There are such a lot of issues to do in Cappadocia, which frequently surprises folks. Having spent years residing in and exploring Turkey, it’s the one place that all the time blows me away. From the wonderful landscapes to the jaw-dropping sunsets, that is one in all my favourite locations of all time.
Sightseeing in Cappadocia all the time 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 middle of Turkey, the beautiful landscapes of Cappadocia have been fashioned by way of 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 while 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 some 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 need to expertise. There are such a lot of distinctive issues to do in Cappadocia, however when 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 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 listing of prime issues to do—which can you attempt first?
1. Sizzling Air Balloon Journey
Top-of-the-line 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 listing and with good purpose. It’s mind-blowing, and even when 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. One of the best time of 12 months to do that exercise is spring and fall; in winter it’s wonderful to see the snow-covered panorama, however you’re extra prone to have your journey canceled as a consequence of 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 crucial enjoyable issues to do in Cappadocia is to take a sunset quad safari tour. I’ve finished this earlier than, and I actually loved it – the views had 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 here to learn more.
Deal with: JRXR+QQ, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
3. Keep in a Cave Lodge
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 understanding 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 little bit greater than the motels exterior of the park, it’s an expertise I’d positively 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 toes. Most are inaccessible, however two are actually well-liked and are positively must-visits — Derinkuyu and Kaymakli. Derinkuyu was my favourite, and I used to be shocked at how large, but intricate it was.
These underground cities are positively a number of the finest locations to go to in Cappadocia and date again to Byzantine occasions. Again within the day, folks used to maintain their animals down there with them too, so you may 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
If you happen to love nature, probably the greatest issues to do in Cappadocia is to hike in Pigeon Valley. You may also take a tour which encompasses the underground cities when you’re a little bit quick on time.
The valley is understood for its historic homes, and it’s additionally half of a giant mountaineering 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 when you actually need to discover the pure environment as a lot as attainable. 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 when 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 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 probably the greatest locations to see the sundown within the space, and the house supplies a panoramic view of how extraordinary Cappadocia actually is.
This is among the most attention-grabbing issues to do round Cappadocia for a way of how large 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 extremely peaceable spot too, although it’s well-liked; 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, in reality, one in all my favourite issues to do anyplace 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 images to seize the feast in entrance of you.
The beauty of breakfast in Cappadocia is that you simply get the wonderful backdrop together with a unbelievable meal. I loved each chew at Wish Terrace and the views had 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 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 personal 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 among the most original, and even kids will love creating one thing handmade to take dwelling and maintain 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
If you happen to’re deciding what to do in Cappadocia and also you’re searching for one thing a little bit 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 would possibly suppose; I used to be shocked myself. I beloved my yoga expertise in Cappadocia and being in such a phenomenal and pure setting positively 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 the most effective factor is that they’re not off-bounds. If you happen to’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 conceal and search behind these large 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 number of the largest. When the solar rises and units, the rocks appear to vary coloration, 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 beautiful Selime Monastery, a part of the Green Tour that exhibits you many places in a single journey. This monastery dates again to the Byzantine period, and it’s completely large. Regardless of its age, it’s additionally extraordinarily properly 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 need to miss the small print, such because the kitchen and the totally different hallways. Click here for Green Tour information.
Deal with: 68500 Yaprakhisar/Güzelyurt/Aksaray
13. Goreme Open Air Museum
Unquestionably, 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 exhibits you the easiest 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, 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 of let you know the historical past of all you’re seeing. Take your time and take up the serene ambiance of this space. Click here for tour details.
Deal with: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
14. Wine Tasting
A visit to a local winery is among 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 certain you’ll too! It’s the biggest vineyard within the space, so there’s loads 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 among the finest spots in Cappadocia for mountaineering, and the canyons supply such an exquisite distinction of colours, from rock to inexperienced and again once more. This space is fairly straightforward to stroll round; you simply want comfy 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 received’t miss the hidden spots that 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 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 surprise why the valley has its identify, and it’s all the way down to the rock formations, (that are phallic-shaped), however you may overlook that and simply adore the great thing about the panorama.
Love Valley is among 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 when 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
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 all of the totally different coloured carpets, though I didn’t give in to the temptation to purchase one.
If you happen to’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 lovely 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 an effective way to spend your day, and also you’ll positively sleep properly 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. If you happen to’re visiting for only a few days, I’d positively advocate one of these tour.
Sword Valley itself is basically lovely, and the fairy chimneys listed here are uniquely sword-shaped, (therefore its identify). This house can also be greater than a number 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
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 anyplace to do that – simply stand exterior in awe. In reality, I’d 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 a number of locations.
One in every of 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 this planet 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 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 once I need to spend a while with my ideas.
You’ll hear this valley also called ‘Creativeness Valley’, as a result of a number of the rock formations seem like animals and different figures. If you happen to use your creativeness, you may see totally 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, also called a Turkish bathtub, 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 standard hammam is among the finest issues to do in Cappadocia after you’ve drained out your legs exploring.
After you’ve spent ten minutes in a sauna, sweating out all of the impurities, you’ll go into the primary room and have your pores and skin washed and scrubbed. Ultimately, you’ll really feel cleaner than you ever have earlier than and a little bit such as you’re floating on air – it’s heavenly. Click 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 mountaineering the world is all the time an important thought. I actually preferred this valley particularly; it’s massive, and that is the place the most important fairy chimneys might 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 listing, and when you plan to spend no less than half a day there, you’ll be capable of get some wonderful images. You could hear this place referred to as ‘Monks Valley’ too, however they’re one and the identical.
Deal with: 50502 Aktepe/Avanos/Nevşehir
23. Take a Cookery Class
The final time I visited Cappadocia, I took a cookery class and I loved it a lot I intend to go once more. Conventional Turkish meals is basically scrumptious, and even the road meals will make your mouth water. Cappadocia is known for mantı, (a kind of dough with filling), usually referred to as Turkish ravioli, and also you’ll learn to make different scrumptious snacks, akin to Gözleme ( a standard Turkish stuffed turnover).
This tour takes 4 hours, so it’s a really perfect strategy to spend half a day, mixed with one other exercise. Be sure you arrive hungry as there are many snacks to attempt alongside the best way. 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 Evening
You is likely to be shocked to study that there are numerous 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 supply 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 best way. 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 Fortress
If you happen to don’t thoughts strolling up loads of steps, Uchisar Fortress is among 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 your complete space. As you may 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 appears 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 understand 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 advantage of Cappadocia is that though it’s a big space, a number of the primary sights are comparatively shut collectively, that means you may actually pack loads into a couple of days.
1 Day in Cappadocia Itinerary
In the future in Cappadocia isn’t an enormous period of time, however you may slot in a couple of issues when you rise up early sufficient. If you happen to’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 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 can assist you to see an outline of Cappadocia.
2-3 Days in Cappadocia Itinerary
Two to 3 days in Cappadocia will assist you to see the primary elements and a few valleys. Once more, if you wish to do the new air balloon journey, it’s finest to schedule it at dawn so you continue to have a full day forward of you.
On day one, go to the Goreme Open Air Museum, which ought to take you half a day. From there, go to Derinkuyu underground metropolis and discover the huge subterranean house. Within the night, schedule a Turkish evening and revel in some conventional leisure and a scrumptious meal.
On day two, get up early and go for a full Turkish breakfast with a view. Along with your urge for food satiated, it’s time to don your strolling boots and head off to Love Valley and Ihlara Valley. These are each doable inside in the future however anticipate to have sore toes on the finish.
1 Week in Cappadocia Itinerary
Every week in Cappadocia means that you can see a number of the native space. In your first day, get up early and revel in a full breakfast with a view. This can 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 circulation properly 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 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.
You could 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 ultimate day, head to Sword Valley and take a look at the wonderful 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 may go to Cappadocia at any time of 12 months however the spring and fall months supply preferrred circumstances.
Cappadocia is unquestionably 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 safe 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, 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 chances are you’ll not be capable of see all the pieces.
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 will not be any costlier.
If you happen to 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 when 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 completely 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 pieces slows down, and also you’re laser-focused on the great thing about nature. All you must do now’s work out while you’re going to go.
