Is Cappadocia on your mind? Wondering what to do in Cappadocia? I’m sure you’ll benefit from this article about the best things to do in Cappadocia. Also, watch out for the helpful tips sprinkled throughout the post to make your trip even better.
Whatever inspired you to choose Cappadocia, be it the dreamy pictures of towering stone spires reaching up to a sky filled with colorful balloons or the charm of sleeping within the walls of a cave hotel, your decision is absolutely stellar! Your trip to Turkey, short or long, is incomplete without Cappadocia.
The otherworldly landscapes and rich history and culture of Cappadocia make it one of the most unique places in the world. The unique rock formations sculpted by millennia of erosion, fondly known as the fairy chimneys, define Cappadocia’s landscape. This natural artistry is steeped in history and culture. Thousands of years ago, the ancient communities sought refuge and solace, hollowing out caves, churches, and underground cities within these earthen spires.
When you visit the rock-cut churches, you’ll be pleasantly amazed to see colorful frescoes narrating stories from the life of Christ and the Bible, serving as visual sermons for the early Christian inhabitants. Seeing how people once shared and learned about their faith through art is beautiful.
Back in the Seljuk times, Cappadocia was a crucial stop on the ancient Silk Route, famous for its high-quality horse breeds (which were crucial for long journeys across lands) and also known as the land of beautiful horses (Kappa Tuchia in Persian). Nowadays, you can peek into Cappadocia’s storied past and its role in the legendary trade route by checking out historic rest stops known as han and Caravanserais, including Sultanhan and Agzikarahan in Aksaray.
Once you’ve soaked in the natural beauty, cultural gems, and historical wonders, Cappadocia still has lots of fun left! From horse riding and hiking to floating in a hot air balloon, there’s a world of adventure waiting for you!
Of course, not to mention the delicious Cappadocian cuisine, your taste buds are in for a real treat!
Must-Haves for Your Trip to Cappadocia
↬ Getting to Cappadocia: Cheap Flights to Kayseri Airport
↬ Hotel Transfer: Private Hotel Transfer from Kayseri Airport
↬ Getting Around Cappadocia: Cappadocia Private Tour with Car & Guide | Rental Car
↬ Best Places to Stay in Cappadocia: Sultan Cave Suites | Cappadocia Cave Suites | Doors Of Cappadocia Hotel | Erenbey Cave Hotel
↬ Top-Rated Cappadocia Tours: Green Tour | Red Tour | Cappadocia Balloon Ride
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Top Things to Do in Cappadocia, Turkey
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise
This has to be on the top of your Cappadocia bucket list! Cappadocia is one of the world’s top destinations for hot-air balloon rides.
As you float over Cappadocia in a hot air balloon at dawn, you experience a sense of calm and wonder. The hot air balloons fly as high as 6,000 feet above ground level, giving you a beautiful view of the unique valleys and their quirky rock formations.
There are thrilling moments when you get real close to the rocks, and sometimes, the balloons drift so close to each other that they seem almost to touch or overlap.
If you are scared of heights, let me assure you that the pilots are experienced and licensed, and they do their best to make the hot air balloon experience gentle and calming for you. As the balloon smoothly lifts off and floats above the dreamlike landscape, you’ll find your fear & anxiety melt away, replaced by a sense of awe. I’d say fight your fear and don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Book your hot air balloon flight early in your Cappadocia trip to account for weather cancellations, which are common when wind speeds exceed 10 km per hour or when it rains or snows, especially from December to April. Plan to stay for at least three days to increase your chance of flying, especially during busy times.
Watch Hot Air Balloons from the Ground During Sunrise
Now that you’ve experienced the breathtaking views of Cappadocia from above in a hot air balloon, it’s time to observe the spectacle from the ground. It’s the perfect way to experience Cappadocia’s charm from both perspectives.
Watching over 150 hot air balloons lift into the air at sunrise is truly magical. It turns the sky into a colorful display, making mornings in Cappadocia unforgettable.
The sight of these gentle giants, with their vibrant patterns and colors, set against the backdrop of ancient valleys and rock formations, is awe-inspiring. It’s a perfect time for photography, so you’ll see many candid photoshoots here.
There are many good vantage points around Göreme for watching and photographing the hot air balloons at sunrise. The most famous ones include Love Valley, Lover’s Hill (the highest viewpoint in Göreme), and Red Valley. If you don’t have a car, you can join a guided balloon-watching tour like this or this one.
Stay in a Cave Hotel
For an authentic Cappadocia experience, book a stay at a traditional cave hotel to immerse yourself in the region’s rich history and culture.
Ancient communities carved monasteries directly into the natural rock formations, and they lived, worshipped, and thrived within these cave dwellings for centuries.
Staying in a cave hotel gives you a chance to live like the ancient Cappadocians, albeit with a dash of luxury 🙂
To add to that, some of the cave hotels in Cappadocia, particularly in Göreme, have rooftop terraces with stunning views of hot air balloons. Popular choices include Sultan Cave Suites, Mithra Cave Hotel, and Koza Cave Hotel. Not yet popular choices include Doors Of Cappadocia Hotel, Cappadocia Cave Suites, Osmanli Cappadocia Hotel, and Jacob’s Cave Suites.
The Instagram-famous rooftop terrace of Sultan Cave Suites is reserved for hotel guests to ensure an intimate experience. The last time I checked, Mithra was offering non-guests the opportunity to access their terrace for photography, for a fee, allowing them to capture those iconic balloon-filled skies without staying overnight.
We stayed in a family cave suite (as shown in the picture above) at Erenbay Cave Hotel, which offered a cozy, inviting experience. However, to be honest, the view of the hot air balloons from their rooftop terrace isn’t as spectacular as the views from some of the more famous hotels in the area.
Visit Göreme Open Air Museum
Goreme Open-Air Museum tops the list of the best places to visit in Cappadocia. And rightly so. Some of the finest rock-cut churches are adorned with well-preserved Byzantine art depicting Biblical scenes here.
This place is special because it’s where Christianity grew uniquely, enriched with deep religious, artistic, and cultural heritage.
Dark Church is one of the most beautifully preserved churches within the museum. The frescoes here still retain the vibrancy and thus, a visit to this church needs you to pay an extra fee of 130 TL over and above the museum entrance fee of 480 TL.
Explore One or All of the Unique Valleys
Cappadocia is all about valleys brimming with fairy chimneys of all sizes and shapes!
With a landscape filled with unique valleys perfect for exploring on foot, Cappadocia is a dream come true for outdoor lovers.
Hiking or walking through its valleys is one of the most beautiful ways to immerse yourself in its one-of-a-kind scenery. With a diversity of trails available, you can choose the one that suits your energy levels and interests.
Some of the top hiking trails weave through the Red Valley, Rose Valley, Love Valley, Pigeon Valley, Zemi Valley, Meskinder Valley, and Ihlara Valley. Each route takes you through the captivating natural rock formations, offering fresh perspectives at every twist and turn.
The other unique way to explore the Cappadocian valleys is on horseback! You can walk through some areas and ride horses in others to enjoy different experiences. This way, you can see the landscapes closely on foot and cover more area quickly on horseback, getting a unique view from higher up. Nearly all horseback-riding tours offer the chance to explore Rose Valley and Red Valley. You can opt for either a sunrise or sunset ride.
Red & Rose Valleys
As with most of the valleys in Cappadocia, the names of Red Valley and Rose Valley come from the rock formations they house. The Red Valley is where you’ll spot the deep red rocks while the Rose Valley boasts soft pink rocks. The colors especially stand out at sunrise and sunset.
Dotted by vineyards and gardens, the Red and Rose Valleys are interconnected through a network of trails. The rock-cut churches along the hike have some well-kept frescoes.
Love Valley
Love Valley is famously romantic, and known for its unique and evocative rock shapes. The trail is easy and flat, mostly, and takes over 1.5 hours to complete.
Love Valley Sunset Viewpoint is quite famous for being the takeoff site for hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia.
Pigeon Valley
With a well-marked trail, Pigeon Valley is famous among hikers and is known for its picturesque beauty.
The name of the valley comes from the countless pigeon houses carved into the soft volcanic tuff here. Historically, local farmers once used these structures to harvest pigeon droppings, a valuable fertilizer that enriched the otherwise barren land.
Many lookout points along the trail offer the best views of Uchisar Castle.
Zemi Valley
Running alongside a stream, Zemi Valley Trail passes through ancient caves, and tunnels, and is defined by lush vegetation. The path is relatively easy and great for a quiet break from crowded places.
If you plan to take on this hike during the spring months, you’ll be delighted to see the valley carpeted with vibrant wildflowers.
While you are on the trail, a slight detour takes you to Al Nazar Church aka the Church of Evil Eye owing to one of the frescoes in it. It’s quite small when compared to the others in the region but is unique as it’s carved out of a single fairy chimney.
Meskendir Valley
The Meskendir Valley trail is easy and short and takes you through some amazing rock-cut caves and tunnels.
For a longer hike, you can connect it with trails from Red Valley, Rose Valley, and Sword Valley.
The Meskendir Trail starts near the Aynali Church, aka Mirror Church or Symmetrical Church because of the identical geometric designs on both sides of its walls. You can spend some time exploring it before you continue on the trail.
Unlike famous valleys, Meskendir Valley offers a quieter, more untouched experience. It’s best to visit in the daytime.
Ihlara Valley
Ihlara Valley is a beautiful lush canyon with a river running through it. You can stroll by the water, check out ancient cliffside churches, and soak in the greenery, all while taking a break from Cappadocia’s usual desert views.
Visiting Ihlara Valley can take up a good part of your day, depending on where you start and finish. There are four main entrances: Ihlara Village, the main entrance, Belisirma Village, and Selime Village. The full hike from the main entrance to Selime is 14 km long. Key churches to check out include Agacaltı Church, the Snake Church, and the Pillared Church.
If you aren’t a hiker and just want to get the feel of Ihlara, a good plan is to start with the Selime Monastery (you must not miss it), head to the main entrance (prepare for the 300-step descent!), and walk about 4 km to exit Belisirma village.
Selime Monastery is a part of Ihlara Valley and is best known for its deep canyon and many cave rock-cut churches and dwellings. Due to the strategic location along the Silk Route, the monastery was converted to caravanserai during the Seljuk Empire to promote trade.
Remember, Ihlara Valley is a bit of a drive from Goreme, so factor in travel time. We managed to see Selime Monastery, Kaymakli Underground City, and Ihlara Valley all in one day, making for a packed but fulfilling itinerary.
Devrent Valley
Devrent Valley, unlike other valleys, doesn’t have churches or monasteries but is famous for its rock formations that look like animals and objects. The most well-known shape is a camel. There are rocks shaped like a snake, seal, alligator, and dolphin.
Some rocks resemble mythical creatures or everyday items like a handbag or hat. Since everyone can see different things in these shapes, walking through Devrent Valley is a fun, imaginative activity. It’s also known as Imagination Valley for this reason and called Pink Valley due to its color.
Pasabag or Monk’s Valley
Pasabag aka Monk’s Valley is characterized by its mushroom-shaped rock formations, with some towering impressively into the sky. Historically, these formations were home to hermit monks who lived in seclusion, carving out living quarters and chapels into the soft rock.
Witness Twin Ferry Chimneys
While traveling from Red Valley to Devrent Valley, we noticed numerous tour buses lined up. Out of curiosity, we got down and walked closer to find a wooden platform bustling with visitors peeking through binoculars. Intrigued, we joined them and that’s how we met the twin fairy chimneys.
Though, it’s just another set of fairy chimneys in a sea of fairy chimneys, still worth a look. You can stop by while you are driving towards Urgup from Goreme or Ortahisar.
Witness Sunset from One of the Best Sunset Spots
Now that you’ve walked through the valleys, it’s time to see their beauty from above for a different pov, and what better way to time it than around sunset?
Cappadocia boasts numerous panoramic viewpoints perfect for this.
From Esentepe, you get sweeping views of the valleys below. Goreme Sunset Viewpoint aka Asiklar Tepes or Lover’s Hill, is a favorite for romantic moments and photographers.
Red Valley lights up with stunning reds and oranges at sunset that you can admire from Red Valley Sunset Viewpoint, and Pigeon Valley offers a super peaceful vibe amidst its natural rock formations.
High up, Uchisar Castle provides amazing panoramic views.
These are the ones I’ve explored, there might be many more I don’t know of. Honestly, while these are the renowned sunset spots in Cappadocia, the truth is that the landscape appears otherworldly from any vantage point you choose.
Explore Underground Cities
Carved from the soft volcanic rock typical of the region, there are over 200 underground cities in Cappadocia, Derinkuyu, and Kaymakli being the most visited.
You can choose to visit both (if you’ve time) or at least one of them as they form an important part of the region’s history.
Complete with living quarters, stables, churches, storage areas, and wine storage, these underground cities had many levels (Derinkuyu has 18 levels while Kaymakli has 8) and could house thousands of people for a long time. I was quite impressed to see cleverly designed air vents to bring fresh air deep underground. Another interesting element is the big stone doors used to block the entrances for protection.
When you visit these cities, you’ll walk through cool, quiet, and dim passages, see dark chambers, and climb through tunnels linking different floors. It’s a real step back in time, letting you see firsthand how clever and tough ancient people were.
The best way to reach Kaymakli or Derinkuyu is by car. The second-best option is to join the Cappadocia Green Tour or hire a private driver. If you prefer public transport, board a mini-bus from Goreme to Nevsehir and change to another mini-bus from Nevsehir to Kaymakli or Derinkuyu.
There are two versions of the Cappadocia Green Tour: one includes a visit to Kaymakli Underground City, while the other takes you to Derinkuyu Underground City. Be sure to double-check the attractions included in your chosen tour before your visit to ensure they align with your interests and expectations.
Zelve Open Air Museum
Once a bustling monastic community from the 9th to the 13th centuries, the Zelve Open-Air Museum has since become one of the most compelling and atmospheric sites in Cappadocia.
Although the Zelve Open-Air Museum provides a unique experience, it is frequently compared to the more renowned Goreme Open-Air Museum. Zelve, actually, stands out as the more untouched alternative, offering a raw and authentic experience. Unlike its counterpart, Zelve’s lesser restoration allows for a more genuine encounter with the past.
You can visit both Zelve Open Air Museum and the nearby Pasabag with one ticket, as they are close to each other and included in the same entry fee.
Climb the Uchisar Castle
Carved from a natural rock formation, Uchisar Castle is an important landmark right in the heart of Cappadocia.
Standing at the highest point in Cappadocia, the top of the castle rewards you with stunning views of the entire region, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
Climb Ortahisar Castle
Towering over the town of Ortahisar, carved from rock, Ortahisar Castle is a natural fortress. It’s just a short hike up from the center of the town.
As you navigate through a series of stairs and ladders, you’ll reach a vantage point offering spectacular views!
Feast on Testi Kebab and Hot Beer
Also called pottery kebab, testi kebab is a traditional dish from Anatolia. Prepared by slow-cooking in a sealed clay pot over fire embers, it mixes soft meat, vegetables, and herbs, showcasing Cappadocia’s long-standing pottery tradition. The moment when the pot is cracked open at your table is memorable, releasing enticing aromas and steam for a unique meal.
Enjoy this with a regional twist – warm beer. Indeed, in Cappadocia, beer is served heated, occasionally with added spices or apple for flavor.
Discover Your Artistic Side in Avanos
Avanos is my favorite place in Cappadocia. It’s a beautiful town, set on the banks of the longest river in Turkey, Kizilirmak River aka Red River due to its vibrant clay hue. Stretching back to the Hittites, around 2000 BC, and continuing to be the soul of the local culture, the town is celebrated for its ancient pottery tradition. The red clay scooped from the Kizilirmak infuses Avanos pottery with its distinctive character.
The town is peppered with workshops and galleries where you can learn about the art of pottery-making firsthand. You can witness the process of how artisans shape the earth with ancient techniques passed down through generations and even try your hand at the wheel, creating your own masterpiece.
Avanos Pottery Workshop is one of the most famous pottery workshops in Avanos, included in most of the guided tours.
Alternatively, you can visit Chez Galip Pottery & Ceramics where you can observe the masterful creation of pottery and if you want to, try your hand at the pottery wheel. You can even buy a few unique pieces from their art gallery to take back home.
Make sure to visit the one-of-a-kind Chez Galip Hair Museum while you’re here. Recognized by the Guinness World Records, this unusual exhibit is as curious as it sounds. Women from all over the world have given their hair, which now totals in the thousands, each piece tagged with their name and address. The idea for this museum came from a simple moment long ago when a friend left a lock of her hair for Galip as a memory.
Last but not least, if time permits, you can explore the Guray Museum for a minimal fee, an underground museum showcasing a collection of ancient and modern Turkish ceramics, pottery, and artifacts.
Explore Cavusin Old Greek Village
As you travel between Goreme and Avanos, take out some time to discover the tiny historic village of Cavusin.
This quaint village, once bustling with Christian Orthodox families, has a haunting beauty after being abandoned post-1924 and a landslide in the 1950s.
We stopped by the village while going back to our hotel in Goreme after exploring the Zelve Open Air Museum. In Cavusin, a scenic trail leads past striking rock formations and age-old cave dwellings to the ancient Saint John the Baptist church, the most famous spot in the village. Further along, Cavusin Castle offers panoramic views from its summit.
Capture Instagram-worthy Photographs at One of the Colorful Carpet Shops
Just like those beautiful photos of influencers having a fancy breakfast (actually, it’s just a prop) on a rooftop with hot air balloons in the background, you’ve probably seen many pictures of them surrounded by colorful traditional rugs.
You can have it too. Many carpet shops such as Galeri Ikman and Sultan Carpet are well-known for their vast selection and beautiful setups that make them ideal for capturing that perfect moment.
Just so you know, it’s a common courtesy there that if you want to take pictures, the shop owners usually expect you to buy something in return. Some shops have taken this a step further by offering professional photoshoots for a fee.
Indulge in Shopping for Local Crafts
Cappadocia has so many options when it comes to buying authentic local products. Avanos is known for pottery & ceramics, Urgup for handmade carpets, and Goreme is a hub for diverse traditional handicrafts.
Cappadocia is also famous for its unique wine varieties. Kocabag, Turasan, and Pasaeli are some of the best wineries to visit for wine tasting and buying.
The fridge magnets make up for the cheap and the best souvenir ever. I make sure I buy a fridge magnet for every attraction, every city, and every country I visit. You’ll find so many beautiful options in Cappadocia showcasing the unique landscape with the balloon-speckled sky as a backdrop. I bought the one in the shape of a hot air balloon!
Watch the Whirling Dervishes Ceremony
As for me, I recommend experiencing the whirling dervishes show to every traveler visiting Turkey.
The Mevlana Museum in Konya is the authentic spot to watch the ceremony, however, Istanbul and Cappadocia also have impressive centers hosting the Sema ceremony.
You can enjoy this Sufi ritual in one of the beautifully restored caravanserai near Avanos, Saruhan Kervansaray, or at MOTIF Culture Centre in Ortihisar. It lasts for about an hour and costs between 35 and 40 euros. You have an option to join a tour with convenient pickup and drop-off services.
Visit Lake Tuz
Lake Tuz, also known as Tuz Golu, ranks as Turkey’s second-largest lake and stands among the biggest saltwater lakes globally. It’s renowned for its extensive salt mines, contributing significantly, over 63%, to Turkey’s salt production.
You can walk and even sit (look at the chair in the middle of the lake in the picture above) on the lake as it’s shallow (0.5 m to 1.5 m depth) and if luck favors you, you might spot flamingos here.
The pink color that you see in the pictures is seasonal, caused by halophilic bacteria and algae thriving in its salty waters. The pinkish appearance of the lake presents an amazing photography opportunity, however, there’s no guarantee that you’ll see the lake in its vibrant pink hues during your visit.
The best season to visit Lake Tuz for its pink waters is during the summer months, especially from late spring to early autumn when the water levels are lower and the salt concentration and algae contribute to the pink coloration. The best time of the day to appreciate the beauty of Lake Tuz is early morning or late afternoon.
The lake is about 126 km (78 miles) from Goreme. There are no direct buses to the lake. You’ll have to change at Aksaray. I’d recommend hiring a car and driving on your own or joining a guided tour as it can be a big hassle to get there via limited public transportation options.
Take Time to Admire Lake Nar
Lake Nar, also known as Nar Golo or Narligol, or Lake Pomegranate, is a volcanic crater lake. A volcanic eruption around 3,000 years ago created this deep and visually striking lake you see today.
Its therapeutic hot sulfurous waters are believed to aid in treating skin ailments and rheumatism. As you take on the walking paths encircling the lake, you’ll be able to spot obsidian deposits giving you a hint of the geological process that took place here thousands of years ago. It’s also known for its rare bird species.
Lake Nar is about an hour’s drive from Goreme. It’s easy to explore if you have got a car. We visited Ihlara Valley, Derinkuyu, Kaymakli, and Lake Nar while road-tripping from Konya to Goreme, Cappadocia. Likewise, you can plan to club all these attractions to craft a full-day trip or you can join this small group Green Tour that includes a trip to Lake Nar.
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