When asked about Turkey’s most pristine destinations, Cappadocia is one place that comes up aside from the bustling city of Istanbul. Cappadocia is a region in Turkey that exudes a ton of natural wonders and a rich history dating all the way back to 2000 B.C. Boasting a cultural significance as part of the UNESCO World Heritage in 1985, this is more than just a tourist attraction, but it is also a cultural experience many visitors enjoy. When in Cappadocia, discover what lies beyond the candy-colored horizons, and explore this place from inside out - from its underground cities and stunning cave hotels to its iconic Turkish baths. Spend a glorious time exploring the captivating yet authentic side of Cappadocia with these top 15 things to do & see in Cappadocia, Turkey.
Tip from tour guide
Here are some excellent things to do and see in the fairytale land of Cappadocia. Plan your itinerary and choose any of these for an unforgettable experience in the region!
1. Soar over the valleys in a hot air balloon
2. Visit the churches of Göreme Open-Air Museum
3. Hike or ride a horse through Red and Rose Valleys
4. Explore the village of Göreme
5. Head underground to Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu
6. Visit Zelve Open-Air Museum
7. Hike Ihlara Valley
8. View the churches of Cappadocia
9. Shop for local ceramics in Avanos
10. Roam in the valleys on ATVs or safari Jeeps
1. Cappadocia hot air balloon ride (from USD 187.0)
A picturesque view of hot air balloons while floating up in the bright blue sky is a delightful way to see the historical ruins and valleys of this part of Turkey. Experience this Instagram favorite in real life and see the sunrise over a majestic, technicolor view of Cappadocia. Tours are made available almost all year round, from summer to winter, making it another special sight to see during the white winter season. Get a hold of this once-in-a-lifetime experience and book the tour with Viator. Tourists who wish to avail of this tour will get a topnotch experience, complete with return transfers from and to the hotel. Enjoy a breakfast buffet and get the chance to absorb the natural wonders of Cappadocia up in the sky for one whole hour.
Cappadocia Balloon Ride and Champagne Breakfast
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
2. Devrent Valley (from USD 130.0)
Devrent Valley is another must-see wonder when in Cappadocia. Known for its lunar landscape, this tourist attraction boasts many varieties of unique rock formations, for which many refer to it as “Imagination Valley.” It’s a place that does a lot to stimulate one’s imagination since the abstract shapes actually mimic animals like camels and dolphins. What makes Devrent Valley one of the most amazing sites in Cappadocia is that it’s a land that’s never been inhabited. Discover what lies within and beyond this place and book a private tour with Viator. Devrent Valley will be the first stop of the tour, followed by Zelve Open Air Museum, among others, for an hour and a half of keen exploration. Those who avail of the tour will be driven to the site in a private minivan, along with an English-speaking tour guide to help you understand the history behind each scenic spot.
Cappadocia Private Sightseeing Highlights Tour
Duration: 6 to 9 hours
3. Goreme Open Air Museum (from USD 130.0)
For avid art and history buffs, Cappadocia’s Goreme Open Air Museum is a must-see in your itinerary. This monastic complex is a series of cave churches pooled together to make a unique geographical structure. Within the museum alone, there are 11 refectories with rock-cut churches from the early 10th century up until the 12th century. There’s also the Apple Church, known for its evocative colors and the central dome that was built during the 11th and 12th centuries. Book with Viator and see this ancient attraction and the nine other churches right after exploring Devrent Valley. Spare yourself the hassle of booking individual tours and paying for pesky entrance fees and book a private tour to see this majestic Cappadocian heritage.
Cappadocia Private Sightseeing Highlights Tour
Duration: 6 to 9 hours
4. Pasabag (from USD 130.0)
Pasabag is one historic site that tourists in Cappadocia will enjoy for its distinct earth pillars. It’s also popularly known as “Monks Valley” for the orchards and fairy chimneys owned by Cavusin villagers. This piece of ancient structure manifests mythological musings that the tour guides will talk about upon exploration. Get a taste of a cultural experience like no other and book a slot on a tour to see the beauty of Pasabag, complete with pick up and drop off, as well as a guide to lead you through the tour. Participants should be cautious of the weather conditions when booking this tour and to stay prepared with a jacket or raincoat for those visiting during the colder seasons.
Cappadocia Private Sightseeing Highlights Tour
Duration: 6 to 9 hours
5. Uchisar Castle (from USD 130.0)
Known as the “Pearl of Cappadocia”, Uchisar Castle is an interesting and beguiling attraction, as it was a prime location for security and maintenance during the Ottoman Empire. This phenomenal attraction has garnered the world’s attention and continues to do so to this day. Uchisar Castle is the highest point of Cappadocia and it will take an average person 120 steps to get to Uchisar Fortress, which happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A snapshot from the fortress overlooking Cappadocia’s landscape is one that will definitely level up your Instagram game. This is best experienced when traveling to the region with a guide. Thanks to this tour, you and your loved ones can book a private tour that will take you to these sites and provide historical context for the gorgeous wonders you see all throughout.
Cappadocia Private Sightseeing Highlights Tour
Duration: 6 to 9 hours
6. Pigeon Valley (from USD 130.0)
Pigeon Valley is situated between Goreme and Uchisar and is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Cappadocia. Participants will get to enjoy superb views of Uchisar Castle during sunrise or sunset. The hiking trails also connect churches and deserted cave homes, making it a great landscape for other activities. Gorgeous views of constantly altering landscapes and canyon cliffs make the hike one to remember. Enjoy this nature adventure and book a tour to experience the best of Cappadocia in just one full day of topnotch sightseeing.
Cappadocia Private Sightseeing Highlights Tour
Duration: 6 to 9 hours
7. Kaymakli Underground City (from USD 214.0)
The first part of the tour is a remarkable destination: Kaymakli Underground City. This enchanting attraction is also a religious site that commemorates how Christians managed to shield themselves from persecution. This iconic city is also where the Citadel was first built back in 3000 B.C. Guests will get a glimpse of architectural beauty from a church on the second floor and a supply store of wine and flour on the third floor to other ginormous food storages on the fourth floor. Join the Green Tour, complete with a guide, a proper airconditioned vehicle, and superb views and backgrounds for your Instagram feed.
Cappadocia Group Tour Underground City, Ihlara Valley & More
Duration: 5 to 8 minutes
8. Ihlara Valley (from USD 214.0)
If there’s one thing about Cappadocia, it is the superb list of places and attractions that have made it a unique travel destination. Ihlara Valley, which is located in the Aksaray’s Guzelyurt district, is visited by 500,000 people during the colder seasons of the year. Thrill-seekers take on the challenge of going down 382 steps for the chance to see a magnificent landscape. Enjoy the Private Green Tour and experience nature’s beauty while challenging yourself to a 3.8-km (2.4-mi) hike while learning about the greatness of Ihlara Valley.
Cappadocia Group Tour Underground City, Ihlara Valley & More
Duration: 5 to 8 minutes
9. Cappadocia cooking class (from USD 153.0)
Those handy in the kitchen or those who simply wish to learn more about Turkish cuisine can’t miss out on taking a cooking class when in Cappadocia. Turkish food is something many people all over the world have come to know and enjoy, but not many understand the intricacy of cooking meals like Turkish ravioli. In this cooking class, participants will get a chance to learn Turkish cooking from a local in their own home, in the small yet charming village of Ayvali. A translator will be present for non-locals to properly understand the guide’s instructions. Aside from Turkish ravioli, guests will also learn how to prepare yogurt soup and a cheese pastry, which they can enjoy after cooking.
Cappadocia Cooking Class By The Local Chef
Duration: 4 hours
10. Whirling Dervish Ceremony (from USD 36.0)
Cappadocia’s Whirling Dervish Ceremony is one that visitors should check out. This is a mystical dance ceremony that dates back to 1273 AD, where the fundamental human existence goes through seven cycles which are represented in this dance. Those who will book this tour will get to watch this 760-year-old ceremony at an old caravanserai. Witness this amazing ancient tradition come alive in the form of dance.
Cappadocia Dervish Ceremony with Optional Pickup
Duration: 50 minutes
11. Cappadocia ATV sunset tour (from USD 71.0)
This one’s for the sunset chasers. Aside from seeing the sunrise in a hot air balloon, travelers can also book a tour that will allow them to drive an ATV just before or during sunset. Participants will get to drive around the valley on an ATV while chasing the last sunset of their vacation. Hotel pick-up can be arranged, followed by two and a half hours’ worth of sunset-watching and absorbing Turkey’s most breathtaking views. This is one that you cannot miss out on.
Cappadocia Small-Group Sunset ATV Tour
Duration: 2 hours
12. Cappadocia horseback riding (from USD 71.0)
If you’re traveling to Cappadocia with a loved one, a great bonding experience is to go horseback riding at a gorgeous landscape. Couples and families traveling together who avail of this Pupa Travel activity will be picked up from their hotel and driven to the stunning horse ranch in Avanos. This place is located by a river where participants can go horseback riding for two hours. The fee will cover private transfers, a horseback riding session, local taxes, and 18% VAT. Maximize your vacation to Cappadocia and try a brand new experience with Pupa Travel to create picture-perfect memories from Turkey’s finest.
Horserback Riding (Daytime or Sunset)
Duration: 2 hours
13. Cappadocia jeep safari tour (from USD 60.0)
Those traveling solo who want to do more than just walk around Cappadocia can take advantage of this unique activity, where participants can book a Jeep Safari Tour. This will allow them to drive around Cappadocia in a brand new Jeep SUV. This unique service can be claimed any time after 10:00 am and guests can meet up with the guide and the driver to get to one of the popular spots in the city proper. Participants can also drive with the guide around Cappadocia in order to get some gorgeous snapshots. The tour includes a ride in a new Jeep SUV, driving service, gas fee, and return transfer for those who want to be driven back to their hotels.
Jeep Safari in Cappadocia
Duration: 5 hours
14. Cappadocia Turkish bath experience (from USD 48.0)
With an endless list of things to see and do in Cappadocia, it’s not uncommon for travelers to feel rather beat from exploring. Take it slow and experience something more laidback by taking part in an authentic Turkish Bath. Book this experience, get picked up from your hotel and treat yourself to a much-needed R&R! Those who take this activity will have access to a sauna, a peel, and a soap massage. This activity is also customizable so you can request for extra perks like essential oils. Finish the activity and board your flight feeling relaxed and energized enough to say goodbye to Cappadocia.
Turkish Bath Hamam Cappadocia - CAP6
Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
15. Cappadocia balloon watching tour (from USD 245.0)
When traveling to Cappadocia for a honeymoon or a romantic celebration away from home, a balloon watching tour is a great suggestion. Grab the opportunity to bask in the beauty of the Turkish sunrise while watching colorful hot air balloons float up to the sky. Charge up your smartphones and camera to get superb snapshots of the balloons from several angles. Travelers and tourists who participate in this tour will be picked up from the hotel in a minivan transport with air conditioning. Gasoline and highway fees, as well as local taxes, are included. There is nothing else left to worry about except getting the best Instagram shot.
Hot Air Balloon Flight in Cappadocia - YUKITOUR CAP
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Absorb the effortless beauty of Cappadocia
A trip to Cappadocia holds so much promise with all the activities mentioned above. Embrace all the possibilities this scenic and historically rich place can give you. From hot air balloon rides, sick sunset views, to breathtaking lunar landscapes - Cappadocia doesn’t hold back. Maximize your time here and go beyond the ruins and valleys. Discover new facets of culture and history from a local’s point of view. Visiting a place filled with UNESCO Heritage Sites has so much potential for a great travel experience, so start by booking with Pupa Travel and make your way to the scenic region of Cappadocia.
This post is sponsored by Pupa Travel
In light of the February 2023 earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria, Trip101 urges you to be apprised of the latest news if you have any plans to travel to Eastern Turkey. Other parts of the country remain open to travelers.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to