There are such a lot of issues to do in Cappadocia, which regularly surprises folks. Having spent years dwelling 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 every of my favourite locations of all time.
Sightseeing in Cappadocia at all times exhibits you one thing new, regardless of what number of instances you’ve been. What I like most about this space is that it’s so far-off from the hustle and bustle of town; it’s like being in one other world totally.
Positioned within the middle of Turkey, the gorgeous 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 combo too, and if you throw in all of the completely different locations to go to in Cappadocia, that is one location that I can actually say is not like some other I’ve ever seen.
Greatest Issues To Do in Cappadocia
I’ve visited Cappadocia a number of instances, and having lived in Turkey for some time, I do know it’s a spot that even locals wish to expertise. There are such a lot of distinctive issues to do in Cappadocia, however in case you don’t learn about them, you would possibly assume it’s nearly strolling and sizzling air balloon rides.
However, Cappadocia is a lot greater than that. It’s one of the romantic and exquisite places on the planet, and it’s additionally an important place to go to with youngsters, 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 high issues to do—which is able to you attempt first?
1. Scorching Air Balloon Journey
Among the best issues to do in Cappadocia, and doubtless essentially the most well-known, is to take a sizzling air balloon trip. It’s a kind of issues that most individuals have on their bucket listing and with good purpose. It’s mind-blowing, and even in case you’re afraid of heights, I’d actually urge you to try to really feel the concern 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. 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 more likely to have your journey canceled as a consequence of dangerous climate. Click on right here for particulars and to e book.
Deal with: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
2. Sundown Quad Safari
Whether or not you’re touring with children, 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 achieved this earlier than, and I actually loved it – the views have been merely gorgeous and it was a lot enjoyable.
The tour itself takes simply two hours so you’ll be able to simply go for a meal afterward. The route takes you round Sword Valley and Love Valley, and the fairy chimneys draped within the altering gentle are one thing I’ll always remember. Click on right here to study extra.
Deal with: JRXR+QQ, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
3. Keep in a Cave Lodge
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 lodges. There’s one thing particularly mind-blowing about waking up understanding you’re in a room carved right into a rock quite than a freestanding constructing.
The cave lodges are positioned proper within the coronary heart of Cappadocia, and whereas they do price slightly greater than the lodges exterior of the park, it’s an expertise I’d undoubtedly advocate. I stayed on the Cappadocia Cave Suites and loved every part 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 widespread and are undoubtedly 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 undoubtedly among the finest locations to go to in Cappadocia and date again to Byzantine instances. Again within the day, folks used to maintain their animals down there with them too, so you’ll be able to think about simply how massive these areas are.
I’d advocate you put aside half a day to go to each underground cities and actually take your time immersing your self within the subterranean world.
Deal with: Ağcaşar/Derinkuyu/Nevşehir
5. Hike Pigeon Valley
If you happen to love nature, the most effective issues to do in Cappadocia is to hike in Pigeon Valley. You can too take a tour which encompasses the underground cities in case you’re slightly quick on time.
The valley is understood for its historical 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 in case you actually wish to discover the pure environment as a lot as attainable. Click on right here for tour data.
Deal with: 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 angle is just breathtaking.
You’ll be strapped to an teacher the entire time who will take images for you as you soar excessive above Goreme Nationwide Park. Naturally, that is one for individuals who have a head for heights, however in case you dare, I’d say go for it.
I’m not the most important fan of heights, however I went paragliding in Ölüdeniz, and it’s one thing I’m so glad I used to be courageous sufficient to attempt – it was actually particular. Click on right here for data and to e 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 the most effective 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 attention-grabbing issues to do round Cappadocia for a way of how massive the realm 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, despite the fact that it’s widespread; I felt completely at one with nature.
Deal with: Yukarı Kızılçukur Vadisi, 50500 Ürgüp/Nevşehir
8. Turkish Breakfast with a View
One among my favourite issues to do in Cappadocia, actually, one in every of 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 undoubtedly wish to take images 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 incredible meal. I loved each chunk at Want Terrace and the views have been simply as scrumptious because the meals.
Deal with: Aşağı, Trafo Çıkmazı Sok No:3, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
9. Take a Pottery Workshop
Taking a pottery workshop is a good way to spend a number of hours in Cappadocia, and also you’ll study rather a lot 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 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 youngsters will love creating one thing handmade to take residence and hold as a reminiscence of their time. Click on right here for tour particulars.
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 slightly completely different, a yoga class or retreat is a good selection. You’ll discover a number of completely different choices, however the magic of dawn is the very best 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 would possibly suppose; I used to be stunned myself. I liked my yoga expertise in Cappadocia and being in such a lovely and pure atmosphere undoubtedly helped me to hook up with my breath and unwind. Click on right here for particulars.
Deal with: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
11. Discover the Fairy Chimneys
The fairy chimneys are essentially the most well-known vacationer points of interest in Cappadocia, and the very best factor is that they’re not off-bounds. If you happen to’re touring with children, that is the best 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 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 residence to among the largest. When the solar rises and units, the rocks appear to alter shade, providing you with a unique view each time.
Deal with: 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 big. Regardless of its age, it’s additionally extraordinarily properly preserved.
You possibly can actually really feel the historical past throughout you, and it’s an important spot to go to on a heat day as a result of the cave makes it really feel a lot cooler. Spend a while deeply exploring this monastery since you don’t wish to miss the main points, such because the kitchen and the completely different hallways. Click on right here for Inexperienced Tour data.
Deal with: 68500 Yaprakhisar/Güzelyurt/Aksaray
13. Goreme Open Air Museum
No doubt, the most effective and most well-known locations to go to in Cappadocia is the Goreme Open Air Museum. This can be a well-known spot that exhibits you the perfect of the realm; strolling round feels such as you’re in the course of historical past. Out of all of the Cappadocia points of interest, undoubtedly go to this one.
Among the best methods to see the realm is to take a strolling tour, the place your information will be capable to inform you the historical past of all you’re seeing. Take your time and take up the serene ambiance of this space. Click on right here for tour particulars.
Deal with: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
14. Wine Tasting
A go to to an area vineyard 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 luxuriate in a number of glasses your self.
Turasan Vineyard is legendary within the space, they usually develop their very own grapes. Seeing the harvest is admittedly 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 most important vineyard within the space, so there may be loads to see and do. Click on right here for tour particulars.
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 footwear and loads of time to discover. Whether or not you’re a newbie or an avid hiker, this place is appropriate for all ranges of expertise.
Taking a guided tour means that you can know extra about what you’re seeing and means you received’t miss the hidden spots which may in any other case cross you by. I actually loved my go to to Ihlara Valley, and it’s someplace I undoubtedly wish to return to. Don’t miss this off your itinerary. Click on right here for tour particulars.
Deal with: 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 would possibly surprise why the valley has its title, 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 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 significantly spectacular at sundown, however even in case you go to in the course of the day, you’ll be glad you went. Click on right here for Purple Tour particulars.
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 seemingly refill your digital camera reel, quick. I liked all of the completely 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 superb spots together with a unique carpet retailer with equally lovely shows. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Deal with: 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 a good way to spend your day, and also you’ll undoubtedly 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 undoubtedly advocate this kind of tour.
Sword Valley itself is admittedly lovely, and the fairy chimneys listed here are uniquely sword-shaped, (therefore its title). This house can also be larger than among the different valleys, which permits you loads of room to roam and discover. Click on right here for tour particulars and to e book.
Deal with: JRXR+QQ, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
19. Benefit from the Sundown
Among the best free issues to do in Cappadocia is to easily sit again and benefit from the sundown. You don’t must go anyplace to do that – simply stand exterior in awe. In truth, I’d go so far as to say that the sunsets in Cappadocia are among the finest I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been to quite a lot of locations.
One among my favourite issues to do is to take a seat on the resort terrace with a heat glass of çay (tea) and turn out to be utterly absorbed in admiring the sky. It actually brings residence simply how small we’re on the earth and the way superb Mom Nature is.
Deal with: 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 straightforward to wander round. It’s one in every of my favourite issues to do close to Cappadocia once I wish to spend a while with my ideas.
You’ll hear this valley also called ‘Creativeness Valley’, as a result of quite a lot of the rock formations appear to be animals and different figures. If you happen to use your creativeness, you’ll be able to see completely different shapes relying on the sunshine. I may sit right here and take a look at them for hours. Click on right here for tour data.
Deal with: Devrent mevkii no:1, 50500 Aktepe/Avanos/Nevşehir
21. Loosen up 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 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 principle room and have your pores and skin washed and scrubbed. In the long run, you’ll really feel cleaner than you ever have earlier than and slightly such as you’re floating on air – it’s heavenly. Click on right here for particulars and to e 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 realm is at all times an important concept. I actually appreciated this valley particularly; it’s massive, and that is the place the most important fairy chimneys will 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 listing, and in case you plan to spend not less than half a day there, you’ll be capable to get some superb images. It’s possible you’ll hear this place referred to as ‘Monks Valley’ too, however they’re one and the identical.
Deal with: 50502 Aktepe/Avanos/Nevşehir
23. Take a Cookery Class
The final time I visited Cappadocia, I took a cookery class and I loved it a lot I intend to go once more. Conventional Turkish meals is admittedly scrumptious, and even the road meals will make your mouth water. Cappadocia is legendary for mantı, (a sort 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 standard Turkish stuffed turnover).
This tour takes 4 hours, so it’s a great approach to spend half a day, mixed with one other exercise. Be sure to arrive hungry as there are many snacks to attempt alongside the best way. Click on right here for tour particulars and to e book.
Deal with: 15 temmuz mahallesi, Urgup Nevşehir TR, 50400
24. Take pleasure in Leisure at a Turkish Evening
You could 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 get pleasure from a Turkish evening, filled with conventional leisure and meals. Most lodges 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 youngsters 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 on right here for particulars.
Deal with: Başoğlu Cd. No:47, Yukarı, Başoğlu Cd. No:47, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
25. Uchisar Fort
If you happen to don’t thoughts strolling up rather a lot of steps, Uchisar Fort is among the finest locations to go to close to Cappadocia with essentially the most superb views. From the highest, you’ll be capable to discover the citadel itself and achieve a panoramic view over the complete 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 to be like one. As a substitute, it’s a rock formation that has eroded to look significantly fortress-like. It’s thought to this point again to across the 14th century, and it’s nonetheless as majestic even in the present day.
Deal with: Tekelli, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
Fast Journey Itineraries For Cappadocia
Now you already know 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 benefit of Cappadocia is that though it’s a big space, quite a lot of the principle sights are comparatively shut collectively, which means you’ll be able to actually pack rather a lot into a number of days.
1 Day in Cappadocia Itinerary
Someday in Cappadocia isn’t an enormous period of time, however you’ll be able to slot in a number of issues in case you stand up early sufficient. If you happen to’re eager to take a sizzling air balloon trip, you’ll must e book that forward of your journey and issue that into your go to – ideally e book a dawn slot to present 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 will provide you with a full day, however one which is able to mean you can see an outline of Cappadocia.
2-3 Days in Cappadocia Itinerary
Two to 3 days in Cappadocia will mean you can see the principle elements and a few valleys. Once more, if you wish to do the new air balloon trip, it’s finest to schedule it at dawn so you continue to have a full day forward of you.
On day one, go to the Goreme Open Air Museum, which ought to take you half a day. From there, go to Derinkuyu underground metropolis and discover the huge subterranean house. Within the night, schedule a Turkish evening and luxuriate in some conventional leisure and a scrumptious meal.
On day two, get up early and go for a full Turkish breakfast with a view. 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 sooner or later however count on to have sore toes on the finish.
1 Week in Cappadocia Itinerary
Per week in Cappadocia means that you can see quite a lot of the native space. In your first day, get up early and luxuriate 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 prefer to hyperlink these two actions collectively as a result of they move properly they usually’re inside shut proximity.
On day two, schedule a sizzling air balloon trip and take within the charming views. Then, head to a different underground metropolis—Kaymakli. After a few hours there, seize your comfy footwear and head to Pasabag Valley to see the large fairy chimneys.
Take a full-day mountaineering journey in your subsequent day to present you a full overview of the realm. Within the night, attend a Turkish evening and benefit from the leisure. Day 4 may embody a visit to Uchisar Fort and Devrent Valley. On day 5, head off on a quad safari journey, and take a pottery class within the afternoon.
It’s possible you’ll be feeling drained by day six, so get pleasure from 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 resort and having fun with your final evening with some scrumptious Turkish meals and flavors.
Issues To Do in Cappadocia: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Cappadocia:
Cappadocia is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed space well-known for its historical past, various landscapes, sizzling air balloon rides, and cave lodges.
You possibly can go to Cappadocia at any time of yr however the spring and fall months supply preferrred situations.
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 realm.
Cappadocia is a very secure space to go to.
Scorching air ballooning might be the most well-liked factor to do in Cappadocia however exploring the underground cities is a detailed 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 great thing about the realm, however you could not be capable to see every part.
Some cave lodges 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 are usually not any costlier.
If you happen to don’t thoughts heights, a sizzling air balloon trip 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 stunned in case you weren’t. There are such a lot of locations to go to in Cappadocia that it’s like going to a different planet and exploring a completely new world for the primary time. I additionally know you’ll in all probability wish to return.
For me, Cappadocia is a magical world that, though not a hidden secret, actually does really feel secluded. It’s nearly like being in a bubble from the fashionable world, the place every part slows down, and also you’re laser-focused on the great thing about nature. All you might want to do now’s work out if you’re going to go.
