“Cappadocia (Turkish: Kapadokya) is a unique region in Turkey, known for its cave hotels, underground cities, hot air balloon rides, distinctive cuisine, Hittite art, skiing on an extinct volcano, and breathtaking landscapes. Here’s everything you need to know about the region—how to get there, where to stay, and what to do.
Cappadocia (Turkey)
Why Cappadocia?
This region in the heart of Anatolia has a rich history: it survived the rule of four empires, underwent multiple religious shifts, and transformed into a beloved tourist destination. Today, the “land of beautiful horses” is rightfully considered one of the most fascinating places on Earth. Some say George Lucas drew inspiration from these landscapes for “Star Wars,” but due to the political situation in the 1970s, filming never took place here. Indeed, Cappadocia is so extraordinary and unique that it leaves a lifelong impression.
How to Get There?
The main tourist hub, the village of Göreme, is located between the cities of Kayseri and Nevşehir. To reach it, you’ll need to fly to one of these cities. The most convenient way is by plane—there are no direct flights, only connections via Istanbul. Isn’t this a great opportunity to explore another vibrant Turkish city? A round-trip ticket from Kyiv with Turkish Airlines or Pegasus starts at €250.
Pre-book a hotel transfer or arrange one yourself. A group transfer costs 30-35 TL (€5-6), while a private one ranges from 200-300 TL (€30-50). A taxi will cost about the same. The distance is 60 km from Kayseri and 45 km from Nevşehir.
When to Go & How Long to Stay?
The most comfortable months are May and September, with temperatures around 20-25 °C. To avoid crowds, visit in April or October. Winter and summer are less crowded, but extreme temperature swings—freezing nights and scorching heat—deter visitors. To explore the main sights and enjoy unforgettable experiences, 4-5 full days are ideal.
Accommodation & Hotels
Göreme’s specialty is cave hotels, offering bed & breakfast stays since the village is full of cafes and restaurants. Budget options like The Dorm Cave By Travellers or Cappadocia Cave Rooms cost €20-30 per night. Mid-range hotels like Panoramic Cave Hotel and Elegance Cave Suit charge €40-55. Upscale stays like Mithra Cave Hotel or Doors of Cappadocia Hotel start at €90 per night. Remember, prices vary by season.
Local Cuisine
Cappadocia’s climate is perfect for livestock, so most dishes are meat-based: kayseri mantı (beef dumplings similar to ravioli), kuru fasulye (beans with lamb in tomato paste), and sac tava (lamb stir-fried with vegetables). A must-try is the regional pottery kebab—meat, chicken, or vegetables cooked in a sealed clay pot and dramatically cracked open at your table.
For budget eats, try Nazar Borek&Cafe, where hot dishes cost 18-25 TL (€3-4). Seten Anatolian Cuisine offers pricier portions (35-60 TL / €6-10), perfect for sharing. For gourmet dining, visit Lila’s restaurant, famous for its lamb stew with quince and apricot (cappadocia yahni).
The region is also known for its wineries—sample local reds and whites from Turasan and Kocabağ.
Things to Do in Cappadocia
1. Marvel at Otherworldly Landscapes
Cappadocia’s pride is its whimsical cone-shaped rock formations—carved not by humans but by millions of years of volcanic ash, wind, and rain erosion. These “fairy chimneys” cluster near Zelve village.
Another stunning spot is Pigeon Valley, between Göreme and Uçhisar. One side features peaks resembling meringues, while the other has ancient dovecotes carved into cliffs.
2. Explore an Underground City
Derinkuyu’s history is astounding: this 20-story-deep subterranean city dates back over 2,000 years, with dwellings, wineries, schools, stables, and even cemeteries. Built by the Hittites and later used by persecuted Christians, it’s open for tours (35 TL / €6). Not for claustrophobes.
3. Watch a Romantic Sunset
Head to Crazy Ali Panorama Café (search Google Maps), grab a seat on a cliffside cushion, and watch the sun paint Red Valley (Kızılçukur) in golden hues.
For more action, book a horseback ride with Moonlight Horse Ranch—they’ll teach beginners. Or try a thrilling jeep tour to kick up ancient Cappadocian dust!
4. Visit an Open-Air Museum
Göreme’s UNESCO-listed Open-Air Museum features 11th-century rock-cut churches. Only eight are open to visitors (45 TL / €7.5 entry). The Dark Church (Karanlık Kilise) has exquisite restored frescoes (extra 15 TL / €2.5). Photography inside is banned to preserve the art.
5. Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
Wake up around 4 AM for this bucket-list experience. After check-in and a light breakfast, you’ll ascend 1,000 meters for a 1.5-2 hour flight. Post-landing, enjoy champagne and a certificate. Weather-dependent—confirm with operators like Royal Balloons, Butterfly Balloons, or Voyager Balloons the night before. Price: ~€180.
6. Photograph Balloons from a Viewpoint
If flying isn’t your thing, taxi to Love Valley (Bağlıdere) at dawn. Watch hundreds of colorful balloons drift overhead—against phallic-shaped rocks that give the valley its nickname.
7. Join a Local Family for Cooking
A culinary workshop immerses you in Anatolian culture. Learn to make lentil soup, stuffed eggplant, chickpea pasta, and flour halva, then enjoy homemade wine. Custom menus available (~€50/person).
8. Discover Hittite Pottery
At Hattuşa Ceramics, sip tea while admiring master Turan’s hand-painted pottery. Workshops on traditional plate painting are available (price negotiable).
9. Ski on an Extinct Volcano
Erciyes (Erciyes), Turkey’s premier ski resort, rivals European slopes with 30+ trails. Season runs November–May. Daily ski-pass: 45 TL (€7.5).
10. Snap Instagram-Worthy Shots
The rooftop of Sultan Cave Suites is a blogger hotspot (arrive early to dodge crowds). Alternatives: Monks Valley (Paşabağ) or the photogenic Galerie Ikman carpet shop.
Top Attractions
Cappadocia offers ancient cave cities, natural wonders, balloon flights, ATV adventures, and horseback riding through surreal valleys.
Book a cave hotel near Göreme for the full experience.
Göreme – A fairy-tale village amid Cappadocia’s iconic landscapes. Dawn hot air balloon flights (€150-180/person) are a must-see.
Nearby, the UNESCO-listed Göreme Open-Air Museum showcases Byzantine rock churches with preserved frescoes.
Kaymaklı – One of Cappadocia’s largest underground cities, an eight-level labyrinth from the Byzantine era. Four levels are open to tourists.
Zelve Rock Monastery – A 9th-century Christian cave complex.
Derinkuyu – The deepest underground city, used by early Christians as a hideout.
Çavuşin – A picturesque village with Byzantine churches, including Cappadocia’s oldest, St. John the Baptist.
Paşabağ – Famous for its mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys, eroded into surreal forms.
Travel Tips
- Don’t judge cafes by looks—compare prices first.
- Cave hotels can be chilly; pack warm sleepwear and avoid lower floors.
- Use high-SPF sunscreen—the sun here is deceptively strong.
- Always haggle—you’re in Turkey!
