Cappadocia has that effortless whimsical side that hypnotizes its honeymooners, couples or lovers in vacation, and steals their hearts for a romantic retreat for two. It offers a lot, from balloon rides to relentless walks along picturesque valleys, historical districts, underground hotels, monasteries, gorgeous museums, delicious local cuisine, and more. Whether you are planning romantic days in Cappadocia getaway or you are looking for ideas, here we explore the most romantic things to do in Cappadocia for couples that you should add to your bucket list!
Most Romantic Things to do in Cappadocia For Couples
Count yourself lucky because Cappadocia, the fairy-tale land, has no shortage of options with its wide variety of hotels, ranging from luxurious boutiques to the most charming old cave houses. Final romantic moments are all you want in a stylish hotel with authentic décor, stunning views, and exciting events or activities that will make you feel special.
This picturesque fairyland has many must-see spots, such as Goreme, Urgup, Uchisar, and Avanos, with many different accommodation options for every budget, ranging from boutique hotels to mansions, cave houses, hostels, daily rental houses, and more.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Tour
Never go back home without a balloon ride in Avanos and Goreme regions! Witness the romantic sunset and sunrise in the balloon, and watch the magnificent fairy chimneys views from the fascinating Cappadocia skies.
One of the most popular things to do in Cappadocia is to 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!
We recommend the below tour options for the great value for money.
- Royal Balloon (over 4000, 5-star reviews)
- Butterfly Balloons (over 1700, 5-star reviews)
- Turquaz Balloons (over 1300, 5-star reviews)
- Discovery Balloons (over 1000, 5-star reviews)
- Skyway Balloons (over 700, 5-star reviews)
- Turkiye Balloons (over 250, 5-star reviews)
- Balloon Turca (over 150, 5-star reviews)
- Atmosfer Balloons (over 150, 5-star reviews)
- Urgup Balloons (over 100, 5-star reviews)
- Guvercin Balloons (over 50, 5-star reviews)
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Visit Lovers Hill, Take Photos or Watch Sunrise/Sunset
Lovers Hill is situated right next to Goreme town and can be accessed by climbing a pathway along the central Goreme Mosque.
This is one of the best places where you can best observe the sunrise in Cappadocia. You can also watch the beautiful views of Goreme National Park and the early morning hot air balloons.
Visit Red Valley and Watch Sunset
Red Valley (Kizilcukur) is one of the best places to watch the sunrise and sunset in Cappadocia. The valley is located in the middle of Goreme National Park named after the red colored tuff rocks and fairy chimneys spread through the valley. It has such a beautiful landscape in a dreamy crimson color that attracts its visitors.
You’ll experience Cappadocia from a different perspective by viewing its lovely hills and fairy chimneys from the ground level. There is also a lovely observation terrace for the best sunset.
Visit Love Valley
Love Valley, also known as Baglidere Valley, is one of the most fantastic valleys of Cappadocia. Located between Avanos and Goreme road, the valley is named after the interesting fairy chimney formations, and being popular with the couples for marriage proposals.
With its magnificent views, the valley is one of the popular spots where you can watch the sunset in Cappadocia. It is also very ideal for photography enthusiasts. Many Cappadocia sightseeing excursions pass the valley on their schedule. Witness the perfect sunset with your spouse in the Love Valley.
Explore Goreme Open Air Museum
Being UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, the Goreme Open Air Museum is also one most popular places to see in Cappadocia. It hosts the most important Byzantine cave churches in the world that where the monks and nuns pursued monastic life.
Goreme Open Air Museum is a rocky settlement area that has hosted an extreme monastery life between 4th to 13th centuries D.C. that travellers may experience and enjoy some well preserved, rock-cut churches with frescoes and paintings dating from as early as the 10th century and the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia. The region forms a valley including churches, chapels, dining halls and sitting rooms at the rock-cut blocks.
We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.
- North Cappadocia Ancient Red Route Small-Group Tour with Lunch
- Goreme to North Cappadocia Tour. Guide, Lunch and Transfers incl.
- Best of Cappadocia Small Group Guided Tour
- Cappadocia Red Tour (Pro Guide, Tickets, Lunch, Transfer)
- Cappadocia: Red Tour (included, lunch, guide, entrance fees)
- Full-Day Cappadocia Red Plus Tour
- Cappadocia: Full-Day Private Cappadocia Tour
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Photo Shooting for a Day
Take great photos, and capture every moment with your spouse, especially where colorful balloons decorate the sky. There are many spots where you can take panoramic photos in Cappadocia, such as the beautiful scenery at Goreme Open Air Museum or Pasabagi.
Let’s immortalize the fairy-tale image of Cappadocia, one of our natural and historical heritages in the central Anatolia of Turkey with its unique and rich nature and beauty.
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Romantic 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 romantic and wonderful day out activity.
This is a perfect attraction to propose as well. 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
Wine tasting for a Day
Cappadocia is a famous city with its vineyards and wine culture. Taste the local wines of Cappadocia, such as Turasan and Kocabag, in some wine houses or wineries. The local winemakers are waiting for you in the heart of Cappadocia to share with you the secrets of the regional wines with a fantastic wine tasting day out.
Want to know the tidbits about “How is wine tested?” and learn more about its quality with confidence? Then, you’re on the right page! Doing it in the magical Cappadocia area, blended with culture, history, art, and many more perks, will give you unforgettable memories you will carry all your life.
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Ceramics & Pottery for a Day
Join the local pottery workshops in Avanos, talk to the artists and locals, and feel the soft clays collected from Avanos Mountains and Kızılırmak beds. You will love it!
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. Immerse yourself in the secrets of the traditional pottery workshops and demonstrations. The ancestral techniques and know-how of the craftsmen workshop will show you all the secrets.
Classes are typically around half a day in length and include everything from clay preparation to decorating glazing. At the end of the session, you can take your unique creations home with you as mementos of your time spent in magical Cappadocia.
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Goreme Open Air Museum
Goreme Open Air Museum is a must see place in Goreme. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, comes first among the places to visit in the town.
Here you’ll experience and enjoy the impressive rock-cut churches with frescoes dating from the 10th century carved by early Christian monks and fine examples of Byzantine art at the museum.
The Elmali Church, Dark Church, Tokali Church, Yilanli Church, Saint Basil Chapel, Santa Barbara Chapel and Santa Catherine Chapel are the popular churches and chapels that worth a visit and see at the Goreme Open Air Museum.
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Tour Goreme and around & Visit Panoramic Viewpoints
See the gorgeous Cappadocia’s houses decorated with frescoes and fairy chimneys that appeal to the eyes. Have a sightseeing tour around Goreme. Goreme is without a doubt, the star attraction and point of interest of any visit to Cappadocia.
This lovely place is almost like an open-air museum surrounded by wonderful valleys and fairy chimneys, and has become one of the most frequented points of local and foreign tourists. Travelers are welcomed by big rocky formations like all are left from the “Stone Age”.
There are variety of great panoramic viewpoints in Cappadocia for the ones who want to enjoy the stunning views of Cappadocia and also for photographers. Going to one of the popular viewpoints of Cappadocia is the best way to experience and enjoy the amazing landscape carved in fairy chimneys and rock formations.
When you look out from these observation terraces, you’ll be excited with the magnificent valleys laid under your feet. Taking a break at the resting areas and banks with your drink and watching the beautiful views are also among the best activities in Cappadocia. These viewpoints are also very ideal for photography enthusiasts.
Ride A Horse
Be adventurous and try horseback riding at the Moonlight Farm in Goreme. Prior to riding you will receive a training and will be accompanied by a guide. Cappadocia is also known as the “land of beautiful horses” and this attraction is live at the horse farms between Avanos and Goreme is an unforgettable experience in Cappadocia.
However, these horses have also had a lot of experience and know the routes! Enjoy an exhilarating yet peaceful outing and the perfect way to witness these natural wonders without disturbing their unspoiled beauty.
Amid an incredible landscape of imposing rock formations, riders can look over valley and enjoy the companionship of both their friends or family and the horses.
We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.
- Cappadocia Sunset Horse Riding through the Valleys and Fairy Chimneys
- Cappadocia: Sunset Horse Riding Tour
- Two Hour Horse Tour Cappadocia
- Cappadocia: Fairy Chimneys Guided Horseback Tour
- Adventure in Cappadocia Horse Riding Sunset ,Daytime
- Fun horse tour in Cappadocia
- Göreme: Horseback Riding Experience in Cappadocia
- Göreme/Uçhisar: Love Valley Sunset Horseback Riding Tour
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Visit Stores & Boutiques for some shopping
Pop into the local stores and boutiques while strolling the streets of Goreme and Urgup, and buy gifts for your loved ones.
Visit Chez Galip Hair Museum
This is a private museum located in Avanos. One of the most interesting museums in the world, more than 16,000 women hair samples are exhibited at the museum.
All parts of the museums are covered with locks of hair from women with their addresses on the papers hold on the hair locks. Maybe you leave one!
Wander the 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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Discover the Flavors of Cappadocia Cuisine
Taste the local cuisines and the delicacies of Central Anatolia, such as testi kebab cooked in the famous pots of Avanos, and is eaten after breaking out of the jug during service. Have a romantic, exotic dinner in one of the Cappadocia restaurants.
For travelers looking to explore the unique flavors of Cappadocia cuisine, there is no shortage of exciting dishes to sample. While numerous restaurants offer international cuisine, we recommend sampling some dishes from Central Anatolian cuisine, a modern showcase of traditional skill. Traditional favorites like manti, a type of dumpling filled with spiced beef or lamb, is served with a drizzle of garlic yoghurt sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor.
From stuffed tomatoes to roasted mushrooms in olive oil and thyme or cottage cheese with honey spoon sweets—there’s something enjoyable for everyone in this vibrant culinary destination. Whether it’s sampling regional specialties or exploring the wide array of freshly-baked breads topped with regional spices–a gastronomic tour through Cappadocia is sure to leave lasting memories of delicious food.
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Visit Uchisar Castle, Have Fun / Watch Sunset
Have fun at Uchisar Castle, and witness the beauty of Mount Erciyes from across the castle. Uchisar Castle is the highest point of the region and also the biggest and the most beautiful fairy chimney of the region where you may enjoy a unique panoramic view over Cappadocia. Uchisar Castle is also considered to be one of the best places in the world to watch sunset.
From the top of the castle, you can see the extraordinary views of Pigeon Valley, Avanos, Ortahisar Castle and Goreme National Park.
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Hike Pigeon Valley between Goreme town – Uchisar
Wander around Pigeon Valley and take photos in the area full of pigeon nests.
Pigeon Valley is another great place near Uchisar town named after the thousands of pigeon houses carved into the soft tufa since ancient times and offers another spectacular panoramic view over Cappadocia together with spectacular view of dovecotes.
The valley has about 4 km. hiking track and the west end of the valley ends in Uchisar. Although the tracks through the valley are a bit challenging, the region is also ideal for trekking and trekking. The walking path is a bit long, so we recommend you take comfortable outdoor shoes with you.
The walk in the valley takes about 45 minutes. The best time to hike in the valley is early in the morning.
Visit Pasabag (Monks) Valley
Pasabag Valley, also known as “Monks Valley” is one of the most popular fairy chimneys areas of Cappadocia. The valley is situated between Avanos and Goreme.
Those who come visit Cappadocia mostly go to Pasabag Valley to see the best fairy chimney formations. The formations that once used as a seclusion place for the Monks, are now a very attractive tourist zone in Cappadocia.
One of the best activities in the valley is to enjoy the nature and unique beauties by walking among the fairy chimneys. The valley, which was used as a retreat by the priests and monks during its period, includes many rock-cut monasteries, churches, chapels and settlements, as well as tunnels and mills.
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Visit Devrent imagination valley
Devrent Valley, also called as “Imagination Valley” is one of the fantastic regions of Cappadocia. You can experience and enjoy the beautiful lunar landscape of Cappadocia, the most surreal landscape of the region.
Devrent Valley is home to very interesting fairy chimney formations. Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimney that looks like camel and many other fairy chimneys that look resemble animal or human figures are located here.
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Visit Zelve Valley Open Air Museum
Visit the unique Zelve Open Air Museum and see the structures dating back to the 9th century up close.
Zelve Valley is one of the most popular open air museum areas of Cappadocia, situated between Avanos and Goreme, nearby Pasabag Monks Valley. Being part of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Zelve Valley Open Air Museum is also one most popular places to see in Cappadocia that travelers may experience sharp pointed and wide fairy chimneys.
Zelve Valley is one of the best places to explore and enjoy the most intensive fairy chimneys in Cappadocia. The valley attracts travelers not only with its fairy chimneys but also with its magnificent nature.
There is also a show called Zelve Mapping Show, which is a video mapping and a magnificent sound system projected into fairy chimneys 150 meters away. The program is in the evening and you should buy tickets.
Visit the famous Three Beauties
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. Three Beauties will greet you when you go from Urgup to Ortahisar.
Visit Temenni Hill
Have romantic moments while watching the sunset at the stunning Temenni Hill.
Temenni (Wish) 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 Aga Public Library in the middle.
Visit Asmali Mansion
Visit Asmalı Konak (Mansion), where one of the famous Turkish TV series was shot.
The mansion, originally an old Greek house dating back to 1800, is one of the popular places in Mustafapasa village through Urgup. Today, it serves as a hotel and restaurant as the “Old Greek House”. Have a romantic lunch or dinner here!
Enjoy a Turkish Night Performance
Enjoy a performance at one of the local restaurants, showcasing the tradition of Turkish nights. The evening consists of dinner, drinking, and dancing, accompanied by traditional live music. Guests will be treated to traditional folk dances, such as the infamous whirling dervishes.
Other dances from different parts of Turkey will be presented as well and, in some cases, guests even have the option to join in! While watching the performances, guests can sip on the wide variety of delicious wines from Cappadocia and sample some of Turkey’s most delicious and authentic meals. By reserving one of the Turkish Night experiences, you are sure to have an excellent evening of entertainment!
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Stay in Cave Hotels
While in Cappadocia, there are accommodations available for every budget! Whether you are looking for a more budget friendly option, or a luxurious hotel there is absolutely something available for you.
The majority of hotels, regardless of budget, are built into the stone or within the caves so that guests can have the ultimately Cappadocia experience. When reserving your hotel, research whether you will be staying in a traditional room, suite, or luxury space to get a better idea about the types of amenities you should be expecting upon arrival.
Find out the top-rated cave hotels in Cappadocia