Things to do in Cappadocia | Cappadocia Travel Guide

Cappadocia, Turkey’s most visually outstanding location and our most important part of Turkey packages can be easily set as a backdrop of any whimsical fairytale. This region in Turkey features amazing natural wonders along with moonscape beauty that gives you a feel of alien world. Ancient volcanoes in Cappadocia gradually transformed into hundreds of spectacular fairy chimneys over millions of years– some of which are more than 130 feet higher.

The history of Cappadocia dates back to the Bronze age when it was the main residential zone of Assyrian civilization. During the later years, it was inhabited by other empires including Byzantine, Pers, and other civilizations. In this region you will see underground cities that used to have hundreds of rooms, chimneys for proper aeration, as well as water wells, toilets, even churches, wine producing rooms, abbeys and meeting rooms. There are several underground cities in and around the area, but among them the biggest one is Derinkuyu. This city was so vast in size that it could accommodate nearly 20,000 people at that time. This underground city is now a famous archaeological tourist attraction that no one should miss.

*Hittite Empire: Flourished during the Bronze Age in Anatolia, including parts of modern-day Turkey, from around 1600 BCE to 1180 BCE.

*Phrygians: An ancient Indo-European people who settled in western Anatolia around the 12th century BCE.

*Greek and Roman Periods: Following Alexander the Great’s conquests, the region became part of the Hellenistic Greek Empire and later the Roman Empire.

*Byzantine Period: After the Roman Empire, Cappadocia was part of the Byzantine Empire until the Seljuk Turks conquered the region in the 11th century.

The most important places and destinations in Travel Cappadocia Turkey are Goreme, Ürgüp, Ihlara Valley, Guzelyurt, Selime, Goreme National Park, Cappadocia Cave Dwellings, Zemi Valley, Selime Monastery and so on. Apart from Derinkuyu Underground City the other underground cities worth seeing are Kaymakli  and Ozkonak. The most noteworthy historic mansions and cave houses for tourist accommodation are located in Urgup, Goreme, Guzelyurt and Uchisar.

Cappadocia Turkey has every type of hotels, from low budget simple pensions to luxurious five-stars, but the true essence of the region is reflected in its authentic cave hotels, where you will be actually sleeping in a cave room offered in our Cappadocia tours. If you really want to make your Cappadocia trip remarkable one, then you must choose to stay in the Cave Suites in this region. Some of the best Cappadocia cave suites offer super luxury cave rooms with all necessary amenities and nice complimentary breakfast. Every suite comes with a warm and cosy interior. You can relish the wondrous and romantic landscape along with finest quality food and world famous Turkish hospitality.

If you are visiting to Cappadocia Turkey , make sure to consult with some tour operators who can help you to organise your trip without any trouble. It is recommended to hire a tour guide who will help you to discover the ancient marvels fully. An experienced guide will not only help you to explore every important tourist spots but also tell you the myths and real stories of the places you see.

Travel Cappadocia Turkey – Nature’s Wonderland

Enjoy the spectacular landscape with hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia. You will be amazed viewing the breathtaking surrealistic view together with outstanding flying expedition when the giant balloons gently drift over the fairy chimneys, pigeon valleys hewn out the unique rock formations, vineyards and orchards through picturesque valleys, each with strange rock formations and then flying high over rippled ravines for remarkable panorama over the region. You can enjoy different types of Hot air balloon flights in Cappadocia each depending on flight duration and services.

• Exploring ancient ruins, historical landmarks
• Immersive cultural experiences
• Hiking, trekking, extreme sports, and outdoors
• A romantic destination for couples and honeymooners
• Premium accommodations, regional gourmet options

Ultimate Cappadocia Travel Guide: Top Attractions & Unique Experiences

Cappadocia, Turkey’s mesmerizing open-air museum, looks like a scene from a fantasy novel. With its otherworldly rock formations, ancient cave cities, and surreal landscapes, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers an unforgettable journey through history, adventure, and natural beauty.

Why Visit Cappadocia?

Fairytale Landscapes: Famous for its “fairy chimneys,” volcanic rock pinnacles shaped by millennia of erosion.
Underground Cities: Explore massive subterranean labyrinths that once housed thousands.
Hot Air Balloon Rides: Float above a dreamlike panorama at sunrise.
Cave Hotels & Luxury Stays: Sleep in hand-carved stone rooms with modern comforts.
Rich History: A crossroads of Hittites, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans.

Top Places to Visit in Cappadocia

1. Göreme Open-Air Museum:  A UNESCO-listed complex of rock-cut churches & monasteries. Features 11th-century Byzantine frescoes in caves like the Dark Church (Karanlık Kilise) and Apple Church (Elmalı Kilise). The nunnery & monastic quarters showcase early Christian life.
📌 Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds.

2. Derinkuyu & Kaymaklı Underground Cities: The deepest & most impressive subterranean cities Derinkuyu (85m deep) housed 20,000 people with stables, churches, and ventilation shafts. Kaymaklı is smaller but equally fascinating, with 8 levels open to visitors.
📌 Best for: History buffs & adventure seekers.

3. Uçhisar Castle: Cappadocia’s highest viewpoint. A natural fortress carved into a massive rock, offering 360° panoramic views. Ideal for sunrise or sunset photography.

4. Love Valley & Pigeon Valley:  Iconic landscapes with phallic-shaped rocks & ancient dovecotes. Love Valley is famous for its towering fairy chimneys (great for hiking). Pigeon Valley has thousands of pigeon houses carved into cliffs—once used for farming.

5. Ihlara Valley: A lush canyon with hidden cave churches. Hike along the Melendiz River past rock-cut churches like Ağaçaltı (Daniel’s Church). Less touristy than Göreme, perfect for nature lovers.

6. Selime Monastery: Cappadocia’s largest rock-cut monastery. Features a cathedral-sized church, kitchens, and living quarters. Scenes from Star Wars were filmed here.

7. Avanos (Pottery Town): Famous for its 4,000-year-old pottery tradition. Try hands-on workshops using the Red River’s (Kızılırmak) clay. Visit Chez Galip’s Hair Museum (a quirky collection of locks from worldwide visitors).

8. Devrent (Imagination Valley): Surreal rock formations resembling animals & objects. Spot the camel, dolphin, and Virgin Mary-shaped rocks. No churches or caves—just pure geological wonder.

9. Zelve Open-Air Museum: An abandoned cave village with churches & tunnels. Once a thriving community until the 1950s (residents relocated due to erosion). More rugged and less restored than Göreme.

10. Soğanlı Valley: A hidden gem with remote cave churches. Known for its “double-headed” fairy chimneys and frescoed chapels. Great for off-the-beaten-path exploration.

Best Things to Do in Cappadocia

1. Hot Air Balloon Cappadocia at Sunrise
#1 bucket-list experience—float above fairy chimneys at dawn.
Companies like Royal Balloon & Butterfly Balloons offer luxury flights with champagne.

2. Stay in a Cave Hotel
Best Luxury: Museum Hotel, Argos in Cappadocia
Mid-Range: Sultan Cave Suites, Kelebek Special Cave Hotel
Budget: Traveller’s Cave Pension

3. ATV or Horseback Sunset Tour
Zoom through Rose Valley or trot through Love Valley on horseback.

4. Turkish Night Show with Whirling Dervishes
Enjoy live music, belly dancing, and traditional cuisine in a cave restaurant.

5. Hike the Red & Rose Valleys
Best trails for sunset views and hidden rock churches.

6. Sunrise at Lover’s Hill (Göreme)
A free alternative to balloon rides, with stunning vistas.

Cappadocia Travel Tips

✔ Best Time to Visit: April–June & September–October (mild weather).
✔ How Many Days? 3–4 days (enough for key sites & balloon ride).
✔ Getting Around: Rent a car, join tours, or use taxis.
✔ Must-Try Food: Testi kebab (clay-pot meat), manti (dumplings), pottery kebab.

Cappadocia is more than just hot air balloons—it’s a living museum of history, adventure, and surreal beauty. Whether you’re exploring underground cities, hiking volcanic valleys, or sleeping in a cave hotel, every moment here feels magical.

Ready to book your trip? Let us know if you’d like personalized itinerary recommendations! 🎈✨