Things to Do in Cappadocia: Our Best Tips For Your Attractions

Things to do in Cappadocia are endless. Cappadocia is just one of those places that can boast about anything, outstanding landscape, fairy chimneys and rock-cut houses, the beautiful 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…

Not to mention the history. There are wide range of attractions here for the travelers. Note that attending to daily tours and excursions in Cappadocia is the best way to discover and enjoy Cappadocia and its surroundings.

Essential Attractions

Cappadocia is a region filled with breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Whether you’re soaring above fairy chimneys in a hot air balloon, exploring underground cities, or wandering through scenic valleys, there’s no shortage of must-visit attractions.

Here are the top places you shouldn’t miss when exploring Cappadocia.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

A hot air balloon ride is the most iconic experience in Cappadocia, offering unparalleled views of the region’s fairy chimneys, valleys, and rock-cut dwellings. As you float above the landscape at sunrise, you’ll witness the first light of day painting the terrain in hues of gold and pink.

✔ 360-degree aerial views of Cappadocia’s stunning landscapes
✔ A peaceful, once-in-a-lifetime experience
✔ A celebratory champagne toast upon landing

Tip: Book in advance, as balloon rides are highly sought after, especially during peak seasons.

We recommend the below tour options for the great value for money.

Explore Valleys & Fairy Chimneys

Cappadocia’s valleys are the heart of its unique landscape, filled with fairy chimneys, rock-cut houses, ancient churches, and hidden caves.

These formations, shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion, create a surreal, otherworldly atmosphere.

✔ Scenic hiking trails with breathtaking views
✔ Opportunities to explore caves, ancient dwellings, and rock-cut churches
✔ Dramatic landscapes perfect for photography

Pasabag Monks Valley

Located between Avanos and Göreme, Paşabağ Valley (also known as Monks Valley) is famous for its mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys with multiple stems and caps.

Once used as a secluded retreat for monks, today, it’s one of Cappadocia’s most photographed sites. Walking through this dreamlike landscape, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

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Zelve Valley Open Air Museum

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Zelve Valley Open-Air Museum is one of the most historically significant areas in Cappadocia.

Situated between Avanos and Göreme, this site features sharp-pointed fairy chimneys and was one of the most important Christian settlements between the 8th and 13th centuries.

Why Visit?

✔ Explore ancient rock-cut homes, churches, and monasteries
✔ Learn about the early Christian communities who lived here
✔ See breathtaking fairy chimney formations up close

Discover more about Zelve Open-Air Museum

Visit Goreme Open Air Museum

One of Cappadocia’s most famous attractions, Göreme Open-Air Museum is home to some of the world’s best-preserved Byzantine cave churches. Inside, you’ll find 10th-century frescoes carved into the rock by early Christian monks, depicting biblical scenes in vibrant colors.

Highlights:

✔ Visit rock-cut churches with stunning frescoes
✔ Explore ancient monastic dwellings and chapels
✔ A UNESCO-listed historical site filled with centuries of history

Read more about Göreme Open-Air Museum

Visit Uchisar Castle

Standing at the highest point in Cappadocia, Uçhisar Castle offers stunning panoramic views over the region. Once used as a strategic fortress during Roman and Byzantine times, today it’s a popular spot for photography, sunsets, and exploring carved tunnels.

✔ Enjoy 360-degree views of fairy chimneys and valleys
✔ Explore the carved rock dwellings within the castle
✔ A must-visit for sunset lovers

Discover Uçhisar Castle

Watch Sunrise & Sunset at the Panoramic Viewpoints

Cappadocia is one of the best destinations in the world for watching sunrises and sunsets. The golden hues reflecting off the fairy chimneys and valleys create a magical, dreamlike atmosphere.

✔ Red Valley Sunset Point – One of the most famous spots for watching the sky turn golden.
✔ Love Valley Viewpoint – Overlooks the uniquely shaped fairy chimneys.
✔ Göreme Panorama – A breathtaking 360-degree view of the entire region.

See the top panoramic viewpoints in Cappadocia

Visit Pottery Workshops & Make Your Own in Avanos

The town of Avanos has been the center of pottery-making in Cappadocia for thousands of years, using red clay from the Kızılırmak River. Walk along the historic streets filled with pottery shops, where you can watch artisans at work and even try making your own clay pot.

✔ Join a hands-on pottery workshop
✔ Learn from local craftsmen about traditional pottery techniques
✔ Create your own souvenir to take home

Read more about pottery workshops in Avanos

Visit Underground Cities

Cappadocia’s underground cities are among its most fascinating attractions. Built as hidden refuges for early Christians, these multi-level underground settlements provided shelter from Roman persecution and later Arab invasions.

✔ Derinkuyu Underground City – The largest underground city, extending 85 meters deep with space for 20,000 people.
✔ Kaymaklı Underground City – Features intricate tunnels, kitchens, stables, and even a church.

Tip: Some passages are narrow and steep, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight for deeper exploration.

Continue reading about Cappadocia’s underground cities

Visit Ihlara Valley

Ihlara Valley is one of the most scenic canyons in Turkey, stretching 10 km long with towering 100-meter-high cliffs. Located 85 km from Göreme, this valley was once home to monastic communities who carved over 100 rock-cut churches into its walls.

✔ Breathtaking nature walks along the Melendiz River
✔ Visit hidden cave churches decorated with frescoes
✔ Perfect for a peaceful escape into nature

Tip: The best way to explore Ihlara Valley is by taking a leisurely 3–4 hour hike, stopping at ancient cave churches and scenic viewpoints.

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Other Popular Leisure Activities

Beyond its stunning landscapes and historical sites, Cappadocia offers thrilling outdoor adventures that let you explore the region in a fun and exciting way.

Whether you prefer off-roading through rugged terrain, riding an ATV across the valleys, or experiencing the region’s beauty on horseback, these activities provide unique ways to immerse yourself in Cappadocia’s breathtaking scenery.

4×4 Off-Road Safari

Take on Cappadocia’s rugged terrain with a 4×4 Off-Road Safari, a perfect way to experience the region’s dramatic landscapes from a different perspective. Navigate dirt roads, rocky paths, and canyon trails, while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the Red Valley, Love Valley, and beyond.

✔ Drive through remote areas of Cappadocia, away from the crowds
✔ Explore hidden valleys, fairy chimneys, and scenic hills
✔ Enjoy an adventurous ride over rough and dusty terrain

Tip: Wear comfortable clothes and sunglasses—it can get dusty on the trails!

Continue reading about 4×4 Off-Road Safari in Cappadocia

ATV Quad Safari

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, an ATV or Quad Safari is an exhilarating way to explore Cappadocia’s unparalleled natural beauty. Ride through rocky paths, sandy trails, and scenic hills, taking in unmatched views of fairy chimneys and lunar landscapes.

✔ Fast-paced adventure through Cappadocia’s valleys
✔ A fun way to cover more ground in a short amount of time
✔ Ideal for both beginners and experienced riders

Tip: Sunset ATV tours are particularly popular for capturing stunning evening views over the valleys.

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Horse Safari

Nicknamed the “Land of Beautiful Horses,” Cappadocia is one of the best places in the world to experience a horse safari. Ride through fairy chimneys, vineyards, and apricot orchards, soaking in the region’s peaceful and timeless beauty.

✔ A relaxing and immersive way to explore Cappadocia’s landscapes
✔ Ride through hidden trails that are inaccessible by car
✔ Perfect for photography lovers and nature enthusiasts

Tip: No prior horseback riding experience? No problem! Guides will match you with a horse suited to your skill level.

Continue reading about Horse Safari in Cappadocia

Sightseeing Tours

If you want to discover the popular sights, fairy chimneys, valleys, underground cities and the most beautiful spots of Cappadocia, than you should take take the sightseeing tours of Cappadocia.

There are variety of sightseeing tours that covers all regions of Cappadocia. Most sightseeing tours are named in colors like Red Tour, Green Tour and Blue Tour.

Red Tour – Classic Cappadocia Highlights

The Red Tour is the most popular sightseeing tour, covering Cappadocia’s must-see attractions. It’s a full-day tour, typically running from 9 AM to 5 PM, with stops at some of the most famous fairy chimneys, valleys, and historic sites.

✔ Göreme Open-Air Museum – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with rock-cut churches.
✔ Paşabağ (Monk’s Valley) – Iconic fairy chimneys with multiple rock formations.
✔ Devrent Valley – A valley with surreal, animal-shaped rock formations.
✔ Avanos – A pottery-making town where you can watch artisans at work.

Best for: First-time visitors who want to see Cappadocia’s top sights in a single day.

We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.

More Info & Booking

Green Tour – Adventure & Underground Cities

The Green Tour takes you off the beaten path, exploring Cappadocia’s natural wonders and underground cities. This full-day tour (9 AM – 5 PM) covers deeper, less touristy areas of Cappadocia.

✔ Derinkuyu Underground City – One of Cappadocia’s largest ancient underground cities.
✔ Ihlara Valley – A scenic canyon with rock-hewn churches and a river.
✔ Selime Monastery – A massive rock-cut monastery with stunning views.
✔ Pigeon Valley – A panoramic viewpoint with incredible landscapes.

Best for: Adventure seekers and history lovers who want to explore beyond the main tourist areas.

We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.

✔ Want the best value? → Book the All-Inclusive Green Tour
✔ Prefer a smaller group? → Go for the VIP Green Tour
✔ Love hiking? → Choose the Trekking Green Tour
✔ On a budget? → The Green Tour with Lunch, Guide is a great pick.

More Info & Booking

Blue Tour – Hidden Gems of Cappadocia

The Blue Tour is ideal for travelers who want to explore lesser-known villages, valleys, and cultural sites. This full-day tour (9 AM – 5 PM) takes you to quiet, off-the-beaten-path locations.

✔ Mustafapaşa – A former Greek village with beautiful stone mansions.
✔ Soganli Valley – A peaceful valley with rock-hewn churches and hiking trails.
✔ Sahinefendi (Sobesos) – An ancient Roman settlement with mosaics.
✔ Gomeda & Soysallar Valleys – Unique valleys with fewer crowds and untouched landscapes.

Best for: Travelers looking for a more relaxed, cultural, and less touristy experience.

We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.

More Info & Booking

Entertainment & Leisure

Cappadocia isn’t just about adventure—it’s also a cultural hotspot filled with unique experiences. Whether you want to taste local wines, try pottery-making, enjoy a traditional Turkish Night, or witness a mesmerizing Whirling Dervish ceremony, these tours offer something special for every traveler.

Wine tasting for a Day

Cappadocia is home to some of Turkey’s finest wineries, producing unique flavors thanks to its volcanic soil and ideal climate. Spend a day exploring vineyards, learning about winemaking, and tasting Cappadocia’s best local wines.

✔ Visit family-owned wineries and learn about traditional winemaking.
✔ Taste unique Turkish wines made from local grape varieties.
✔ Enjoy scenic vineyard views while sipping your favorite selections.
✔ Learn the art of wine tasting from expert sommeliers.

Best for: Wine lovers and foodies looking for a relaxing and cultural experience.

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Ceramics & Pottery for a Day

Cappadocia’s pottery-making tradition dates back thousands of years, and Avanos is the heart of this craft. Visit traditional workshops, learn ancient techniques, and even create your own pottery masterpiece to take home.

✔ Experience hands-on pottery making with skilled artisans.
✔ Learn about the history and significance of Cappadocia’s ceramics.
✔ Take home your handmade souvenir as a memory of your trip.
✔ Perfect for families, couples, and art lovers.

Best for: Those interested in local crafts and hands-on experiences.

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Turkish Night for a Day

A Turkish Night Show is a must-see experience in Cappadocia. Enjoy a lively evening of traditional music, folk dances, and delicious Turkish cuisine in a stunning cave restaurant.

What’s Included in a Turkish Night Show?

✔ Live folk music and traditional dance performances.
✔ Belly dancers and whirling dervish shows.
✔ A delicious Turkish dinner with unlimited drinks.
✔ A fun-filled night of culture, entertainment, and hospitality.

Best for: Anyone looking for a fun and immersive cultural night.

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Whirling Dervishes for a Day

For a deeply spiritual experience, attend a Whirling Dervish Ceremony. This mesmerizing Sufi performance showcases the ancient practice of whirling meditation, offering an unforgettable insight into Turkey’s mystical traditions.

✔ Witness a UNESCO-recognized spiritual tradition.
✔ Enjoy live mystical music in an atmospheric setting.
✔ Experience a truly unique aspect of Turkish culture.
✔ A perfect evening for those interested in history and spirituality.

Best for: Culture and history lovers looking for a meaningful experience.

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Photo Shooting for a Day

Capture the magic of Cappadocia with a professional photo shooting tour. Whether you want Instagram-worthy shots in fairy tale landscapes or a romantic sunrise photoshoot with hot air balloons, this experience is perfect for photography lovers.

✔ Professional photographer to capture your best moments.
✔ Stunning locations including Love Valley, Red Valley, and cave hotels.
✔ Traditional Turkish outfits available for themed shoots.
✔ Private sessions for couples, families, or solo travelers.

Best for: Anyone looking to capture breathtaking photos of Cappadocia.

Wanna learn more about photo shooting in Cappadocia? >>