There are such a lot of issues to do in Cappadocia, which regularly surprises individuals. Having spent years dwelling in and exploring Turkey, it’s the one place that at all times blows me away. From the superb landscapes to the jaw-dropping sunsets, that is one in every of my favourite locations of all time.

Sightseeing in Cappadocia at all times exhibits you one thing new, regardless of what number of instances you’ve been. What I really like most about this space is that it’s so distant from the hustle and bustle of the town; it’s like being in one other world solely.

Positioned within the middle of Turkey, the gorgeous landscapes of Cappadocia have been fashioned by way of historic 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 completely different locations to go to in Cappadocia, that is one location that I can actually say is not like every other 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 should you don’t find out about them, you would possibly assume it’s nearly strolling and scorching air balloon rides.

However, Cappadocia is a lot greater than that. It’s probably the most romantic and exquisite places on the planet, and it’s additionally a fantastic place to go to with youngsters, who will love working round and exploring the fairy chimneys. So, that will help you work out the place to go first, I’ve put collectively this checklist of prime issues to do—which is able to you attempt first?

1. Scorching Air Balloon Experience

Top-of-the-line issues to do in Cappadocia, and doubtless probably 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 checklist and with good motive. It’s mind-blowing, and even should you’re afraid of heights, I’d actually urge you to attempt to really feel the worry and do it scared anyway.

When you actually can’t deal with leaving the bottom, watching the balloons take off at dawn is magical in itself. The very best time of 12 months to do that exercise is spring and fall; in winter it’s superb to see the snow-covered panorama, however you’re extra more likely to have your journey canceled as a consequence of dangerous climate. Click on right here for particulars and to guide.

Handle: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir

2. Sundown Quad Safari

Whether or not you’re touring with youngsters, as a pair, and even solo, probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Cappadocia is to take a sundown quad safari tour. I’ve finished 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’ll be able to 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 Lodge

I believe one of many coolest issues to do in Cappadocia isn’t essentially an exercise, however an lodging. Sure, I’m speaking about cave inns. There’s one thing particularly mind-blowing about waking up figuring out you’re in a room carved right into a rock fairly than a freestanding constructing.

The cave inns are positioned proper within the coronary heart of Cappadocia, and whereas they do price slightly greater than the inns outdoors of the park, it’s an expertise I’d positively advocate. I stayed on the Cappadocia Cave Suites and loved all the things about it.

Handle: Gafferli Mahallesi, Ünlü Sk. No:19, 50180 Göreme/Merkez/Nevşehir

4. Go to Underground Cities

Whereas Cappadocia is undoubtedly stunning from above, there are greater than 200 underground cities beneath your toes. Most are inaccessible, however two are actually widespread 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 few of the greatest locations to go to in Cappadocia and date again to Byzantine instances. Again within the day, individuals used to maintain their animals down there with them too, so you’ll be able to think about simply how massive 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

When you love nature, probably the greatest issues to do in Cappadocia is to hike in Pigeon Valley. You can too take a tour which encompasses the underground cities should you’re slightly quick on time.

The valley is thought for its historic homes, and it’s additionally half of a giant climbing path within the space. It’s probably the most well-known points of interest in Cappadocia, and it’s a good suggestion to plan half a day, or a full day right here should you actually need to discover the pure environment as a lot as potential. Click on right here for tour data.

Handle: Pigeon Valley/Güvercinlik Vadisi

6. Paragliding

You may not image paragliding as one of many prime issues to do in Cappadocia however I can guarantee you, the view from this angle is just breathtaking.

You’ll be strapped to an teacher the entire time who will take images for you as you soar excessive above Goreme Nationwide Park. Naturally, that is one for individuals who have a head for heights, however should you 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 attempt – it was actually particular. Click on right here for data and to guide.

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 probably the greatest locations to see the sundown within the space, and the house offers 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 realm 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 very peaceable spot too, despite the fact that it’s widespread; I felt completely at one with nature.

Handle: Yukarı Kızılçukur Vadisi, 50500 Ürgüp/Nevşehir

8. Turkish Breakfast with a View

One among my favourite issues to do in Cappadocia, in reality, one in every of my favourite issues to do wherever in Turkey is to have a full-on breakfast, recognized domestically as kahvalti. Belief me, you gained’t be hungry till dinner, and also you’ll positively need to take images to seize the feast in entrance of you.

The beauty of breakfast in Cappadocia is that you just get the superb backdrop together with a implausible meal. I loved each chunk 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 quite a bit 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 youngsters will love creating one thing handmade to take house and preserve 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

When you’re deciding what to do in Cappadocia and also you’re searching for one thing slightly completely different, a yoga class or retreat is a good alternative. You’ll discover a number of completely different choices, however the magic of dawn is the most effective 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 would possibly suppose; I used to be stunned myself. I cherished my yoga expertise in Cappadocia and being in such an exquisite and pure surroundings 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 probably the most well-known vacationer points of interest in Cappadocia, and the most effective factor is that they’re not off-bounds. When you’re touring with youngsters, that is the perfect time to allow them to run round and discover. I visited Cappadocia with household, and my nieces cherished to play conceal and search behind these big rock formations and climb so far as we’d permit them to.

Visiting feels such as you’ve traveled to a different world, and also you’ll discover these rock formations in all valleys, nevertheless, Pasabag Valley is house to a few of the largest. When the solar rises and units, the rocks appear to alter colour, supplying you with a special view each time.

Handle: 50502 Aktepe/Avanos/Nevşehir, Türkiye

12. Selime Monastery

One among 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 places 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 nicely preserved.

You may actually really feel the historical past throughout you, and it’s a fantastic 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 small print, such because the kitchen and the completely different hallways. Click on right here for Inexperienced Tour data.

Handle: 68500 Yaprakhisar/Güzelyurt/Aksaray

13. Goreme Open Air Museum

For sure, probably the greatest 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 realm; 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.

Top-of-the-line methods to see the realm 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 soak up the serene environment 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 study how wine is made on this a part of the world and revel in a number of glasses your self.

Turasan Vineyard is legendary within the space, they usually develop their very own grapes. Seeing the harvest is absolutely stunning, 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 biggest vineyard within the space, so there may be 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 provide 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 sneakers 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 gained’t miss the hidden spots which 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 may go to Love Valley as a part of Cappadocia’s Purple Tour, and it’s a must-visit. You would possibly marvel why the valley has its identify, and it’s right down to the rock formations, (that are phallic-shaped), however you’ll be able to overlook that and simply adore the great thing about the panorama.

Love Valley is among the greatest issues to do in Cappadocia for households as a result of youngsters can run and climb to their coronary heart’s content material. As with most different valleys within the space, it’s significantly spectacular at sundown, however even should you go to in the course of the day, you’ll be glad you went. Click on right here for Purple Tour particulars.

Handle: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir

17. Go to Carpet Galerie İkman

When 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 probably refill your digital camera reel, quick. I cherished all of the completely different coloured carpets, though I didn’t give in to the temptation to purchase one.

When you’re severe about taking care of your Instagram feed, the Cappadocia Instagram Tour will take you round a number of superb spots together with a special carpet retailer with equally stunning 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 nicely 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. When you’re visiting for only a few days, I’d positively advocate this sort of tour.

Sword Valley itself is absolutely stunning, and the fairy chimneys listed below are uniquely sword-shaped, (therefore its identify). This house can also be larger than a few of the different valleys, which permits you loads of room to roam and discover. Click on right here for tour particulars and to guide.

Handle: JRXR+QQ, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir

19. Benefit from the Sundown

Top-of-the-line free issues to do in Cappadocia is to easily sit again and benefit from the sundown. You don’t must 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 few of the greatest I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been to lots of locations.

One among my favourite issues to do is to take a seat 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 planet and the way superb 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 massive and simple to wander round. It’s one in every of 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 seem like animals and different figures. When you use your creativeness, you’ll be able to see completely different shapes relying on the sunshine. I may sit right here and take a look at them for hours. Click on right here for tour data.

Handle: Devrent mevkii no:1, 50500 Aktepe/Avanos/Nevşehir

21. Calm down in a Conventional Hammam

A go to to a hammam, also called a Turkish bathtub, is a soothing factor to do, to not point out how nice it’s on your pores and skin and well-being. Stress-free in a standard 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 slightly such as you’re floating on air – it’s heavenly. Click on right here for particulars and to guide.

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 realm is at all times a fantastic concept. I actually favored this valley specifically; it’s massive, and that is the place the largest fairy chimneys will be discovered. There are additionally loads of inexperienced spots, which I used to be actually stunned to see.

For me, it’s one of many locations to see in Cappadocia that ought to make it onto your must-see checklist, and should you plan to spend not less than half a day there, you’ll be capable of get some superb images. It’s possible you’ll hear this place known 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 absolutely scrumptious, and even the road meals will make your mouth water. Cappadocia is legendary for mantı, (a sort of dough with filling), typically known as Turkish ravioli, and also you’ll discover ways to make different scrumptious snacks, similar to Gözleme ( a standard Turkish stuffed turnover).

This tour takes 4 hours, so it’s a great solution to spend half a day, mixed with one other exercise. Ensure you arrive hungry as there are many snacks to attempt alongside the best way. Click on right here for tour particulars and to guide.

Handle: 15 temmuz mahallesi, Urgup Nevşehir TR, 50400

24. Take pleasure in Leisure at a Turkish Evening

You could be stunned to be taught that there are various issues to do in Cappadocia at night time. One among my favourite issues to do within the night is to take pleasure in a Turkish night time, filled with conventional leisure and meals. Most inns provide a Turkish night time 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 youngsters will love watching the leisure and participating alongside the best way. 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 Fort

When you don’t thoughts strolling up quite a bit of steps, Uchisar Fort is among the greatest locations to go to close to Cappadocia with probably the most superb views. From the highest, you’ll be capable of discover the citadel itself and achieve a panoramic view over the complete space. As you’ll be able to 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 a substitute, it’s a rock formation that has eroded to look significantly fortress-like. It’s thought up to now again to across the 14th century, and it’s nonetheless as majestic even right this moment.

Handle: Tekelli, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir

Fast Journey Itineraries For Cappadocia

Now you recognize what to see in Cappadocia, how are you going to hyperlink them collectively and be sure to see as a lot as potential throughout your go to? The advantage of Cappadocia is that though it’s a big space, lots of the primary sights are comparatively shut collectively, that means you’ll be able to actually pack quite a bit into a number of days.

1 Day in Cappadocia Itinerary

Sooner or later in Cappadocia isn’t an enormous period of time, however you’ll be able to slot in a number of issues should you rise up early sufficient. When you’re eager to take a scorching air balloon journey, you’ll must guide that forward of your journey and issue that into your go to – ideally guide a dawn slot to offer you additional time.

Goreme Open Air Museum is a must-see and also you must also go to Derinkuyu underground metropolis as a naked minimal. That provides 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 recent 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 night time 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. Together 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 toes on the finish.

1 Week in Cappadocia Itinerary

Per 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 wish to hyperlink these two actions collectively as a result of they move nicely 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 sneakers and head to Pasabag Valley to see the large fairy chimneys.

Take a full-day climbing journey in your subsequent day to offer you a full overview of the realm. Within the night, attend a Turkish night time and benefit from the leisure. Day 4 may embody a visit to Uchisar Fort and Devrent Valley. On day 5, head off on a quad safari journey, and take a pottery class within the afternoon.

It’s possible you’ll be feeling drained by day six, so take pleasure in a soothing hammam and take a cookery class within the afternoon to fill you up. In your remaining day, head to Sword Valley and take a look at the superb rock formations, earlier than heading again to your resort and having fun with your final night time with some scrumptious Turkish meals and flavors.

Issues To Do in Cappadocia: FAQs

Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Cappadocia:

In Closing

I do know you’re itching to guide your trip and head off to Cappadocia now. I’d be stunned should you 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 completely 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 nearly like being in a bubble from the fashionable world, the place all the things slows down, and also you’re laser-focused on the great thing about nature. All it is advisable to do now could be work out once you’re going to go.