A trip to Cappadocia is a dream. Its outstanding landscape with towering fairy chimneys, romantic sky with hot air balloons, warm Cappadocian sun, and hundreds of rock-cut churches offer visitors the adventure of a lifetime. With so many options, you might be wondering what the top things to do in Cappadocia are. Let’s discover some!
Must-Do Things in Cappadocia
There are plenty of things to do in Cappadocia, Turkey, from taking a hot air balloon ride to watching traditional pottery-making. Below, you can find the most prominent ones–don’t forget to take notes, because Cappadocia is home to many wonders.
Experience a Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise
Let’s start our list with a more popular yet must-do thing: hot air balloons. Soaring over the tall rock formations and hills of red and pink hues, balloons offer visitors dramatic views of Cappadocia. Watching the sun-kissed Cappadocian hills mid-air, surrounded by a myriad of balloons and excited visitors, a balloon ride is one of the unique things to do in Cappadocia. Don’t forget to bring your camera and snap lots of gorgeous pictures–they will bless your social media feed and fascinate your friends.
The price of a hot air balloon ride varies greatly, from one operator to another operator. For the best deal and experience, consider Rock Valley Travel’s hot air balloon tours.
Explore the Underground Cities
If you think Cappadocia only offers aerial magnificence, get ready to be amazed. Because the Cappadocian underground is as spectacular, and curious, as its landscape.
The underground cities of Cappadocia are quite famous for their relatively sophisticated living spaces and intriguing history. These structures have been used by the local population for centuries, offering them shelter from foreign invaders and persecutions. Although it’s thought that they were first built by Hittites or Phrygians, these underground cities were mostly used by early Christians to escape Roman and Arab persecution.
These underground cities are perfectly suitable as long-term shelters, equipped with food storage, ventilation, water supply, and even communal spaces that ensured the inhabitants preserved their usual way of life.
Exploring underground cities involves lots of walking. But witnessing human endurance against hardships and what the ancient people were capable of is a truly unique experience. You may consider various Cappadocia tours with trips to these old settlements to make the most of it.
Stay in a Cave Hotel
Visiting Cappadocian underground cities is stunning. Staying in one? This is the experience. There are many cave hotels in Cappadocia offering a comfy, and highly authentic, sleep. Mostly run by local families, these hotels are great for anyone wishing to bask in the local culture.
These cave hotels have all the facilities that conventional hotels offer. Besides, they are usually situated close to the major highlights, making them strategic bases for visitors who wish to stay near the Cappadocian heartland.
All in all, staying in a cave hotel is by far one of the best things to do in Cappadocia and you shouldn’t miss it!
Hike Through Unique Valleys
If hiking is your thing, Cappadocia offers you an unmatched experience. Stunning landscape of this fairy-chimney land is home to a plentitude of valleys, each with its unique features and mysteries. Rock-cut churches and sun-kissed natural formations offer an unforgettable trip.
The most famous of Cappadocian valleys is Love Valley (Aşk Vadisi). Famous for its towering fairy chimneys and hot-air balloon rides, this valley provides visitors with truly romantic scenes. Rose Valley with its pink-hued and Red Valley (Kızılçukur Vadisi) with red rock formations are also must-see. Zelve Valley, once served as a monastery settlement, is also perfect for a hike.
Although each of these valleys deserves a visit, the most popular highlight of Cappadocia is Ihlara Valley. A deep canyon with a river flowing through it, Ihlara Valley is home to over one hundred cave churches with stunning frescoes. The lush greenery all around Ihlara makes it stand out among other valleys in the area.
Although hiking through valleys is a great experience and recommended to all kinds of travelers, it might be best suited to those interested in nature walks. Cappadocian weather can be sweltering in summer, and you must be prepared to walk long distances. Don’t forget to bring a few bottles of water, wear comfy shoes, and dress properly for a hike under the Cappadocian sun. If all ready, enjoy your hike!
Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum
Göreme Open Air Museum is by far the main highlight of Cappadocia and visiting there is among the best things to do in Cappadocia, Turkey. All those pictures with colorful hot-air balloons, fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches, and spectacular landscapes are within this site. In addition to its wonderous attractions and stunning colors, Göreme is also famous for the profound history it boasts.
From the 4th century to the 13th century, Göreme was a haven for Christians. This vast area with numerous churches, chapels, dining halls, and communal areas, served as home to thousands of monks. Most churches and chapels in Göreme boast spectacular frescoes, providing visitors with awe-inspiring scenes. This religious art draws an interesting contrast with the structures’ quite mundane appearance, blending artificial perfection with natural magnificence.
All said, a trip to Cappadocia wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Göreme Open-Air Museum. So, if you’re preparing a Cappadocia travel plan, don’t forget to add this attraction to your itinerary and enjoy the true spirit of Cappadocia in its finest.
Discover the Fairy Chimneys
Fairy Chimneys are among the must-see attractions in Cappadocia. Towering rock formations with carved-in chambers that once provided the inhabitants with shelter, these mammoth structures embellish the Cappadocian skyline.
The formation of these chimneys is as interesting as their extraordinary appearance. Through a process that began a million years ago, volcanic ash that rained over Anatolia hardened into tuff, which was later covered by hardened basalt and shaped by wind and water. Although these formations are geologically known as hoodoo, they’re locally called Fairy Chimneys (Peri Bacaları).
It's known that the practice of carving these formations into houses began with Hittites around 1800 BCE. In the following millennia, Christian monks and Muslim mendicants did the same and expanded the area so much that in its peak, Cappadocian Fairy Chimneys and underground cities could house over 20,000 inhabitants.
Watch Traditional Pottery Making
After discovering the nature and history of Cappadocia, it’s time to explore the traditional arts and crafts. Pottery making is a thousand-year-old tradition in the region and has been a significant trade for Cappadocians.
Although pottery-making is a traditional art in the entire Cappadocia, Avanos, a historic town in the region, is the trade’s capital. What makes Avanos truly special is its strategic location by the Red River (Kızılırmak). The red clay the river named after has been used for pottery for over four thousand years. Therefore, Avanos pottery is a true symbol of Cappadocian heritage and culture.
If you’re seeking the best souvenir from Cappadocia, traditional pottery makes for a meaningful souvenir. No doubt your friends will love it, and it’ll make perfect décor for your home.
Taste Traditional Cappadocian Cuisine
The delicious Cappadocian cuisine will add a savory flavor to your unforgettable trip. The famous pottery kebab, traditional ravioli-like mantı, köftür snack from local grapes, unique dried cream, kuru kaymak in Turkish, and aside dessert will be the highlights of your travel. For breakfast? Nothing beats gözleme!
Of course, these aren’t all dishes that Cappadocia has to offer. The local cuisine has been shaped by different civilizations that ruled over the region and offers a gorgeous blend. So, during your Cappadocia trip, don’t forget to visit local restaurants and establishments for some authentic food.
Climb the Highest Point in Cappadocia
The photogene of Cappadocia is unmatched and Uçhisar Rock Castle is there to prove it. Known as the highest point in Cappadocia, this historic castle is a rock formation turned into a citadel centuries ago.
It might look like a bunch of rocks with carved-in chambers from afar; however, historically, Uçhisar served as a significant fortification for the locals, protecting them from foreign invaders for millennia.
If you’re daring and ready to undertake the challenge of climbing the highest point in Cappadocia, Uçhisar Castle awaits you. Be ready to witness the overwhelming landscape from the top of the mountain.
Horseback Riding Through the "Land of Beautiful Horses"
It might be surprising, but Cappadocia has been known for its beautiful horses for thousands of years. Scholars think that the name Cappadocia comes from the Hittite word “The name Cappadocia comes from the Iranian word “Hu-apa-dahyu,” meaning “the Land of Beautiful Horses.”
Although this etymology is disputed, it’s true that horseback riding through Cappadocian valleys is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s not only a convenient and fun way to explore the area, but it’s also quite an opportunity to take some great pictures. Book your horse riding tour and set off on an unforgettable adventure!
Extra: Go on a Wine Tasting Tour
Yes, Turkey might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of wine, but Cappadocia boasts a centuries-old winemaking tradition. The region’s unique grape varieties—Kalecik Karası, Öküzgözü, Boğazkere, Narince, and Emir—offer distinct flavors that set Cappadocian wines apart from their European counterparts. A wine tasting tour at Turasan Winery is the perfect way to experience these exceptional local flavors.
What to Know Before You Go
Cappadocia is a magical travel destination and knowing more about it might help you make the most of your trip. Here are some tips for the best Cappadocian experience:
- The best seasons to visit Cappadocia are spring and autumn, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds, followed by summer.
- Cappadocia can be extremely hot in summer. Don’t forget to pack breathable, lightweight clothes–colored white, if possible.
- Don’t hesitate to pack layers, since mornings and evenings can be chilly.
- If you’re going on a hike, bring snacks, a protective hat and a few bottles of water–make sure that you’re hydrated and protected from the sun.
- Don’t forget to book your tours in advance, especially in the peak season.
- The sunrise views are amazing in Cappadocia; so, be prepared to wake up early.
- Renting a car, booking an ATV tour, or taking a horseback ride are the best ways to explore the region.
- Drinking tap water isn’t recommended–stick to bottled water.
- While not mandatory, it’s recommended to cover shoulders, knees, and, for women, hair when visiting religious sites.
- Most locals can speak in English, but it might come in handy to learn a few basic Turkish phrases.
- Turkish Lira is the main currency in Cappadocia, yet some establishments might accept USD and Euros.
- Although ATMs are available and card is accepted almost everywhere, carry some cash just in case.
- Cappadocia is very safe but beware of scams and tourist traps.
