Have you ever dreamed of floating above a fairy-tale landscape in a hot air balloon? If so, Cappadocia is the place for you!
It is a stunningly beautiful place with a richly fascinating history and plenty of things to see and do. Located in central Turkey, this region is famous for its unique landscape of fairy chimneys, underground cities, remarkable rock formations, hot air balloon rides, and charming cave villages. Although two to three days is not a lot of time, it is possible to see the best of Cappadocia on a short trip. Keep reading for a suggested itinerary.
Go on a Hot Air Balloon
Your first day in Cappadocia should start with a bang—literally! Wake up early to catch a hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Fairy Chimneys. it’s an experience you won’t soon forget after floating among these strange rock formations for an hour or so. The best time to go hot air ballooning is at sunrise when the valleys are filled with mist and the wind is at an average speed for the balloons.
Tip: Be sure to book your ride in advance as the tickets sell out first.
Watch the sunset from Uchisar Castle
Uchisar Castle is one of the most iconic sights in Cappadocia. Perched atop a hill, the castle offers a 360 view of the surrounding landscape, even better from the top of the castle. To get to the top you will take the staircases just as the cavers used to do centuries back, which is another new experience. Come at sunset to watch the sky turn a spectrum of oranges, pinks, and purples as the sun dips below the horizon. entrance fee is 10 TL per person.
Visit a carpet school
If you’re interested in learning about traditional Turkish carpet making, then a visit to a carpet school is a must-do activity during your stay in Cappadocia. You’ll learn about the history of Turkish carpets and see firsthand how they’re made. You’ll even have a chance to make your own! There are several carpet schools in Cappadocia where you can watch skilled artisans craft beautiful carpets by hand using traditional methods passed down for generations. Many of these schools also sell their carpets onsite so you can take a piece of Cappadocia home with you, moreover, it’s a great way to support locals! how cool is that, huh?
See the Ceramic Centers
Ceramics are another important part of Turkish culture, and Cappadocia has several ceramic centers in the town of Avanos where you can watch skilled artisans create beautiful pieces by hand using traditional methods passed down for generations. These centers usually have shops where you can buy ceramics to take home with you as well!
Stay in a cave hotel
When it comes to accommodation, this place has everything from traditional hotels to 5-star resorts—but why not try something different? There are several cave hotels in the area, offering guests a truly unique experience. Many of these hotels have been converted from actual caves, so you can expect charming stone walls and cozy fireplaces oh! and a delicious breakfast for you to face the goodness of the day.
Explore Göreme Village
Göreme village is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cappadocia. It has several ancient cave churches, homes, and monasteries that have been carved into rocks over time. Make an effort to wake up early the next morning to watch the sunrise with the views of almost 250 hot air balloons floating up in the air, it’s breathtakingly beautiful, romantic, and picturesque.
Visit the fairy Chimneys
The fairy chimneys are one of Cappadocia’s most iconic landmarks. These strange natural rock formations were created by volcanic eruptions and are worth seeing in person! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even climb to the top of some of them for unbeatable views and take a cool Instagram picture.
Visit underground Cities
Cappadocia is home to many underground cities, which were carved out of caves centuries ago. These cities were once used as hiding places from invaders, and today they make for fascinating sightseeing opportunities especially with a knowledgeable tour guide to explain the history of the centurions! you shouldn’t miss it.
Monks Valley
Monks Valley gets its name from the monks who used to live in small cells carved into cliffs here long ago. Today, it’s known for its impressive mushroom-shaped rock formations – something you won’t see anywhere else in the world, it’s unbelievable!
Eat like a Local
No trip would be complete without trying some local cuisine! When you’re in Cappadocia, be sure to sample some traditional Turkish dishes like kebabs, baklava, gözleme, and pide (a type of flatbread). And wash it all down with some refreshing Turkish tea or Turkish Kahve!
Thoughts: remember to take photographs
Take Plenty of Pictures! Even if you’re not usually one for taking photos on vacation, trust me—you’ll want to make an exception for Cappadocia! With its dreamy landscapes and Instagram-worthy views around every corner; it would be impossible not to capture at least a few memories during your stay here.
When to visit
The best time to visit Cappadocia is between April to June when the weather is mild. However, if you want to experience the hot air balloons in the warmer season, you’ll need to go between June and September when the winds are calmest. Note that October can still be quite warm, so if you’re not a fan of heat, it’s best to visit earlier in the month.
So there you have it – 10 fun things to do in Cappadocia that you’ll love!
This place is enchanting that should be on everyone’s travel list. If you’re short on time, don’t worry—it’s possible to see all the highlights in just three days. From hot air ballooning to hiking to underground city exploring, there’s something for everyone in this historic central region of Turkey.
Have you been to Cappadocia? what was your favorite memory to share with other readers?
