THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE, CAPPADOCIA
Cappadocia has long been a dream destination of mine and i was so excited to finally explore this enchanting place! Situated in central Turkey, it’s renowned for its captivating rock formations,”fairy chimneys,” shaped by volcanic activity and erosion over time. While the hot air balloon rides steal the spotlight, Cappadocia’s beauty lies in its diverse landscapes and rich history. Beyond the balloons, you can explore ancient cave dwellings, hike through hidden valleys, and even discover underground cities.
Cappadocia is a treasure trove of experiences, where every corner holds a new adventure. So, while the balloons take you skyward, don’t forget to explore the wonders waiting for you on the ground.
Table of Contents
GETTING AROUND
During our visit to Cappadocia, I discovered that many tourists opt for crowded group tours or rely on local buses for transportation between attractions. However, buses don’t reach all the sights, and taxis can be quite costly! We decided to explore by car, and it made a significant difference. It gave us the freedom to make the most of our time in Cappadocia and explore at our own pace, creating a truly personalised and unforgettable experience!
I found that many of the car rental companies in Cappadocia were quite expensive due to the high demand and tourist prices. As a result, I would recommend considering renting a car from the nearest city, Nevsehir, which is only 25 minutes away.
If you don’t feel comfortable driving, several tours are available in Cappadocia. Each tour covers different areas of Cappadocia and typically includes pick-up service, transportation, and lunch.
Cappadocia offers two main tours: the Red Tour and the Green Tour.
Red Tour:
The Red Tour is perfect for those with just one day in Cappadocia who want to see the main highlights. You can pair this tour with a sunset excursion like an ATV sunset tour or horseback riding through Red Valley. Attractions included in the Red Tour are Uçhisar Castle, Love Valley, Göreme Open Air Museum, Çavuşin Rum Village, Paşabağ Valley, Devrent Valley, and a Pottery Workshop.
Green Tour:
During the Green Tour, you’ll cover more ground on foot and venture farther from Göreme. This tour is the best choice if you want to explore the Derinkuyu Underground Village. Attractions featured in the Green Tour include Göreme Panorama, the Underground City, Güvercinlik Valley, Ortahisar Rum Village, Red Valley, Kaledibi Monastery, and an Onyx Workshop.
DISCOVERING CAPPADOCIA'S LANDSCAPES
Göreme: One of the most popular areas to stay in Cappadocia, offering a wide range of accommodation options including cave hotels and boutique guesthouses. It’s centrally located and provides easy access to attractions like the Göreme Open Air Museum and hot air balloon launch sites.
Uçhisar: Known for its impressive rock castle, Uçhisar offers a quieter and more secluded atmosphere compared to Göreme. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a peaceful stay with stunning panoramic views. Uçhisar also features a selection of cave hotels and boutique accommodations.
Ürgüp: This charming town is another favored area to stay in Cappadocia. It offers a mix of traditional stone houses, cave hotels, and modern accommodations. Ürgüp is known for its lively atmosphere, with a variety of restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.
Avanos: Situated along the banks of the Kızılırmak River, Avanos is famous for its pottery-making tradition. It offers a more authentic and local experience, with a range of accommodations available. Staying in Avanos allows you to immerse yourself in the pottery culture and explore the surrounding areas.
Ortahisar: Known for its towering rock formation called Ortahisar Castle, this area offers a quieter and more traditional atmosphere compared to other areas in Cappadocia.
UCHISAR
ÜRGÜP
WHERE TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA
PERUNA CAVE HOTEL
Peruna Cave Hotel in Göreme, is a relatively new hotel located right in the heart of the town. It offers cosy cave rooms and spacious accommodations. The hotel’s multiple terraces provide a stunning view of hot air balloons floating over Cappadocia at sunrise. Overall, Peruna Cave Hotel is a comfortable and picturesque choice for exploring Cappadocia, especially for those seeking proximity to the action and a breathtaking view of the balloons.
HENNA HOTEL
Henna Hotel is a boutique hotel in Göreme. It offers charming rooms, some carved into the rock for an authentic vibe. The hotel provides on-site parking, which is ideal if you’re traveling by car. It also boasts several beautiful rooftop terraces, including a delightful bar for guests to enjoy. The perfect place to have a glass of wine while admiring the sunset!
ZARA CAVE HOTEL
Zara Cave Hotel, in Göreme, offers a range of amenities to make your stay special. Situated amidst the enchanting landscape of Cappadocia. You’ll find a tranquil garden, a shared lounge, and picturesque terraces boasting captivating views of the surrounding valleys and rock formations. Plus, they have a delightful on-site restaurant.
LOCAL CAVE HOUSE
If you’re looking for a place with a pool, this is the perfect spot. Local Cave House is surrounded by seven enchanting Fairy Chimneys, carved into a hill’s ridge. The hotel boasts an inviting outdoor pool and terraces. With only 12 rooms available, it’s a good idea to book in advance to secure your stay!
LOCAL CAVE HOUSE
WHERE TO EAT IN CAPPADOCIA
Cappadocia, known for its mesmerising landscapes and rich history, may not be as renowned for its culinary scene compared to other places in Turkey. Yet, you can still find some great places to eat! One must-try dish is Testi Kebab, a Cappadocian specialty. It’s a tasty meat stew cooked slowly in a sealed clay pot for hours. Another delicious option is Manti. -Small pasta dumplings filled with seasoned meat and served with yogurt and chilli sauce.
TOPDECK CAVE RESTAURANT
Topdeck Cave Restaurant is a hidden gem offering a cosy, traditional atmosphere. Their carefully prepared dishes are a delight for both the eyes and the taste buds. Due to its small size, the restaurant tends to get busy, so booking in advance is recommended!
NAZAR BOREK & CAFE
Nazar Borek quickly became one of my favorite spots in Goreme. Tucked away off the beaten path, its hidden location adds to the allure of this gem. Housed in a traditional cave, it offers stunning views of the valley below.
Here, you’ll not only savor a delightful evening but also immerse yourself in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. The owner, who also serves as part of the staff, is a well-traveled individual fluent in many languages and is always eager for fun.
MARIA’S BREAKFAST CAFE
If you’re seeking the best Turkish breakfast, Maria’s Breakfast Cafe in Goreme is a great spot, renowned for its Turkish breakfast spread. It’s the perfect place to kickstart your day! Indulge in a hearty breakfast featuring local ingredients while relishing the breathtaking views of fairy chimneys and rock formations that envelop you.
DIBEK
The best spot to enjoy Testi Kebab in Göreme. The atmosphere is delightful, with floor seating, cushions, and Turkish rugs that enhance its appeal and charm. There is also seating on the roof if you prefer to dine al fresco. Dibek has become popular so make sure to book your table in advance to secure your spot. They also have great local wines!
12 TOP DISCOVERIES IN CAPPADOCIA
1-Go horse riding during sunset
Explore the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia on horseback for an unforgettable experience! Riders of all levels can enjoy the region’s history and natural beauty. With each stride, you’ll discover breathtaking views of fairy chimneys and ancient caves.
One of the popular valleys for horse riding in Cappadocia is the Rose Valley (Güllüdere Vadisi). Rose Valley is known for its stunning rock formations, fairy chimneys, and scenic landscapes, making it a picturesque route, especially during sunset!
ROSE VALLEY
rose valley
2-Explore the underworld city
Cappadocia boasts numerous underground cities, some stretching up to eight stories deep. These underground complexes provided shelters during invasions, causing entire villages to seemingly vanish. Among them, Derinkuyu stands out as the largest and deepest. A brief bus ride from Goreme brings you to the entrance of this remarkable underworld.
If you experience claustrophobia, this is not for you!
3-Admire the sunrise from a terrace in goreme
This experience is truly magical and worth waking up early for. As the sun rises, a multitude of hot air balloons fills the sky, surrounding you in a breathtaking spectacle.
It is important to note that for sunrise, these terraces are part of individual hotels. You cannot access them during these hours if you are not staying there. So, when booking a place, make sure it has a beautiful terrace to watch the sunrise from!
PERUNA CAVE HOTEL
PERUNA CAVE HOTEL
4-Explore the valleys by foot
Cappadocia offers several hiking opportunities through its stunning landscapes and unique formations. Some of the most popular hiking trails in Cappadocia include:
Rose Valley (Güllüdere Vadisi): Rose Valley is known for its beautiful rock formations, fairy chimneys, and rose-coloured hues during sunset. The trail offers relatively easy hiking with picturesque views.
Love Valley (Aşk Vadisi): Love Valley is famous for its phallic-shaped rock formations, making it a unique and intriguing hiking destination. The trail offers moderate difficulty and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi): Pigeon Valley is named for the countless pigeon houses carved into the rock formations. The trail is relatively easy and offers breathtaking views of the valleys and rock formations.
Zemi Valley: Zemi Valley is less crowded compared to other trails and offers serene hiking experiences through its secluded paths, ancient churches, and unique rock formations.
Red Valley (Kızılçukur): Red Valley is renowned for its striking, red-coloured rock formations and offers some of the most spectacular hiking experiences in Cappadocia. The trail can be moderately challenging but rewards hikers with breathtaking views and unique geological formations.
DREAMY VIEWS
5-Take a hot air ballon and see Cappadocia from a different perspective
A hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is a dreamy experience and one of the most iconic activities you can do in the region. Cappadocia’s unique landscape of fairy chimneys, valleys, and rock formations makes it one of the best places in the world for hot air ballooning. This was truly an unforgettable and magical experience.
Typically, hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia take place very early in the morning, usually around sunrise when the weather conditions are calmest, and the views are most stunning. Flights typically last around 60 minutes, although the entire experience, including transportation to and from your hotel, can take several hours.
It’s important to book your hot air balloon ride in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, as slots can fill up quickly!
Overall, a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers unparalleled views of one of the world’s most captivating landscapes. It’s an adventure that you’ll remember for years to come.
They cost (depending on the season) is anywhere between €80-€150 per ride, per person. We were there in September and paid €100 per person. We noticed that the price changes daily. So, make sure you ask around before booking! This will secure you with the best price.
The tour company I personally recommend would be Turquaz Balloons Cappadocia, or Butterfly Balloons.
HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE
HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE
6-VISIT ZELVE AND GÖREME OPEN AIR MUSEUM
Explore the wonders of the Zelve Open Air Museum and the Göreme Open Air Museum. Guides are not required, allowing you to leisurely stroll along the museum’s expansive 2km stretch, admiring its architecture and fairy chimneys at your own pace. The Zelve Open Air Museum is very similar to the Göreme Open Air Museum. They’re about 10 minutes apart so swing by both if you can!
7-EXPLORE GOREME AND IT’S CHARMING STREETS
Roaming Göreme’s streets is like stepping into a fairy tale, with its charming cobblestone pathways winding past ancient cave dwellings, boutique shops, and inviting cafes.
There’s also the famous carpet shop called Sultan Carpet. It’s beautiful but it felt like a tourist trap to me. They have a wide range of Turkish carpets, rugs, and kilims. If you want a photo in the shop, they charge for it! Despite the touristy vibe, you can still explore various designs and watch artisans at work. It’s an experience worth checking out if you’re interested in Turkish carpets and their incredible craftsmanship.
GOREME
GOREME
8-UCHISAR CASTLE: A HISTORIC MARVEL OF CAPPADOCIA
Uchisar Castle, a historic fortress in Cappadocia, offers stunning views of the landscape from its high perch. Carved into natural rock, you can explore its tunnels and chambers. What makes this worthwhile? The castle’s summit, which provides breathtaking views, especially during sunrise and sunset!
9-Explore love valley: Hike to Uchisar castle
Love Valley, situated just outside of Göreme, offers a serene hike all the way to Uçhisar Castle, providing an up-close encounter with the unique rock formations along the trail. The hike is relatively flat and peaceful, taking approximately 1-2 hours to reach Uçhisar. The final stretch of the valley has stunning views, creating a landscape unlike no other! At the valley’s end, you can continue walking up to Uçhisar Castle, offering one of the finest viewpoints in Cappadocia.
LOVE VALLEY
LOVE VALLEY
10-Admire the sunset from LOVER’S HILL SUNSET POINT
There are several excellent spots for catching the sunset in Goreme, but the most popular one is Lover’s Hill, also known as Asiklar Tepesi, or often referred to as ‘Sunset Point’. It’s the go-to spot for sunset if you’re staying in town.
Lover’s Hill Sunset Point’s appeal lies in its proximity to most hotels in Goreme, where most visitors stay. Many people opt to catch the sunset either at Lover’s Hill, Red Valley Sunset Point, or from their hotel terrace. Consequently, Lover’s Hill tends to be quite crowded, being the closest sunset spot.
11-Explore beyond Cappadocia
Lake Tuz, near Aksaray, is a stunning Salt Lake just over an hour’s drive from Cappadocia. Its standout feature is its vibrant pink color, making it unique. Despite its beauty, the lake is often quiet. During my visit, I had the whole place to myself, which was remarkable. While Lake Tuz isn’t in Cappadocia directly, it’s definitely worth visiting.
There is a tour that takes you to the Salt Lake for sunset. If you don’t have a car or don’t fancy hiring one for the day, this is a great option!
12-Discover Cappadocia’s wineries
Cappadocia, famous for its unique landscapes and ancient history, also has a growing wine scene! Vineyards tucked among rocky landscapes produce some of Turkey’s finest wines. You can uncover gems like Kocabag near Uchisar and Turasan Winery in Urgup, where guided tours reveal winemaking secrets and offer sampling. Here you can enjoy wine against Cappadocia’s beautiful backdrop, especially at sunset, is an experience not to be missed.