We all need a holiday every once in a while. Between our hectic work schedules, managing household chores, running errands, juggling family commitments and life administration, you can be left wondering where all the days in your weeks and months end up going. That’s precisely why you need some time out once a year, at a minimum. A holiday can ensure that you rest, recharge, and restore your soul, allowing you to return to your busy life feeling nothing but rejuvenated, full of energy, and ready to take on the world.
But where exactly should you travel to? An overseas trip is an excellent choice, but there are many places you could visit. Thankfully, we’re here with the perfect getaway destination for Aussie travellers looking to experience somewhere new and exciting. Cappadocia, in Turkiye, is an excellent destination for any avid Aussie traveller.
If you’re based in Australia and are looking to experience everything that Cappadocia has to offer, then this is the guide for you. Read on to learn how you can make the absolute most of your trip to Cappadocia.
Book accommodation in advance
The first thing you want to do is book your accommodation online. You’d hate to arrive in Cappadocia and find that all the good hotels and hostels are full, leaving you with nowhere to stay or forcing you to settle for some subpar digs or accommodation that’s way too far away from all the action.
We recommend jumping online and researching the best places to stay well before you even buy your flight tickets. You may even be able to snag an offer on flights and accommodation at the same time, allowing you to save big.
All in all, however, booking your accommodation ahead can help you avoid any disappointment, and ensure that you’re staying somewhere that allows you to experience all that Cappadocia has to offer. Make sure that you also read some hotel and hostel reviews too. Reading a few testimonials from previous guests and visitors may help you find some hidden gems!
Have a hot air balloon adventure
Every year, over half a million people take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, and many more people have this experience on their bucket lists. It’s not hard to figure out why as you float gently over the historic cave homes of Goreme Town and see the gorgeous landscapes in this part of the world.
Over 100 balloons rise through the air at once, which is a unique phenomenon to witness. Simply put, there is nowhere better in the world to enjoy a hot air balloon ride.
Thankfully, it’s just as easy to hitch a ride on some of Cappadocia’s famous hot air balloons as it is to snap a breathtaking photo from the comfort of land. Most tourists will find that their accommodation or even their tour guide can offer great deals on a hot air balloon ride, so be sure to ask around.
Enjoy the Red Valley Hike and Sunset Viewpoint
If you’re a fan of hiking, you’ll find Cappadocia an excellent destination on this front too. Red Valley offers some excellent hiking trails, with fantastic sandstone ridges that glow a vibrant shade of red as the setting sun burns the landscape in lush hues. The viewpoint offers incredible panoramic views and is worth the effort to hike up to, especially if you have a good quality camera on hand.
There are also plenty of retail shopping opportunities that you can take full advantage of when visiting Red Valley, with local eateries and merchant stalls open for tourists to enjoy. You can purchase locally produced and artisanal items like woven rugs, bags, towels, and souvenir items like magnets and hand-moulded trinkets.
As for food stalls and cafes, there are venues that offer buffet-style dining all around Red Valley, as well as small eateries where you can enjoy local favourites like apricot stew, kebabs, and manti, also known as Turkish ravioli.
Explore the Rose Valley Trail
Another superb hiking trail in the Cappadocia region is the Rose Valley trail. This hiking location winds through a gorgeous area full of sharp, pink-tinged ridges that glow during sunset. The landscape has evolved over the years into a fascinating, corrugated shape that will take your breath away.
One other very notable reason why this valley is considered to be as unique as it is, is its topography. Due to the topographical nature of Rose Valley, one half of the region is shaded constantly, and the other gets full sun.
Rose Valley is also aptly named due to the pink minerals in the stone that glow a soft and delicate colour that can only be described as a natural ‘rose gold’. You just have to see it to believe it.
Take a horse riding tour
You can take a two-hour guided horse ride tour in Cappadocia, which will take you through the winding valleys of Goreme atop beautiful Turkish horses. The accompanying local tour guide to this unique horseback riding experience will show you the local sights as you gallop across the countryside.
Most tour guides will also take this opportunity to visit the rock-cut Hallacdere Monastery with you. This trip will see you travelling past lush orchards and vineyards on your way to the breathtaking architectural marvel that is the monastery itself. Like many sights in Cappadocia, this tour is best enjoyed just before sunset.
Visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum
Another must-see attraction for Aussie tourists with a penchant for education alongside adventure is the Goreme Open-Air Museum. This popular destination is well worth a visit as it will be an integral component of experiencing Cappadocia’s contemporary culture.
You can grab your headphones and take a guided audio tour through the churches, cave houses and ancient paintings that are showcased in this unique museum environment.
You can also spend a bit more and opt for a tour with a professional guide, which we recommend. There are over 30 stops along the tour, and you’ll fully immerse yourself in the ancient and contemporary history of the rich Cappadocia region.
Catch a breathtaking sunrise at Lover’s Hill
We’ve shared a few picturesque sunset locations you can visit, but now let’s share one where you should witness a sunrise. This amazing viewpoint at Goreme Town is an excellent spot to enjoy a dazzling sunrise.
It will be crowded, but it is still worth it. You’ll see the hot air balloons rising up to the sky and epic views of the entire region on offer. We strongly recommend packing a picnic breakfast and making a morning of witnessing the hot air balloons rise up into the pastel skies.
And on the down-low, Lover’s Hill is also a great place to pop the question, for those of you who are looking to organise a destination proposal! Just don’t show your significant other this article!
A Cappadocia Conclusion
Hopefully this Aussie traveller’s guide to visiting Cappadocia in Turkiye has provided much inspiration for your own Cappadocia travel itinerary. Don’t forget to book your accommodation in advance, and make yourself a checklist of the sights to see while exploring this great region of the world. But most importantly, be sure to enjoy your trip to Cappadocia and make some memories that will last a lifetime!