16 Best Things to Do in Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey, a region often described as a fairytale landscape lifted straight out of an idyllic dream, consistently ranks among the world’s top travel destinations. Located in the center of Anatolia, this enchanting area captivated over 3.8 million foreign visitors in 2019 alone, a testament to its renewed fame, particularly boosted by platforms like Instagram. With its otherworldly scenery, “picture-perfect” fairy chimneys, and exquisite cave-style hotels, Cappadocia offers visitors a wealth of unforgettable travel experiences.

Beyond the iconic hot air balloon flights, Cappadocia boasts a rich tapestry of historical open-air museums, ancient rock-cut castles, epic sunset points, and adventurous hiking trails. To truly embrace all that this unique region has to offer, a stay of at least 3 to 5 days is highly recommended. While Cappadocia is a region composed of several towns, Göreme is often considered the most popular and central hub for travelers.

Take Off in a Hot Air Balloon During Sunrise

The primary reason many travelers flock to Cappadocia is to experience a hot air balloon flight above its fairytale-like landscape, a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experience. Every morning during sunrise, hundreds of hot air balloons ascend, creating the iconic vista that has made Cappadocia world-famous. It’s an electrifying feeling to wake up at 4 AM, knowing you’re about to witness Cappadocia’s amazing scenery from above.

Flights typically last about an hour, taking passengers to heights of around 700 meters, revealing the dreamy landscape as the sun rises. Prices can vary significantly, ranging from €80 to €400, depending on the season, holidays, and demand. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for those on a tight schedule, with options like the 1-hour balloon flight that often includes hotel pickup service. If a flight is canceled due to weather, a full refund is usually provided. Always book your flight for your first morning to allow for rescheduling if weather conditions are unfavorable. Remember, it can be very cold in the early morning, so dress warmly.

Spend the Night in an Authentic Cave Hotel

A stay in a cave hotel is a unique and authentic experience that combines primitive housing with modern luxury. Carved out of Cappadocia’s distinctive rock formations since ancient times, these age-old caves have been transformed into fabulous boutique hotels. Göreme is a popular town with a wide variety of cave hotels, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to high-end suites.

Recommended cave hotels include:

Charming Cave Hotel (Göreme): A family-run hotel with a “picture-perfect” rooftop terrace and delicious breakfast.

Kelebek Special Cave Hotel (Göreme): A luxurious option offering spacious cave-style suites, a traditional Turkish bath, and an outdoor swimming pool.

Artemis Cave Suites & Spa (Göreme): Located in the center of Göreme, offering traditionally designed rooms, an authentic rooftop terrace, and in-house spa facilities, with rooms starting at €47 per night.

Koza Cave Hotel (Göreme): Known for having the highest rooftop terrace in Cappadocia, ideal for balloon watching at sunrise, and is a family-run, sustainable hotel.

Mithra Cave Hotel (Göreme): Offers spectacular valley views and is highly recommended by one source.

Sultan Cave Suites (Göreme): Famous for its rooftop with Turkish rugs and pillows, popular for social media photos.

Museum Hotel (Uchisar): A five-star Relais & Chateaux property designed as a living museum, featuring a heated Roman-style pool and incredible views.

Admire Unique Fairy Chimneys at Pasabag Valley

Pasabag Valley, also known as “Monks Valley,” is one of the most popular places in Cappadocia to admire its iconic fairy chimneys. This impressive valley is home to a wide variety of unusual earth pillars, particularly known for its unique mushroom-shaped chimneys. Visitors can walk over wave-shaped sandstone surfaces for incredible views of the chimneys and surrounding cave dwellings. The valley requires a small entrance fee of 20 TL (€2.25), which also includes entrance to the Zelve Open-Air Museum. To avoid crowds, arrive in the early morning or late afternoon.

Explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Göreme Open-Air Museum is a fixture for travelers, offering a perfect introduction to Cappadocia’s rich history. It has well-preserved cave homes, old churches, and intriguing murals that depict the region’s turbulent history. Settled by Christians during the Byzantine era, it contains over 13 original churches, many with 11th-century frescoes, including the famous Dark Church. To avoid crowds, arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The entrance fee is 75 TL (€8.40), plus an extra 25 TL (€2.80) to see the Dark Church.

Hike the Red and Rose Valleys

The Red and Rose Valleys offer a true hiking paradise, known for their rugged mountain ridges and distinctive Mars-like sandstone. The Rose Valley is distinguished by its unique pink-toned sandstone hills, offering breathtaking rock formations, hidden rock-cut churches, and ancient cave dwellings. This combined hike is a favorite, providing two completely different walks. The trails can be misleading at times, so using an app like AllTrails is recommended. The valleys are particularly stunning at sunset when the hills bathe in deep red and vibrant pink tones.

Take in the Views from Uchisar Castle

Perched atop a remarkable rock formation, Uchisar Castle is the highest point in Cappadocia, offering the most dazzling panoramic views of the exceptional landscape. This former stronghold protected the region from invaders and was inhabited until the 1960s. Climbing the castle just before sunset provides a brilliant viewing spot. The entrance fee is 10 TL (€1.20). It can be experienced as part of a full-day adventure, often combined with Love Valley and Pigeon Valley.

Visit Love Valley

Love Valley is renowned for its characteristic rock formations, which are famous for their resemblance to masculine shapes, giving the valley its name. Located between Göreme and Uchisar, a 2-hour trail through the valley reveals captivating rock formations, well-preserved cave dwellings, tunnels, and unique wave-shaped sandstone surfaces. It’s also a great spot to photograph hot air balloons in the morning, depending on wind direction.

Spend Sunrise or Sunset at Lovers Hill

Lovers Hill, also known as Göreme Panorama, is a popular viewpoint offering some of the most spectacular views in Cappadocia. At sunrise, visitors are greeted by wonderful views of the entire region with hundreds of hot air balloons gently ascending all around. It also serves as an epic sunset viewpoint, allowing you to end your day with enchanting views. While it can be teeming with both locals and travelers, the breathtaking panoramas are worth the crowds.

Explore the Zelve Open-Air Museum

Once home to one of Cappadocia’s largest communities, the Zelve Open-Air Museum is a fascinating historical cave town. Situated about 8 kilometers from Göreme, it’s considered a bit more off the beaten path than the Göreme Open-Air Museum, and often less overrun by tourists. It features rock-cut churches, impressive cave dwellings, and distinctive rock formations, providing an incredible look into one of the region’s most important settlements. The entrance fee is 20 TL (€2.25) and includes access to Pasabag Valley.

Discover the Lesser-Known Sword Valley

Sword Valley offers a largely uncharted and adventurous experience compared to more popular valleys. Despite being one of the smaller valleys, it boasts incredibly beautiful sword-like chimneys, hidden cave dwellings, and even a narrow tunnel approximately 300 meters long. Hiking in Sword Valley is considered one of the most unique things to do in Cappadocia, especially for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Climb Ortahisar Castle

Ortahisar Castle is a towering 86-meter-high rock castle in Ortahisar Town, serving as a perfect example of Cappadocia’s iconic rock-cut architecture. It’s often referred to as one of the best viewpoints, with views stretching as far as Uchisar, Göreme, and Red Valley. The stronghold was first used under Byzantine rule to protect the region. Ortahisar Town is also noted as the epicenter of fruit production in Cappadocia, with thousands of stone holes maintaining a consistent 10 °C temperature for storing produce. The entrance fee is 10 TL (€1.20).

Walk Pigeon Valley

Pigeon Valley, known in Turkish as ‘Guvercinlik Vadisi,’ is one of Cappadocia’s most popular hiking trails, conveniently located between Göreme and Uchisar. It earned its name from the thousands of pigeons that reside there, with numerous man-made dovecotes carved into the soft volcanic sandstone. Historically, pigeons played a significant role in their natural resources, including food, communication, and fertilizer. The valley is best explored by combining a visit to Uchisar Castle and Love Valley, which can take a full day.

Explore the Underground Cities

Cappadocia is home to over 30 underground cities, carved deep into the earth, which served as hiding places for early Christians during times of persecution. These maze-like subterranean complexes can extend up to eight levels deep and once housed thousands of people and their livestock. Visitors can explore chapels, bedrooms, kitchens, stables, and wine pressing chambers.

Notable underground cities include:

Derinkuyu Underground City: The deepest and most visited, reaching eight floors down. Entrance is 50 TL (€5).

Kaymakli Underground City: The widest of the mentioned caves, offering a relatively easy route in and out, and featuring a documentary at the entrance explaining its origins. Entrance is 60 TL.

Özkonak: A smaller and less-visited option, providing a great introduction to underground cities and allowing visitors to see more cave dwellings above ground near the exit.

A guide is recommended for these sites as there is often little signage. Be aware that the narrow corridors may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia.

Wander Around Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley)

Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley, is celebrated for its unique rock formations that resemble various animal shapes, such as a giant camel. Unlike other valleys, it was not inhabited, making it a place primarily for geological appreciation and imaginative exploration. There’s no entry fee and no official hiking trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Cappadocia’s “alien landscape” at their leisure. It’s a great spot for families and can be a quick stop for photos.

Go for a Horse Riding Tour

Cappadocia, meaning “land of beautiful horses,” makes horse riding a culturally significant and thrilling activity. Horse riding tours offer an entirely new perspective of the valleys, with options for sunset rides through Red and Rose Valleys. Dalton Brothers Horse Ranch is recommended as the oldest ranch in Cappadocia, offering private 2-hour sunset tours that include a breathtaking viewpoint. The horses are typically well-trained, making it an enjoyable experience even for novices.

Make Pottery in Avanos

For a different cultural experience, visit Avanos, a town renowned for its pottery. The craft thrives here due to the red clay sourced from the river banks. Many workshops and ateliers offer demonstrations and even crash courses in pottery making. To avoid large tourist shops, seek out smaller, family-run ateliers for a more authentic experience. Avanos also houses the quirky Hair Museum at “Chez Galip,” an exhibition of tens of thousands of hair strands collected over the years.

Conclusion

Cappadocia is truly a destination unlike any other, a “fairytale world” where ancient history and unique geological formations create a mesmerizing backdrop for adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re soaring above its valleys in a hot air balloon, delving into its underground cities, or hiking through its vibrant landscapes, this region promises “unforgettable travel experiences” and memories that will last a lifetime. With so much to see and do, it’s clear why Cappadocia continues to enchant millions of visitors each year.

FAQs

1. How many days should I plan for a trip to Cappadocia?

Many sources recommend a stay of at least 3 to 5 days to fully experience Cappadocia. For first-time visitors, five full days are suggested to adequately explore the main sites, enjoy different towns like Göreme and Uchisar, and allow for a more relaxed itinerary, especially given the early morning balloon activities. While one author initially planned for three days, they found five days still not enough. Another spent six days and did not get bored. It is particularly advised to stay for at least 2-3 nights to increase your chances of taking a hot air balloon flight, as these are highly weather-dependent and can be canceled. A single day is generally considered insufficient to fully appreciate the region.

2. When is the ideal time to visit Cappadocia?

The shoulder seasons of Spring (April to May/June) and Autumn (September to November) are widely recommended as the ideal times to visit Cappadocia. During these months, the weather is mild, warm, and pleasant, making it comfortable for exploring and hiking. Additionally, visiting during these periods helps avoid the peak tourist crowds that flock to Cappadocia in the summer, leading to shorter lines and better accommodation availability.

While Summer (June-August) is popular, it is described as the busiest and warmest time of the year, which can be less comfortable for outdoor activities and result in higher hotel prices. Winter (November-March) is considered the low season, but it offers a magical ambiance with snow-covered fairy chimneys. Hot air balloons still fly in winter, though possibly less frequently due to weather conditions.

3. Where should I stay in Cappadocia?

Göreme is by far the most popular town for travelers, serving as the most centrally located and recommended starting point for explorations. It offers a wide variety of hotels, restaurants and is generally considered the best location for watching the hot air balloons ascend at sunrise.

Uchisar is another excellent option, offering beautiful views and often catering to upscale travelers. It is notably built around the impressive Uchisar Castle. For a unique experience, staying in an authentic cave hotel is highly recommended, as many properties are carved directly into the region’s rock formations. These range from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious suites.

Some recommended hotels include:

Göreme: Charming Cave Hotel, Kelebek Special Cave Hotel, Artemis Cave Suites & Spa, The Garden Cave Hotel (budget), Grand Elite Cave Suites (midrange), Divan Cave Suites (high end), Koza Cave Hotel, Local Cave House, Sultan Cave Suites, Imperial Cave Suites, Terra Cave Hotel, Maron Stone House, Mithra Cave Hotel.

Uchisar: Argos, Museum Hotel, Rox Cappadocia. Other towns like Ürgüp (Yunak Evleri Cappadocia), Cavusin, and Avanos also offer accommodation options.

4. How do I get to Cappadocia?

There are several ways to reach Cappadocia:

By Plane: This is often the most convenient and fastest option.

• The closest airports are Kayseri Erkilet International Airport (ASR) and Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV). Kayseri is about an hour’s drive from Göreme and often offers more flights at cheaper prices. Nevsehir is closer, about 40 minutes from Göreme.
• Both airports host domestic, European, and international flights, usually involving a layover in Istanbul.
• Airport transfers are readily available; most hotels in Göreme, Uchisar, and Ürgüp offer shuttle services, and shared or private transfer services can also be booked.

By Bus: A more budget-friendly alternative.

• Overnight buses run from major cities like Istanbul (approximately 10-13 hours) and Antalya (approximately 9 hours). These buses are generally comfortable and may provide Wi-Fi.
• Buses might arrive directly in Göreme or at the bus station in Nevşehir, from which you would take a local minibus to Göreme.

By Car Rental: Renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and reach various highlights more easily, with generally good road conditions. However, some sources advise against renting a car for navigating Göreme itself due to narrow, windy streets and parking difficulties. Rentalcars.com is a recommended platform for car rentals in Turkey.

By Train: While an option to Kayseri exists, it is generally not considered the simplest or most common way to reach Cappadocia.