Cappadocia is the most mesmerising and an eye to behold destination which is located in the region of Anatolia in Turkey. It is waving its glory all over the world for most attractive and unique moon landscape, fairytale view, underground cities, cave-like houses and churches remarkable rock formations. It is always being the first choice of tourists who are planning to visit Turkey. The enchanting panoramic views, ancient open-air museums and the Goreme Fairy Chimneys make Cappadocia the most loving tourist destination.
The most prevalent one is the numerous hot air balloons that glide in the sky during sunrise each morning flying just above the Goreme fairyland makes a spellbinding view in Turkey. This place is a dream location for many photographers and romantic couples. Byzantine rocks era of ancient churches is a particular highlight of Cappadocia.
Other highlighted destination in Cappadocia which you can explore includes Zelve and Goreme open-air museum, Casuvin church, the twin valley of Soganli, Pasabag Valley and Hekibektas. These all mentioned attractions of Cappadocia are from the Roman Era. It always tops the itinerary list of travellers.
So Let’s begin —
Top Things to do in Cappadocia
For ideas on the best places to visit, see our list of the top attractions in Cappadocia. It’s a magical wonderland brimming with things to do that both nature lovers and history buffs can appreciate.
1. Goreme Open Air Museum, Cappadocia
Goreme National Park or Open Air Museum is located at Goreme, Cappadocia which is recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. This open-air museum is considered as one of the best destinations to visit in Cappadocia.
It is known for its incredible rock formations, cave houses and monasteries. It has a group of Catholic churches that are carved out of soft volcanic rock and filled with Byzantine art into the side of a mountain dating from 1000 years ago.
2. Watch the Sunset From the Top of Uchisar Castle
The Uchisar Castle is the most attractive town of Uchisar in Cappadocia, Turkey. It’s one of the best viewpoints in Cappadocia and only a short drive or a small trek from the nearby town of Goreme. Uchisar castle made of rocks offers stunning panoramic views.
This castle consists of numerous caves, living quarters and storehouses that were all dug into the soft stone. The rock castle at Uchisar is the highest point in Cappadocia which gives tourists the best panoramas of Cappadocia.
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3. Enjoy Hot Air Ballooning Ride At Cappadocia
Going on a ride early morning for Hot Air ballooning at Cappadocia is the most amazing experience for couples. This ride is the most enjoyable and the highlight of Cappadocia where numerous colourful hot air balloons shining high in the sky of Cappadocia just after sunrise which is delightful for tourist and give you bewitching views of the valleys, caves and rock formations.
Flying in hot air balloon at this destination will give you immense happiness and you will feel like you are on cloud nine. Every year more than half a million people enjoy hot air ballooning, which is incredible & makes Cappadocia the number one hot air balloon destination in the world.
4. Explore Ihlara Valley, Cappadocia
The Ihlara Valley is an incredible canyon located between a stunning Melendiz River flowing down the heart of the valley for 15km within the volcanic rock to Selime village. This valley belongs to the part of southern Cappadocia which is filled with tall popple trees and arable farming giving tourists glimpses of lush paradise.
This valley is full of tranquillity, here during trail to Ihlara valley you can witness hundreds of caved churches out of which only 16 are open for tourists. These churches have beautifully engraved undamaged paintings and carvings inside. The Kokar Kilise (Fragrant Church), Kirk Dam Alti Kilise (St. George Church) and Yilanli Kilise (Snake Church) are three of the best which cannot be missed by any tourist.
5. Hiking The Red Rose Valley, Cappadocia
Another gem of Cappadocia is the intertwined Red Rose Valley which lies between the villages of Goreme and Cavusin. The valley is layered with arched rocks in different shades of pastel pink, yellow and orange cliffs. These cliffs are created by volcanic explosion, wind and water erosion. This valley is a paradise for hikers due to various adventurous trails.
Rose Valley one of the most unique places to visit in Cappadocia not because of its incredible rock formations but due to its picturesque region which contains sandstones of pink shade. This pink becomes more and more visible throughout the day. During the peak time of sunset when the sun glows directly upon the Rose Valley gives a mesmerising view with the fine shade of pink and attracts many travellers toward it.
6. Kaymakli Underground City
Claustrophobic people be alert this place is not for you as this city of Kaymakli is the totally underground Cappadocia’s underground cities first began to be sculpted out of the ground in the Bronze Age Hittite era, but they are most famous for their early Byzantine history (6th and 7th centuries) when the region’s Christians took to living underground for long periods to escape from Arab and Persian invaders.
Kaymakli Underground City is Cappadocia’s largest example, with a labyrinth of rooms connected by tunnels that extends for eight levels. Four of these levels can be explored by visitors.
7. Go For Love Valley Hike
Love Valley is the most unique and striking places to visit in Cappadocia which is located outside of Goreme. Travellers have hiked to reach Love Valley by crossing numerous rock formations coming across the trail. If you start walking from Uchisars then you will cover Love Valley in 1-2 hrs. The rock formations found in this valley are of phallic shapes and though it got its name, Love Valley.
There are a few great sunset points but the most popular place to watch the sunset in Goreme Town, Cappadocia is Lover’s Hill, which is popular as Asiklar Tepesi. The majority of people looking to catch sunset either do it at Lover’s Hill or Red Valley Sunset Point.
9. Pasabag, Monks Valley
Pasabag, Monks Valley is another popular set of caves located on the road to Zelve, Cappadocia which one you should not miss. It is famous for the mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys and which balances anchorite shelters in their heads and cave dwellings.
Must explore the fairy chimneys which are truly amazing. Tourists can observe remarkable earth pillars when they reach in the middle of a Monk Valley. Journey to Pasabag valley is quickly covered from Zelve Open-Air Museum.
10. Enjoy Turkish Nights at Cave Restaurants
Turkish night is in every way a cultural fantasy and guarantees a fun night to every tourist. A traditional Turkish night marks the perfect end to a day of sightseeing in Cappadocia. The show highlights the dance traditions of Turkey, complete with traditional costumes and glamorous belly dancers. These nightlife scenes you can witness in cave restaurants of Cappadocia.
Apart from this, if you left with some travelling time then must pay a visit to Avanos which is known for its long history of pottery making. Visit the underground city of Derinkuyu, walkthrough Zelve Open-Air Museum, explore Soganli had become a major monastic centre, its rock towers home to churches and monk cells. Explore very beautiful Devrent Valley which is full of unique rock formations, many of which are said to resemble animal shapes.
When to Visit Cappadocia
The best time to visit Cappadocia which is perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities is from April – May and September – October. As the spring season is best for travellers for spotting wildflowers and birds and adventure activities like hiking and cycling are fabulous in this season.
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Conclusion
Turkey is shrouded in history, mystique and legend, and Cappadocia is the jewel in its crown. Come and live your very own Cappadocian dream. So plan your holiday trip this time in Turkey holiday and enjoy the best of Cappadocia sightseeing that will make your vacation, a totally hassle-free affair. Let your friends know about it too!
