Travelling to magical Cappadocia | a trending fairytale destination
Probably the most known part of Turkey, after Istanbul, Cappadocia is a magical place that you should visit at least once in your lifetime! We had the chance to visit the region and stayed in its most popular city Goreme.
Cappadocia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mesmerising historical region nestled in the heart of Turkey. The region is known for its unique rock formations, fairy chimneys, and underground cities, as well as its rich history dating back thousands of years.
The origin of the Cappadocia’s name is Persian and it means a land of beautiful horses - horse breeding in the region goes back to 1.900BC!
Moon-like landscape and enchanting natural wonders
The formation of Cappadocia landscape started 30 million years ago. There were three active volcanoes in the region, and they played the major role in the formation of this incredible landscape. Over millions of years, their eruptions covered the land of 150 kilometers in diameter with thick layers of volcanic tufa and compressed volcanic ash.
For several million of these years, the forces of nature shaped the landscape of Cappadocia with todays extraordinary rock formations!
Cappadocia’s captivating landscape is not only a feast for the eyes but also offers numerous activities and adventures for every traveler.
The Ihlara valley
I love hiking and had a great time while visiting the Ihlara Valley. We left the car near the big sunny square of the Ihlara city and had a tea in one of the cafes before going on our tour. After 5 minutes’ walk following the signs in the village, we got to the path.
There is an entrance fee (we bought the tickets on spot – 3€) and the whole area is guarded as there is a security at the beginning and at the end of the trail.
The signalisation of the 15 km trail is perfect and it’s impossible to get lost as basically it is an easy wide path and felt more like walking in a park than actual hiking, so it is a great option for amateurs and families with kids. Loved the fact that we didn’t meet many tourists and had the chance to admire the nature of Cappadocia. Big trees, the sound of the river and so many caves! I had a closer look at the soft volcanic rock surface of the mountain, and found it so fascinating, so much different from the composition of the rocks of the typical mountains I knew, as this one was formed from the volcanic eruptions. While entering the caves we saw the history’s leftovers as Christians used to live here while hiding. The paintings and carvings inside are fascinating as well as the formation of rooms reminding us that people used to live here. Historically, Ihlara Valley was where the Greeks lived during the Byzantine period, hidden from Roman soldiers and it also figured as a vital religious centre for monks.
In the middle of the trail, we found a food stop named “Belisirma”, where we had a tea and a snack near the Melendiz stream – a nice break on our 3 hour hike.
Other popular destinations for hiking would be the Pigeon Valley, the Rose Valley, the Passabaglari, the Love Valley, The Belissirma Village, The Pasabag Valley, The Red Valley as well as the Lake Tuz! Lake Tuz is an incredible salt lake only an hour’s drive away from Goreme. The lake is remarkable because of its vibrant pink color, and you may even get lucky and see flamingos!
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tours | a flying experience!
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon experience that will lift you above the surreal terrain of Cappadocia, providing breathtaking panoramic views that will leave you speechless.
The pickup time was at 5 am in the morning! After collecting everybody the team started driving through the terrain of Cappadocia to the starting point of our flight. Soon the bus stopped as we had arrived. The balloons were still lying down on the ground like giants taking their nap, the fire in the balloons was lighting up like dragons getting ready and us people all around seemed so tiny and so unimportant.
Finally, we got on board. The captain and the co-captain (a woman!) introduced themselves in very good English and explained some basic rules of our flight. Then everything happened so fast, so flawlessly and suddenly we were in the air. The crew were super nice, and they were giving us a beautiful tour with interesting historical information.
Then it was time for the sunrise. A warmth touched my heart, and my eyes were filled with a new color palette, a richer one. I could see this spectacle of balloons flying over this amazing territory once again from a different perspective.
You can hardly find a place in the world with so many balloons (~150 per day) taking over the sky so often, and that's why Cappadocia is so magical.
Hide & Seek
We delved into the intriguing history of Cappadocia by exploring its underground cities and rock-cut churches.
The lands where the Hittites once lived have been one of the most important centres of Christianity in the later periods. Houses and churches carved into the caves turned the region into a huge haven for Christians escaping from the dominance of the Roman Empire.
The human hands performed incredible work here and created a network of handmade caves and tunnels. They created entire towns underneath the ground, all connected through different tunnel complexes which could run 8 different storages deep underground!
The Goreme Open Air Museum
The Goreme Open Air Museum is one of the most popular places and historical sites in Cappadocia. The museum is located rather close to the city centre of Goreme, which is only 5 minutes driving distance.
Try to avoid this attraction on the weekend because the place will not only be swarmed with tourists but also with locals.
There are over 10 cave churches to admire and visit. Despite the crowds it’s still a must see if you want to learn more about the rich culture and history embedded in this place. We took our time to watch and learn and would suggest doing the same, as it will be easier for you to understand the importance of the monuments you will visit during your stay in Cappadocia. It was our first stop as it was the closest one. Here was also the place where the movie Medea with Maria Callas took place in 1969.
If you have time, you may also visit during your trip The Zelve open air museum.
The Derinkuyu Underground City
One of its most intriguing attractions in Cappadocia (for only 3.50€) is the Derinkuyu Underground City. This ancient subterranean complex is believed to have been built thousands of years ago, serving as a shelter and refuge for the local communities during times of turmoil and conflict.
The Derinkuyu Underground City is a remarkable feat of engineering, consisting of multiple levels that extend several stories deep into the ground. This sprawling labyrinth features narrow passages, hidden chambers, wells and even ventilation shafts to ensure the inhabitants had access to fresh air. It is estimated that this underground city could accommodate thousands of people, providing them with the necessary facilities for living, such as kitchens, stables, churches and storage areas.
Exploring the Derinkuyu Underground City is like stepping back in time, as we were wandering through its dimly lit corridors and discovering the remnants of ancient life. As we were descending deeper under ground, we couldn’t help but marvel at the ingenuity and craftsmanship that went into constructing such a complex network of tunnels and rooms. We went below ground until we were 5 levels deep into this cave system which once housed over 20.000 people!
Do know that if you suffer from claustrophobia this excursion might not be for you. We, though, had a really good time, playing hide and seek while learning history and realising how lucky we are, being Europeans in the 21st century!
If you into the underground concept there is another city like this in Cappadocia named Kaymakli.
Uchisar Castle
Situated in the charming town of Uchisar, this castle stands as a remarkable testament to the architectural brilliance of ancient civilisations.
Originally serving as a defensive stronghold, Uchisar Castle played a vital role in protecting the people of Cappadocia from invasions and external threats. Its strategic location on the hilltop offered a commanding view of the surrounding valleys and enabled the inhabitants to monitor any approaching danger from afar.
What makes Uchisar Castle truly mesmerising is not only its historical significance but also its natural formation. Carved entirely from the soft volcanic rock that defines the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, the castle showcases the exceptional skill of its builders and their ability to work harmoniously with nature.
Exploring the castle’s interior (entrance fee 1.80€), we wandered through a labyrinth of tunnels, corridors, and chambers that once housed the inhabitants and provided protection during times of conflict. As we made our way up to the top of Uchisar Castle, a panoramic view unfolded, revealing the breathtaking beauty of Cappadocia. Uchisar is the highest point in Cappadocia, so it was ideal to watch the sunset!
Göreme - the historic center of Cappadocia
The town of Göreme is the historic center of Cappadocia and is also the place where you have one of the best views from the hot air balloons in the morning!
A pretty, little tourist village in the midst of the valley where you will find budget and mid-range hotels, along with a good selection of cafes and restaurants. We stayed at Cappadocia Caves Hotel - great location, nice amenities, polite staff and amazing view during breakfast time – hot air balloons all over us.
Another option to stay would be Urgup city.
Indulge in the local cuisine
The Turkish cuisine is a fusion of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Eastern European, Armenian and Balkan cuisines. A common thing when going out for dining would be a selection of appetizers that can be shared with the entire table! Keep also in mind that there is a long history of wine production in Cappadocia, so you may taste a couple of local varieties while you’re there.
In The Derinkuyu Underground City - After visiting and getting out in the fresh air, we asked the Turkish security guy where he likes to eat, and he suggested the Derinkuyu Doyum Restaurant. It was a small tavern 5 minutes’ walk with 2 tables where we ate like kings for 5€ - great food, lovely staff.
In Goreme we dined at three places, and I recommend the following two:
The Pumpkin Restaurant a small, cozy restaurant in a welcoming atmosphere and very tasteful food.
Seten restaurant a premium restaurant with good food, rich decoration, and a beautiful view.
Due to its inland location and high altitude, Cappadocia has a rather continental climate, with hot dry summers and cold snowy winters, so autumn and spring are the best times to visit (although photos of Cappadocia in the snow look magical).
From September to November is an autumn picturesque season ideal to capture stunning photographs and immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery. During these months, you’ll also have the advantage of avoiding the peak tourist crowds that flock to Cappadocia in the summer months. This means shorter lines, better availability of accommodations, and a more peaceful and intimate experience overall
Cappadocia is a fascinating destination and fully deserves a place on any Turkey itinerary.
Following some tips:
Your stay: there is a huge amount to do in Cappadocia and it's worth taking the extra time to fully explore the region. Also take into consideration that the hot air balloon flight might be cancelled due to weather conditions although in general the wind condition is suitable for more than 250 days a year. To conclude I would recommend staying in Cappadocia for 4 days and book the balloon tour for the 1st day, so if the ride is cancelled, then you can go on the next date available.
If you are European, you may travel with your ID – just have a last check before flying though cause things may change. It is a 1-hour flight from Istanbul.
Rent a car: There’s a lot to do in Cappadocia, but it’s a large region so hire a car if you want to travel independently. I would recommend booking online, although we didn’t, but we got lucky! At the airport there are 2-3 rent a car spots. We bargained and got the same price as online and a better car.
Immerse yourself in the local culture by staying in one of the charming cave hotels, which seamlessly blend traditional architecture with modern luxury. We stayed in Cappadocia caves hotel in Goreme.
Hot air balloons - Book in advance, like 1 month earlier. Read the reviews and check out the prices. We booked a flight with the Discovery Balloons at 230€/per person in October through the getyourguide.com. We were approximately 20 people in the balloon, and it was super comfortable as each one of us had a clear view and could take lots of pictures. You may cancel your booking even 24 hours before the flight with a full refund. The average price of a balloon ride is around 150 – 200€
Suitcase: take warm clothes with you, as nights may get 10 degrees lower – check it out online before you go. In addition you will definitely need it on the 1 hour hot air balloon flight!
Translate: A lot of the locals speak English and are willing to help you if you have questions but please download the google translate just in case.
Money: you may use your credit card, but I would recommend to get Turkish pounds before travelling to Cappadocia.
Not to do: Don’t visit the Instagram famous Galerie Ikman. You are charged for taking photos and everything is overpriced – the staff aren’t polite at all.
Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport: It is a small airport, basically 2 rooms, so no need to be there 2-3 hours before departure - 1 hour is enough. There is no cafeteria available so get yourself something to drink and a snack before arriving.
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