Waking up in Cappadocia on New Year’s Day is an experience unlike any other. Whether you celebrated with a gala dinner in a cave hotel, watched fireworks over fairy chimneys, or danced the night away in Göreme, the first day of the year calls for adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable moments.
From soaring in a hot air balloon at sunrise to exploring ancient underground cities, indulging in a traditional Turkish breakfast, or unwinding in a soothing hammam, there are plenty of ways to start the new year feeling refreshed and inspired.
In this guide, we’ll share 11 of the best things to do on New Year’s Day in Cappadocia, helping you make the most of your first day of the year in this magical region.
What to Do on New Year’s Day in Cappadocia
Start the year with unforgettable experiences in Cappadocia, where stunning landscapes, rich history, and cultural traditions come together. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, Cappadocia offers a variety of activities to make your first day of the year truly special.
No Regrets Booking Advice
Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise
Welcome the new year with a magical hot air balloon ride, soaring above Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscapes. As the first light of the year paints the sky in hues of pink and gold, you’ll drift over fairy chimneys, valleys, and ancient rock formations, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
✔ Duration: 60–90 minutes
✔ Capacity: 12–28 people per basket, depending on the balloon size
✔ Departure Time: Flights usually start around 5:00 AM
Tip: Book your hot air balloon ride in advance, as spots fill up quickly, especially during holiday seasons. Don’t forget your camera!
Wanna learn more about hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia?
We recommend the below tour options for the great value for money.
- Royal Balloon (over 5,500, 5-star reviews, from €130)
- Discovery Balloons (over 3,200, 5-star reviews, from €160)
- Turquaz Balloons (over 2,400, 5-star reviews, from €100)
- Butterfly Balloons (over 1,650, 5-star reviews, from €140)
- Balloon Turca (over 800, 5-star reviews, from €100)
Hike through Pasabag Monks Valley
Paşabağ Valley, also known as Monks Valley, is one of Cappadocia’s most famous fairy chimney formations. Once used as a secluded retreat for monks, the valley now attracts visitors eager to explore its natural beauty and historical rock-cut churches.
✔ Enjoy a peaceful walk through surreal rock formations
✔ Discover ancient cave dwellings, monasteries, and tunnels
✔ Experience one of Cappadocia’s most photogenic locations
Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket—mornings can be chilly, even in winter.
Wanna learn more about Pasabag Monks Valley? >>
Visit Open-Air Museums
Step back in time at Cappadocia’s open-air museums, where you can explore ancient rock-cut churches, monasteries, and cave dwellings carved into the volcanic landscape.
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.
This ancient monastic complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, is home to stunning rock-cut churches and chapels decorated with Byzantine frescoes.
Must-see churches inside the museum:
✔ Elmali Church – Known for its apple-themed frescoes.
✔ Dark Church (Karanlık Kilise) – Famous for well-preserved, vibrant frescoes from the 10th century.
✔ Tokalı Church – The largest and oldest church in the museum.
✔ Yılanlı Church – Features unique depictions of St. George and the dragon.
⏳ Recommended time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Wanna learn more about Goreme Open Air Museum? >>
Visit Uchisar Castle
For breathtaking panoramic views of Cappadocia, Uçhisar Castle is a must-visit. As the highest point in the region, this ancient fortress offers unobstructed views of Göreme, Pigeon Valley, and beyond.
✔ See one of Cappadocia’s largest and most impressive fairy chimneys
✔ Capture stunning photos of the landscape
✔ Visit at sunset for a truly magical experience
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes—the climb to the top involves some uneven steps.
Wanna learn more about Uchisar Valley? >>
Tour Goreme and around & Visit Panoramic Viewpoints
Göreme is considered the heart of Cappadocia, filled with historic cave houses, fairy chimneys, and stunning viewpoints.
Top Viewpoints for Amazing Photos:
✔ Göreme Panorama – A breathtaking spot overlooking Göreme’s rock formations and fairy chimneys.
✔ Red Valley Sunset Point – A favorite location for watching the changing colors of the landscape.
✔ Ortahisar Castle Viewpoint – Offers a different perspective of the region from another fairy chimney fortress.
Tip: Bring a hot drink and enjoy the view while soaking in the quiet beauty of Cappadocia.
Ceramics & Pottery for a Day
Avanos, known for its rich pottery-making tradition, is the perfect place to try your hand at pottery with local artisans.
✔ Hands-on pottery-making experience with skilled craftsmen
✔ Learn traditional techniques passed down for generations
✔ Create your own pottery piece to take home as a souvenir
Tip: Pottery classes typically last 2–3 hours, making it a great midday activity before lunch.
Wanna learn more about pottery and ceramics for a day in Cappadocia? >>
Visit Stores & Boutiques for some shopping
Take a leisurely stroll through Göreme and Ürgüp’s charming streets, where you’ll find local boutiques selling handmade crafts, ceramics, carpets, and jewelry.
✔ Support local artisans and traditional craftsmanship
✔ Find unique, handcrafted souvenirs
✔ Enjoy browsing at a relaxed pace
Tip: Many shops offer shipping options, so you don’t have to worry about carrying bulky items home.
Wanna learn more about gastronomy & eating out in Cappadocia?
Enjoy a Traditional Cappadocian Meal
New Year’s Day is the perfect time to indulge in local flavors. Cappadocia’s cuisine is rich in history and flavor, making dining an essential part of your experience.
✔ Testi Kebab – A slow-cooked meat and vegetable dish prepared in a sealed clay pot.
✔ Manti (Turkish Dumplings) – Small dumplings topped with garlic yogurt and butter sauce.
✔ Pumpkin Seeds & Local Nuts – A Cappadocian specialty, great for snacking.
Tip: Choose a cave restaurant for a cozy dining experience with traditional Anatolian ambiance.
Sample the Local Wines
Cappadocia is home to some of Turkey’s best wineries, with a winemaking tradition dating back to the Hittites. The region’s volcanic soil gives its wines a unique and rich flavor.
✔ Turasan Winery (Ürgüp) – One of Cappadocia’s oldest and most famous wineries.
✔ Kocabağ Winery (Uçhisar) – Known for Emir and Öküzgözü grape varieties.
✔ Local wine bars – Many restaurants and bars offer wine-tasting experiences with stunning views.
Tip: Try Emir wine, a white variety native to Cappadocia.
Wanna learn more about wine tasting for a day in Cappadocia?
Enjoy a Turkish Night Performance
Celebrate the new year with an evening of live entertainment, music, and traditional folk performances. A Turkish Night Show is the perfect way to end the day with dancing, culture, and fun.
✔ Live Turkish folk dance performances
✔ Belly dancing & whirling dervishes
✔ A full dinner with unlimited drinks
Tip: Many cave restaurants host Turkish Night events—book in advance!
Wanna learn more about Turkish night in Cappadocia?
Relaxing Spa Experience
Unwind after a long day of exploring with a relaxing spa experience at one of Cappadocia’s luxury cave hotels.
✔ Traditional Turkish bath (hammam) & full-body scrub
✔ Aromatherapy & hot stone massages
✔ Relaxing cave spa settings
Tip: Book a Turkish bath + massage package for the ultimate relaxation.
