There’s nowhere on earth quite like Cappadocia. A tuff-sculpted wonderland of fairy chimneys and volcanic valleys, where you can explore troglodyte villages, UNESCO-listed ancient churches, and epic underground cities. The best things to do in Cappadocia are packed into color-coded tour routes—red, green, and blue—and this region is where the tourist trail is just as spectacular as the unbeaten track. Float over the fairy chimneys in a hot air balloon, hike through the Ihlara Valley, then spend the night in a romantic cave hotel.
Sitting on a rocky plateau in eastern Anatolia, Cappadocia is no stranger to extreme weather fluctuations. The mildest windows to visit are in spring and fall, while the piping hot summer is when many of the region’s events and festivals take place, from music-filled Cappadox to the annual hot air balloon festival. You’ll find fewer crowds in winter, so as long as you can brave the chill (and the odd snowfall), you’ll have most sights to yourself.
The sights in Cappadocia are spread out over multiple valleys and across a vast, rugged terrain. For expediency, you’ll want to rent a car, hire a driver, or opt for a group tour. For all-inclusive options, there are single and multi-day tour packages available. Public buses run on the hour, but check schedules first. If you’re craving more eco-friendly adventure, rent a bicycle or embark on a hike, but be prepared for extreme heat in summer.
Although you’ll find no shortage of Cappadocia day tours, you can easily spend several days exploring the region. If you’re planning on taking a hot-air balloon ride, keep in mind that they can be canceled at the last minute due to inclement weather. You’ll want to give yourself a window to repeat the experience in case that happens. Most companies will allow you to rebook the next day for free.
Local Currency Turkish Lira (TRY) | Time Zone TRT (UTC +2) | Country Code +90 | Language(s) Turkish | Attractions 18 | Tours 1,495 | Reviews 34,968 |
Cappadocia is a broad region in central Turkey known for its ancient history, dramatic rock formations, pottery, hot air balloons, and well-preserved cave churches and mosaics. Cappadocia encompasses many towns and villages including Göreme, Uchisar, Urgup, and Avanos. Settlement in the region dates back thousands of years.
...MoreHot-air balloon rides at sunrise are a popular way to see the landscape from above, while hiking and mountain biking routes are plentiful and allow you to experience the natural world from the ground. You can also visit museums and well-preserved underground cities to learn about the history of the region.
...MoreCappadocia is a great destination for a long weekend. If you want to explore beyond the main attractions, it’s easy to spend a full week in this vast region traversing its churches, valleys, underground cities, and vineyards.
...MoreSpring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) are the best seasons for hiking and biking, with warm, sunny days and cool nights. Summer days are often very hot and dry, though the air cools off at night. In the winter, the region is often dusted in snow, making it a beautiful time to visit.
...MoreThere is some nightlife in Cappadocia, mostly centered around the town of Göreme, which boasts restaurants, bars, and clubs. Depending on the season, you can go on nighttime hikes and stargaze. Cave restaurants that serve local cuisine also often have performances of traditional Turkish dancing and music.
...MoreYes. Cappadocia is popular for good reason. Its wild and unusual rock formations, called “fairy chimneys” because of their surreal tufted shapes, are stunning whether you are hiking through or flying above them in a hot-air balloon. Cappadocia’s ancient history is fascinating and well-preserved, particularly at the Göreme Open Air Museum.
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