A picture can be seen of the Hostel New York, depicting the scenery of the city. The image shows a beautiful view of the skyline.
Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia Turkey is world-renowned due to its reasonable costs and the remarkable, fairytale-like surroundings that can be observed from above.
A majority of the world’s hot air ballooning is done in Cappadocia. Even those who don’t have an interest in the well-known rides can still find reasons to visit this area due to its delightful cuisine, cave lodgings, ancient history, and attractive hiking paths.
This guide will provide all the information you need to plan your trip to Cappadocia Turkey. It includes directions on how to get there, where to stay, and all the top activities to do, along with a map of the area and any other essential details.
What Is The Story Behind Cappadocia?
Since ancient times, people have populated the Cappadocia region and it has been occupied by the Hittites, Persians, Romans, early Christians, Byzantines, Seljuk Turks, and Ottomans throughout the course of its history.
Cappadocia, Turkey holds a significant place in history due to its status as a safe haven for persecuted Christians during the Roman Empire. To protect themselves, they carved thousands of homes, churches, and caves into the hillsides.
The structures of rock and subterranean cities, which still exist today, bear a striking resemblance to the movie sets of Star Wars. It has been said that George Lucas intended to film certain scenes from the first Star Wars film in Cappadocia, though the Turkish government refused his request.
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Cappadocia has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey, with an impressive 3.8 million visitors in 2019. Its unique rock formations, cave dwellings, and hot air balloon rides provide visitors with experiences unlike anything else.
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In What Location Is Cappadocia Turkey Found?
Central Turkey is the location of Cappadocia, with Kayseri being the closest major city and airport.
Tourists who visit Cappadocia usually stay in Goreme due to its abundance of accommodation options and eateries. Uchisar and Urgup are also part of the area, but Goreme stands out in terms of convenience.
A Turkish camel can be seen in the image above, situated in Cappadocia.
Gaining Access to Cappadocia in Turkey
To reach Cappadocia Turkey, one of the best options is to take a domestic flight from Sabiha Gokcen Airport in Istanbul (SAW) to Kayseri Airport (ASR).
For this route, there are a multitude of flights daily, with a flight time of 1.5 hours. You can get a one-way ticket for as little as 150 Liras, or roughly $20 USD. If you want to shop for flights to Kayseri, Skyscanner is your go-to place.
Once you have reached Kayseri, you should look into a van for transportation, as it is an hour away from Goreme in Cappadocia. Your hotel can help you arrange this, or you can book it in advance online.
It’s wise to pre-book this highly-rated Cappadocia shared airport service for an economical price of $7 USD per person. They also offer private airport transfers for just $30 USD. We’ve tried them out and had a great time!
Accommodation Options
This article will discuss the various choices for where to rest your head when traveling.
Accommodation in Cappadocia can be found in the cities of Goreme, Uchisar, and Urgup.
Goreme is the preferred area to stay in Cappadocia due to its plentiful range of eateries, tour agencies, and cave accommodations to suit all different types of budgets — from those on a shoestring to more luxurious lodgings.
For those looking for a great Cappadocia cave hotel, here are a few of our top choices. For additional options, please take a look here.
Top Cappadocia Cave Lodgings
This destination is renowned for its underground accommodations, and here are some of the best Cappadocia cave hotels.
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Map of Cappadocia
A diagram of the Cappadocia region is presented here for your viewing.
The map below of Cappadocia reveals the main towns along with some of the most renowned tourist attractions (click to zoom in).
In Cappadocia, four popular tours are identified by different colors. Of these, I particularly favor the Red Tour and Green Tour. I will elaborate more on that later.
What to Do to Make the Most of Your Trip to Cappadocia
• Enjoying the View from a Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia
Each year, more than half a million tourists can’t resist the draw of the renowned Cappadocia hot air balloon rides. Although they are a sight to behold from the ground, the experience of being in one of the balloons is even more thrilling!
Once you’ve arrived in Cappadocia, you have the option of waiting to book your hot air balloon ride; however, it is strongly suggested that you pre-book online as this is a highly sought-after experience that can quickly become unavailable.
This 1-hour Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride is highly rated and for only $70 USD, the hotel pickup is included. We have personally used the service and had a great time!
Make a Reservation: The Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Experience
• The Devrent Valley
The Devrent Valley is a stunning area in Turkey’s Cappadocia region that features a moon-like landscape with hundreds of whimsical rock formations. It is a popular spot for tourists, who often come to admire the surreal beauty of the formations.
This valley is remarkable with its variously shaped natural rock formations.
An array of stones can be seen, some resembling a chimney and others taking on the shape of humans or animals. Of the many, the most renowned is Camel Rock, distinguished by its neck and humps imitating a camel!
Included in the Cappadocia Red Tour is Devrent Valley.
The Devrent Valley is renowned for its iconic Camel Rock formation, as seen in the accompanying image 
. This natural feature is located in the Turkish region of Cappadocia.
• Pasabag Valley, commonly referred to as Monks Valley
One of my most memorable parts of the Red Tour in Cappadocia was this particular stop.
The name of the place, Monks Valley, is a tribute to its past inhabitants; monks who hollowed out windows and dwellings in the sheer, chimney-like rocks.
This is Monks Valley (Pasabag)
Here is another view of Monks Valley (Pasabag).
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• Avanos
This city is situated in the central part of Turkey and is renowned for its traditional pottery production. It has long been a hub for pottery-making, with the craft having been passed down for generations. The city is home to numerous workshops and galleries where visitors can view and purchase colorful and unique pieces of pottery.
A short journey north of Goreme lies a historically significant town that many sightseers see while taking part in the renowned Red Tour.
Visiting Avanos is recommended to see the phenomenal pottery and plates crafted by talented artisans. Even if you don’t purchase a souvenir, it is worth a look at the skill of the locals.
Pottery crafted in Avanos, Turkey, is showcased in this image. 
This fancy plate is also from Avanos.
• Valley of Love
This valley has been given the name due to the presence of rocks in a phallic shape. Those who wish to take a leisurely hike can find a number of short trails within the valley.
The Red Tour includes a visit to Love Valley in Cappadocia.
A Place of Love – Valley
• The Open Air Museum of Goreme
This historical site is known to be the Open Air Museum of Goreme, located in Turkey. It is a great attraction that provides visitors with an insight into the area’s culture and history. The museum holds a variety of churches, homes, and other artifacts that date back centuries. There is also an array of interesting rock formations that visitors can explore.
Exploring this location reveals a range of cave churches from the 11th and 12th centuries. Visitors can enter these ancient structures and be amazed by the frescoes adorning the walls.
The Cappadocia Red Tour can include a visit to the Goreme Open Air Museum.
An image of the Goreme Open Air Museum is displayed, followed by a photo of the wall murals within it. This iconic museum is set in the Cappadocia region of Turkey and is renowned for its unique open-air galleries. The captivating murals located within this museum reveal the history of the area and are a sight to behold.
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• Uchisar Fortress
Located in Turkey, the Uchisar Fortress is a prominent landmark that dates back centuries. It is situated on a hilltop and is visible for miles. The castle is a popular tourist attraction, as it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Visitors can climb to the top of the castle and take in the stunning views, or explore the various chambers inside. The castle also features a variety of artifacts and sculptures that offer insight into its rich history.
A mere stone’s throw from Goreme, the city of Uchisar is home to a towering 60-meter “castle mountain” formed out of the local rock.
The peak of Cappadocia, Turkey offers a spectacular panorama from the summit of its tower.
The Uchisar Castle is one of the sites included in the Cappadocia Red Tour, a popular excursion offered by Hostel New York.
The majestic Uchisar Castle 
The quiet village of Uchisar
• The Underground City of Derinkuyu
This underground city, known as Derinkuyu, is an ancient complex of chambers carved out of solid rock. It is located in the Cappadocia region of Turkey and dates back to the 8th century BC. The city is thought to be one of the largest and deepest underground complexes in the world, with some areas reaching depths of up to 85 meters. It has various levels and contains churches, chapels, and living quarters. It is estimated that it could have housed up to 20,000 people.
In Cappadocia, there are 36 subterranean cities, with Derinkuyu being the most profound.
This amazing underground city boasts stables, churches, and storage areas, as well as thousands of ventilation ducts that provided fresh air while people inhabited it. Exploring it is a truly captivating experience!
Derinkuyu is a featured stop for the Cappadocia Green Tour, but some businesses choose to visit Kaymakli instead. The latter is the deepest of the underground cities, while Derinkuyu is the widest.
A subterranean settlement can be found in Cappadocia, as illustrated in the photo above. This underground city is known to be one of the most remarkable places in the region.
• The Ihlara Valley
A valley that can be found in Turkey, Ihlara has become a popular destination for tourists in recent years. It’s natural beauty and historical significance have drawn in many visitors. It is a remarkable place to explore, offering a chance to observe the history and grandeur of the area. The valley’s location makes it a great spot for walking and taking in the stunning scenery.
The Melendiz River has created a valley that is a hundred meters in depth.
This valley was once populated by 80,000 individuals and the caves and churches that they built are still visible on the rock walls. It is an incredible location that can be explored on a single-day journey that includes some light hiking.
The Green Tour of Cappadocia includes a journey through the Ihlara Valley.
The Ihlara Valley can be seen in the picture above 
A second image of the Ihlara Valley is given here.
• The Melendiz Stream
The Ihlara Valley is home to a tranquil river that most day tours pause by to enjoy lunch.
During mid-October, the vivid yellow foliage of autumn is visible in this region.
Pictured here are two scenes of the Melendiz River in Turkey’s Ihlara Valley. The first image is an overall view of the river, while the second captures the bright fall colors of the surrounding foliage.
• Selime Monastery
A monastery located in the Cappadocia region of Turkey, Selime is an impressive structure that has been around for centuries. The site is unique in its architecture, constructed of various caves and rock-cut churches. It is believed to have been founded in the 8th century and still stands today as a testament to its ancient past. The monastery features a variety of impressive features, including a large courtyard, a rock-cut chapel, and a library. Visitors from all over the world are drawn to its history and beauty, making it a must-see destination for any traveler to the region.
The largest religious building in Cappadocia resides in my top favorite places.
The environment resembles a Star Wars movie set, and it is possible to enter the interiors of the constructions which were built between the 8th and 9th centuries.
Included in the Cappadocia Green Tour is Selime Monastery.
The Selime Monastery 
A look at the interior of the Selime Monastery
• Valley of Pigeons
The vicinity of Uchisar offers a splendid hiker’s paradise, with a network of easy-to-follow paths that meander through the conical rock formations and dwellings carved into the cliffs.
The Green Tour in Cappadocia includes a visit to Pigeon Valley.
The Pigeon Valley in Cappadocia Turkey reveals a picture-perfect landscape, with fall colors providing a delightful contrast.
Exploring Cappadocia – Tips for Navigation
- Walking: If you’re in Goreme and want to get some exercise, you can walk to some of the sights nearby your hotel, including Rose Valley, Lovers Hill (sunrise point), and the many cave houses and churches.
- Horseback: A great way to explore Cappadocia is by taking a horseback riding tour. These 2-hour tours can be found online beginning at $50 USD.
- Car + Driver: The most convenient and time-efficient way to discover Cappadocia is to hire a private driver. 4-8 hour tours start at $60 USD and if you have a group of 3 or more people, you can rent a private van for even better savings.
- Scooter: As a solo traveler, renting a scooter in Goreme can be a cost-effective option, costing around $30-$40 USD for the whole day.
- ATV: Quad biking can be a thrilling way to explore Cappadocia, and the terrain is ideal. Cappadocia ATV tours can be found online, beginning at $25 USD for 2 hours.
- Group Tour: Couples and solo travelers can join a Cappadocia group tour, which typically includes hotel pickup, lunch, and a full day of sightseeing. See below for more info on recommended Cappadocia tours!
Exploring Cappadocia: An Unforgettable Experience
The 4 tours in Cappadocia are color-coded (Red, Green, Blue, Orange), each route taking in a different part of the region. My personal preference is for the Red Tour and Green Tour.
The Red Tour encompasses Devrent Valley, Monks Valley, Avanos, the Goreme Open Air Museum, and Uchisar Castle. While the Green Tour takes visitors to Ihlara Valley, Melendiz River, Selime Monastery, Pigeon Valley, and the Derinkuyu Underground City.
The Blue and Orange tours, which are not as popular, include attractions such as Ortasihar and the Gulsehir Open Air Museum. I didn’t take either of these tours this time around, but we have plans to do so the next time we come to Cappadocia.
The Red and Green tours can be booked via a tour agency found in Cappadocia or they can be reserved in advance through the internet, which was the method I chose.
For travelers in search of a great deal, GetYourGuide has a Cappadocia Red Tour for $35 USD or a Green Tour for $55 USD, which both include free lunch and hotel pickup. We’ve personally used GetYourGuide for numerous activities around the world and can confidently recommend their services.
Reserve your spot today for either the Cappadocia Red Tour or Green Tour
How Much Time to Remain
Two days are necessary for Cappadocia to embark on both the Red and Green tours and be able to observe and appreciate the region’s most famous sights.
You could stay longer if you desire to explore all the walking trails in the area. In addition, Goreme is a great place to stay; there are plenty of excellent Turkish eateries available!
When scheduling your trip to Cappadocia, it would be wise to dedicate a few extra days in case the Hot Air Balloon ride gets canceled due to windy weather. By doing this, you can have a little wiggle room in your itinerary in the event of any unforeseen circumstances.
Ideal Period For Journeying to Cappadocia
When deciding when it would be best to explore Cappadocia Turkey, it really comes down to your preferences. The destination is pleasant throughout the year, although the temperatures fluctuate greatly between the different seasons.
In the summer months, Cappadocia is quite hot, while during the winter it can get quite cold with snow. Regardless of the season, the scenery is always breathtakingly beautiful and great for taking pictures. Additionally, hotels in the region are equipped with both cooling and heating systems, ensuring a comfortable stay.
October was an opportune time to visit, as the throngs were not too high and the leaves were near their most vibrant.
Visiting in the spring season could be ideal due to the lower temperatures and fewer people.
Have a great journey!
Pictures of the Selime Monastery, Monks Valley Pasabag, and the town of Goreme in Cappadocia, Turkey can all be seen here.
Additional Guides for Vacationing in Turkey
I sincerely thank you for taking the time to read through this travel guide about Cappadocia, Turkey. I hope you found it to be enjoyable!
Be sure to take a look at the other Turkey travel resources that I have for you, complete with helpful advice, information, and pictures!
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