Nestled in the heart of Turkey lies a place that seems to defy the boundaries of reality. Cappadocia, with its surreal landscapes, ancient cave dwellings, and enchanting hot air balloon rides, is a destination like no other.
If you're seeking a travel experience that blends history, adventure, and natural beauty, then Cappadocia should be at the top of your bucket list.
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Best time to visit Cappadocia
The best time to visit Cappadocia is from April to October, when there is hardly any rain, pleasantly warm temperatures, and a low chance of strong winds in the morning. I will get to why this is important later on.
You can expect six to thirteen hours of sunshine per day, with the best options from June to September.
We traveled to Cappadocia at the end of May.
In July and August, the thermometer rises to 30° to 32 °C or hotter.
Cappadocia is also one of the few places in the world where you want to have many tourists around you because of the hot air balloons.
How to get to Cappadocia?
Many people decide to fly to Cappadocia from Istanbul.
Not everyone knows that Cappadocia is not a city but a region, and the cities you need to get to are called Goreme or Uchisar. There are a few different ways to get there:
First, if you choose to fly, you need to choose which airport you want to fly to. There is one in Nevsehir-Kapadokya (NEV), which is located closer to Goreme but is the smallest airport, and there is Kayseri Erkilet Havalimani Airport (ASR), which is an international airport.
To get from any of these airports to Goreme or Uchisar, you will need to take a taxi, a shuttle bus, or organize an airport pickup with your hotel. There is no public transportation directly to Goreme or Uchisar.
A shuttle bus transfer from Kayseri Airport to Goreme will cost around 10 euros per person, and a taxi will cost around 50 euros.
We decided to rent a car at SAW airport in Istanbul and drive to our hotel in Cappadocia. It took us about 7 hours, with stops along the way. The road conditions are very good. We always try not to fly too much when we travel, plus you can see a lot more of the country you are visiting.
Visit the famous Salt Lake, Tuz Gölü:
Turkey is a versatile country with many different kinds of landscapes.
Tuz Lake, or Tüz Gölü, is the second-largest lake in the country. The salt crystals shimmer in the sunlight, and on a windless day, the lake is like a huge mirror. Due to a high quantity of algae, the water is turned light pink, and that is why the lake is also known as the Pink Lake.
We made a small stopover at this lake on our way to Cappadocia from Istanbul. You can also visit this lake on a day trip from Cappadocia or Ankara.
It will take you around 2.5 hours to get there from Cappadocia and around 2 hours from Ankara.
To access the lake, you have to go through the Tuz Golu Restoran, a restaurant with a retail store in the same building. It is free to access the lake, but you have to pay 25 Lira if you want to wash your feet before and after you walk into the lake.
Be aware that the salt crystals are quite hard, and it does hurt a bit to walk on them.
Top 5 things to see and do in Cappadocia
#1. Hot air balloon ride:
Cappadocia's most iconic feature is its mesmerizing landscape dominated by fairy chimneys. These towering rock formations, sculpted by centuries of wind and water erosion, create an otherworldly terrain that looks like something out of a fairytale. The best way to appreciate this ethereal landscape is by taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.
As you ascend into the sky, you'll witness the surreal beauty of Cappadocia from a perspective that is truly awe-inspiring.
Don't forget to enjoy them from the ground. A truly spectacular thing to witness.
We booked our ride with Voyager Balloons. They picked us up early in the morning, ( 3:30 a.m!) from our hotel and took us to their main building, where they offered us breakfast, tea, or coffee.
We waited quite a while here, until the captains called through that the weather was good for takeoff. Then we were taken to the balloons and were able to witness them being filled with hot air.
The ride took just over an hour, and we loved every second of it!
Afterward, we got a glass of Champaign to celebrate and a certificate.
You must know: The balloon rides only take place at sunrise and only if the weather conditions are optimal. So chances are, you might get unlucky with the weather.
#2. Uchisar Castle:
Located in the town of Uçhisar, in the Goreme Province of Cappadocia, Turkey, you will find this magnificent historic castle carved out of soft rock.
At the top of the castle, you will find panoramic views of the town and surrounding region.
Uchisar Castle is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day in the summer and from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the winter.
Tickets cost 250 Turkish Lira per person.
Things to know before visiting:
The steps can be slippery in some places, so take care when walking around and wear comfortable shoes.
It can get very hot in the summer, so bring something to drink with you and wear a hat. Most of the exploring you will do at the castle is outside.
The top of the castle can get very crowded if there are a lot of visitors, and there is not much room.
Visit in the early morning to avoid the crowds.
As mentioned before, there are a lot of steps, so I can not recommend climbing to the top if you have reduced mobility.
How to get to Uchisar Castle?
By Bus
There is a bus that leaves every 20 minutes from Goreme town center. If your hotel is in Uchisar, you can easily walk to the castle and be there before the crowds arrive.
By Car
Uchisar Castle is just a 5- to 10-minute drive from Goreme town center. There are quite a lot of parking spaces near the castle.
#3. Exploring the valleys on horseback:
If you're an adventure enthusiast, Cappadocia offers a playground of outdoor activities. The region is crisscrossed with hiking trails that wind through valleys, past fairy chimneys, and into hidden caves. Popular trails include the Rose Valley and Love Valley, each offering its own unique charm.
For a different perspective, consider exploring Cappadocia on horseback, galloping through the lunar-like landscapes as you follow ancient caravan routes.
We booked a sunset tour with the Dalton Brothers Horse Ranch. They picked us up from our hotel and brought us to their unique ranch. There we were given helmets and were assigned to a horse. Even if you have never been horseback riding, don't worry. The guides come with the group the whole way, and the horses also know the way and follow each other in a straight line.
The ride took about an hour through a valley surrounded by fairy chimneys, up to a sunset view point overlooking Goreme and Uchisar. There was a small food truck at this viewpoint selling drinks and snacks. We relaxed there for a while and enjoyed the sun beginning to set.
The ride back to the ranch took about an hour, too.
After returning our helmets and saying goodbye to our horses, we were brought back to our hotel. The whole experience cost us €40 per person.
#4. Goreme Open Air Museum:
Goreme open air museum is a Unesco World Heritage site located just a 5 minute drive or 20 minute walk away from the town center.
It is a large complex with monasteries, churches and chapels carved into the rock. Take your time to explore and imagine what it must have been like to live here. Admire the beautiful frescoes partially in original condition.
The Museum is open from 8a.m till 5p.m every day. The tickets cost 300 Liras per Person.
The Dark Church has an additional entrance fee.
If you are visiting in the summer, visit in the early morning to avoid the heat.
#5. Visit an underground city:
Visiting the Derinkuyu Underground City in Cappadocia, Turkey, is a unique and fascinating experience. This ancient underground city is one of the many underground cities in the region, and it offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the area.
Here's what you should know before planning your visit:
History: Derinkuyu Underground City is estimated to date back to the Hittite period, around 1200 BC, but it was later expanded and used by early Christians to escape persecution. The underground city was designed to provide shelter, storage, and protection from invaders.
Features: The underground city consists of multiple levels, with tunnels, rooms, and chambers carved out of the soft volcanic rock. Visitors can explore various sections of the city, including living quarters, kitchens, chapels, and even a ventilation system. Some areas are connected by narrow passageways and tunnels.
Size: Derinkuyu is one of the largest underground cities in Cappadocia, with approximately eight levels extending as deep as 85 meters (280 feet) underground. It is estimated that the city could have accommodated thousands of people and their livestock during times of danger.
Keep in mind that exploring the underground city involves navigating narrow and sometimes steep staircases and tunnels. It may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia.
Derinkuyu Underground City opening hours are between 8a.m and 5p.m. However, ticket sales for the museum end at 4:15p.m.
Tickets cost 250Lira per person.
Visiting Derinkuyu Underground City is a memorable and educational experience that allows you to step back in time and appreciate the incredible underground architecture of Cappadocia. Be sure to plan your trip well in advance and make the most of your visit to this historical marvel.
Best Hotels in Cappadocia
Situated right next to Uchisar Castle, Duven Hotel offers authentic rooms with modern amenities. Built in a stone structure, the hotel has a unique architecture with terraces and courtyards. All rooms offer views of Uchisar Castle or fairy chimneys.
Located at the town center of Goreme and just a couple of minutes away from good restaurants.
Offers great views from the restaurant of Uchisar Castle and it is just a 10 minute drive away from Goreme. You get a great cave experience from this hotel.
Located in Goreme, 3.3 km from Uchisar Castle, Naif Hotel - Adults Only provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant.
Best places to eat in Cappadocia
Cappadocia's culinary scene is a delightful mix of Turkish flavors and local specialties. Don't miss the opportunity to savor dishes like testi kebab, cooked in a clay pot, or manti, Turkish dumplings often served with yogurt and garlic. Pide, a type of Turkish pizza, is also a delicious treat. Pair your meal with regional wines, and you're in for a culinary adventure that complements the visual feast of Cappadocia's landscapes.
Is part of the Caldera Hotel. Very good food but a bit more expensive because of its great views of Uchisar Castle.
A restaurant in Goreme. They offer a very good vegetarian Pottery Kebab. The food is very delicious!
The best turkish breakfast we had on our whole trip to Turkey!
How much did 3 days cost in Cappadocia?
We stayed at the Duven Hotel and payed about 1050€ for 3nights, 3 rooms and 4 people.
Our rental car from SAW Airport in Istanbul to Antalya Airport, 7days through discovercars.com cost us aroung 800€ + around 100€ for gas.
Food, drinks for 4 people cost around 300€.
Horseback ride for 3 people cost us around 100€.
Hot air Balloon ride with Voyager Ballons for 4people cost us 1400€.
* We paid for this Turkey vacation out of our own pocket. All tips given are our own. Some links are advertising links. This means that, if you book something through these links, we receive a small commission. Every month we donate 20% of our earnings to an animal shelter, animal sanctuary or animal welfare organization around the world.
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