a full day, however one which can let you see an summary of Cappadocia.
2-3 Days in Cappadocia Itinerary
Two to a few days in Cappadocia will let you 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 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 at some point however anticipate to have sore ft on the finish.
1 Week in Cappadocia Itinerary
Per week in Cappadocia lets you see lots 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 wish to hyperlink these two actions collectively as a result of they movement nicely and so they’re inside shut proximity.
On day two, schedule a sizzling air balloon experience and take within the charming views. Then, head to a different underground metropolis—Kaymakli. After a few hours there, seize your snug sneakers 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 might 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 remaining day, head to Sword Valley and take a look at the superb rock formations, earlier than heading again to your lodge and having fun with your final evening 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, numerous landscapes, sizzling air balloon rides, and cave resorts.
You possibly can go to Cappadocia at any time of 12 months however the spring and fall months supply preferrred situations.
Cappadocia is certainly value visiting. It’s a type of locations that ought 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.
Sizzling air ballooning might be the preferred factor to do in Cappadocia however exploring the underground cities is an in depth 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 could not be capable to see all the things.
Some cave resorts 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 will not be any costlier.
When you 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 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 in all probability need 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 things slows down, and also you’re laser-focused on the fantastic thing about nature. All you could do now could be work out once you’re going to go.