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 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 really like most about this space is that it’s so far-off from the hustle and bustle of the town; it’s like being in one other world totally.
Situated within the middle of Turkey, the gorgeous landscapes of Cappadocia have been fashioned by means of historical volcanic eruptions and climate erosion. In fact, there’s additionally a colossal quantity of historical past so as to add into the combination too, and once you throw in all of the totally different locations to go to in Cappadocia, that is one location that I can really say is in contrast to another 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 need to expertise. There are such a lot of distinctive issues to do in Cappadocia, however if you happen to don’t learn about them, you may assume it’s nearly strolling and scorching air balloon rides.
However, Cappadocia is a lot greater than that. It’s one of the romantic and exquisite areas on the planet, and it’s additionally an incredible place to go to with kids, who will love operating round and exploring the fairy chimneys. So, that can assist you work out the place to go first, I’ve put collectively this record of high issues to do—which is able to you strive first?
1. Scorching Air Balloon Experience
Among the best issues to do in Cappadocia, and possibly essentially the most well-known, is to take a scorching air balloon journey. It’s a kind of issues that most individuals have on their bucket record and with good motive. It’s mind-blowing, and even if you happen to’re afraid of heights, I’d actually urge you to attempt to really feel the concern and do it scared anyway.
In the event you actually can’t deal with leaving the bottom, watching the balloons take off at dawn is magical in itself. The perfect 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 resulting from unhealthy climate. Click on right here for particulars and to ebook.
Handle: 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 enjoyable issues to do in Cappadocia is to take a sundown quad safari tour. I’ve executed this earlier than, and I actually loved it – the views had been merely gorgeous 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 mild are one thing I’ll always remember. Click on right here to be taught extra.
Handle: JRXR+QQ, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
3. Keep in a Cave Resort
I feel one of many coolest issues to do in Cappadocia isn’t essentially an exercise, however an lodging. Sure, I’m speaking about cave resorts. There’s one thing particularly mind-blowing about waking up understanding you’re in a room carved right into a rock slightly than a freestanding constructing.
The cave resorts are situated proper within the coronary heart of Cappadocia, and whereas they do price just a little greater than the resorts outdoors of the park, it’s an expertise I’d positively advocate. I stayed on the Cappadocia Cave Suites and loved every part about it.
Handle: 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 number of the greatest 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 giant 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.
Handle: Ağcaşar/Derinkuyu/Nevşehir
5. Hike Pigeon Valley
In the event you love nature, the most effective issues to do in Cappadocia is to hike in Pigeon Valley. You too can take a tour which encompasses the underground cities if you happen to’re just a little brief on time.
The valley is thought for its historical homes, and it’s additionally half of a giant climbing 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 if you happen to actually need to discover the pure environment as a lot as attainable. Click on right here for tour info.
Handle: Pigeon Valley/Güvercinlik Vadisi
6. Paragliding
You may not image paragliding as one of many high issues to do in Cappadocia however I can guarantee you, the view from this angle is solely 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 if you happen to 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 strive – it was really particular. Click on right here for info and to ebook.
Handle: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
7. Kızılçukur Valley
You’ll want your climbing 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 supplies 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 world is. I couldn’t imagine the landscapes, and there actually isn’t wherever else that appears fairly prefer it. I discovered it to be a extremely peaceable spot too, though it’s standard; I felt completely at one with nature.
Handle: Yukarı Kızılçukur Vadisi, 50500 Ürgüp/Nevşehir
8. Turkish Breakfast with a View
Certainly one of my favourite issues to do in Cappadocia, in actual fact, one in all my favourite issues to do wherever in Turkey is to have a full-on breakfast, recognized domestically as kahvalti. Belief me, you received’t be hungry till dinner, and also you’ll positively need to take pictures to seize the feast in entrance of you.
The wonderful thing about breakfast in Cappadocia is that you simply get the wonderful backdrop together with a implausible meal. I loved each chew at Want Terrace and the views had been simply as scrumptious because the meals.
Handle: 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 a number of hours in Cappadocia, and also you’ll be taught so much in regards to the conventional crafts of the native space. Not solely will you be taught a lot however you’ll get to make your individual piece of pottery to take house, in addition to take pleasure in 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 house and maintain as a reminiscence of their time. Click on right here for tour particulars.
Handle: Cumhuriyet, 525. Sk. No:12, 50500 Avanos/Nevşehir
10. Go on a Yoga Retreat
In the event you’re deciding what to do in Cappadocia and also you’re searching for one thing just a little totally different, a yoga class or retreat is a good selection. You’ll discover a number of totally different choices, however the magic of dawn is the very best time to take pleasure in this sacred follow, overlooking Goreme Nationwide Park.
When determining what to do in Cappadocia, it’s simple to stay to sightseeing, however there are extra actions to take pleasure in than you may assume; I used to be shocked myself. I liked my yoga expertise in Cappadocia and being in such a ravishing and pure atmosphere positively helped me to hook up with my breath and unwind. Click on right here for particulars.
Handle: 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. In the event you’re touring with youngsters, 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 house to a number of the largest. When the solar rises and units, the rocks appear to alter coloration, supplying you with a unique view each time.
Handle: 50502 Aktepe/Avanos/Nevşehir, Türkiye
12. Selime Monastery
Certainly one of 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 areas 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 incredible 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 need to miss the main points, such because the kitchen and the totally different hallways. Click on right here for Inexperienced Tour info.
Handle: 68500 Yaprakhisar/Güzelyurt/Aksaray
13. Goreme Open Air Museum
For sure, 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 easiest of the world; strolling round feels such as you’re in the course of historical past. Out of all of the Cappadocia points of interest, positively go to this one.
Among the best methods to see the world is to take a strolling tour, the place your information will be capable of let you know 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.
Handle: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
14. Wine Tasting
A go to to an area vineyard is among the greatest 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 revel in a number of glasses your self.
Turasan Vineyard is known within the space, they usually develop their very own grapes. Seeing the harvest is actually 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’s a lot to see and do. Click on right here for tour particulars.
Handle: Temenni, Tevfik Fikret Cd. No:44, 50400 Ürgüp/Nevşehir
15. Discover Ihlara Valley
Ihlara Valley is among the greatest spots in Cappadocia for climbing, 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 snug 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 permits you to know extra about what you’re seeing and means you received’t miss the hidden spots that may in any other case move you by. I actually loved my go to to Ihlara Valley, and it’s someplace I positively need to return to. Don’t miss this off your itinerary. Click on right here for tour particulars.
Handle: 68500 Ihlara/Güzelyurt/Aksaray.
16. Go to Love Valley
You possibly can go to Love Valley as a part of Cappadocia’s Crimson Tour, and it’s a must-visit. You may surprise why the valley has its title, 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 greatest 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 notably spectacular at sundown, however even if you happen to go to in the course of the day, you’ll be glad you went. Click on right here for Crimson Tour particulars.
Handle: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
17. Go to Carpet Galerie İkman
In the event you’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 doubtless 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.
In the event you’re severe about taking care of your Instagram feed, the Cappadocia Instagram Tour will take you round a number of wonderful spots together with a unique carpet retailer with equally lovely shows. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Handle: Müze Cd. No:2, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
18. Hike in Sword Valley
A full day of climbing 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 climbing confirmed me lots of them in a single go. In the event you’re visiting for just some days, I’d positively advocate the sort of tour.
Sword Valley itself is actually lovely, and the fairy chimneys listed below are uniquely sword-shaped, (therefore its title). This house can be greater than a number of the different valleys, which permits you loads of room to roam and discover. Click on right here for tour particulars and to ebook.
Handle: 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. In actual fact, I’d go so far as to say that the sunsets in Cappadocia are a number of the greatest I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been to lots of locations.
Certainly one of my favourite issues to do is to sit down on the resort terrace with a heat glass of çay (tea) and turn out to be fully absorbed in admiring the sky. It actually brings house simply how small we’re on the earth and the way wonderful Mom Nature is.
Handle: 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 giant and straightforward to wander round. It’s one in all my favourite issues to do close to Cappadocia after I need to spend a while with my ideas.
You’ll hear this valley also called ‘Creativeness Valley’, as a result of lots of the rock formations appear to be animals and different figures. In the event you use your creativeness, you may see totally different shapes relying on the sunshine. I might sit right here and have a look at them for hours. Click on right here for tour info.
Handle: 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 bathtub, is a calming factor to do, to not point out how nice it’s on your pores and skin and well-being. Enjoyable in a conventional hammam is among the greatest 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 just a little such as you’re floating on air – it’s heavenly. Click on right here for particulars and to ebook.
Handle: 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 climbing the world is at all times an incredible concept. I actually appreciated this valley specifically; it’s giant, 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 shocked to see.
For me, it’s one of many locations to see in Cappadocia that ought to make it onto your must-see record, and if you happen to plan to spend no less than half a day there, you’ll be capable of get some wonderful pictures. You might hear this place referred to as ‘Monks Valley’ too, however they’re one and the identical.
Handle: 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 actually scrumptious, and even the road meals will make your mouth water. Cappadocia is known for mantı, (a kind of dough with filling), usually referred to as Turkish ravioli, and also you’ll learn to make different scrumptious snacks, resembling Gözleme ( a conventional Turkish stuffed turnover).
This tour takes 4 hours, so it’s a really perfect technique to spend half a day, mixed with one other exercise. Ensure you arrive hungry as there are many snacks to strive alongside the way in which. Click on right here for tour particulars and to ebook.
Handle: 15 temmuz mahallesi, Urgup Nevşehir TR, 50400
24. Take pleasure in Leisure at a Turkish Night time
You may be shocked to be taught that there are numerous issues to do in Cappadocia at evening. Certainly one of my favourite issues to do within the night is to take pleasure in a Turkish evening, stuffed with conventional leisure and meals. Most resorts supply a Turkish evening round as soon as per week, the place you’ll be capable of witness stomach dancing, whirling dervishes, and conventional music performances.
This can be a family-friendly present, and kids 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.
Handle: Başoğlu Cd. No:47, Yukarı, Başoğlu Cd. No:47, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
25. Uchisar Citadel
In the event you don’t thoughts strolling up so much of steps, Uchisar Citadel is among the greatest locations to go to close to Cappadocia with essentially the most wonderful views. From the highest, you’ll be capable of discover the citadel itself and acquire a panoramic view over the whole space. As you may 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 appears to be like like one. As an alternative, it’s a rock formation that has eroded to look notably fortress-like. It’s thought thus far again to across the 14th century, and it’s nonetheless as majestic even as we speak.
Handle: Tekelli, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
Fast Journey Itineraries For Cappadocia
Now you realize what to see in Cappadocia, how are you going to hyperlink them collectively and be sure to see as a lot as attainable throughout your go to? The benefit of Cappadocia is that though it’s a big space, lots of the primary sights are comparatively shut collectively, which means you may actually pack so much into a number of days.
1 Day in Cappadocia Itinerary
In the future in Cappadocia isn’t an enormous period of time, however you may slot in a number of issues if you happen to rise up early sufficient. In the event you’re eager to take a scorching air balloon journey, you’ll have to ebook that forward of your journey and issue that into your go to – ideally ebook a dawn slot to provide 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 can help you see an summary 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 new air balloon journey, it’s greatest 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 revel 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 at some point however anticipate to have sore ft on the finish.
1 Week in Cappadocia Itinerary
Every week in Cappadocia permits you to see lots of the native space. In your first day, get up early and revel in a full breakfast with a view. It will 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 stream properly they usually’re inside shut proximity.
On day two, schedule a scorching air balloon journey and take within the fascinating views. Then, head to a different underground metropolis—Kaymakli. After a few hours there, seize your snug footwear and head to Pasabag Valley to see the massive fairy chimneys.
Take a full-day climbing journey in your subsequent day to provide you a full overview of the world. Within the night, attend a Turkish evening and benefit from the leisure. Day 4 might embody a visit to Uchisar Citadel and Devrent Valley. On day 5, head off on a quad safari journey, and take a pottery class within the afternoon.
You might be feeling drained by day six, so take pleasure in a calming hammam and take a cookery class within the afternoon to fill you up. In your ultimate day, head to Sword Valley and take a look at the wonderful 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 here 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, scorching air balloon rides, and cave resorts.
You possibly can go to Cappadocia at any time of 12 months however the spring and fall months supply preferrred situations.
Cappadocia is unquestionably price visiting. It’s a kind of locations that must be on everybody’s bucket lists.
Three days is sufficient to see the fundamentals of Cappadocia, however I like to recommend spending per week right here if you wish to actually delve into the world.
Cappadocia is a really secure space to go to.
Scorching air ballooning might be the preferred factor to do in Cappadocia however exploring the underground cities is a detailed second.
Mantı, usually 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 world, however chances are you’ll not be capable of see every part.
Some cave resorts are fairly costly, at round 2500 Turkish lira/$90 per evening, nonetheless, costs do fluctuate all year long. Foods and drinks are on par with the remainder of Turkey and aren’t any dearer.
In the event you don’t thoughts heights, a scorching air balloon journey over Cappadocia is a once-in-a-lifetime expertise.
In Closing
I do know you’re itching to ebook your trip and head off to Cappadocia now. I’d be shocked if you happen to 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 need to return.
For me, Cappadocia is a magical world that, though not a hidden secret, actually does really feel secluded. It’s virtually like being in a bubble from the fashionable world, the place every part slows down, and also you’re laser-focused on the fantastic thing about nature. All you should do now could be work out once you’re going to go.
