There are such a lot of issues to do in Cappadocia, which frequently surprises individuals. Having spent years dwelling in and exploring Turkey, it’s the one place that all the time blows me away. From the superb landscapes to the jaw-dropping sunsets, that is considered one of my favourite locations of all time.
Sightseeing in Cappadocia all the time exhibits you one thing new, irrespective of what number of occasions you’ve been. What I like most about this space is that it’s so distant from the hustle and bustle of the town; it’s like being in one other world totally.
Positioned within the middle of Turkey, the gorgeous landscapes of Cappadocia have been shaped by historic 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 whenever 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 every other I’ve ever seen.
Finest Issues To Do in Cappadocia
I’ve visited Cappadocia a couple 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 for those who don’t find out 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 romantic and delightful places 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 attempt first?
1. Scorching Air Balloon Trip
Among the best issues to do in Cappadocia, and doubtless probably the most well-known, is to take a sizzling air balloon journey. It’s a kind of issues that most individuals have on their bucket record and with good motive. It’s mind-blowing, and even for those who’re afraid of heights, I’d actually urge you to attempt to really feel the concern and do it scared anyway.
In case 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 yr 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 consequence of unhealthy climate. Click on right here for particulars and to e-book.
Tackle: 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 sundown quad safari tour. I’ve performed this earlier than, and I actually loved it – the views had 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 on right here to be taught extra.
Tackle: 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 motels. 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 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 positively suggest. I stayed on the Cappadocia Cave Suites and loved the whole lot about it.
Tackle: 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 toes. Most are inaccessible, however two are actually widespread and are positively 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 positively a few of the greatest 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 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.
Tackle: Ağcaşar/Derinkuyu/Nevşehir
5. Hike Pigeon Valley
In case you love nature, top-of-the-line issues to do in Cappadocia is to hike in Pigeon Valley. You can too take a tour which encompasses the underground cities for those who’re a bit of brief on time.
The valley is thought for its historic homes, and it’s additionally half of a giant mountaineering 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 for those who actually wish to discover the pure environment as a lot as potential. Click on right here for tour info.
Tackle: 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 pictures for you as you soar excessive above Goreme Nationwide Park. Naturally, that is one for individuals who have a head for heights, however for those who 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 attempt – it was actually particular. Click on right here for info and to e-book.
Tackle: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
7. Kızılçukur Valley
You’ll want your mountaineering 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 top-of-the-line locations to see the sundown within the space, and the house offers a panoramic view of how extraordinary Cappadocia actually is.
This is among 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 widespread; I felt completely at one with nature.
Tackle: Yukarı Kızılçukur Vadisi, 50500 Ürgüp/Nevşehir
8. Turkish Breakfast with a View
One among my favourite issues to do in Cappadocia, in truth, considered one of my favourite issues to do anyplace in Turkey is to have a full-on breakfast, identified domestically as kahvalti. Belief me, you gained’t be hungry till dinner, and also you’ll positively wish to take pictures to seize the feast in entrance of you.
The wonderful thing about breakfast in Cappadocia is that you just get the superb backdrop together with a improbable meal. I loved each chunk at Want Terrace and the views had been simply as scrumptious because the meals.
Tackle: 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 be taught loads 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 get pleasure from some scrumptious refreshments.
Out of all of the stuff to do in Cappadocia, this is among 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.
Tackle: Cumhuriyet, 525. Sk. No:12, 50500 Avanos/Nevşehir
10. Go on a Yoga Retreat
In case 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 selection. You’ll discover a couple of totally different choices, however the magic of dawn is the most effective time to get pleasure from 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 get pleasure from than you may assume; I used to be shocked myself. I liked my yoga expertise in Cappadocia and being in such a lovely and pure surroundings positively helped me to connect with my breath and unwind. Click on right here for particulars.
Tackle: 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. In case 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 liked to play cover and search behind these enormous 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 residence to a few of the largest. When the solar rises and units, the rocks appear to alter colour, supplying you with a distinct view each time.
Tackle: 50502 Aktepe/Avanos/Nevşehir, Türkiye
12. Selime Monastery
One among my favourite issues to do in Cappadocia is to go to the gorgeous Selime Monastery, a part of the Inexperienced Tour that exhibits you many places 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 effectively 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 wish to miss the main points, such because the kitchen and the totally different hallways. Click on right here for Inexperienced Tour info.
Tackle: 68500 Yaprakhisar/Güzelyurt/Aksaray
13. Goreme Open Air Museum
Undoubtedly, top-of-the-line 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 easiest 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.
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 on right here for tour particulars.
Tackle: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
14. Wine Tasting
A go to to an area vineyard is among the greatest 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 de facto 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 biggest vineyard within the space, so there’s lots to see and do. Click on right here for tour particulars.
Tackle: Temenni, Tevfik Fikret Cd. No:44, 50400 Ürgüp/Nevşehir
15. Discover Ihlara Valley
Ihlara Valley is among the greatest spots in Cappadocia for mountaineering, and the canyons provide 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 comfy 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 means that you can know extra about what you’re seeing and means you gained’t miss the hidden spots that may in any other case go you by. I actually loved my go to to Ihlara Valley, and it’s someplace I positively wish to return to. Don’t miss this off your itinerary. Click on right here for tour particulars.
Tackle: 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 great thing about the panorama.
Love Valley is among the greatest 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 for those who go to in the course of the day, you’ll be glad you went. Click on right here for Purple Tour particulars.
Tackle: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
17. Go to Carpet Galerie İkman
In case you’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 can doubtless refill your digicam reel, quick. I liked all of the totally different coloured carpets, though I didn’t give in to the temptation to purchase one.
In case 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 distinct carpet retailer with equally lovely shows. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Tackle: Müze Cd. No:2, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
18. Hike in Sword Valley
A full day of mountaineering in Sword Valley and past is an effective way to spend your day, and also you’ll positively sleep effectively on the finish of it. There are such a lot of issues to see in Cappadocia, and I discovered a day mountaineering confirmed me a lot of them in a single go. In case you’re visiting for just some days, I’d positively suggest this sort of tour.
Sword Valley itself is de facto lovely, and the fairy chimneys listed here are uniquely sword-shaped, (therefore its identify). This house can be greater than a few of the different valleys, which permits you loads of room to roam and discover. Click on right here for tour particulars and to e-book.
Tackle: 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 have to go anyplace to do that – simply stand outdoors in awe. In truth, I might go so far as to say that the sunsets in Cappadocia are a few of the greatest I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been to a whole lot 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 turn out to be fully absorbed in admiring the sky. It actually brings residence simply how small we’re on this planet and the way superb Mom Nature is.
Tackle: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
20. Uncover Devrent Valley
Taking a tour round Devrent Valley will present you much more of Cappadocia’s gorgeous landscapes, and that is one other valley that’s each massive and simple to wander round. It’s considered one of my favourite issues to do close to Cappadocia after I wish to spend a while with my ideas.
You’ll hear this valley also called ‘Creativeness Valley’, as a result of a whole lot of the rock formations appear like animals and different figures. In case you use your creativeness, you’ll be able to 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.
Tackle: Devrent mevkii no:1, 50500 Aktepe/Avanos/Nevşehir
21. Calm down in a Conventional Hammam
A go to to a hammam, also called a Turkish bathtub, is a calming factor to do, to not point out how nice it’s to your pores and skin and well-being. Enjoyable in a conventional hammam is among the greatest 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. 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 e-book.
Tackle: 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 mountaineering the world is all the time an incredible thought. I actually appreciated this valley particularly; it’s massive, and that is the place the largest fairy chimneys could be discovered. There are additionally loads of inexperienced spots, which I used to be actually shocked 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 for those who plan to spend not less than half a day there, you’ll be capable of get some superb pictures. You might hear this place known as ‘Monks Valley’ too, however they’re one and the identical.
Tackle: 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 de facto scrumptious, and even the road meals will make your mouth water. Cappadocia is legendary for mantı, (a kind of dough with filling), typically known as Turkish ravioli, and also you’ll learn 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 you arrive hungry as there are many snacks to attempt alongside the way in which. Click on right here for tour particulars and to e-book.
Tackle: 15 temmuz mahallesi, Urgup Nevşehir TR, 50400
24. Take pleasure in Leisure at a Turkish Night time
You is likely to be shocked to be taught that there are lots of issues to do in Cappadocia at evening. One among my favourite issues to do within the night is to get pleasure from a Turkish evening, stuffed 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 kids 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 on right here for particulars.
Tackle: Başoğlu Cd. No:47, Yukarı, Başoğlu Cd. No:47, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
25. Uchisar Citadel
In case you don’t thoughts strolling up loads of steps, Uchisar Citadel is among the greatest locations to go to close to Cappadocia with probably the most superb views. From the highest, you’ll be capable of discover the citadel itself and acquire a panoramic view over the whole space. As you’ll be able to 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 notably fortress-like. It’s thought so far again to across the 14th century, and it’s nonetheless as majestic even immediately.
Tackle: Tekelli, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
Fast Journey Itineraries For Cappadocia
Now you recognize what to see in Cappadocia, how are you going to hyperlink them collectively and ensure you see as a lot as potential throughout your go to? The benefit of Cappadocia is that though it’s a big space, a whole lot of the primary sights are comparatively shut collectively, which means you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to slot in a couple of issues for those who rise up early sufficient. In case you’re eager to take a sizzling air balloon journey, you’ll have to e-book that forward of your journey and issue that into your go to – ideally e-book a dawn slot to offer you further 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 is able to can help you see an outline of Cappadocia.
2-3 Days in Cappadocia Itinerary
Two to 3 days in Cappadocia will can help you see the primary components and a few valleys. Once more, if you wish to do the new air balloon journey, it’s greatest 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 someday however anticipate to have sore toes on the finish.
1 Week in Cappadocia Itinerary
Every week in Cappadocia means that you can see a whole lot 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 effectively and so they’re inside shut proximity.
On day two, schedule a sizzling air balloon journey and take within the fascinating views. Then, head to a different underground metropolis—Kaymakli. After a few hours there, seize your comfy sneakers and head to Pasabag Valley to see the massive fairy chimneys.
Take a full-day mountaineering 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 get pleasure from a calming 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 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 possibly can go to Cappadocia at any time of yr however the spring and fall months provide excellent circumstances.
Cappadocia is certainly value 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 preferred factor to do in Cappadocia however exploring the underground cities is a detailed second.
Mantı, typically known 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 it’s possible you’ll not be capable of see the whole lot.
Some cave motels 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 should not any dearer.
In case you don’t thoughts heights, a sizzling air balloon journey over Cappadocia is a once-in-a-lifetime expertise.
In Closing
I do know you’re itching to e-book your trip and head off to Cappadocia now. I’d be shocked for those who 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 completely 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 nearly like being in a bubble from the trendy world, the place the whole lot slows down, and also you’re laser-focused on the great thing about nature. All you have to do now could be work out whenever you’re going to go.
