Cappadocias ancient structures are among the most incredible sights youll see in Turkey © wildart / Getty s
Cappadocia is one of Turkeys most iconic destinations, with instantly recognizable landscapes and outstanding historical sites just begging to be explored.
There’s so much to do here that you may struggle with where to start – delving into the region’s rich cultural heritage or taking in the beautiful and distinctive views on a hike amidst the fairy chimneys? Start planning your trip now with our round-up of the nine best experiences in Cappadocia.
Cappadocia is a historic region in Central Anatolia, Turkey that is best known for its unique moon-like landscape, underground cities, cave hotels, and hot air balloon rides. This fairytale-like destination has become one of Turkey’s top attractions and a must-visit for those traveling to the country.
With so many things to do in Cappadocia, planning the perfect itinerary can be overwhelming Here is my ultimate Cappadocia travel guide with the top things to do, see, and experience in this magical region
Explore The Magic Of Göreme Open Air Museum
One of the top things to do in Cappadocia is exploring the Göreme Open Air Museum. This area contains one of the largest collections of fairy chimneys in Cappadocia along with rock-cut churches chapels and monasteries.
The highlights include the Elmalı Kilise (Apple Church), Yılanlı Kilise (Snake Church), and Karanlık Kilise (Dark Church). The Dark Church has some of the best-preserved Byzantine frescoes in the region.
Wandering through this valley with its cone-shaped fairy chimneys is like stepping into a real-life fairy tale Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to fully explore this area
Rise Above It All With A Hot Air Balloon Ride
One of the most popular things to do in Cappadocia is taking a hot air balloon ride. There is no better way to experience the dramatic landscapes than soaring above it in a hot air balloon at sunrise.
Watching the sunrise over the fairy chimneys from the basket of a hot air balloon is an unforgettable experience. The best time for hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia is at the beginning or end of your trip there as rides are weather dependent.
Make sure to book your balloon tour in advance as rides often sell out, especially during peak season. Most rides last 1-1.5 hours.
Journey Into The Underground Cities
One of the top things to see in Cappadocia are the historic underground cities that were carved out of soft volcanic rock. Some of these underground labyrinths are up to eight stories deep!
The two largest underground cities worth exploring are Kaymaklı Underground City and Derinkuyu Underground City. Guided tours are recommended as it’s easy to get lost wandering through the maze of tunnels and chambers.
Visiting one of Cappadocia’s underground cities gives you a glimpse into how people in the region lived centuries ago and hid from invaders. It’s an experience not to be missed on any Cappadocia itinerary.
Hike Through The Surreal Landscapes
Some of the best things to do in Cappadocia are hiking through the region’s valleys and landscapes. Cappadocia has no shortage of hiking trails and unique rock formations to explore.
The top spots for hiking include:
-
Red Valley – Named for its red rock walls and cliffs. The trail goes by cave dwellings and rock-carved churches.
-
Rose Valley – Featuring tall, pink rock formations and scenic views
-
Pigeon Valley – Home to historic dove cotes carved into the rocks
-
Ihlara Valley – A lush valley with rock-carved churches along a river
-
Güllüdere Valley – Also called the Rose Valley, full of unique rock formations
Make sure to wear sturdy shoes for hiking as some trails are over unstable surfaces. Many hiking trails can be connected for epic full day adventures.
Live Like A Local In A Cave Hotel
One of the top things to do in Cappadocia is spending a night or two in one of the region’s famous cave hotels. These hotels are carved into fairy chimneys and valleys, providing a unique lodging experience.
Some of the best cave hotels in Cappadocia include:
-
Kayakapi Premium Caves – A luxury hotel and former monastery with exquisite stone rooms
-
Mithra Cave Hotel – Set in an authentic cave dwelling with stunning views
-
Kemerli Konak – Affordable luxury rooms in restored cave houses and mansions
-
Kelebek Cave Hotel – Charming suites and standard rooms carved from fairy chimneys
Waking up in a cave hotel surrounded by the unique landscapes is an experience like no other. Just make sure to book well in advance.
Shop For Pottery In Avanos
The town of Avanos is known for its ancient pottery-making tradition using red clay from the Kizilirmak river. One of the top things to do there is visiting the pottery workshops and watching demonstrations.
You can also take part in a pottery-making class and craft your own piece to take home as a unique souvenir. The Avanos Çarşısı (market) has rows of pottery shops and studios to browse.
Some of the top pottery workshops to check out are Chez Galip Pottery, Ozler Pottery, and Toprak Art Workshop. Make sure to barter – everything is negotiable!
Witness Whirling Dervishes Ceremony
A Sema ceremony of the whirling dervishes is one of the top cultural experiences in Cappadocia. The ceremony represents a spiritual journey to perfection through love. Dressed in long white robes, the dervishes whirl in a hypnotic dance.
Some top spots to watch a whirling dervish performance include:
-
Turkish Night Show – Combines a dervish ceremony with live music and dance
-
Mevlana Cultural Center – Holds multiple shows per day
-
Dervish Ceremony in Goreme Open Air Museum – Unique outdoor setting
The ceremonies typically last 40 minutes. Make sure to read up on the symbolism and meaning behind this transcendent ritual before attending.
Marvel At Uçhisar Castle
Perched atop a tall rock outcropping, Uçhisar Castle is the highest point in Cappadocia. The castle provides sweeping panoramic views over the surrounding valleys and Göreme town below.
Some of the cave dwellings and tunnels in the castle are open for exploring. Walking up to Uçhisar Castle at sunset is one of the top things to do for remarkable views of the Cappadocia skyline.
There are also some cozy cafes and shops along the main street leading up to the castle’s entrance. You’ll definitely want to snap some photos at this iconic viewpoint.
Explore Zelve Open Air Museum
Another fascinating cave dwelling complex to explore is Zelve Open Air Museum near the town of Avanos. Like an open-air labyrinth, this area contains homes, religious structures, and communal rooms carved into the fairy chimneys and cliffs.
Zelve has a more intimate feel compared to Göreme Open Air Museum. You can climb up staircases and ladders to reach some of the cave rooms for unique perspectives of the surrounding area.
Zelve was inhabited by Christians until the 1950s when it was abandoned due to rocks collapsing. Make sure to spend an hour or two wandering through this intriguing complex.
Unwind In An Authentic Turkish Bath
After a few days exploring Cappadocia, your muscles will be aching! One of the top ways to unwind is visiting a traditional hamam (Turkish bath). These baths involve soaking in hot and cold pools, getting an invigorating scrub, and enjoying a relaxing massage.
Some top hamams in Cappadocia are:
-
Aydinli Cave Bath – Housed in a restored cave with modern facilities
-
Sultan Cave Suites Hamam – Elegant hamam situated in a luxury cave hotel
-
Sacred House Hamami – Offers couples’ treatments in a romantic setting
The combination of heat, massage, and aromatherapy will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. All that’s left to do after is relax!
When To Visit Cappadocia
The best time to visit Cappadocia is during the warmer months between April and November. During the winter, parts of Cappadocia can experience heavy rain and snowfall which can impede hiking and hot air balloon rides.
Spring and fall are ideal times with warm days and cooler evenings. The summer heat can be intense, so make sure to get an early start to your days. No matter when you visit, the fairy chimneys will be waiting!
How Many Days To Spend In Cappadocia
Most travelers spend 2-4 days exploring Cappadocia which allows enough time to see the top sights at a relaxed pace. With 5-7 days, you can hike more trails, attend multiple hot air balloon rides, and take day trips to nearby areas like Nemrut Dagi and Derinkuyu Underground City.
I recommend spending at least 2 full days in central Cappadocia to see Göreme Open Air Museum, nearby valleys, and catch a hot air balloon ride. Then add extra days to fit in additional activities at your own pace.
Getting To Cappadocia
The region has two main airports: Kayseri Airport and Nevşehir Airport.
Make like a troglodyte at Kaymaklı
At first glance, Kaymaklı appears to be a small and fairly nondescript Turkish town, but it’s home to an astonishing historical site – extending 80 meters (262ft) deep, across eight levels, is a vast underground city.
Thought to have been initially tunneled out more than 2500 years ago, this subterranean labyrinth still contains relics of everyday life – visitors will see wine presses, bread ovens and even stables for horses. Most impressive of all are the gigantic circular stone doors, which could rumble securely into place, allowing the inhabitants to conceal themselves in times of danger.
Saddle up for a ride through Güllüdere Valley
One of the most beautiful valleys around Göreme is Güllüdere (Rose) Valley, so named for the color that its rock turns in the late afternoon and evening sunlight. It’s a good hiking route, but a great alternative is to take a horseback-riding trip along the sandy tracks, allowing you to admire the gorgeous scenery from the saddle. Trips typically take you through the valley to a small tea house, where you can enjoy a drink and watch the sunset, then head back before the light fades.
Planning tip: There are a lot of horse stables in Göreme, so it pays to shop around to find out what each offers. Take the time to make sure you use a stable that has healthy, well-cared-for horses – although most are ethiccal, there are a few operators where animal welfare regrettably seems not to be a top priority.
Cappadocia Turkey Travel Guide: 12 BEST Things to Do in Cappadocia
FAQ
How many days do you need in Cappadocia?
What is Cappadocia best known for?
Can I do Cappadocia in 2 days?
Is there much to do in Cappadocia?