Looking for things to do in Cappadocia? You’ve landed at the right place. Nestled in the heart of Turkey, Cappadocia is a place where dreams take flight, quite literally. This magical land, famous for its landscapes and hot air balloon rides, offers so much more than meets the eye. Cappadocia’s charm extends far beyond its signature experience. In this blog, we invite you to join us on an unforgettable journey where we’ll uncover the myriad of things to do in Cappadocia. From ancient cave dwellings to epic hiking trails, Cappadocia promises an adventure that transcends the heights of hot air balloons.
Understanding Cappadocia
I always assumed Cappadocia is a small city but was quite surprised to find out that it is actually a large region touching 5 Turkish provinces. Located in central Turkey, the main central part of Cappadocia comprises a cluster of charming tiny towns and villages that are quite close to each other. Tourists typically choose their stay around Göreme. Around Göreme, you’ll find diverse villages and valleys, each with a unique character. Main cities and towns in Cappadocia, Turkey, with their famous features:
Göreme:
- Hot air balloon ride
- Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Unique rock formations and fairy chimneys in the Rose Valley and Love Valley
- Cave hotel for an authentic Cappadocian experience
- Famous carpet markets – Galeri Ikman
Avanos:
- Pottery workshops and skilled artisans at work.
- Kızılırmak River and enjoy the scenic views.
- Caravanserai of Avanos, a historical stopover for traders on the Silk Road.
Uçhisar:
- Explore Uçhisar Castle, a natural rock fortress, and take in the panoramic views.
- Hike in Pigeon Valley, known for its bird houses carved into the cliffs.
Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı:
- Underground cities, including Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı, to experience Cappadocia’s remarkable subterranean architecture.
Hacıbektaş:
- Hacıbektaş Veli Museum and the Hacıbektaş Sufi Complex, which have spiritual significance.
Ihlara Valley:
- Hike through the picturesque Ihlara Valley and explore its rock-cut churches and monasteries.
- Enjoy a scenic walk along the Melendiz River, surrounded by lush greenery.
- Selime Cathedral
Ürgüp:
- Visit the historical Temenni Hill and enjoy panoramic views of Ürgüp and its surroundings.
- Explore the Kayakapi Premium Caves, a restored cave village that provides insight into Cappadocia’s history.
- Sample local wines at the region’s wineries and vineyards.
- Keslik Monastery
How to get around Cappadocia
Moving around towns and places in Cappadocia is relatively quick, and it’s possible to explore several locations in a single day. Unfortunately, the public transportation is quite limited in the area so unless you intend to rely on taxis (which can cost you quite a lot), having a car is ideal.
Hiring a car in Cappadocia offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to explore this enchanting region at your own pace. It enables access to remote sites, off-hours exploration, and the freedom to create a personalized itinerary. We hired a car for our short 2 days in Cappadocia, and it was an experience driving across these beautiful breathtaking landscapes.
However, if you have tours booked with travel agencies with hotel pick up and drop service, you can skip it!
Things to Do & See in Cappadocia
Love Valley Trail To Uchisar Castle
Starting from Göreme, the Love Valley Trail offers a scenic hike with its unique rock formations. The trail leads to Uchisar Castle, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning vistas.
Red Valley Hike & Sunset Viewpoint
Situated near Göreme, the Red Valley boasts striking crimson-hued rock formations. Hike through this otherworldly terrain and witness a mesmerizing sunset from its panoramic viewpoint.
Goreme Open Air Museum
Located in Göreme, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features rock-cut churches adorned with exquisite frescoes, providing a captivating glimpse into Cappadocia’s early Christian history. It’s a must visit
Rose Valley Hike & Sunset Spot
Adjacent to Göreme, the Rose Valley is named for its pink and red hues during sunset. Explore its winding trails and enjoy a romantic sunset over Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Göreme is the epicenter for hot air balloon rides, offering an enchanting way to soar above the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, especially during sunrise.
Plan your Hot Air Balloon Ride- Read Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia: Everything You Need to Know
Pigeon Valley Hiking Trail
Near Uçhisar, this trail meanders through rock-carved dovecotes, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and fairy chimneys.
Kaymakli & Derinkuyu Underground City
Found in Nevşehir, Kaymakli is one of Cappadocia’s famous underground cities, offering a glimpse into subterranean life and architecture. This expansive underground complex showcases the ingenious design of ancient civilizations, featuring multiple levels and chambers. You can also visit Derinkuyu Underground City, situated in Derinkuyu
Traditional Pottery Making
Avanos is the pottery capital of Cappadocia, where you can partake in hands-on pottery-making experiences and learn about this time-honored craft. You can also visit the beautiful Kızılırmak River in Avanos
Horse Riding/Camel Safari
Experience the region’s beauty through horseback riding or a camel safari, with options available in various towns like Göreme.
Selime Cathedral
Situated in Selime village, this ancient cathedral is carved into the rock and stands as a testament to the remarkable architectural achievements of Cappadocia’s past.
Ihlara Valley Hike
Located in the Aksaray Province, Ihlara Valley offers a picturesque hiking experience along a lush river canyon, dotted with rock-cut churches and frescoes.
Sunset ATV Tour
Adventure seekers can enjoy an exhilarating ATV tour in various locations, including Göreme, to explore the rugged terrain and catch stunning sunset views.
Get a Hammam Massage
After a day of exploration, unwind with a relaxing hammam massage in any of Cappadocia’s spa facilities, often found in major towns like Göreme and Ürgüp.
Keslik Monastery
Found in Cappadocia’s Mustafapaşa village, Keslik Monastery houses well-preserved frescoes and rock-cut architecture, offering insights into the region’s religious heritage.
Where to Shop in Cappadocia
Cappadocia boasts several towns that serve as shopping havens for visitors seeking unique souvenirs and local treasures. Göreme, the region’s tourist epicenter, stands out with its vibrant bazaars and markets, offering a wide array of handmade pottery, textiles, jewelry, and traditional crafts. Ürgüp, another prominent shopping destination, specializes in exquisite carpets and rugs, along with a variety of boutique shops featuring ceramics and textiles.
Avanos, known as the pottery capital of Cappadocia, is a must-visit for those interested in witnessing pottery-making artisans at work and acquiring beautifully crafted ceramics. Nevşehir, the largest city in the region, provides diverse shopping experiences, including bustling markets and stores where you can find textiles and handicrafts.
Food/Dishes to try Cappadocia
Cappadocia offers a delightful array of Turkish and Anatolian cuisine that you should definitely try during your visit. Here are three to five must-try dishes:
Testi Kebab: This is a local specialty in Cappadocia. Testi Kebab is a flavorful stew made with meat (typically lamb or chicken), vegetables, and a blend of spices. What makes it unique is that it’s cooked in a sealed clay pot, which is broken open at your table, adding a touch of drama to your dining experience.
Manti: These tiny dumplings, similar to Turkish ravioli, are filled with a delicious mixture of spiced ground meat (usually lamb or beef) and served with yogurt and garlic sauce. The small size of Manti makes them perfect for savoring and sharing.
Pottery Kebab (Testi Kebab): This dish is cooked in a sealed clay pot, resulting in tender and flavorful meat, often accompanied by vegetables and spices. It’s a traditional Cappadocian dish with a unique presentation as the pot is broken open at the table.
Pide: Often referred to as “Turkish pizza,” Pide is a boat-shaped flatbread filled with various toppings, such as minced meat, cheese, vegetables, and herbs. It’s a popular and satisfying choice for a quick and delicious meal.
Sogan Dolma: These stuffed onions are a regional specialty. Onions are hollowed out and filled with a mixture of rice, minced meat, herbs, and spices. Sogan Dolma is then slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce until tender and flavorful.
Explore Cappadocia Tours – Red, Green, and Blue Tour Belts
Red Tour: Southern and Western parts of Cappadocia.
- Göreme Open-Air Museum: This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site features numerous rock-cut churches and monasteries with well-preserved frescoes.
- Çavuşin Village: An ancient village with cave dwellings and a picturesque landscape.
- Paşabağ Valley (Monks Valley): Known for its mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys.
- Avanos: A town famous for its pottery workshops, where you can watch artisans at work.
- Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley): Known for its unusual rock formations that resemble animals and objects
Green Tour: Northern and Central regions of Cappadocia.
- Derinkuyu Underground City: An impressive underground city that was used as a shelter during times of danger.
- Ihlara Valley: A scenic canyon with a river flowing through it, offering hiking opportunities and rock-cut churches along the way.
- Selime Monastery: A rock-cut monastery perched on a hill with panoramic views.
- Yaprakhisar: Known for its fairy chimneys and unique rock formations.
- Pigeon Valley: Named for the thousands of pigeon houses carved into the cliffs.
Blue Tour: Eastern part of Cappadocia.
- Soganli Valley: A lesser-visited but picturesque valley with rock-cut churches and a serene atmosphere.
- Sahinefendi Village: Known for its rock-cut churches and old Ottoman houses.
- Mustafapasa (Sinasos): A historical town with Greek and Ottoman influences in its architecture.
- Keslik Monastery: A cave monastery complex with well-preserved frescoes.
- Taşkınpaşa: A small town with beautiful old stone houses and a quiet ambiance.
This is subjective to the tour company you choose. Ultimately, the choice of tour depends on your interests and the specific sites you’d like to visit in Cappadocia. Many tourists opt to take multiple tours to experience the full range of attractions this unique region has to offer.
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