Seven Captivating Activities In Cappadocia
In a land of fairy chimneys and a sky filled with hundreds of dancing balloons, Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s most captivating and romantic destinations and is filled with amazing activities. The culture and nature are like nowhere else in the world, and as the historical region lies in the depths of the country, it feels like a remote wonderland despite its booming tourism.
The magic of Cappadocia began 60 million years ago after the eruptions of Mount Erciyes, Mount Hasan and Mount Güilü. So, as you drive or ride through Cappadocia, you will immediately be blown away by a canvas of hidden valleys, underground cities and incredible rocky scenery that is ever-changing as it’s re-sculpted by wind and water. Best of all is the magnificent ancient cave architecture, such as the Byzantine-era rock-cut churches, and the range of distinctive cave hotels.
It is a paradise that lives up to its social media hype and will forever change your mindset on the intricate relationship between human culture and the environment.
It is a place that will satisfy your wonderous heart, bringing pleasure to both nature-lovers and history buffs and generally being perfect for outdoor adventure.
Travel and Accommodation In Cappadocia
There are two major airports in the region: Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport and Kayseri Erkilet Airport – both of which have daily non-stop flights from Istanbul. If you are on a budget, there is also the option of travelling by bus, which takes about 10 hours.
As the region is made up of a collection of towns and villages, there are several options for accommodation. However, most people stay in Göreme for its beauty, access to major attractions and overall lively feel.
- Luxury: Sultan Cave Suites, Mithra Cave Hotel
- Mid range: Aydinli Cave Hotel, Adora Cave Suites
- Budget: Cappadocia Cave Rooms
Seven Incredible Thing To Do In Cappadocia
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Experiencing a hot air balloon ride is more often than not, the reason people visit Cappadocia. Launching into the sky at the crack of dawn to admire the rocky setting from new heights or marvel at the hundreds of other balloons around you is quite a spectacular experience. However, in all honestly, having taken a ride over the Kenyan savannah, this did feel a little underwhelming.
For me, the beauty of the hot air balloon rides of Cappadocia was when I was on the ground, staring up at a sky occupied with colour and flickering fire.
This does not mean that the region’s top attraction is not worth it. Taking flight was no less fun, and it was a blissful way to end my trip to Turkey.
Book your hot air balloon ride at least a month in advance during peak season (June-August), but also keep in mind that it can be cancelled at any moment depending on the weather. I booked my experience with Turkiye Balloons.
Watch The Balloons From A Rooftop
If you want to experience the magic of balloons in the region without climbing into the basket, watch them from the comfort of a rooftop while sipping on apple tea. Activities in Cappadocia can truly be enjoyed by everyone no matter what kind of traveller you are!
Explore The Valleys
Taking a tour of a collection of characteristic valleys is a wonderful way to fall in love with the natural wonders of Cappadocia. Rolling hills, pastel cliffs, breathtaking sunset viewpoints, and unusual rock formations will be some of the unforgettable features of your hike or ATV ride.
The Underground Cities of Kaymali and Derinkuyu
Underground cities are fascinating sites in Turkey that began to be chiselled out of the ground as early as the Bronze Age but are most famous for their Byzantine history as Christian settlers of the region moved underground to escape Arab and Persian invaders.
Kaymali is Cappadocia’s largest underground city with a labyrinth of rooms and tunnels to explore at different levels, while Derinkuyu is Cappadocia’s deepest settlement and is less popular amongst tourists because it’s quite claustrophobic.
Uçhisar Castle
Within Tekelli, the centuries-old citadel is a 60-metre-high cylindrical tower perched on rocks that was once home to up to 1000 people. Today much of the castle is inaccessible, but it remains a striking example of an entire village carved into the rock and worth admiring from afar.
Carpet Shops
Visit the beautiful carpet shops for a photo shoot or to browse the endless collection of textiles that would make the perfect souvenir. Though not as exciting as the other activities available in Capadoccia, it is one of the most photogenic ones you can enjoy.
Göreme Open Air Museum
Lying just outside the village, the museum is a UNESCO world heritage site containing a monastery cluster of churches, chapels and monk cells carved right out of the soft rock. The highlight of this tour is the Dark Church, which holds colourful frescoes that are amongst the best surviving examples of Byzantine art.
Average Cost For Three Days In Cappadocia Per Person
Transport (flights from Istanbul + local travel): £80
Accommodation: £150 (£300 per double)
Attractions: £250
Food and amenities: £60
Keep In Mind
Give yourself at least three days to have enough time to find a balance between exploring and relaxing. There is nothing quite like spending a few hours reading in front of the stunning scenery.
Practical Information About Cappadocia
Location: Türkiye, Southern Europe / Western Asia
National Languages: Turkish
Currency: Turkish Lira
Neighbouring Countries: Bulgaria, Greece, Armenia, Cyprus, Iran, Georgia, Syria and Iraq
3 Comments
Khilna Shah
😍
Tamara
I’ve read about this before and thought this was really cool. Excellent insight. Can’t wait to one day experience it.
Sanika Shah
Thank you! I hope you are able to plan a trip here soon😊