Cappadocia is a beautiful region in central Turkey with an incredibly unique landscape of rocky hills, underground cities, and hot air balloon rides.
We visited Cappadocia for a long weekend while living and working in Istanbul for a month. Istanbul was excellent as well, but that is for another time.
We just had the weekend, so we decided to cut down on travel time and fly. We took a quick 30-minute plane ride from Istanbul (IST) to Nevsehir (NAV). From there, it was a 40-minute shuttle ride to Cappadocia (Goreme).
We were here for just 3 days. It was so beautiful I could have stayed a couple of days more. But if you are pressed for time, you can do a lot and probably cross most things off your list (if you plan well) in just 2 days.
Here are some of the best things to do in Cappadocia on vacation:
Take a hot air balloon ride:
Cappadocia is famous for its hot air balloon rides, which offer breathtaking views of the region’s unique landscape. We did the Cappadocia sunrise balloon ride and champagne breakfast, which was incredible!
Explore the underground cities:
Cappadocia is home to several underground cities, some dating back to the Hittite era. These cities were used as shelters during times of conflict and were connected by a network of tunnels and passageways.
There are about 200 underground cities in Cappadocia. The Underground Cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu are the most popular and visited ones. We visited Kaymakli as a part of a half-day tour, and it was amazing to see how the people lived in these cities. If you get claustrophobic at all, this is probably an event you will want to skip.
Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum:
This museum is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features rock-cut churches, monasteries, and chapels with stunning frescoes.
Our visit here was the first thing we did after we dropped our stuff off at the hotel. You can pay for a guide or do a self-guided tour. It was nice to walk around and stretch our legs after the long travel day. And every view was breathtaking. There are a lot of good opportunities for pictures too!
Hike through the valleys:
Cappadocia has several beautiful valleys that are perfect for hiking, including the Red Valley, the Rose Valley, and the Love Valley.
This is probably my favorite. If I had to do it over again, I would probably include more walking and hiking around these valleys. It is practically free and stunning. Depending on what time of year you go, I would recommend starting in the morning to beat the heat.
Visit the Selime Monastery:
This monastery is one of the largest in the region and is carved into a rocky mountain. It features a church, a chapel, and a dormitory.
This is one thing we did not get to do, but if we went back, we would definitely check out!
Visit the Göreme Fairy Chimneys:
These are tall, cone-shaped rock formations that are found throughout Cappadocia. They are believed to have been formed by volcanic eruptions and wind erosion.
This was a quick stop on our journey but well worth it. It is a small park that you pay to get into. Once you are in the park, you can walk around and look at the stunning rock formations that are the fairy chimneys of Goreme.
Take a cooking class:
Cappadocia is home to several traditional Turkish dishes, and you can learn to cook them by taking a cooking class in the region. Some of my favorites were kebabs, Lahmacun, which is a thin, crispy flatbread topped with minced meat, vegetables, and spices and Börek, a pastry filled with cheese.
Take a pottery class:
Cappadocia is famous for its pottery, and taking a pottery class is a unique opportunity to learn about the local ceramic traditions and create your masterpiece. Book a class with a local artisan and get hands-on experience in shaping, painting and firing your very own piece of pottery in this beautiful historical region. It is a wonderful idea for a handmade one-of-a-kind gift or souvenir for a loved one back home or as a beautiful memory of your travels.
One thing I would not do again…
One event I would not recommend is horseback riding or camel riding while there. This is popular, and we did go horseback riding while we were in Cappadocia. However, I wouldn’t do it again. I did not love the process. And most of the trails you go through can be walked at your own pace. Also, camels are not native to the region; they were shipped for tourist purposes.
Cappadocia Turkey was a dream.
Cappadocia is a breathtaking region with a unique landscape and rich history. From hot air balloon rides to underground cities, hiking through valleys, visiting monasteries and fairy chimneys, to cooking classes, wine museums and pottery classes, there is something for everyone in this beautiful part of Turkey.
Whether you are looking for an adventure or a relaxing vacation, Cappadocia offers a perfect blend of both. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience its stunning beauty and unique cultural heritage. Book your trip to Cappadocia today and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Here is a guide to Cappadocia on our IG @thenotmadnomads.
