Wow, Cappadocia is truly something special. A unique region in the heart of Turkey, filled with dramatic valleys, towering rock formations and fairy chimneys. Cave dwellings, rock-cut churches adorned with detailed frescoes, delicious local food and hot air balloons rising into the sky every morning make this one of the most unforgettable destinations you can visit. From Amsterdam, it’s a four-hour flight to Kayseri (with a possible stopover in Istanbul), followed by about an hour’s drive to Göreme. In this article, you’ll find the 15 best things to see and do in Cappadocia.
Read this article in DutchWander through the narrow streets of Göreme
Once you arrive in Göreme, it feels like stepping into a completely different world. The town is a maze of steep lanes and narrow alleys, surrounded by soft volcanic rock formations that seem almost unreal. For thousands of years, people lived in cave dwellings carved into these rocks. Many of them have been transformed into beautiful cave hotels in recent decades, preserving their authentic shapes and details.
Watch the hot air balloons rise from a rooftop terrace in Göreme
Göreme is full of rooftop terraces decorated with soft cushions, colourful carpets and warm lights. These terraces are the perfect spot to watch the incredible spectacle of hot air balloons taking to the sky in the early morning and to capture some amazing photos. Just before sunrise, you’ll start seeing small flashes of light in the distance as the burners ignite and soon the silhouettes of balloons appear one by one. Moments later, they begin to rise in waves across the horizon. It is truly breathtaking to watch.
With a bit of luck and the right wind direction, the balloons will drift directly over Göreme, sometimes flying so low you could almost reach out to them or even exchange a quick word with the pilot. The funniest moment I experience is when a passenger passing above calls down to ask if I can Airdrop them the photo I just took. Absolutely hilarious!
Take a hot air balloon ride
Watching the hot air balloons rise from the ground is already an incredible experience, but actually taking a flight yourself is even more magical. A hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The silence you feel high above the ground is indescribable and the views all around you are absolutely magnificent, it feels as if you’ve stepped straight into the scene of a fairytale film.
Stay in a unique cave hotel
There is no shortage of special places to stay in Cappadocia. They come in all shapes and sizes, each more distinctive than the next. Most accommodations are located in former rock dwellings, carefully restored and equipped with every modern comfort. Hotel rooms often have few or even no windows and many properties are built on different levels. You might find yourself climbing narrow staircases, passing through other rooms and heading down again just to reach the breakfast area. It feels like wandering through a fascinating maze; one that makes staying in Cappadocia an experience in itself.
Watch the sunset in Red Valley
Red Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Cappadocia to end your day. Along the edge of the valley, you’ll find cafés and terraces with cosy seating areas where you can relax while watching the sun sink behind the horizon. The landscape of Red Valley is known for its striking red tones, which transform into a warm, golden palette as the sun sets. It’s the perfect spot to experience that magical golden hour glow.
Watch the pigeons in Pigeon Valley
In Pigeon Valley, countless dovecotes carved into the rocks tell the story of an age-old connection between humans and pigeons. The birds were once used for communication, served as a source of food and their droppings were collected as valuable fertiliser for fields and vineyards throughout Cappadocia. Even today, you can still see many pigeons in the valley. They fly in flocks above you as you walk along the trails and there are several viewpoints where you can stop to watch them more closely.
Hike through Rose Valley
Rose Valley borders Red Valley and most hikes take you through both. It’s an incredible area to explore, full of winding trails, sweeping views, striking rock formations and shades of pink and red that seem to change with the light. Along the way, you’ll spot remnants of ancient cave dwellings in the most unexpected places. Be sure to stop by Hacli Kilise, one of Cappadocia’s many rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes. And while you’re there, treat yourself to a freshly squeezed juice at Star Box Café; the perfect break during your walk.
Take a jeep tour
A jeep tour is a fantastic way to explore Cappadocia. The drivers know all the most beautiful spots and you can usually help shape the route yourself. If you prefer to avoid following other jeeps and want to visit quieter places, just mention it; the guides are very accommodating.
During our own jeep tour, we adjust the route several times along the way, which makes the experience even more fun. Be prepared, though: things can get quite dusty. The drivers love speeding through soft sand, often with the windows wide open. If you bring your camera, make sure not to change lenses until you’re safely back at your accommodation!
Search for hidden churches
Cappadocia is home to many ancient rock churches dating back to the Byzantine era. These churches are often decorated with beautifully detailed and colourful frescoes. You’re almost certain to come across one while hiking through the valleys. Reaching them usually involves a bit of climbing and scrambling, but it’s absolutely worth the effort once you step inside.
Crawl through the tunnels of Cappadocia’s underground cities
Cappadocia is home to several fascinating underground cities, reaching dozens of metres below the surface. These vast subterranean complexes once served as refuges during times of conflict, providing shelter for tens of thousands of people. They were fully equipped with living quarters, kitchens, stables, chapels and special ventilation shafts. The different levels are connected by narrow tunnels and stairways.
If you are not claustrophobic, visiting one of these underground cities is an absolute must. The most famous ones are Derinkuyu, Kaymakli and Özkonak, each offering a glimpse into the incredible ingenuity of the region’s ancient inhabitants.
Walk among the fairy chimneys in Pasabag Valley
Pasabag Valley is a little less crowded than some of the other valleys in Cappadocia, making it a perfect place for a peaceful walk. Here you’ll find the famous fairy chimneys, which are smaller than those in Love Valley or Görkündere Valley, but no less impressive. It’s a wonderful area to wander around, with a good chance you won’t encounter many other visitors. The valley is especially beautiful towards the end of the day, when the setting sun bathes the landscape in a warm, golden light.
Enjoy traditional dishes in Göreme
Göreme is the perfect place to experience the flavours of traditional Anatolian cuisine. From Testi Kebab, a slow-cooked meat stew prepared in a clay pot, to Manti dumplings, you’ll find plenty of authentic Turkish dishes to try.
One of my favourite spots in Göreme is Turkish Ravioli, a cosy restaurant tucked away in one of the town’s narrow side streets with a great rooftop terrace, an ideal place for lunch. For dinner, head to Topdeck Cave Restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious homemade food and the warm hospitality of the friendly chef.
Visit Uçhisar Castle
Uçhisar Castle sits on the hill just behind Göreme and once served as a fortress. From the top, you have a breathtaking panoramic view of Göreme and the surrounding landscape. The area around the castle is also perfect for a leisurely stroll. You’ll find charming narrow streets and stunning cave-style accommodations carved into the rock. Even if you’re not staying here, it’s well worth stopping by for a drink on one of the terraces; the views are absolutely spectacular.
Have a photo session among carpets or with hot air balloons
Travelling with friends and looking for a unique way to capture your time together? Then Galerie Ikman in Göreme is the place to be. Photographer Suleyman takes stunning shots among thousands of Turkish carpets in a hidden courtyard, often using a drone for a spectacular perspective. You can also rent the space for a short time if you prefer to take your own photos.
Would you rather have a photoshoot with hot air balloons in the background? There are plenty of options to go out early in the morning with a local photographer. Whether you want to pose with horses, vintage cars or flowing colourful dresses, almost anything is possible. It is not really my thing, but if this makes you happy, Cappadocia is without a doubt the perfect place to do it!
Buy some local souvenirs
Don’t forget to pick up a few souvenirs while you’re in Cappadocia, there’s truly something for everyone. You’ll find all kinds of treasures such as small pouches, leather handbags, woven shoulder bags, snow globes and beautiful ceramics. I’m usually not much of a souvenir shopper, but I always manage to find something I like to take home. In Cappadocia, it’s definitely one of those adorable, colourful mini hot air balloons. Too cute to resist!
