Planning to visit Avanos, Cappadocia? This riverside town is the artistic and cultural hub of the region, famous for its ancient pottery tradition, scenic Kızılırmak River, and charming historic streets.
Avanos offers a perfect blend of adventure, history, and hands-on experiences, making it a must-visit for travelers who love creativity and culture.
Imagine throwing clay on a pottery wheel like the Hittites did thousands of years ago, crossing the famous Suspension Bridge, taking a peaceful gondola ride on the Red River, and strolling through artisan markets.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know for an unforgettable trip, including top attractions, local experiences, and insider tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Avanos at a Glance: Our Best Tips for Your Visit
✔ Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. Summer is great for river activities, while winter offers a peaceful, quiet experience.
✔ Where to Stay: Avanos has a mix of boutique hotels and traditional accommodations.
✔ Getting Around: The town is walkable, and most attractions are easily accessible by foot. To explore Cappadocia further, you’ll need a car, taxi, or guided tour.
✔ Top Attractions: Visit a traditional pottery workshop, cross the Suspension Bridge, explore the Güray Museum of Ceramics, and enjoy the scenic Kızılırmak River.
✔ Pottery Experience: Try a hands-on pottery-making workshop at Chez Galip Studio or Omurlu Ceramic Workshop and take home your own creation.
✔ Adventurous Activities: Take a gondola ride for a romantic river cruise or go for a high-speed jetboat adventure on the Red River.
Best Things to Do & See in Avanos
Avanos is Cappadocia’s artistic and cultural hub, famous for pottery, ceramics, and the scenic Kızılırmak (Red River).
With ancient cave dwellings, traditional workshops, and thrilling river activities, Avanos offers a mix of history, adventure, and craftsmanship.
Whether you want to try pottery-making, take a gondola ride, or explore unique museums, this town is full of unforgettable experiences.
Walk Along the Kızılırmak River & Suspension Bridge
The Kızılırmak River (Red River) flows through Avanos, creating a picturesque riverside promenade.
✔ Stroll along the riverbanks, relax at a café, and enjoy the scenery.
✔ Cross the famous Suspension Bridge—a fun, wobbly bridge that connects both sides of the town.
✔ Take a gondola ride for a romantic experience on Turkey’s longest river.
Fun Gondola ride on Kızılırmak Red River
The Red River in Avanos town is always lively and full. You can have a romantic gondola ride along the Red River and have a fun and wonderful day out activity.
This is a perfect attraction for families and couples. You’ll have a 15 minutes stroll on the waters of the Red River with the Venetian type gondolas, and then have a celebration on the shore. More on kapadokyajet.com
Experience a Thrilling Jetboat Ride on the Red River
For adventure seekers, a jetboat ride offers adrenaline-pumping excitement as you speed through the river, perform 360-degree spins, and slide across the water.
✔ A perfect activity for families and thrill-seekers.
✔ Operates year-round, but best enjoyed in warmer months.
✔ More Info & Booking: kapadokyajet.com
Try Traditional Pottery-Making in Avanos
Avanos is Turkey’s pottery capital, with a tradition dating back to the Hittite period (over 3,000 years ago!).
✔ Visit a local pottery workshop and watch artisans shape beautiful ceramics.
✔ Take a hands-on pottery class and create your own piece to take home.
✔ Workshops are family-friendly and a fun way to experience Cappadocia’s culture.
Best places for pottery workshops:
✔ Chez Galip Pottery Studio – Run by the famous potter Chez Galip, offering interactive classes.
✔ Omurlu Ceramic Workshop – A great place to see traditional techniques in action.
Visit the Güray Museum of Ceramics & Pottery (An Underground Art Museum)
The Güray Museum is Turkey’s first underground ceramic museum, showcasing both ancient and contemporary pottery art.
✔ See centuries-old ceramic masterpieces, including Ottoman, Hittite, and Seljuk designs.
✔ Learn about Cappadocia’s pottery traditions and watch artisans at work.
✔ Try a hands-on pottery-making session to create your own ceramic souvenir.
Address: Yeni Mahalle Dereyamanlı Str. No:44, Avanos
☎ Tel: +90 384 511 23 74
Discover the Quirky Chez Galip Hair Museum (One of the World’s Strangest Museums!)
This unusual museum features over 16,000 hair samples donated by women from all over the world!
✔ See thousands of locks of hair pinned to the walls, each with a handwritten note.
✔ Learn about the story behind the museum, created by local potter Chez Galip.
✔ A unique, offbeat experience in Avanos.
Address: Yukarı District, No: 24, Str. 100, Avanos
☎ Tel: +90 384 511 42 40
Explore Avanos’ Historical Landmarks
Avanos is more than just pottery—its history is filled with ancient churches, mosques, and caravanserais.
✔ Dereyamanlı Church – An ancient rock-cut church with stunning frescoes.
✔ Alaeddin Mosque – A beautiful Ottoman-era mosque with impressive architecture.
✔ Sarı Han Caravanserai – A 13th-century Silk Road stop, now hosting Whirling Dervish ceremonies.
Enjoy a Traditional Turkish Night Show
For a lively evening, Turkish Night Shows in Avanos offer a mix of traditional music, belly dancing, and folk performances.
✔ Enjoy a full-course Turkish dinner with unlimited drinks.
✔ Watch live performances featuring belly dancers, whirling dervishes, and folk musicians.
✔ Great for families, groups, or couples looking for a fun cultural experience.
Visit the Local Markets & Handicraft Shops
Avanos is a great place to buy souvenirs, especially handmade ceramics and local crafts.
✔ Explore Avanos’ ceramic stores, where you’ll find hand-painted pottery, vases, and plates.
✔ Look for handmade Turkish carpets, woven by local artisans.
✔ Sample & buy dried fruits, including pears, mulberries, and strawberries from street vendors.
Take a Sightseeing Tour Covering Avanos & Surroundings
If you want to see more of Cappadocia in a short time, join a guided sightseeing tour.
Red Tour (Cappadocia Highlights) – Covers Göreme Open-Air Museum, Uçhisar Castle, Pasabag (Monks Valley), and Avanos pottery workshops.
Green Tour (Nature & History) – Includes Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, and Selime Monastery.
Blue Tour (Hidden Gems) – Takes you to Cavusin Village, Ortahisar Castle, and lesser-known valleys.
Perfect for visitors who want to explore Cappadocia efficiently!
Video Tour
You can watch the below video your to see how Avanos looks like.
Avanos for a Day: Our Best Itinerary
Got just one day in Avanos? This 1-day itinerary covers the top attractions, cultural experiences, and scenic spots so you can make the most of your visit!
8:00 AM: Breakfast by the Kızılırmak River
✔ Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at a riverside café.
✔ Best spots: Mado Avanos or Lalezar Café for great views of the Red River.
9:00 AM: Visit a Traditional Pottery Workshop
✔ Watch artisans shape pottery using ancient Hittite techniques.
✔ Try your hand at pottery-making and take home your own creation.
✔ Best studios: Chez Galip Pottery Studio or Omurlu Ceramic Workshop.
10:30 AM: Explore the Güray Museum of Ceramics & Pottery
✔ Visit Turkey’s only underground ceramic museum.
✔ See ancient Hittite, Ottoman, and modern ceramic art.
✔ Optional: Join a hands-on pottery class.
Location: Yeni Mahalle Dereyamanlı Str. No:44, Avanos
☕ 11:30 AM: Coffee Break & Stroll Along the Kızılırmak River
✔ Take a relaxing walk along Turkey’s longest river.
✔ Cross the Suspension Bridge for scenic river views.
✔ Stop at a riverside café for Turkish coffee or çay (tea).
12:00 PM: Gondola or Jetboat Ride on the Red River
✔ Take a Venetian-style gondola ride for a romantic experience.
✔ Prefer adventure? Hop on a jetboat for an adrenaline-filled river tour.
✔ Family-friendly & great for couples.
1:00 PM: Lunch with a View
✔ Try Testi Kebab, a traditional meat stew cooked in a clay pot.
✔ Best places: Bizim Ev Avanos or Han Restaurant for authentic flavors.
2:30 PM: Explore Avanos’ Handicraft Shops & Local Markets
✔ Visit ceramic and pottery stores for hand-painted souvenirs.
✔ Browse Turkish carpets, jewelry, and handmade crafts.
✔ Sample and buy local dried fruits from street vendors.
3:30 PM: Visit the Unique Chez Galip Hair Museum
✔ See over 16,000 hair samples from women around the world.
✔ One of the strangest and most quirky museums in Turkey.
Location: Yukarı District, Avanos
4:00 PM: Visit Historical Landmarks
✔ Explore Dereyamanlı Church, an ancient rock-cut church.
✔ Stop by Alaeddin Mosque, an Ottoman-era religious site.
✔ Walk through Sarı Han Caravanserai, once a stop on the Silk Road.
5:30 PM: Sunset at a Riverside Café
✔ Grab a Turkish tea or local wine and enjoy the sunset.
✔ Best riverside spots: Lalezar Café or Sarihan Restaurant.
7:00 PM: Turkish Night Show & Dinner
✔ Enjoy a traditional dance and music performance.
✔ Watch belly dancers, whirling dervishes, and folk musicians.
✔ Great for a fun and cultural night out.
Eating Out – What to Eat?
Avanos is a hidden gem for food lovers, offering a mix of riverside dining, traditional Turkish cuisine, and authentic Anatolian flavors.
️ Must-Try Local Dishes:
✔ Testi Kebab: Avanos is one of the best places to try this famous dish, cooked in a sealed clay pot.
✔ Çömlek Kebabı: Another local favorite, slow-cooked in an earthenware dish.
✔ Fresh Grilled Fish: Thanks to its location on the Red River, Avanos is known for freshly grilled fish and seafood.
✔ Gözleme: A delicious Turkish flatbread stuffed with cheese, potatoes, or minced meat.
✔ Homemade Manti: Turkish dumplings served with yogurt and garlic butter.
Best Restaurants in Avanos:
✔ Bizim Ev Restaurant: A charming family-run spot with authentic home-cooked dishes.
✔ Uranos Sarıkaya: A unique cave restaurant offering an atmospheric dining experience with traditional Anatolian dishes.
✔ Avanos Sofrası: Famous for its Testi Kebab and Turkish mezes.
✔ Kapadokya Lezzet Sofrası: Offers a variety of Turkish grill dishes and fresh seafood options.
✔ Hanımeli Café: A great choice for traditional Turkish breakfast and homemade pastries.
Many restaurants in Avanos overlook the river, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal with a scenic view.
Shopping – What to Buy?
Avanos is the pottery capital of Cappadocia, known for its ancient ceramic traditions dating back to the Hittite era. The town is filled with artisan pottery workshops, souvenir shops, and traditional craft stores, making it one of the best places to buy handmade ceramics.
️ What to Buy in Avanos:
✔ Handmade Pottery & Ceramics: The signature craft of Avanos, available in a variety of colors and designs.
✔ Turkish Carpets & Kilims: High-quality woven rugs with traditional Anatolian patterns.
✔ Evil Eye Beads (Nazar Boncuğu): A symbol of protection and good luck in Turkish culture.
✔ Local Spices & Herbal Teas: Including saffron, sumac, and dried rose tea.
✔ Cappadocian Wines: Avanos is home to several local vineyards, offering unique flavors.
Best Places to Shop in Avanos:
✔ Chez Galip Pottery Workshop: One of the most famous pottery studios, known for its high-quality craftsmanship.
✔ Güray Museum & Ceramic Workshop: A fascinating underground museum showcasing Cappadocia’s pottery heritage.
✔ Sefa Ceramic Studio: A family-run shop offering pottery-making demonstrations.
✔ Local Markets & Bazaars: Small souvenir shops selling handmade crafts and traditional Turkish items.
Avanos by Night
Avanos offers a relaxed and scenic atmosphere at night, perfect for those looking for a peaceful evening by the river. While it doesn’t have a big nightlife scene, there are several charming options for dining, wine tasting, and cultural experiences.
Things to Do in Avanos at Night:
✔ Riverside Walks: Take a leisurely evening stroll along the Red River and cross the famous Suspension Bridge.
✔ Dinner with a View: Enjoy a meal overlooking the river, where restaurants are beautifully lit at night.
✔ Turkish Night Show: Experience traditional folk dances, live music, and whirling dervishes at venues like Uranos Sarıkaya.
✔ Wine Tasting: Try locally produced wines at a boutique wine house.
✔ Relax at a Café or Lounge: Enjoy Turkish tea or coffee at a riverside café like Venessa Café & Bistro.
Accommodation in Avanos – Where to Stay?
Avanos offers a mix of boutique hotels, charming guesthouses, and cave-style stays, making it a great alternative to Göreme or Ürgüp for those looking for a quieter stay with easy access to Cappadocia’s main attractions.
Best Cave & Boutique Hotels in Avanos:
✔ DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos: A modern hotel with spa facilities and a great location.
✔ Hacı Bektaş Veli Cave Hotel: Offers authentic cave-style rooms with a peaceful ambiance.
✔ Venessa Hotel: A boutique stay with modern comforts and local charm.
✔ Mira Cappadocia Hotel: A cozy, family-run guesthouse with personalized service.
✔ Avanos Riverside Hotel: A unique option for those who want to stay by the river with scenic views.
Budget-Friendly Options:
✔ Kirkit Hotel: A charming and affordable stay in a traditional stone house.
✔ Mahzen Cave Hotel: Offers authentic cave rooms at a reasonable price.
✔ Sofa Hotel: A small boutique hotel with great value for money.
Many hotels in Avanos offer easy access to pottery workshops, scenic walks along the Red River, and a quieter Cappadocia experience.
How to Get to Avanos?
Avanos from Nearby Towns
Avanos is well-connected to Göreme, Uçhisar, and Ürgüp, making it an easy day trip or a great place to stay while exploring Cappadocia.
From Göreme (9 km – ~15 minutes)
✔ By Car or Taxi: A quick 15-minute drive via Göreme-Avanos Road.
✔ By Bus: Local minibuses (dolmuş) operate frequently between Göreme and Avanos.
From Uçhisar (12 km – ~20 minutes)
✔ By Car or Taxi: A 20-minute drive via Uçhisar-Göreme Road.
✔ By Bus: Local minibuses run regularly between Uçhisar and Avanos throughout the day.
From Ürgüp (10 km – ~20 minutes)
✔ By Car or Taxi: A 20-minute drive via Ürgüp-Avanos Road.
✔ By Bus: Frequent minibus services connect Ürgüp and Avanos, offering an affordable option.
Traveling to Avanos from Major Cities
Avanos is well-connected by air and road, making it accessible from Turkey’s major cities.
Distance from Major Cities:
✔ Ankara → Avanos: 300 km (~3.5-hour drive)
✔ Istanbul → Avanos: 747 km (~8-hour drive or 1.5-hour flight)
✔ Izmir → Avanos: 777 km (~9-hour drive or 1.5-hour flight)
✔ Kayseri → Avanos: 58 km (~1-hour drive)
✔ Nevşehir → Avanos: 12 km (~20-minute drive)
Getting to Avanos by Air
There are no direct international flights to Cappadocia. The nearest airports are:
✈ Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) – 44 km from Avanos
✔ The closest airport to Avanos.
✔ Offers domestic flights from Istanbul and other Turkish cities.
✈ Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) – 75 km from Avanos
✔ More frequent domestic flights from Istanbul and Izmir.
✔ Typically offers more flight options and lower fares than Nevşehir Airport.
Getting from the Airports to Avanos:
✔ By Public Minibus: Available but not ideal with luggage.
✔ By Taxi: Readily available but more expensive than a shuttle transfer.
✔ By Airport Transfer (Recommended):
- Shared Shuttle: ~€8 per person, the most affordable and comfortable option.
- Private Transfer: ~€80 per vehicle, ideal for groups or travelers seeking privacy.
Since Cappadocia is a rural region with limited public transport, taking an airport shuttle is the easiest and most reliable way to reach your hotel in Avanos, Göreme, Uçhisar, or Ürgüp.
