Best 12 things to do in Cappadocia, Turkey

Why is Cappadocia so famous?

The unusual and stunning scenery of Cappadocia has made it famous. Located roughly in the middle of Turkey, this area is well-known for its unusual rock formations, including fairy chimneys and cave houses. Aeons ago, millions of years ago, volcanic eruptions shaped the landscape. Strange rock formations, canyons, and valleys were all that remained in their wake. The rock formations we see today are the result of years of weathering by wind and rain.

The geology and history of Cappadocia are fascinating. Many of the caves and underground cities in the region were carved by early Christians out of the pliable tuff rock. Some of the finest and best preserved examples of early Christian architecture can be found in these structures. They served as both shelters and places of worship.

Cultural and artistic traditions in Cappadocia have contributed to the region’s fame. Over the course of history, locals chiseled dwellings, churches, and even entire underground cities out of the soft tuff rock, developing a distinct architectural style that is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How Can you reach Cappadocia?

Cappadocia is about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from the Turkish capital of Istanbul. A plane is the most time-efficient means of travel between the two locations. Multiple flights of around 1 hour and 30 minutes duration take off each day. Travel time on an overnight bus ranges from 10 to 12 hours; however, this is not the best option for those who get car sick easily or who prefer a more comfortable journey.

Driving from Istanbul to Cappadocia is another option, though it is a long and exhausting journey that will take you anywhere from 12 to 14 hours. But if you have the time, it can be a great road trip to explore more of Turkey’s stunning countryside.

You can find best Cappadocia private transport services here.

Remember that both Istanbul and Cappadocia are extremely popular tourist destinations, so you should book your transportation and lodging in advance to avoid disappointment.

Travelers flock to Cappadocia nowadays. Millions of tourists visit each year to take in its famed scenery, rich history, and historic landmarks.

Depending on the type of train and the route you take, the train ride from Istanbul to Cappadocia usually takes between 10 and 12 hours. Several trains run every day between Istanbul and Kayseri, which is the closest train station to Cappadocia. You can take a connecting bus or a private transfer from Kayseri to get to the heart of Cappadocia.

There are two main types of trains that go from Istanbul to Kayseri: express trains and local trains. Express trains are faster and more comfortable, but local trains are cheaper. Express trains like the “Ekspres” and the “Pamukkale Express” have modern, air-conditioned cars, while local trains are usually less fancy and may not have air conditioning.

Kayseri Erkilet International Airport (ASR), which is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the center of the area, is the closest airport to Cappadocia. You can take a shuttle bus or a taxi from Kayseri to get to your hotel or other place to stay in Cappadocia. Nevsehir Kapadokya International Airport (NAV), which is about 31 miles (50 km) from the center of Cappadocia, is another airport in the area. You can also take a shuttle bus or a taxi from Nevsehir to get where you need to go.

Kayseri Erkilet International Airport transport services can be found here.

There are regular flights from Istanbul, Ankara, and other big cities in Turkey to both the Kayseri and Nevsehir airports. There are also direct flights to Kayseri and Nevsehir from Frankfurt, Munich, and Moscow, among other places outside of Turkey. To get the best deal, you should always compare prices from different airlines and buy your ticket as early as you can. Some airlines, like Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and AtlasGlobal, have regular flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia. Low-cost airlines, like SunExpress and Onur Air, may also fly this route.

What is the best month to visit Cappadocia?

Can you recommend a good time to visit Cappadocia? It all depends on your intended purpose. However, the months of April through October see the greatest influx of tourists. The weather is mild and dry during these months, making it ideal for outdoor pursuits like hot air balloon rides, hiking, and horseback riding. Nights are cool and the air is dry, so most people don’t mind the heat as much.

A visit to Cappadocia in the off-season (November through March) could be ideal if you’re looking for peace and quiet and a lower price tag. Despite the colder temperatures and increased precipitation, winter is a beautiful time to visit because of the area’s blanket of snow.

Most popular tours in cappadocia can be found here.

If you go during the peak season, or even the shoulder season, you should expect a lot of people. It is possible to avoid the tourist hordes by traveling to the northern and western valleys of Cappadocia. It’s a great place to go if you want to experience the area’s natural beauty in peace and solitude.

Is Cappadocia a budget destination?

Traveling to Cappadocia, Turkey, is not cheap, but it is also not prohibitively so in comparison to other popular tourist destinations in Europe or North America. A number of variables, including time of year, preferred mode of transportation, and desired activities, will determine the final cost of your vacation.

Cappadocia is home to a wide variety of lodging options, from budget-friendly inns and hostels to mid-range resorts and upscale cave hideaways. A room’s rate can vary greatly based on the time of year and the level of amenities you require.

Cappadocia has a wide variety of affordable restaurants serving authentic Turkish cuisine. You can buy fresh produce, cheese, and other ingredients to cook your own meals at the many local markets and bakeries, and street food and snacks are also readily available.

Even though Cappadocia’s abundance of attractions is a major selling point, the region is also popular because of its other qualities. Costing between 200 and 300 Turkish Lira, a hot air balloon ride is an unforgettable experience. The cost of a guided tour of the caves and underground cities in Turkey ranges from 50 to 70 lira.

To sum it all up, a day’s expenses in Cappadocia will cost you somewhere between 10 and 20 USD (70 and 150 Turkish Lira). That said, a great deal of variation exists depending on the mode of transportation and the activities planned.

Cappadocia may be cheaper than Istanbul, but this will depend on what you want to do and how you plan to travel.

Cappadocia has a wider variety of accommodation options that are more affordable than those in Istanbul. Hotels in the middle range can cost anywhere from 50 to 100 Turkish Lira (7–15 USD) per night, while more affordable options can be found for as little as 20–30 Turkish Lira (3–4 USD) per night. Prices at some of Cappadocia’s most opulent cave hotels and resorts can run as high as 150–500 Turkish Lira ($20–$70) per night.

Plenty of restaurants in Cappadocia serve authentic, high-quality Turkish fare at affordable prices. You can buy fresh produce, cheese, and other ingredients to cook your own meals at any of the many local markets or bakeries, and street food and snacks are also easily accessible.

How many days in Cappadocia is enough?

Your interests and preferred vacation pace will determine how many days you should spend in Cappadocia. A visit of only two or three days could be sufficient if all you want is a taste of the area’s highlights. Explore the local villages, go on a hot air balloon ride, and see all the top attractions like the Goreme Open Air Museum during this time.

It’s possible to see the highlights of Cappadocia in a few days, but if you really want to take advantage of everything the area has to offer, you should plan to stay there for at least four or five days. At this time of year, you can take a cooking class or a guided tour to learn more about the local culture and history, or you can go on a hike through the valleys and visit some of the lesser-known sights like the Ihlara Valley and the underground cities.

Your time in Cappadocia will be well spent if you give yourself a week or more to explore. At this time of year, you can take advantage of longer hikes, travel to nearby cities like Kayseri or Nevsehir, or embark on a multi-day trek to see the region’s natural beauty at its peak.

Cappadocia’s 12 Best Attractions & Things to Do

1. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Valleys

Many tourists to Cappadocia, Turkey, consider taking a hot air balloon ride to be an absolute must. Taking to the skies in a hot air balloon is one of the best ways to get a bird’s eye view of the breathtaking landscape of Cappadocia, with its distinctive rock formations and valleys.

Early mornings in Cappadocia, when the winds are calm and the weather is clear, are perfect for hot air balloon rides that last about an hour. You can expect champagne or other refreshments and a completion certificate from most hot air balloon companies after your flight.

Hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia typically cost between $200 and $400 per person. Flight, hotel pickup and drop-off, refreshments, and a memento certificate could all be part of the package. It is possible to find more affordable options, however, with some businesses offering entry-level hot air balloon rides for as little as $100 per person.

Most hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. But the exact length of the ride can change based on things like the weather, the speed of the wind, and the size of the balloon.

The best time for a balloon ride over Cappadocia is between April and November, when temperatures are mild and winds are light. Clear skies and light winds are ideal ballooning conditions, and this is why many people choose to go ballooning in the summer.

Usually, there is a small party after the flight to mark the end of the trip. People can drink champagne and light snacks and get a certificate to remember their flight.

Overall, a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers breathtaking views and a chance to see the stunning beauty of the area from a different point of view.

Hot air balloon rides are popular and tend to sell out quickly, so booking in advance is highly recommended. You should also be prepared with a Plan B in case the weather doesn’t cooperate on the day of your scheduled hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia.

2. Visit Goreme Open Air Museum in Cappadocia

If you ever find yourself in Cappadocia, Turkey, don’t miss out on the chance to see the incredible Goreme Open Air Museum. It is a collection of ancient religious buildings hewn from the local soft tuff stone, including churches, chapels, and monasteries. The museum houses some of the most significant examples of early Christian art and architecture in the world, earning it a place on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

During the 9th and 11th centuries, when Cappadocia was a bustling center of Christian worship and pilgrimage, the region became home to the Goreme Open Air Museum. Beautiful frescoes depicting biblical scenes and other religious themes adorn many of the rock-cut churches and monasteries on display at the museum.

The Goreme Open Air Museum is home to both the rock-cut churches and a museum that details the history of the area and its early Christian communities.

Explore the history and culture of Cappadocia and the fascinating early Christian communities who once lived and worshiped in this one-of-a-kind and beautiful region by visiting the Goreme Open Air Museum.

The museum is open every day of the week and charges about 20 Turkish lira ($5) per visitor. Visiting the museum during high visitor volumes means planning ahead and getting there early to avoid waiting in line.

3. Hike of Ihlara Valley Canyon

The Ihlara Valley Canyon in Turkey’s Cappadocia region is breathtaking. Cappadocia attracts many sightseers who want to learn more about the region’s cultural heritage and experience its distinctive landscape.

The lush vegetation, towering rock formations, and winding river in Ihlara Valley make for a picture-perfect setting for outdoor activities like hiking and picnicking. Several early Christian churches, monasteries, and hermitages have been carved into the rock walls of the valley. A stroll along the valley’s river provides easy access to all of these fascinating attractions.

The Ihlara Valley Trek, a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) hike that begins in the village of Ihlara and continues along the river and through the valley, passing by several ancient churches and rock-cut dwellings, is one of the most popular things to do in Ihlara Valley. This hike is a fantastic way for visitors of any age and level of physical fitness to take in the region’s breathtaking scenery and fascinating history.

Beyond sightseeing at nearby attractions like Selime Monastery and Ihlara’s historic village, visitors to Ihlara Valley can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as picnicking, fishing, and kayaking on the river.

From nearby towns like Goreme and Urgup, visitors can easily reach Ihlara Valley by car or shuttle bus for a small entry fee.

4. Visit Uchisar Castle

One of the most recognizable symbols of Cappadocia, Turkey, is the historic Uchisar Castle. The castle sits atop a large, naturally formed rock cone and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the distinctive rock formations and valleys that characterize the area.

Uchisar Castle, which has been around since at least the 5th century, has served as a fortress, a lookout tower, and a safe haven during times of war and unrest for countless people throughout history. The castle is a fascinating window into the history of the Cappadocia region, serving as an example of the architectural creativity of the early civilizations that settled there.

The interior of Uchisar Castle is open to visitors, and it features many rooms and passages connected to one another, as well as several large cisterns used to store water. There are numerous terraces and lookout platforms in the castle that provide breathtaking vistas of the grounds.

Uchisar Castle is open to the public every day of the year and is conveniently located near Goreme and Urgup. The entrance fee to the castle is modest, usually around 10 Turkish lira. Planning ahead and getting there early will help you avoid the long lines that form at the castle on weekends and holidays.

5. Visit Underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli 

There are a number of underground cities in Cappadocia, Turkey. These underground cities are elaborate underground structures carved into the soft tuff stone of the region. Early Christian communities sought refuge in these underground cities during times of military threat.

The Derinkuyu Underground City is one of the largest and most complex underground cities in the world, and it can be found not far from the town of Nevsehir. With its complex network of tunnels, rooms, and storage spaces carved out of the rock, the city, which was likely constructed in the 8th century, had the capacity to house up to 20,000 people. Travelers can go on tours of the city and visit underground dwellings, restaurants, stables, and even a church.

Kaymakli Underground City, also close to Nevsehir, and Ozkonak Underground City, not far from Avanos, are two other well-known underground settlements in Cappadocia. Tourists to either city can explore the region’s rich history and culture of the early Christian communities by visiting the cities’ impressive underground structures.

If you have any interest in history, archaeology, or architecture, a trip to Cappadocia is not complete without exploring the region’s incredible network of underground cities. Tours with English-speaking guides are available, and admission to the underground cities costs about 20 Turkish lira per person.

6. Beauty of Zelve Open Air Museum

Avanos, a town in Cappadocia, Turkey, is home to an archaeological site known as Zelve Open-Air Museum. One of the largest and best-preserved examples of rock-cut architecture in the region, the site is a complex of three valleys inhabited by early Christian communities.

There was a thriving community of people who lived, worked, and worshipped in the valley of Zelve from the time it was first settled in the 7th century until the late Middle Ages. Once a thriving agricultural region, the valley was deserted and buried in sand and debris over the course of several centuries before being rediscovered in the early 20th century and turned into a museum devoted to the region’s history.

Rock-cut dwellings, including chapels, monasteries, and residential buildings, were carved into the steep cliffs of the valley and are now open to tourists. There are also a number of cisterns and tunnels beneath the ground there that were likely used to store water and provide an escape route in times of crisis.

The early Christian communities in this area had a rich history and fascinating culture, and visitors can get a glimpse of it at the Zelve Open-Air Museum. A small admission fee of about 15 Turkish lira per person is required to enter the museum, and the site is easily accessible from nearby towns like Goreme and Avanos.

7. Visit Churches at Çavusin

Cappadocia, Turkey is home to the village of Avusin, which is famous for its many early Christian churches. The village sits atop a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside, and it is home to several stunning churches cut into the local soft tuff stone.

The churches at Avusin are among the best-preserved examples of early Christian architecture in Cappadocia, and they give visitors a special insight into the region’s religious and cultural history. Saint John the Baptist Church is one of the largest and most impressive churches in all of Cappadocia, and it is also the most well-known church in the village.

The Rock-Cut Cemetery is a collection of tombs and graves carved into the rock cliffs of the village and is also open to visitors. A visit to the cemetery can reveal a lot about the beliefs and practices of the local early Christian communities regarding death.

Anybody with even a passing curiosity about the past, religion, or archaeology should make the trip to see the churches at Avusin. There is a small admission fee to enter the churches, usually around 15 Turkish lira per person, but the village is easily accessible from nearby towns like Goreme and Avanos.

8. Explore Soğanlı Open Air Museum 

The town of Avanos in Cappadocia, Turkey, is close to the archaeological site known as Soanl Open-Air Museum. The site is one of the best-preserved examples of early Christian architecture in Cappadocia, and consists of a collection of rock-cut dwellings, monasteries, and chapels carved into the soft tuff stone of the region.

There was a thriving community of people who lived, worked, and worshiped in Soanl in the 4th century after it was first settled. The location was used for a long time before people stopped coming there and it got covered up by sand and debris; it wasn’t discovered again until the twentieth century, when it was opened to the public as an archaeological site.

Today, tourists can visit Soanl and marvel at the monasteries, chapels, and homes that were hewn out of the valley’s sheer rock faces. There are also a number of cisterns and tunnels beneath the ground there that were likely used to store water and provide an escape route in times of crisis.

Experiencing the rich history and fascinating culture of the early Christian communities that once flourished in this area is only part of what a visit to the Soanl Open-Air Museum has to offer. A small admission fee of about 15 Turkish lira per person is required to enter the museum, and the site is easily accessible from nearby towns like Goreme and Avanos.

9. View the Chimneys of Cappadocia

One of Cappadocia’s most defining characteristics is its chimneys. All over the Cappadocia region, you’ll come across these tall, slender rock formations that were formed due to the area’s unusual geological history.

Volcanic eruptions in the area millions of years ago formed the chimneys. The ash and pumice from the eruptions eventually solidified into soft, layered tuff stone, which wind and water erosion then sculpted into the distinctive chimney shapes seen today.

Some of the chimneys are as tall as forty meters, while others take on more complex and fascinating forms. Tourists love to see them because they pop up everywhere, from the region’s valleys and canyons to its plateau areas.

The area known as “the land of fairy chimneys” is one of the most well-known and beautiful spots to see the chimneys. Some of the region’s tallest and most unusual chimneys can be found in this area, which is close to the town of Göreme. In addition to walking tours, visitors can also take a hot air balloon ride to get a bird’s eye view of the area and its famous chimneys.

Any traveler interested in natural history or geology should make time to see the chimneys of Cappadocia.

10. Visit Lover’s Hill Sunset Point

Cappadocia, Turkey’s Lover’s Hill Sunset Point is a hotspot for visitors seeking stunning sunset views of the region’s valleys and rock formations. Located on the outskirts of Uçhisar, this hill provides breathtaking views of the region’s distinctive environment for which Cappadocia is known.

Sunset at Lover’s Hill is a beautiful sight to behold, as the sky gradually transitions from blue to orange to red to pink as the sun sinks below the horizon. People come here to take pictures, have picnics, or just relax and enjoy the scenery, making it a favorite site for couples and photographers.

Infatuation Peak There is a tiny parking lot at the peak of the hill from which visitors can walk, drive, or ride their bikes to Sunset Point. As the sun goes down, the temperature drops, so guests should pack a sweater or jacket along with their water and snacks. During the peak season, the hill can get crowded, so getting there early is recommended.

11. Visit Eski Gümüşler Monastery

Located in Turkey’s ancient Cappadocia region is the venerable Eski Gümüşler Monastery. One of the many rock-cut churches and monasteries in the area, this one is especially notable for the quality and preservation of its frescoes and other sacred artwork.

During the Byzantine era, Christian monks used the Eski Gümüşler Monastery as a place of worship and reflection after it was constructed in the 11th century. A church and other smaller rooms served as living quarters and storage areas within the complex’s network of rock-cut chambers.

Its frescoes, which depict scenes from Christ’s life as well as various saints and other religious figures, are among the finest examples of Byzantine religious art in the region. The frescoes have been remarkably well-preserved, and many of their original colors have survived to this day, making them an incredible work of art.

The Eski Gümüşler Monastery is a must-see for any traveler interested in Cappadocia’s rich cultural heritage and a one-of-a-kind architectural wonder. Hikers can reach the monastery from the nearby town of Gümüşler with only a short walk, and visitors are usually required to pay a nominal fee to enter the complex.

12. Pottery and carpet workshops in Cappadocia

Crafts such as pottery and carpet weaving have long been recognized as representative of Cappadocian culture. In workshops and studios all over the region, curious tourists can watch as these exquisite creations take shape.

Cappadocia is home to a number of pottery workshops where visitors can watch master craftspeople at work, turning clay into beautiful vases, plates, and figurines. Cappadocian potters have used the region’s distinctive clay, which is produced by the soil’s particular composition and is highly prized for its texture and color, for centuries.

Visitors to Cappadocia can also observe skilled weavers at work as they create stunning carpets, kilims, and other woven textiles using age-old methods. Visitors to Cappadocia can tour working carpet studios to get an inside look at the entire carpet-making process, from the initial stages of wool preparation (spinning and dying) to the completion (weaving) of a finished rug.

Cappadocia is home to many talented potters and carpet weavers, and visiting one of their studios is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the region’s rich history and culture while also bringing home a beautiful keepsake. Visitors interested in learning more about these traditional trades can take advantage of the many workshops that offer classes and demonstrations.

Where to Stay in Cappadocia?

Cappadocia has a variety of places to stay, including traditional cave hotels, boutique hotels, and high-end resorts, so there is something for everyone. Here are some of the most popular places to stay in Cappadocia:

Cave Hotels: A traditional cave hotel is one of the most unique and popular ways to stay in Cappadocia. These hotels are carved into the natural rock formations of the area and offer a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Boutique Hotels: Visitors to Cappadocia can stay at one of the many boutique hotels in the area for a more modern and luxurious experience. Most of the time, the rooms in these hotels are stylish and comfortable, and they have high-end amenities and services.

Luxury Resorts: Cappadocia has a number of high-end resorts for people who want the best in comfort and luxury. These resorts have large rooms, world-class restaurants, and a variety of spa and wellness facilities.

Traditional Turkish Houses: Some traditional Turkish houses have been turned into guesthouses or small hotels for people who want a more authentic experience. These places give you a real taste of how people live there and are a great way to learn about Cappadocia’s traditional culture.

No matter how much money you have or what kind of place you want to stay in, Cappadocia is sure to have something for you. Booking ahead is always a good idea, especially during busy travel times when many hotels in the area can be full.