Cappadocia, Turkey is a surreal landscape of otherworldly rock formations, underground cities, and ancient history. This unique region in central Anatolia is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a truly unforgettable bucket list experience. In this post you will find everything from the best experiences, hotels to stay to itinerary and tips. This is the ultimate guide to Cappadocia.
Why Visit Cappadocia?
Unique Landscapes: The region's distinctive rock formations, known as fairy chimneys, are a sight to behold.
Hot Air Balloons: Soaring over the fairy chimneys at sunrise is an unforgettable experience.
Underground Cities: Explore the intricate network of underground cities carved into the volcanic rock.
Ancient History: Discover the rich history of the region, dating back thousands of years.
Delicious Cuisine: Savor the flavors of Turkish cuisine, including kebabs, mezes, and baklava.
When to Visit Cappadocia
The best time to visit Cappadocia is spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). The weather is pleasant, and there are fewer crowds.
How to Get to Cappadocia
By Air: The nearest airport is Nevşehir Kapadokya International Airport (NAV). Many airlines offer direct flights from major cities in Turkey and Europe.
By Train: You can take a train from Ankara to Kayseri, then transfer to a bus or taxi to reach Cappadocia.
By Bus: Buses are a convenient and affordable way to reach Cappadocia from major cities in Turkey.
Where to Stay in Cappadocia
Cappadocia offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious cave hotels with amazing views.
Göreme: The heart of Cappadocia, with a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants. My favourite location.
Ürgüp: A charming town with boutique hotels and traditional houses.
Avanos: Known for its pottery workshops and beautiful landscapes.
My favourite hotels to stay in Cappadocia
Click on the name of each hotel to get more details.
Things to Do in Cappadocia
Hot Air Balloon Ride: A must-do experience.
Visit the Fairy Chimneys: Explore the unique rock formations.
Explore Underground Cities: Delve into the depths of the earth.
Hike the Red Valley and Rose Valley: Enjoy stunning views of the landscape.
Visit the Open-Air Museum of Göreme: Discover ancient churches and frescoes.
Go on a Horseback Riding Tour: Experience the region from a different perspective.
Taste Turkish Cuisine: Savor delicious local dishes.
Tips for Visiting Cappadocia
Book Your Hot Air Balloon Ride in Advance: Especially during peak season.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking.
Pack Warm Clothes: Evenings can get chilly, especially in the winter months.
Learn a Few Turkish Phrases: It will help you connect with locals.
Bargain at the Markets: Haggling is a common practice in Turkey.
The best views of Cappadocia and where to find them
🏨Hotel Terrace:
Most hotels in Göreme offer a nice terrace with a view of the valley, perfect for those views of sky covered with hot air balloons. This view is from @roccappadocia and it is two photos blended together, as there were no balloons this late on the day. The other amazing hotels with a great terrace are: Sultan Cave Suites, Henna Hotel, Divan Cave Hotel and many more…
🌄Sunrise viewpoint:
This one is directly above Göreme and you will need comfy shoes as you have to climb up the hill, but the views are definitely worth it. The locals charge a small fee of 10TL (£0.30p) to enter. The views are amazing, but it can get crowded. Literally search on Google maps Sunrise point Goreme or Asiklar Tepesi.
🍴Restaurants/ bars with view:
We loved the most Seten Restaurant as views are fantastic, food is delicious and it is reasonably prices. There is also Kaira Rooftop. When it comes to bars, Sultan Cave Suites also has a great rooftop bar.
🏰Uchisar Castle:
Located in Uchisar, few minutes drive from Göreme. Its castle offers stunning views of the whole Cappadocia. The entrance fee is 250TL £6.50) and you don't wanna miss fresh gozleme made in the castle by two lovely ladies.
🪨Balloons view between rock formation opposite of Grand Goreme Cappadocia Resort: I loved this view for sunrise Hot Air Balloon watching as it was not crowded at all and offer stunning rock formation for your photos.
Must visit restaurant in Cappadocia for Sunset views and good food without breaking bank
When in Cappadocia you wanna enjoy a nice dinner with sunset over the fairy chimneys. The best one we found was definitely Seten Restaurant, which has a beautiful terrace with those stunning Goreme views.
Seten does not accept booking, so I suggest you come for early dinner before sunset. We went around 5:30 and didn’t have to wait at all for the table. Food is amazing, they offer traditional Turkish dishes, particular for the region without breaking the bank.
Our bill for 2 people having starters, mains, desserts and drinks was around TL1500 (£39) for a really yummy dinner, which is less than what we paid in other restaurants in Cappadocia minus the views. Mixed appetiser tray, which you can see on the video, was amazing.
If you are lucky like me, a local cat will come to wish you to enjoy your meal during your time.
How many days do you need in Cappadocia, Turkiye?
I would say you definitely need at least 3 full days, to be able to fully enjoy it and do all the activities that Cappadocia is famous for. Find below my 3 days Cappadocia itinerary.
Day 1
🎈 Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight
☕Lavanta Panorama Cafe
🏰 Ortahisar Castle
⛰️Goreme Open Air Museum
🌄 Sunset at Asiklar Tepesi
🍴Goreme Restaurant
🍷Organic Wine House
Day 2
🏰 Uchisar Castle
👣Pigeon Valley
⛰️Sword Valley
⛰️Red Valley
🏎️ ATV Sunset tour
🍴Afara Restaurant & cafe
🍹 Kaira Rooftop Bar
Day 3
🌄 Sunrise Balloons watching
👣 Zelve Open Air Museum
👣 Pasabag Valley
⛰️ Love Valley
📸Galerie Ikman
🍴Sunset at Seten Restaurant
By following these tips, you can make the most of your trip to Cappadocia and create unforgettable memories.