Cappadocia… the Persian name “Kappa Tuchia” which means “The land of beautiful Horses”… Cappadocia offers outstanding landscape, natural beauties, fairy chimneys and rock-cut houses, the picturesque valleys, scenic lunar hills, incredible monuments from the Goreme Open Air Museum to Kaymakli Underground City, Uchisar Castle, Devrent Imagination Valley and Pasabag Monks Valley and more…
Where is Cappadocia?
Cappadocia is situated in the middle of Turkey, in central Anatolia. The region is mostly known by the three popular towns of Goreme, Urgup and Uchisar but actually it is the name of the very big region spread through the cities of Nevsehir, Kirsehir, Nigde, Aksaray and Kayseri.
So we can say that Cappadocia can be considered as “Five Cities, One Cappadocia”…
The narrowed rocky region of Cappadocia include; Uchisar, Urgup, Avanos, Goreme, Derinkuyu, Kaymakli, Ihlara and surrounding areas…
Cappadocia is situated about 3 hours drive from capital Ankara. There is an airport in Gulsehir town, the Cappadocia Airport, and there are flights to Cappadocia Airport from Istanbul and Antalya.
Tourists mostly stay at the towns of Avanos, Goreme, Urgup and Uchisar in Cappadocia and they are all situated within the borders of the Nevsehir city.
Goreme can be considered as the most touristy town due its proximity to most of the best attractions and sights.
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Brief Info
The secret of Cappadocia is hidden with the geographical formations dating back to 60 million years. The smooth layers formed by the lava and ashes spewed out from the Mount Erciyes, Mount Hasan and Mount Gulludag has become rocky formations first and than corroded with the rain and wind for million years and finally showed up today’s geographic formations.
Cappadocia has also been home to many civilizations since the stone age throughout history. Using the advantage of this structure of the region, many rock-cut settlements, houses, monasteries, churches, chapels and underground cities were built. This is how most of the fairy chimneys are located inside.
Today’s formations in the region that can easily be carved, so called fairy chimneys by locals, allow the inhabitants make rock-cut cave houses and underground cities and has become a real shelter during the repressive eras.
All these were built in an invisible way to hide the people living here during the period, especially from the pressure, persecution and invasion of the Roman Empire and became the living space of hundred thousands of people.
Some History
If we have a quick look at the history of Cappadocia, we see that the region was active during the Hittites period. Since it was located on the historical Silk Road route, the region was a kind of commercial center at that time. It continues until the fall of the Hittites in the 12th century BC.
Afterwards, the Persians in the 6th century BC, the Kingdom of Cappadocia during the time of Alexander the Great in 332 BC, and the Roman Empire reigned in the region until 17 AD. When the last King of Cappadocia died in 17 AD, the region becomes a Roman province.
After the settlement of the Christians here in the 3rd century AD, the region became a center of education, religion and thought. However, between the years of 303-308, the pressure of the Roman Empire increases and the people make shelters and settlements carved to the rocks in the deep valleys, that are invisible from the outside.
Again during the 11th and 12th centuries, Arab raids dominated the region, and then the Seljuks. Peace was dominant in the region during the Ottoman Empire, and after the Treaty of Lausanne, the Christians migrated and left Cappadocia between the years 1924-1926.
Unique Experiences
We can say that Cappadocia is famous and unique for its fairy chimneys and valleys, underground cities and hot air balloon ride.
Walk in the Valleys | See the Fairy Chimneys
With its winding valleys, moonlike landscape, and mystical chimneys, Cappadocia might be the most surreal place on earth. Whether you’re there to explore the unique rock formations up close, or just to take in the majestic views from afar, it’s a must-see destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure. During each season, the valleys change color and offer something spectacular for those who visit.
In some valleys you can find waterfalls, while in others there will be fresh fruit such as plums or apricots. In Winter, the valleys are covered with snow which makes for a truly mystical scene! The valleys are also the places where you can see historical churches carved into the rock, distinctive homes, and visit active Turkish villages.
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Underground Cities
Go deep underground to visit these magnificent cities! How deep you ask? So deep that even the deepest one hasn’t been uncovered yet. Cappadocia currently has 36 underground cities, the largest of which, Derinkuyu, dates back to the 8th century BC. As an example, Derinkuyu was stumbled upon completely by chance, by a local inhabitant which renovating his house.
Extending to a depth of approximately 85 metres, it’s large enough to have sheltered more than 20,000 people. While visiting, guests will have to crouch down and move slowly through the tunnels, which were mostly created with the purpose of saving people during the ongoing wars.
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Hot Air Balloon Ride
One of the most popular things to do in Cappadocia is catch the view from above in the colorful hot air balloons. Take fantastic pictures of the valleys and fairy chimney’s from above, enjoying the spectacular landscape, fresh air, and clouds! The balloon tours are famous for creating the special romantic moment, perfect for marriage proposals or honeymoon gift.
Hot Air Balloon tours usually last approximately 60-90 minutes and can have anywhere from 12 – 28 people per balloon basket, depending on the size of your balloon. Flights usually start around 5:00am and have various departures throughout the day. While some may balk at price, this is something that is definitely worth the adventure splurge! Don’t forget to bring your camera!
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Must-See Spots in Cappadocia
Cappadocia is known to be the hub for all tourist activities in the vicinity of Uçhisar, Ürgüp, Göreme, and Avanos -the most well-known and highly visited spots if you are keen to see the famous sights or to hang out.
Each of Cappadocia’s districts or neighborhoods has its vibe and delight, making each one of them a popular destination you must add to your itinerary. Wherever you are, dare to check out the shops, bazaars, eateries, and little boutiques and feel the Turkish culture. Don’t forget to visit a few carpet shops while you’re there. Ensure to attend a Turkish Night event while you’re there, too.
- Goreme Open Air Museum: Göreme Open Air Museum is the first place where monastic education started. The monastery complex consists of churches, cemeteries, chapels, dining halls, and a wine cellar. It would be enough to spare 2 hours to visit the whole area.
- Goreme National Park has been on the World Heritage List since 1985. This region, an important center of Christianity in history, has been a settlement since the Chalcolithic period.
- Uchisar Castle: Uçhisar Castle is the highest fairy chimney that can be seen from everywhere with splendid panoramic views. You can see the whole Goreme Valley and fairy chimneys from the castle, too.
- Ortahisar Castle: The immense fairy chimney in the entire Cappadocia region, rising with all its majesty. The human-made shaping of this fairy chimney first started in the Hittites period for protection purposes. It started to serve as a strong castle in the wars of its time, and later on, it also served as a shelter from the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods.
- Temenni Hill: Temenni Hill, the highest peak of Cappadocia, can be seen anywhere in the city, with a tomb on the hill that is said to belong to Alaeddin Keykubat the 3rd and the Tahsin Ağa Public Library in the middle.
- Red Valley: This is where the sunset is indisputably the most beautiful, with the oldest churches in the region.
- Three Beauties Fairy Chimneys: These 3 fairy chimneys, also known as Three Graces, are one of the staples of Cappadocia where that classic capped fairy chimney form looks best. To see this trio, go towards Ürgüp.
- Derinkuyu Underground City, located in the Derinkuyu district 30 kilometers from Nevşehir center, is one of the most popular underground cities. It took its name from the wells 60 meters below the ground operating as natural ventilation. Based on the Assyrians, it consisted of 8 floors, where 50,000 people could live simultaneously. Unlike Kaymaklı, there is also a missionary school and a baptismal pool.
- Kaymakli Underground City, located 20 kilometers from Nevşehir, in Kaymakli town, is half the size of Derinkuyu Underground City, with a capacity of 5,000 people. Its history dates back to the Phrygians.
- Asmali Konak (Mansion): The famous mansion on Tevfik Fikret Street in Ürgüp is currently used as a museum with some open rooms for visitors. It’s best known for partaking in Turkish TV series starring Nurgül Yeşilçay and Özcan Deniz. Opposite this gorgeous mansion is seen the beautifully built Yunak Mosque.
- Turasan Wine Factory: Cappadocia is famous for its vineyards, and Turasan Wines is central to the region’s cuisine. Established by Hasan Turasan in 1943, the factory is one of the largest wine factories in Anatolia. Ensure to taste wine when you visit the factory.
- Hair Museum: This museum, located in the pottery bazaar, is worth visiting for being one of the strangest museums made into the Guinness Book of Records, thanks to having hair tufts left by more than 16,000 women. The museum is a part of the pottery shop of Chez Galip, the famous pottery master of Cappadocia.
Top Activities You Can Do in Cappadocia
You can do lots of fun activities in Cappadocia, regardless of whether you’re visiting for the first time. It is bustling with life everywhere you look and has a lot to live up to! You can’t just wander around most of the city on foot and expect to stumble onto something unique.
You can quickly get wrapped up in this unique destination. But check the forecast in winter before diving into outdoor activities. Here are a few ideas we’ve listed for you.
- Watch the Sunset: Never miss the impressive sunset on the landscapes allowing you to capture exquisite images you cannot find anywhere else in Turkey, whether you’re walking around the gorgeous mountains, hiking, running, or walking. Plan a day for nature, and find a great view. Enjoy the mesmerizing settling in one of the high valleys. Don’t forget to take your camera with you.
- Take a ride in the hot air balloon: No visit to Cappadocia would be complete without a ride in the hot balloons! Watching more than 150 balloons taking off at sunrise will be a unique scene you’ll never forget. When you decide to take your place in that beauty, no matter which company you choose, ensure to make a reservation for your balloon ride. There are plenty of on-site/online companies that can guide you through.
- ATV tours: Dare to go on a safari between Cappadocia’s unique, beautiful hills with ATVs. You can find Safaris in groups of 10 to 30 people. The most popular ATV tours generally start around 3 pm, lasting 2-4 hours, half-day, or all-day. Remember that you don’t need a license to drive an ATV.
- Horse safari: One of the best things to do in Cappadocia, the Land of Beautiful Horses in Persian, is horseback riding. Taking day tours, you can visit Kızılçukur Valley, Güllüdere Valley, Aşk Valley, Baglidere, and Kılıçlar Valley and watch the magnificent sunset. Remember that all the horses are trained, and experienced guides will accompany you.
- Pottery making: Another enjoyable activity of Cappadocia is making hand-crafted pottery in Avanos, with a pottery workshop on every corner where the artists generally practice their father’s profession. You, too, can make one and take it with you.
Where to Stay + Accommodation
Cappadocia is comprised of 4 major regions for tourists to explore: Goreme, Uchisar, Urgup, and Avanos. Each area has its own unique charm, so choosing the right one for your needs is important.
Goreme can be considered as the most touristy town due its proximity to most of the best attractions and sights.
There are many options you can experience to stay in Cappadocia. While choosing between Cappadocia hotels, you can also stay in fairy chimney houses with unique architecture and gorgeous views that’ll allow you to see the colorful balloons in the air.
For this reason, these are the most preferred places in terms of accommodation. There are hundreds of accommodation options and hotels in Cappadocia. Consider the cave hotels, too, if you want to experience the pleasure of sleeping between stone walls whose carved rocks are built with outstanding. Watch the balloons flying from your hotel terrace early in the morning! Observe the warm-hearted Anatolian hospitality.
Hotel Reservations
It is important to make an advance reservation when planning your trip to Cappadocia. Reserving space at least two months before your holiday is recommended and guests should be aware of increased pricing during peak travel season and public holidays.
Comparing hotels and looking for discounts online is also recommended, as well as traveling during shoulder seasons if your schedule permits.
Quick Tips
The peak travel season to visit Cappadocia is spring and autumn months, with prices higher during these months and during public holidays.
In summer, please be advised that the temperatures can become quite hot, but with school out for summer, the area still may be a bit crowded.
In winter, expect to see snow capped caves, and beautiful sites, with slightly slower prices available.
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How many days do you need for your stay in Cappadocia?
Cappadocia is like no other city, thanks to its mesmerizing landscape, gorgeous valley trails, stunning panoramic scenes, picturesque fairy chimneys, churches and houses carved into the rocks decorated with frescoes, and vivid hot air balloons. To check off your bucket list before it’s too late, rework your schedule to catch this gorgeous must-see spot!
Yet, at the same time, don’t rush because it’s a vast city, and you’d miss out on many things you want to enjoy. Although some take day trips to Cappadocia; however, you can get the most out of it in 3-4-5 days itinerary with a hot air balloon ride. A car ride to/from the airport is easier, faster, and prettier, allowing you to see the characteristics of the Cappadocia’s moonscape, with rock pinnacles and caves easily visible from the highway. You can start your explorations of Cappadocia right on the way from the airport.
It’s possible to visit the region in 2 days with daily tours, too; it’s entirely up to you! You can always ask your hotel to book a tour for you.
We know: it’s hard to plan a trip around traffic and geography when you don’t know the city or traffic patterns. There is so much to see and do, as it’s a fantastic place once you learn to hit all the significant spots and embrace everything it offers. There are many museums, underground cities, towering cave castles, churches, and monasteries, too– to name a few!