There’s No Place Like Cappadocia
If you wish to travel in time and explore a world beyond your imagination, Cappadocia is the place for you. A land of unique and unrivaled terrain, unforgettable sunsets, wonderous ancient cave dwellings and unmatched underground cities, this enchanted land invites you on the journey of a lifetime.
Imagine waking up to a fairy tale landscape, with a brilliant sun rising into the bluest of skies. The same sky is which are peppered with hot air balloons slowly ascending. This is usually the first sight a visitor has when in Cappadocia, but this is just an introduction to the possibilities and adventures that await one in Cappadocia, the land of fairy tales.
FOR CURIOUS MINDS Dramatic Natural Landforms
The enthralling history of this land dates back millions of years to the eruption of the two extinct volcanoes of Central Anatolia, the Erciyes and Hasandağ. The tuff and basalt layering throughout the region was then eroded by the wind —the interplay of hot and cold air currents forming the amorphous rocks into conical “fairy chimneys” and rock pillars for miles on end.
A Storied Past
As the natural formations were completed, humans began to slowly make their way, adding migrations, invasions and conquering to this storied history. Luwians and Hittites were the first inhabitants of the region. They carved troglodyte settlements into these very rocks and engineered complete subterranean cities with ventilated living areas. Much later, Christians who fled oppression found their new home here, repurposing some of the dwellings as churches and monasteries. Today, these ancient structures seek to whisk you away in both time and wonder.
FOR EXPLORERS UNESCO-Recognized Rock Churches
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, the Göreme Valley and the rock sites of Cappadocia cast their enigmatic charm far and wide. The captivating interiors of the 10th and 11th-century churches carved into the soft rocks in Göreme Open Air Museum depict biblical scenes through detailed mural paintings, comprising some of the best examples of post-iconoclastic Eastern Roman (Byzantine) art.
A Lunar Landscape Here on Earth
Cappadocia is a maze of volcanic valleys where nature lovers can find an almost infinite variety of hiking trails on lunar-like terrain. Each of these valleys has its own distinct character and showcases inspiring marvels like ancient dwellings, hermit cells and cave chapels. The 6-km-long Pigeon Valley connects the towns of Uçhisar and Göreme, offering a popular trekking route along which you can see several fairy chimneys cut as pigeon nests. The droppings of these birds have been used for ages by locals as fertilizers, no doubt an aid to the prolific harvests of the region’s notable vineyards. The 14-km-long Ihlara Valley, on the other hand, offers a moderate walk through a deep canyon. Taking up to four hours, this hike unveils more than 10 rock-carved churches, all waiting to be explored. Other trails not to be missed include Love Valley with its impossibly soaring rock pillars and Güllüdere Valley, famous for beguiling, moonlit night walks.
A Cavernous Subterranean World
Throughout the millennia, residents of Cappadocia have created multilevel underground cities, some of which are open for tourist exploration today. Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı are the largest, but copious examples of these subterranean cities that exist throughout the region. These underground municipalities were interconnected to each other and to the houses above —through a complex system of tunnels. Burroughing up to 85 meters below the land’s surface, these cities were designed in the form of sprawling labyrinths and featured kilometers of narrow passages and chambers to ensure that the thousands of inhabitants could take shelter and even thrive during long periods of conflict.
FOR CULTURE ENTHUSIASTS Exploring Local Handwoven Rugs
While in Cappadocia, you will have easy access to a large array of carpets and nomadic kilims from all of Türkiye. Visit one of the inviting stores in Göreme, Avanos and Ürgüp to get lost in colors and designs —maybe even post them to your Instagram.
Making Pottery Like Hittites
As the Kızılırmak River has flowed tirelessly through Avanos for eons, the soft and oily clay sourced from the riverbeds has been a pivotal resource here, making Avanos the home of a rich pottery tradition dating back to the Hittites. Each unique flaw in the clay brings out the authentic beauty of these handmade treasures, which are subsequently colored in earthy tones and, of course, turquoise.
Discovering the Silk Road
The Silk Road trade routes featured a complex network of caravanserais, or fortress-like guest houses for traveling merchants and their caravans. Cappadocia was one of the important stopovers along that historic passage and still boasts several remaining 13th-century inns, all within a day’s journey of each other. Ağzıkara Han in Aksaray and Saruhan in Avanos are two prime examples, restored to their old glory and hosting private events and Sema ceremonies with the country’s renowned whirling dervishes.
FOR ROMANTICS Sleeping in a Luxurious Cave Hotel
Ürgüp and Göreme are towns replete with mythic cave dwellings and stone mansions carved from the rocks themselves. Many of these ancient abodes have been transformed into luxurious boutique hotels, offering modern amenities like cave suites, Turkish baths and spas. Guests can enjoy panoramic terraces with infinity pools, perfect for watching the daily spectacle of hot air balloons soaring at sunrise.
Divine Sunsets Over Volcanic Valleys
Sunset at Rose Valley, or near the rock castles of Uçhisar and Ortahisar, offers unforgettable romantic moments with the sky ablaze in rich crimson. In Rose Valley, the pink hue given off by the sandstone’s unique minerals makes the experience even more glorious. Additionally, the multi-story citadels of Uçhisar and Ortahisar stretch into the sky, forming the perfect backdrop for the Cappadocian sunset.
FOR ADVENTURERS Cappadocia From a Bird’s Eye View
Over the past two decades, the land of fairy chimneys has increasingly drawn travelers for hotair balloon adventures. As the sun rises over the marvelous Cappadocian terrain, several balloons start their one-hour journey during which the visitors will have a chance to see the region from a whole new perspective, gliding over awe-inspiring land formations, orchards and vineyards.
Horseback Riding of a Lifetime
A great way to discover Cappadocia is on horseback. The name Cappadocia is thought to derive from ‘Katpatuka’, meaning ‘land of beautiful horses.’ During your exploration, you may also encounter the local Anatolian yılkı wild horses freely roaming the terrain. Horseback riding can offer an unparalleled view of the region’s stunning beauty. To this end, Cappadocia features many daily horseback tours and multi-day treks to choose from.
A True Hidden Gem for Cyclists
Cappadocia’s mystic and undulating landscape is ideal for an active adventure steeped in history. The region’s volcanic valleys here provide enticing single trails and gravel cycling routes where you can pause to appreciate the fairy chimneys and cave chapels galore.
3 MORE MUST-DO EXPERIENCES
+ Wine Tastings: The region holds a well-established winemaking tradition dating back thousands of years. The renowned regional variety of Emir and other Anatolian grapes like Narince, Öküzgözü, Kalecik Karası and Boğazkere grow in abundance thanks to the rich soil of the region.
+ Local Delicacies: A good number of restaurants, many with scenic terraces, serve specialties like testi kebabı (meat cooked in a sealed clay pot), mezes (hot and cold appetizers), dolmas (stuffed vegetables and vine leaves) and mantı (Turkish dumplings), as well as pumpkin dessert with walnuts.
+ Music Festivals: Cappadocia’s otherworldly locale has played host to several noted electronic and classical music events and festivals. Just be sure to check the local calendar before your visit.