There are such a lot of issues to do in Cappadocia, which frequently surprises folks. Having spent years dwelling in and exploring Turkey, it’s the one place that at all times 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 at all times exhibits you one thing new, irrespective of what number of instances you’ve been. What I like most about this space is that it’s so distant from the hustle and bustle of town; it’s like being in one other world completely.
Situated within the heart of Turkey, the beautiful landscapes of Cappadocia have been fashioned 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 if you throw in all of the totally different locations to go to in Cappadocia, that is one location that I can really say is not like every other I’ve ever seen.
Greatest Issues To Do in Cappadocia
I’ve visited Cappadocia just a few 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 for those who 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 delightful places on the planet, and it’s additionally an ideal place to go to with kids, who will love working round and exploring the fairy chimneys. So, that will help 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. Scorching Air Balloon Trip
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 type of issues that most individuals have on their bucket listing and with good cause. It’s mind-blowing, and even for those who’re afraid of heights, I’d actually urge you to try to really feel the concern and do it scared anyway.
For those who 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 attributable to 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 crucial enjoyable issues to do in Cappadocia is to take a sundown quad safari tour. I’ve accomplished this earlier than, and I actually loved it – the views 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 gentle 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 accommodations. There’s one thing particularly mind-blowing about waking up realizing you’re in a room carved right into a rock somewhat than a freestanding constructing.
The cave accommodations are situated proper within the coronary heart of Cappadocia, and whereas they do price a little bit greater than the accommodations outdoors of the park, it’s an expertise I’d positively advocate. I stayed on the Cappadocia Cave Suites and loved every thing 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 ft. Most are inaccessible, however two are actually standard 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 few of 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 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.
Tackle: Ağcaşar/Derinkuyu/Nevşehir
5. Hike Pigeon Valley
For those who love nature, among the best issues to do in Cappadocia is to hike in Pigeon Valley. You too can take a tour which encompasses the underground cities for those who’re a little bit brief 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 for those who actually wish to discover the pure environment as a lot as attainable. Click on right here for tour info.
Tackle: Pigeon Valley/Güvercinlik Vadisi
6. Paragliding
You may not image paragliding as one of many prime 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 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 really 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 match the sights to something you’ve ever seen earlier than. That is additionally among the best locations to see the sundown within the space, and the area 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 large the realm is. I couldn’t consider the landscapes, and there actually isn’t wherever else that appears fairly prefer it. I discovered it to be a very peaceable spot too, regardless that it’s standard; I felt completely at one with nature.
Tackle: Yukarı Kızılçukur Vadisi, 50500 Ürgüp/Nevşehir
8. Turkish Breakfast with a View
One in all my favourite issues to do in Cappadocia, actually, one in all my favourite issues to do wherever in Turkey is to have a full-on breakfast, identified domestically as kahvalti. Belief me, you gained’t be hungry till dinner, and also you’ll positively wish to take pictures 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 incredible 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 just a few hours in Cappadocia, and also you’ll be taught quite a bit concerning the conventional crafts of the native space. Not solely will you be taught loads however you’ll get to make your individual piece of pottery to take dwelling, in addition to get pleasure from 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 hold 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
For those who’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 just a few totally different choices, however the magic of dawn is the most effective time to get pleasure from this sacred observe, overlooking Goreme Nationwide Park.
When determining what to do in Cappadocia, it’s simple to stay to sightseeing, however there are extra actions to get pleasure from than you would possibly assume; I used to be stunned myself. I liked my yoga expertise in Cappadocia and being in such a wonderful and pure atmosphere 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 essentially the most well-known vacationer points of interest in Cappadocia, and the most effective factor is that they’re not off-bounds. For those who’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 disguise 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 few of the largest. When the solar rises and units, the rocks appear to vary coloration, providing you with a special view each time.
Tackle: 50502 Aktepe/Avanos/Nevşehir, Türkiye
12. Selime Monastery
One in all my favourite issues to do in Cappadocia is to go to the beautiful 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 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 ideal 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 small print, 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
Unquestionably, among the best and most well-known locations to go to in Cappadocia is the Goreme Open Air Museum. It is a well-known spot that exhibits you the perfect of the realm; 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.
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 soak up the serene ambiance 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 finest issues to do in Cappadocia for {couples}. The tour takes 4 hours, so there’s loads of time to find out about how wine is made on this a part of the world and luxuriate in just a few glasses your self.
Turasan Vineyard is known within the space, and so they 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 positive you’ll too! It’s the biggest vineyard within the space, so there’s loads 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 finest spots in Cappadocia for mountaineering, and the canyons supply such a beautiful distinction of colours, from rock to inexperienced and again once more. This space is fairly simple 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 lets you know extra about what you’re seeing and means you gained’t miss the hidden spots which 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 may 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 identify, and it’s right down to the rock formations, (that are phallic-shaped), however you may overlook that and simply adore the fantastic 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 significantly spectacular at sundown, however even for those who go to in the midst 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
For those who’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 can possible replenish your digital camera reel, quick. I liked taking a look at all of the totally different coloured carpets, though I didn’t give in to the temptation to purchase one.
For those who’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 special 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 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. For those who’re visiting for only a few days, I’d positively advocate such a tour.
Sword Valley itself is admittedly lovely, and the fairy chimneys listed below are uniquely sword-shaped, (therefore its identify). This area can also be larger 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 wherever to do that – simply stand outdoors in awe. The truth is, I might go so far as to say that the sunsets in Cappadocia are a few of the finest I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been to a whole lot of locations.
One in all 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 utterly absorbed in admiring the sky. It actually brings dwelling simply how small we’re on the earth and the way wonderful 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 beautiful landscapes, and that is one other valley that’s each massive and simple to wander round. It’s one in all 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 a whole lot of the rock formations appear to be animals and different figures. For those who use your creativeness, you may see totally different shapes relying on the sunshine. I might sit right here and take a look at them for hours. Click on right here for tour info.
Tackle: Devrent mevkii no:1, 50500 Aktepe/Avanos/Nevşehir
21. Chill out in a Conventional Hammam
A go to to a hammam, also called a Turkish tub, is a calming 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. In the long run, 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 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 realm is at all times an ideal thought. I actually preferred this valley particularly; it’s massive, and that is the place the largest fairy chimneys might 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 for those who plan to spend at the least half a day there, you’ll be capable to get some wonderful pictures. It’s possible you’ll hear this place referred to 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 admittedly scrumptious, and even the road meals will make your mouth water. Cappadocia is known for mantı, (a sort of dough with filling), typically referred to as Turkish ravioli, and also you’ll learn to make different scrumptious snacks, equivalent to Gözleme ( a standard Turkish stuffed turnover).
This tour takes 4 hours, so it’s a perfect solution to spend half a day, mixed with one other exercise. Be sure to 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 stunned to be taught that there are various issues to do in Cappadocia at night time. One in all my favourite issues to do within the night is to get pleasure from a Turkish night time, stuffed with conventional leisure and meals. Most accommodations supply a Turkish night time round as soon as per week, the place you’ll be capable to witness stomach dancing, whirling dervishes, and conventional music performances.
It is a family-friendly present, and youngsters 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 Fort
For those who don’t thoughts strolling up quite a bit of steps, Uchisar Fort is among the finest locations to go to close to Cappadocia with essentially the most wonderful views. From the highest, you’ll be capable to discover the fort itself and acquire a panoramic view over your entire 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 daily fort in any respect; it simply seems like one. As an alternative, it’s a rock formation that has eroded to look significantly fortress-like. It’s thought so far again to across the 14th century, and it’s nonetheless as majestic even in the present day.
Tackle: 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 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 may actually pack quite a bit into just a few days.
1 Day in Cappadocia Itinerary
At some point in Cappadocia isn’t an enormous period of time, however you may slot in just a few issues for those who stand up early sufficient. For those who’re eager to take a sizzling air balloon trip, 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 provide you additional time.
Goreme Open Air Museum is a must-see and also you must also go to Derinkuyu underground metropolis as a naked minimal. That gives you a full day, however one which can 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 recent 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 area. Within the night, schedule a Turkish night time 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. 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 sooner or later however anticipate to have sore ft on the finish.
1 Week in Cappadocia Itinerary
Per week in Cappadocia lets you see a whole 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 and so they’re inside shut proximity.
On day two, schedule a sizzling air balloon trip and take within the fascinating 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 provide you a full overview of the realm. Within the night, attend a Turkish night time and benefit from the leisure. Day 4 might embrace 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 calming hammam and take a cookery class within the afternoon to fill you up. In your last 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 night time 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 accommodations.
You may go to Cappadocia at any time of 12 months however the spring and fall months supply preferrred situations.
Cappadocia is certainly value visiting. It’s a type of locations that 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 protected 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 fantastic thing about the realm, however chances are you’ll not be capable to see every thing.
Some cave accommodations are fairly costly, at round 2500 Turkish lira/$90 per night time, nonetheless, costs do fluctuate all year long. Foods and drinks are on par with the remainder of Turkey and should not any costlier.
For those who 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 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 very 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 trendy world, the place every thing slows down, and also you’re laser-focused on the fantastic thing about nature. All you have to do now’s work out if you’re going to go.
