Cappadocia, the fairy tale land, where you wake up every morning looking to the sky, not reaching for the sun, but looking for the hot air balloon festival that adorns the sky with its splendid colors. The balloons seem to dance and create a beautiful melody in the sky, flying you away into a wonderful dream.
I am certain that for many of you, Cappadocia holds a place on the top of your bucket list. This dreamy destination has a beauty that’s truly one of a kind. The moment you land there, it’s as if you have stepped back in time to an ancient civilization; where people called caves home and journeyed on horseback, where the past and present get together. The unique charm of Cappadocia’s landscapes, with its rock formations and the extraordinary hot air balloon rides, is unlike anything else. It’s a journey through time itself, where every corner tells a history.
The Hot Air Balloon
Going to Cappadocia without riding a hot air balloon is like going to an open buffet restaurant when you’re fasting, so you see all the delicious food and you can’t eat any.
The experience of a hot air balloon is amazing; it’s not just about the ride, but the entire journey. It begins with early morning vans forming a caravan, and the fascinating sight of the balloons being inflated. They fill the sky with vibrant colors. Learning the landing techniques is cool too. Once up in the air, the feeling is indescribable. It’s as if you’re a feather floating in the air, experiencing a sensation of unmatched softness an quietness . The whole balloon experience is a must, to complete your visit to Cappadocia in a truly unforgettable way.
Göreme Open Air Museum
The Göreme Open Air Museum is Cappadocia’s top tourist destination, it is known as the heart of Cappadocia’s vibrant history. The museum displays many churches and halls where people used to gather to eat, read or discuss. It is also a part of Göreme valley that has many churches, chapels, graves and rooms. Simply follow the path and let it transport you back in time as you explore the museum.
The Red Valley
The viewpoint of Red Valley was a huge surprise for me. The show I witnessed there surpassed my expectations. The setting sun glowed softly across the landscape, painting the surroundings in red and pink, creating a rosy light that was overwhelming and left me speechless, so I decided to celebrate with a cup of Turkish coffee from the coffee shops there, whishing for endless sunset.
Love Valley
The Love Valley is a destination you shouldn’t pass up because of the funny shapes that might whisper
some funny thoughts to your mind.
The place is truly amazing. We drove beneath the rocks, parked, and had a lovely Turkish tea at the old tea shop. The place is perfect for hiking and even offers horse tours.
Pigeon Valley
Pigeon Valley is another tourist destination in Cappadocia; it gets its name from the many small pigeon homes carved into the rock walls of the valley.
It is situated close to Uchisar, and we found it unexpectedly while driving around the Uchisar area. It is a pleasant spot just like anywhere else in Cappadocia. I remember staying there to enjoy the sunset’s beauty with my son while my husband went on quad tour exploring the ancient rock homes and churches.
Uchisar Castle
When you approach the town of Uchisar, you will notice a massive structure sitting atop a hill, marked by the Turkish flag, this is Uchisar Castle. So if you’re seeking the highest point in Cappadocia, you’ll find it here. People visit it not only for its history but also for the amazing views of the surrounding areas.
Derinkuyu underground city
The underground city was one of the places that blew my mind. I thought it was just a simple place where people lived underground, like a basement. But I was shocked to find out it had 8 levels hidden beneath the ground. What amazed me the most was the clever engineering. There was a ventilation system with deep wells, and big rolling stones separated each floor to defend against invaders and other dangers. Inside, I saw things like oil and wine presses, stable, and different rooms. The passages were so narrow that moving around was tough. It made me really admire the smart ideas people had in the past. It was built between the 5th and 10th centuries. Only 5 levels are open for visitors due to safety raisons.
Lover's Hill
“Lover’s Hill” or “Asiklar Tebesi” is another viewpoint in Cappadocia. It is a lovely spot where you can enjoy an afternoon coffee or witness the stunning beauty of the sunset over the old town.
The three Beauties
You might come across the “Three Beauties” while you’re scrolling in Cappadocia. Even though the rock formations resemble each other, these three appear like a small family. This special appearance has inspired storytellers to create myths around them. People say that these three rocks are a princess, her loved one, and their son. They were escaping from the king who disapproved their relationship. The princess prayed to be saved, and they turned into everlasting stones to escape the king’s anger.
Devrent Valley
Just like how people see different shapes in clouds, in Devrent Valley, they use their imagination to see rock formations as resembling animals and other objects. The natural erosion of the rocks has created shapes that can be interpreted in various creative ways, making it a fun and unique experience for visitors.
Jeep Safari
If you’re a fan of safari style adventures, take a jeep safari or a quad tour. There are plenty of guided tours available, and I won’t specifically recommend any because they all offer good experiences. Just go for affordable options.
This spot is perfect for enjoying the Milky Way,I recommend visiting it in the morning to get familiar with the location, then returning at night to admire the stars.
Salt Lake
The Salt Lake, is a place you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Cappadocia, especially in summer when it is in its vibrant pink color. It is situated close to Aksaray and approximately a 2-hour drive from Goreme. When we visited during winter, the lake didn’t have its characteristic pink color. The seasonal changes in temperature, sunlight, and water chemistry can influence the growth and distribution of the microorganisms responsible for the pink color. When we visited it appeared muddy, and people were using the mud for its supposed benefits by applying it on their bodies. The experience didn’t offer lots of activities; however, you could consider booking a photo shoot while riding a horse or you could simply enjoy the scenery, take photographs, and buy creams and bath salts from the souvenir shops.
Nessa Cave Hotel
Staying in cave hotels is another extraordinary aspect of Cappadocia. Trying the cave life for a few nights is truly an amazing experience.
Best tips for Cappadocia visit
- Traveling to Cappadocia offers different options: by car, bus, or plane. Opting for a direct flight from Istanbul is often the best choice. Cappadocia has two airports: Kaysari Airport, around 70 km from Goreme, and Nevsehir, approximately 40 km from Goreme. If you’re planning to rent a car, it’s a good idea to book in advance through platforms like DiscoverCars.com or RentalCars.com to save time at the airport. Alternatively, you can arrange a shuttle service with your hotel to avoid any hassle.
- Book your hot air balloon ride on your first day to ensure your spot because demand is typically high, and flight cancellations can occur due to windy conditions; this gives you flexibility in case of changes.
- Cappadocia offers numerous valleys, museums, castles, underground cities, and more. However, due to their similarity and the abundance of options, it’s better to narrow down your list and dedicate more time to enjoy a few places. I have listed above the most significant sites that, in my opinion, should suffice for your visit.
- The Red Valley offers the best sunset experience. I highly recommend to arrive early to secure a spot, as it tends to get crowded. Coffee shop seats are often occupied during this time, so early birds get the worms.
- When you visit the underground city, remember that the floors can be slippery, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear.
- Beware of “free” pottery making offers; often, there’s a catch. While they might start with no charge, they can end up asking you to pay, sometimes through purchases at their shops.
- In Cappadocia and throughout Turkey, you’ll come across street dogs. Don’t worry; they’re usually friendly and tagged for identification.
- If possible, rent a car, it is the best way to explore Cappadocia; that allows you to maximize your visit and make the most of your experience. For more driving tips click here.
- When you’re renting a car, it’s wise to avoid choosing new ones. Even minor scratches might stand out on them. Before you drive off, take a video of the car’s exterior, walking around it to capture every angle. This can prevent any misunderstandings later. There was an instance when they tried to charge us for a dent we didn’t cause, but thankfully, my husband had a video of the car, which proved the damage wasn’t from us.
- If you’re eager to witness the Milky Way, simply drive away from the city to one of the valleys (Pigeon Valley). Park by one of the rocks, look up at the sky, and admire the breathtaking view.
- Have some Turkish lira with you at all times. You might need it for restrooms or to support local businesses.
- I strongly suggest trying out Oscar Steak House, a restaurant known for its delicious aged meat.
- Do not skip the meat in a jar; it has a unique clay flavor that’s truly amazing.
- I have tried various Baklava , and the standout one was from a store in Uchisar town; it’s called Gaziantepli Yelmaz Usta Baklava & Kadayef
- If you are unable to afford a hot air balloon ride or have a fear of heights, here’s my advice: attend the spectacle. Arrive early in the morning, witness the entire process of setting up the balloons and capture moments through photos and videos. Then, return to your hotel to have your breakfast and continue enjoying your day. This way, you can still be part of the magic without the balloon ride.
- We stayed at Nessa Cave Hotel which was amazing especially the Hammam in the room, we were so happy with everything, the breakfast, the room, the staff, the entire place, and also they provide lots of guided tours, we went for hot air balloon and I highly recommend them. For other tours you can check their website.
Cappadocia is indeed a fairy tale land, thank you for sharing.
you’re welcome