Welcome to the fairytale landscapes of Cappadocia Turkey, a place where magic happens with every winding turn. This magical region has unique rock formations, fairy chimneys, underground cities and the popular hot air balloon rides that look straight out of a fairytale. Cappadocia’s geological phenomenon is so breathtaking that it should have been the next wonder of the world. Join us as we take you on a mesmerizing ride through Turkey’s most enchanting region. We bet you will fall in love with this place instantly.
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How To Get To Cappadocia
Option 1: One needs to reach Istanbul to take a flight to Cappadocia. When you reach Istanbul, take a flight to either Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) or Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV).
Option 2: From Istanbul Ekol or Sirkeci bus terminals there are buses that depart to Cappadocia Turkey. The Ankara Bus Station also has buses to Cappadocia.
When you reach Cappadocia, rent a car to explore the place at your own pace as the public transportation is not well suited for sightseeing.
Distances And Travel Time From Nearby Places
Istanbul: 730 km, 7 hours
Ephesus: 822 km, 9 hours
Pamukkale: 617 km, 8 hours
Ankara: 302 km, 3 hours
Kayseri: 70 km, 1 hour
Nevşehir: 18 km, 25 minutes
Ürgüp: 12 km, 20 minutes
Best Time To Go
Cappadocia weather is very hot during summer and very cold during winter. So the best time to visit is during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) season. There are people who wish to travel during off season because of better prices and lesser crowds, however please note that many things may be closed during this time.
Book Now: 8 Days Turkey Tour Istanbul Cappadocia
10 Epic Things To Do In Cappadocia Turkey
As we all know a trip to Cappadocia is not complete if you haven’t been on a hot air balloon. So here we start with a hot air balloon ride and go ahead by exploring the other hidden wonders.
1. Enjoy Sunrise In A Hot Air Balloon
There is no better way to start your Cappadocia Turkey experience other than by catching a sunrise from a hot air balloon. This is one of the most epic experiences you can have in Turkey. As you pass by valleys, rock formations, fairy chimneys and ancient cave settlements, you will know why this activity is a must do. The colorful Cappadocia hot air balloons in the skies creates a truly magical scene.
2. Discover Underground Cities Of Kaymakli
Cappadocia Turkey amazes all not just from above the ground but also from below the ground. Well preserved, Cappadocia underground city built somewhere in the 14th century has everything from churches, storage rooms, passageways, drop holes, tiny stairs, cavernous rooms, wells and living quarters. This mysterious city was used as a hiding place for Christians to protect themselves from persecution.
3. Hike Through The Valleys
Cappadocia has many valleys with each having its own distinctive characters. Hiking through the distinctive shapes crafted by natural geological processes is a treat to the eyes. For the most rewarding hiking experiences check out the Rose Valley, Love Valley, Pigeon Valley or the Red Valley trails. Guided hikes are suggested to enrich the overall experience.
4. Visit The Open Air Museum In Goreme
The remarkable Goreme open-air museum is the crown jewel of Cappadocia’s historical sites. It was a hub for Christian activities between the 2nd and 11th centuries AD. Hence over 60 monasteries, each with their own church were built here. Today we can see 13 of those original rock cut churches adorned with frescoes depicting biblical scenes and saints. This is where one of the most famous saints, St. Basil the Great of Kayseri spent most of his time.
5. Sign Up For An ATV/Horse/Camel Ride
Your Cappadocia tour is incomplete without signing up for an ATV, camel or a horse ride. This unique region with breathtaking landscapes provide the perfect setup for a great adventure. Journey through off the beaten path while passing through the valleys, fairy chimneys, and rock formations under the guidance of skilled guides promises an experience of a lifetime.
6. Watch Sunsets From The Best Viewpoints
There are three viewpoints in Cappadocia Turkey from where one can witness breathtaking sunsets. Firstly the Red Valley from where sunsets look like a dream because of the striking red rock formations. Secondly, the Rose Valley with pink and rose-colored rock formations and thirdly the most beautiful of them all is from the Sunset Point from where you can see the sun dip below the horizon.
7. Enroll For A Pottery Workshop
Pottery workshop must be one of the must do activities in your list of things to do in Cappadocia. There are plenty of local artists who provide workshops where you can try your hand at creating your own pottery piece. Clay used to make these pots are brought straight from the Kizilirmak River which are red in color. This is your opportunity to take home a souvenir that’s exclusively made by you.
8. Stay In A Cave Hotel
The experience of living in an underground elegantly carved rock room with antique furniture is totally different. The main town of Goreme with over 350 cave suites is the best place to book your Cappadocia caves hotel stay. Since this place is in close proximity to the city center, top restaurants, stores and offer great views, they often sell out fast. Make your booking in advance because where you choose to stay does add on to the overall experience.
9. Taste Some Local Wine
The mineral-rich soil of Cappadocia is excellent for growing fruits, especially grapes. There are many vineyards and wineries offering tours with wine tasting. There are some vineyards that have over hundred years old wines too. Get your hands on some of the finest wine bottles and enjoy it with your loved one while watching a beautiful sunset.
10. Have A Traditional Cappadocia Dinner
End your tour with a traditional Cappadocia dinner by sitting on cushions on the floor around a low table. Treat yourself to some authentic Turkish kebab because Cappadocia is the only place where you will find them. Other local dishes like Turkish dumplings, stuffed grape leaves, and baked okra are a must have. Do not miss to have at least one of your meals at a Cappadocia cave hotel because it is quite an experience.
Also Read: 25 Places You Must Visit In Turkey This Year
Different Types Of Tour Options In Cappadocia
Hot Air Balloon Tour: This iconic tour needs no introduction. Only advice is to make your booking in advance as this tour is the most sought-after tour in Cappadocia.
Red Tour: This tour covers all attractions of North Cappadocia. Uçhisar Castle, Love Valley, Göreme Open Air Museum, Pasabag Valley, Devrent Valley, and pottery workshops.
Blue Tour: This tour covers all Cappadocia attractions of the East. Places like Soğanlı Valley, Old Greek village, Keslik Monastery, Urgup Fairy Chimney, and Taşkınpaşa historical sites are covered.
Green Tour: This tour covers all attractions of South Cappadocia. Places like Kaymaklı Underground City, Ihlara Valley hike, Red Valley, Selime Monastery, and Pigeon Valley are covered.
Adventure Tours: ATV/Quad Bike, Horseback Riding, Jeep Safari and Hiking Tours.
Other Tours: Wine Tasting, Photography and Sunset Tours.
FAQs
Booking a hot air balloon ride is definitely one of the best things to do in Cappadocia. Seeing the unique and surreal landscape from above is completely a worthwhile experience. This activity will definitely be one of your favorite memories from your Cappadocia tour.
Cappadocia air balloon rides operate all year round, however they don’t take off if there is too much wind, cloud or rain. Weather plays a very important role, hence months between April to November is the best time to experience it.
2 to 3 days is recommended to explore both the northern and southern parts of the region. If you wish to explore the underground cities, go for a pottery experience and watch a sunset, all at a relaxed pace, then add another day or two.
