38° 38′ N, 34° 50′ E
Overview
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What and where is Cappadocia
Cappadocia is right in the middle of Turkey, officially known as Türkiye, in a region called Central Anatolia. It’s one of those places that really doesn’t look like anywhere else. The landscape is filled with strange rock formations, deep valleys, and soft hills shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion. All of this somehow created something beautiful instead of a mess.
Most people know Cappadocia for its hot air balloons, and yes, seeing them float across the sky at sunrise is just as magical as it looks in photos. But there’s a lot more to this region than balloons. What makes it even cooler is how people have lived with the land, not just on it. Locals carved houses, churches, and even full underground cities straight into the rock.
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1. Fly a hot air balloon in Cappadocia
Waking up at 4 AM might not sound like fun, but for a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, it’s completely worth it. This is what the region is most famous for, and once you’re up there, floating above the valleys and fairy chimneys as the sun rises, you’ll understand why.
Each morning, if the weather allows it, more than a hundred colorful balloons lift off at the same time. The view is nothing short of magical. You’ll drift quietly over the valleys and rock formations, sometimes so close to the ground it feels like you could touch the treetops. It’s calm, peaceful, and almost unreal.
Most companies offer hotel pick-up before sunrise, and usually include a light breakfast and a small celebration with juice or champagne after landing. Prices generally range from €100 to €250, depending on the season and the size of the group.
It’s not a cheap activity, but it’s one of those bucket list moments that really lives up to the hype. Just be sure to book your balloon ride in advance, especially during busy times. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you won’t be charged and can either reschedule or get a full refund.
2. Dive in Kaymakli Underground City
One of the most fascinating things we did in Cappadocia was visiting an underground city. There are an estimated 200 of them across the region, but only a few are open to visitors. We had no idea so many were hidden beneath the surface. Our local guide Mert told us that Kaymakli is one of the best to visit. Other well-known underground cities in Cappadocia include Derinkuyu and Özkonak.
The whole place is carved deep into the earth, like a maze of narrow tunnels and small rooms that once served as kitchens, storage areas, sleeping quarters, and even wineries. Only four levels of Kaymakli Underground City are open to the public for now, but the full city actually goes eight levels down. They’re working on making the lower levels accessible too, hopefully in the near future.
It’s cool underground, which is great on a hot day, but if you don’t like tight spaces, this might not be your thing. The ceilings are low in places, and you’ll be ducking and squeezing through some tunnels. If that doesn’t bother you, it’s a really unique experience and a complete contrast to the open landscapes above ground.
Kaymakli is about 30 minutes from Göreme, and there’s a small entrance fee. We’d recommend going early in the day before it gets too busy.
Practical
The entrance fee is €13 per person.
Daily open from 08:00 am until 05:00 pm. Note that the ticket office already closes at 04.15 pm.
3. Watch the hot air balloons at sunrise
If you’re on a tighter budget or just not keen on flying in a balloon, watching them from the ground is still one of the most unique things to do in Cappadocia. Seeing more than a hundred hot air balloons rise into the sky at sunrise is something you won’t forget anytime soon.
You’ll need to wake up early, as most balloons lift off just after sunrise. We stayed in Göreme, which is one of the best villages to see them from, especially if the wind is in your favor. Some hotels have rooftop terraces where you can enjoy the view with a coffee in hand.
If you want a wider view, head to one of the nearby viewpoints. Two we liked were Cansu Panaroma and a spot called “Balloons View” on Google Maps. The wind direction changes, so the exact flight path varies each day.
4. Explore the valleys of Cappadocia
There are plenty of options, like Love Valley, Pigeon Valley, and Rose Valley. Each one has something different to offer, from tall fairy chimneys to hidden cave churches. We visited Pasabag, also known as Monks Valley. This valley has some of the tallest and most dramatic fairy chimneys, and you can even climb into a few of the carved-out caves that were once used by monks.
Practical
The entrance fee for Pasabag is €12 per person.
Pasabag is open from 08:00 am until 07:00 pm (05:00 pm in winter).
5. Göreme open air museum
The Göreme Open Air Museum is one of the most famous historical sites in Cappadocia, and for good reason. It’s basically a collection of rock-cut churches, chapels, and monasteries, all carved into the soft volcanic rock hundreds of years ago. Most of them were built between the 10th and 12th centuries, and many still have beautiful frescoes painted on the walls.
It’s just a short walk from Göreme town, so really easy to get to. The site is well-organized, with paths leading you from one church to the next. The Dark Church is the most famous one. Its interior paintings are really well preserved, thanks to how little sunlight gets in.
If you want to dive into the history of early Christianity in the region, this is a great place to do it. And if you’re curious to see more, the Zelve Open Air Museum is another option. It’s a bit more rugged and less crowded, but just as fascinating to explore.
Practical
The entrance fee for Pasabag is €12 per person.
Pasabag is open from 08:00 am until 07:00 pm (05:00 pm in winter).
6. Join a pottery workshop
If you’re in the mood for something a little different while in Cappadocia, head over to Avanos. It’s a small town that’s all about pottery. You’ll notice it right away because nearly every street has a pottery studio and handmade pieces in every window. The town sits right next to the Kızılırmak River, which is where the famous red clay comes from.
There are lots of studios that offer classes, but the smaller family-run ones usually feel more personal and laid-back. The instructors are kind and helpful, even if your pot ends up a little wonky. You don’t need any experience, just a bit of curiosity and a sense of humor.
7. Snap some shots at a local carpetry
Cappadocia is a paradise for photographers, and one of the most iconic places to snap a shot is Galeri Ikman in Göreme. This colorful carpet shop is packed with traditional Turkish rugs hanging from the ceiling and stacked on the floor, creating a dreamy backdrop that’s been featured all over Instagram.
You can walk in for a quick photo session with your own camera, or book a full private shoot that includes photos and even drone footage. Just keep in mind that taking photos here comes with a fee, depending on the type of session you choose. It’s a good idea to reserve a slot ahead of time, especially during busy hours.
For the best lighting and fewer crowds, try going early in the morning. Late afternoons are also nice, but it can get crowded.
8. Go horseback riding
If you love horses or just want to try something different, horseback riding is one of the most magical things to do in Cappadocia. It is a pretty unforgettable way to explore the area. Riding through the valleys feels like stepping into another world. The landscapes are incredible, with pink cliffs, winding trails, and some of the best sunset views you’ll ever see.
9. Watch the whirling dervish ceremony
One evening, you can go watch a Whirling Dervish ceremony, which is this traditional Sufi ritual where the dancers spin in long flowing robes to connect with the divine. The one we watched took place in a beautiful old caravanserai near Avanos (called Saruhan), and the setting alone is worth seeing. There are cozy little rooms lit with Turkish lanterns where you can wait before the show starts, and the whole place feels super atmospheric.
10. Take a home cooking class
We chopped veggies, rolled out dough for gözleme, and learned the proper way to stuff vine leaves without tearing them. There’s usually a mix of hands-on cooking and chatting. The best part? Sitting down at the end and enjoying everything you made together.
11. Enjoy a wine tasting
Wine tasting in Cappadocia might not be the first thing you think of, but it ended up being one of the nicest surprises of our trip. The region has a long history of winemaking, and the volcanic soil gives the grapes a unique flavor.
There are a few local wineries and wine bars around Göreme and Ürgüp where you can do tastings or just enjoy a glass with a view. You can also book different kinds of tours around Cappadocia that include wine tastings, perfect if you want to combine it with a bit of sightseeing. Don’t expect a high-level wine culture, but for a place not (yet) known for it, Cappadocia really holds its own.
Where to stay in Cappadocia
Choosing where to stay in Cappadocia can be a little confusing at first. Cappadocia isn’t a town, but a whole region with several villages. The most popular one to stay in is Göreme, and for good reason. It’s right in the heart of everything, close to the main valleys, sights, and most tours.
Göreme has the widest range of places to stay, from budget hostels to beautiful cave hotels. And yes, sleeping in a cave hotel is actually also one of the most magical things to do in Cappadocia.
We stayed at Sacred Mansion and had a great experience. It’s not a cave hotel, but the design and atmosphere are unique and thoughtfully done. There’s also a beautiful terrace (not a roof terrace!) where you can sit with a tea or coffee and, if you’re lucky with the wind, watch the hot air balloons drift by in the morning.
If you’re after that classic cave hotel experience, Göreme has plenty of options, including places like Sultan Cave Suites.
For something a bit quieter or more luxurious, Uçhisar is another great choice with stunning views. But if it’s your first time in Cappadocia, Göreme is probably the best place to base yourself.
How to get to Cappadocia
The Cappadocia region doesn’t have one main city, but most people fly into either Kayseri or Nevşehir airport. From Istanbul, there are several daily flights that take just over an hour.
Once you land, it’s about a 30–60 minute drive to towns like Göreme or Uçhisar. Many hotels offer airport shuttles, or you can book a private transfer. If you’re exploring more of Turkey, renting a car is a great option too.
There are also long-distance buses, but flying is usually the fastest and easiest way to get there.
How to get around
The sights in Cappadocia are pretty spread out, so getting around isn’t always as simple as walking from one place to the next. If you’re into hiking, you can explore several valleys on foot, but for anything further out, it helps to have wheels.
Renting a car gives you the freedom to go at your own pace, or you can hire a private driver or join an organized tour. Tours are a popular way to see the highlights and often include lunch and a guide, which makes things super easy.
Best time to visit Cappadocia
Cappadocia is beautiful year-round, but late spring and early autumn are the best times to visit. The weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, and prices are a bit lower. Try to avoid July and August if you can because it’s hot, busy, and more expensive.
Winter can be cold, but if you’re lucky, you might see the valleys dusted with snow, which gives the whole place a magical, fairytale vibe. Just keep in mind that balloon rides are more likely to be cancelled due to weather.
Restaurants in Cappadocia
Cappadocia has no shortage of great places to eat, whether you’re after something casual or more upscale. A few restaurants we tried and can definitely recommend are
- Ziggy: a cozy spot with great views and local flavors.
- Millocal Restaurant: perfect for traditional dishes with a modern twist.
- Revithia Restaurant: a bit more on the fancy side, ideal for a special night out.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
