Cappadocia Travel Guide, Turkey

If you are looking for things to do in Cappadocia, start with the landscape. The area in Central Anatolia, Turkey, is known for fairy chimneys, soft volcanic rock carved into pinnacles and cones, together with cave churches, underground cities and houses cut directly into the stone. Today’s tourist region is mostly in Nevsehir province.

The name is traditionally used for a much larger historical region, but visitors usually mean the area around Goreme, Uchisar, Urgup, Avanos and the underground cities to the south. Goreme is the main tourist base, while Nevsehir is the transport hub.

The area is best explored on foot, by hiking the valleys, or by short drives between villages. Many people come for a hot-air balloon flight at sunrise, but the valleys, museums and underground cities are good alone. Expect early starts, a lot of walking and a very touristy centre in peak season.

Goreme Open Air Museum

This cluster of rock-cut churches and monasteries has painted frescoes inside. Allow two hours. Go early, since tour groups arrive by mid-morning, and check current entry rules, as some churches have limits on visitors or photography.

Hot-air balloon flights

Balloons rise at dawn over the valleys and are the region’s most famous activity. Flights last around an hour, and prices are high. Weather often cancels flights, so build in spare days and book with a reputable operator.

Valley hikes

Rose Valley, Love Valley and the paths around Goreme are popular. Plan two to four hours. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water and a hat, and start early in summer, since there is little shade.

Underground cities

The underground cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, south of Nevsehir, include multiple levels of tunnels, rooms and ventilation shafts. Allow one to two hours each. Passages are narrow and low, so they are not suitable for anyone with claustrophobia or limited mobility.

Uchisar Castle

The rock castle at Uchisar is a high point with wide views across the region. Allow one hour. Sunset is popular, and the climb includes steep steps, so wear non-slip shoes.

Avanos and pottery

The town of Avanos is known for pottery. Allow one to two hours to visit a workshop and the riverside. Prices vary, so compare before you buy.

Ihlara Valley

This long gorge to the southwest has a river and rock-cut churches, and the walk can last from two hours to a full day. It is best on a day trip, and you should check the current routes and any entry rules.

Cappadocia sits on a high plateau with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable times for hiking and sightseeing. Winter can bring snow, which gives the landscape a striking look but can cancel balloon flights and make paths slippery.

April to June and September to October are best. Mornings can be cold even in summer, so pack layers for dawn activities.

The region has two airports, Kayseri and Nevsehir Cappadocia, each served by flights from Istanbul and other Turkish cities. Shuttles and taxis connect them with Goreme, so book a transfer or check current options. Overnight buses from Istanbul and Ankara are another option, though the journey is long.

Once you arrive, distances between towns are short. Local minibuses link villages, but they can be infrequent, so check schedules. Many visitors rent a car, scooter or quad bike, and guided day tours are widely available if you prefer not to drive.

Goreme is easy to walk, and you can reach many valley paths directly from town. In summer, plan walks around the heat. Rural roads can be narrow, so drive carefully, particularly in winter when snow is possible.

Goreme is the main base, with the widest range of cave hotels, hostels and restaurants. It suits first-time visitors and budget travellers, and has easy walking access to valleys and balloon pickup points. It is also the busiest.

Uchisar is quieter and more elevated, with views from the castle and a village feel. It suits couples and travellers who want a calmer stay. Urgup is larger, with more shops, restaurants and wineries, and a more local atmosphere.

Avanos and Ortahisar are more traditional, with fewer tourists. Cave hotels are the signature type of stay, though rooms vary in light and heating, so read reviews. Book early for spring and autumn, and check whether breakfast terraces have good views.

Three days works for most travellers: one for the Goreme area and its valleys, one for an underground city and nearby villages, and one for a balloon flight, sunset viewpoint or Ihlara Valley. Two days is tight but possible, and four lets you slow down, add a long hike and allow for weather delays.

1. Day 1: Hike a valley near Goreme in the morning, visit the Open Air Museum and watch the sunset from a viewpoint.
2. Day 2: Visit Kaymakli or Derinkuyu underground city, then explore Avanos or Urgup in the afternoon.
3. Day 3: Take a sunrise balloon flight if the weather allows, then visit Uchisar Castle or Ihlara Valley.

Ihlara Valley

This gorge in the southwest has a river and rock-cut churches. Allow most of a day by car or tour. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Check which sections of the trail are open.

Kaymakli and Derinkuyu

The two largest underground cities lie south of Nevsehir. Allow half a day for one or both. They are easy to reach by car or on a tour, and they can be busy in the morning.

Ankara

The capital is a long drive or bus ride north-west, often the start or end of a trip. It is not a day trip, but it makes a convenient entry point. Check current coach schedules.

Istanbul

Many travellers combine Cappadocia with Istanbul by flying between the two. It is a separate trip, not a day excursion, so plan at least a night in each place.