Turkey offers so many amazing travel destinations, fabulous cities, spectacular coastlines, and important archaeological sites, so how do you pick where to go, especially with limited time? On our first trip to Turkey, we decided that Istanbul and Cappadocia would offer the richest experiences and we did ask ourselves, Is Cappadocia worth it? After all, it’s not close to anything else, and it’s really only accessible by plane or car/bus.
Is Cappadocia Worth It?
Cappadocia is an absolute must if you crave the electrifying “wow factor” of unparalleled travel adventures. Its incredible Fairy Chimneys sculpted by erosion can be found in every shape and size and define the rugged, somewhat alien landscape. Beneath Cappadocia, there are hidden underground cities, churches, homes, and businesses carved into these whimsical rock formations. These geological anomalies, shaped over countless millennia through natural processes, create an otherworldly sensation like being on a different planet.
Cappadocia, an UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 4th century and is also renowned for its exquisite pottery, crafted by skilled artisans using techniques passed down through generations. The region’s distinct pottery features intricate patterns and vibrant colors, making it a cherished souvenir for visitors seeking a piece of Cappadocia’s artistic heritage.
Beyond these highlights, Cappadocia offers hot air ballooning adventures, gastronomic delights with local cuisine, and vibrant cultural festivals, ensuring a rich travel experience that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Why Cappadocia Isn’t Worth It
Even with all of Cappadocia’s magic, consider these four challenges when choosing to travel to Cappadocia.
- Getting there: Because Cappadocia is in the middle of Turkey, it’s not close to other destinations, which means you’ll have to drive, take a bus, or train, or fly into Cappadocia. Neither airport is close to the main cities of Nevşehir (home to Goreme, Urgup, and Avanos), Kayseri, Aksaray, and Niğde so there’s additional transportation from the airport into one of these towns.
- Touristic: Cappadocia is an Instagram darling so many areas can be really crowded during high season with long lines!
- Expensive: Because Cappodocia is a bucket-list favorite, many hotels are expensive. Balloon rides are also expensive ($200 USD ++ per person) and children under 5 are not allowed.
- Weather: Cappadocia can be extremely hot (90’s Fahrenheit) in the summer and very cold with snow in the winter leaving the shoulder seasons as the best time to visit, which are also more crowded.
10 Reasons To Visit Cappadocia & Things To Do
We fell in love with Cappadocia! Check out these 10 reasons to visit Cappadocia from exploring the caves to making pottery, and best of all — a balloon ride over the magical Fairy Chimneys!
1. Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Fairy Chimneys
This was one of the most memorable once-in-a-lifetime tours we’ve ever done. Cappadocia’s “Gentle Giants” can fly super low, descending into the valleys nearly touching the chimneys, and super high, up to 3,000 feet where you’ll see a full panorama of the region! Albeit, you have to get up quite early to catch sunrise but it’s totally worth lifting off and then watching over a hundred other balloons ascend adding to the magic of the landscape.
We learned why there is such a range in pricing ($100-$300 USD) — mostly due to the number of people they can squeeze into the baskets. Our ride was 16 people, but they can accommodate up to 24! That’d be claustrophobic for me, but let your budget dictate. There are roughly 260 days a year when the balloons can fly.
- Early Pickup: Typically, you’ll be picked up from your hotel at around 5 AM, and taken to the balloon company’s main office where they will get clearance to fly (this is why you need to book this for your first day in case they can’t fly and you’ll still be there on day two).
- Enjoy breakfast: You’ll get a decent buffet breakfast and coffee while they wait for approval to fly.
- Site launch: You’ll then be driven to the launch site where they’ll prep the balloon for flight (standing up) as you get in.
- Air Time: You’re in the air for about 1 hour.
- Celebrate: Upon landing, enjoy a champagne toast with your pilot and get taken back to your hotel.
Our pilot was very knowledgeable and friendly, and we loved sharing the photos he took during our trip. The landing can be bumpy, and most often, you land sideways in a skid — probably the worst part of the adventure, but we were used to it having just come from an African safari where you take off and land sideways.
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2. Imagination Valley
This title is exactly what it is. It’s more like a sculpture zoo! Here you can roam the unique terrain and find just about any animal, person, or thing represented. Remember, this is all nature’s doing, these are natural formations of eroded volcanic rocks. If you have a car, parking is easy just opposite the trailhead, otherwise, it’s usually part of a guided tour.
➡️ Book Your Tour Including Imagination Valley
3. Uchisar Castle
Uchisar Castle stands as one of the most prominent among the Cappadocia castles. Its builders remain a historical mystery, but what we do know is that this location served as a stronghold for various civilizations throughout time. The castle’s origins are believed to be traced back to the Hittites.
4. Avanos – Pottery
Avanos is a renowned town in the heart of Cappadocia. It’s strategically located along the banks of the Kizilirmak, Turkey’s longest river, known for its distinctive red clay. This rich, reddish soil has been the essential ingredient in crafting Avanos’ famed pottery, with some of its traditional designs dating back as far as 2,000 BC, attributed to the Hittites.
We really loved watching the artisans throw pottery, and I even did a spin on the wheel too though it was a bit pornographic weilding the clay. And, you will know of course that the goal is to sell you their works, which are gorgeous and I did buy several small sauce bowls for gifts.
5. Derinkuyu Underground City
Cappadocia boasts numerous underground cities and an extensive network of cave dwellings, showcasing the region’s remarkable subterranean heritage. During our visit, we embarked on a day tour from Goreme to explore the depths of the Derinkuyu underground city, which is renowned as Turkey’s deepest subterranean settlement. This city was once capable of accommodating a substantial population and is believed to date back thousands of years, with its origins traced to the Hittites in the 7th-8th century BCE, during the Byzantine wars.
In addition to its historical significance, Derinkuyu served as a refuge for Christians fleeing persecution in later centuries. Intriguingly, some of these underground cities are interconnected through a labyrinth of subterranean tunnels, revealing the ingenuity of the inhabitants who carved out these remarkable underground communities.
Cost: 300 Lira, around $10 USD without a guide. The BBC wrote a great piece about this underground city.
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6. ATV at Sunset Quad Tour
We had an absolute blast on our expertly guided tour visiting many Fairy Chimneys which were only accessible by dirt paths, perfect for ATVs. It was pretty dusty, so be sure to wear a bandana to cover your mouth and glasses. The Cappadocia ATV Tour Guides will also provide goggles and helmets. Most tours include the Rose and Red Valleys. It’s also fine for beginners, they go pretty slowly if you need them to.
Allow at least two hours for this tour. And the cost is about $30-$50 USD.
➡️ Dpn’t MISS This Fabulous Sunset ATV Tour!
7. Goreme Open-Air Museum
Included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this destination is a must-visit on any Cappadocia travel itinerary. Initially believed to have been a Byzantine monastic settlement accommodating around 20 monks, it later transformed into a pilgrimage site in the 17th century. This remarkable complex of monastic Byzantine architecture boasts an array of rock-cut churches, chapels, and monasteries, all situated approximately 1 kilometer uphill from the heart of Göreme.
One of the site’s standout attractions is the Dark Church, although there is an additional entrance fee to access it (totally worth it!). It’s important to note that the ticket office closes at 4:30 p.m. from October to April, so plan your visit accordingly. You should spend at least an hour here.
➡️ BEST ‘Red Tour’ Including the Goreme Open Air Museum
8. Buckle Church
Situated just 50 meters down the hill in the direction of Göreme, and conveniently located across the road from the primary Open-Air Museum complex, you’ll find the Buckle Church. The great news is that it is included in the same entrance ticket, so don’t let it slip from your itinerary. This will take an additional 15 minutes.
9. Paşabağı Valley
Located midway along the road leading to Zelve, this smaller valley features a distinctive three-headed rock formation and showcases some of Cappadocia’s most renowned basalt-capped fairy chimneys. In bygone times, this valley was home to monks, and today, you can ascend into one of these chimneys, which served as a monk’s dwelling, adorned with Hellenic crosses.
Within, wooden steps guide you to a chapel housing three iconoclastic paintings that have survived the ravages of time and vandals. Among these paintings, the central one portrays the Virgin cradling the infant Jesus. We spent an hour here.
10. Eski Gümüşler Monastery
Right in the heart of Cappadocia, you’ll discover one of the region’s incredible gems – a rock-hewn monastery that remained concealed until its serendipitous rediscovery in 1963. This off-the-beaten-path marvel boasts some of Cappadocia’s most pristine and captivating frescoes, adorning the lofty main church and dating back to the 7th to 11th centuries. A particular highlight among these frescoes is the striking portrayal of the Virgin and Child, positioned to the left of the apse. Mary wears a Mona Lisa-like smile, making it a unique representation of a smiling Mary in existence.
Be sure to check the hours before going!
So, what do you think? Is Cappadocia Worth It? And there are still so many more reasons to visit Cappadocia, such as trying the delicious Anatolian cuisine! The best way to see all of Cappadocia’s 10 Things to Do is a full-day guided group or guided tour.
Best Time To Visit Cappadocia, Turkey
We visited in late May and the weather was perfect, cool evenings, warm days, and not so crowded. The best times to visit are during the Spring and Autumn seasons. Because Cappadocia is nestled at a higher altitude, it’s not nearly as hot as most desert landscapes but it is still hot in the summer! This region welcomes visitors year-round, but there are essential considerations to keep in mind.
Winters are snowy, so hot air balloons remain grounded, and some hotels close their doors.
September and October are also great travel months. They follow the summer holiday rush, leading to fewer crowds and perfect weather.
On the flip side, June marks the beginning of the high season, characterized by increased tourist activity and busier attractions.
Getting Around Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a large region! The easiest way to get around is by renting a car. Note – when you find cars through an aggregator, don’t always go with the best price. Look at Google’s reviews of the company too, BEFORE booking. I will not ever use Budget or Dollar. I prefer Sixt in Europe. Avis is also great. The roads are nice and wide and driving is easy. On our last trip, we hired a private driver instead and did the tours so we didn’t need to rent one. Taxis are also a great option if you don’t want to drive in Cappadocia. Cappadocia does not offer Uber. If you stay in downtown Goreme, you can walk to most restaurants and then rely on tour companies to pick you up.
Where To Stay In Cappadocia
There are five main areas where you can stay in Cappadocia. I would choose between Goreme and Uchisar which are the most popular. If this is your first visit to Cappadocia, the best city to stay in is Goreme. It’s a lovely small town and very walkable, with the most shops, and restaurants plus all of the tour companies offer pick-up services in Goreme. And you can see the stunning balloons take flight in Goreme. Uchisar by comparison is at a higher elevation so the views of the Fairy Chimneys are better. It’s less touristic and offers more luxury options than Goreme.
➡️ On a Budget: The Niche Cave Hotel in Goreme – Great location, charming hotel with high ratings. Also, breakfast is included!
➡️ MidLevel Hotel: Luvi Cave Hotel in Goreme – A lovely hotel with views of the city, a bar, and a patio area. Great location and includes breakfast!
➡️ Luxury Hotel: Museum Hotel in Uchisar – An over-the-top luxury experience. Think of it as a ‘living’ hotel as there are priceless artifacts throughout the hotel, all registered with Nevsehir Museum.
Visiting Cappadocia: FAQs
A few things to know before you go:
- Paying: We used Apple Pay, credit cards, and US dollars without any issues.
- Dining: Try the Testi kebabı (Pottery kebab) which is a traditional Cappadocian dish, featuring a mouthwatering stew of vegetables, tomatoes, and meat, all cooked within a sealed clay jug for an authentic dining experience.
- Tipping: We tipped our balloon pilot $10 each, and our guide the same. They were excellent. At restaurants, we tipped 10%.
- Layering: Take a lightweight day-pack and layer. It was cold at 5 AM for the balloon ride, then got hot during the day and added a sweater in the early evenings.
- Water: While hotels will tell you that tap water is safe, opt for bottled water.
- Sunscreen: Use it! There is very little shade in Cappadocia! It’s expensive in Cappadocia, so buy it at the airport or bring your own.
Is Cappadocia a tourist trap?
Cappadocia is an Instagram darling that has driven tourism in recent years. In addition to the 10 Reasons To Visit & Things To Do in Cappadocia, you can also hire professional photographers who will outfit you in gowns and take your glam shots at the top view spots. This should not at all dissuade you from visiting though, because Cappadocia is one of the world’s wonders that should not be missed. If you visit in shoulder seasons, you won’t be challenged by the crowds.
How many days in Cappadocia is enough?
Hopefully, with the 10 Reasons To Visit & Things To Do in Cappadocia, you can plan the perfect Cappadocia trip! We did all ten spots in three full days. For a slower pace, stay four to five days. We traveled to Istanbul next, another beautiful city! You can read about itinerary recommendations in Istanbul here.
Is Cappadocia or Istanbul better?
Both Cappadocia and Istanbul offer distinct and captivating experiences, making the choice between them dependent on your travel preferences. Cappadocia is renowned for its surreal landscapes, hot air balloon rides, and unique underground cities, that provide a tranquil and enchanting escape.
In contrast, Istanbul is a bustling metropolis steeped in history, boasting iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, along with vibrant markets and a rich culinary scene. To decide, consider whether you prefer a serene, otherworldly retreat in Cappadocia or the dynamic, culturally rich atmosphere of Istanbul.
Ultimately, both destinations offer incredible insights into Turkey’s diverse heritage and are worth exploring. Do you have a week? Split it by spending three days in Cappadocia and four days in Istanbul. Learn more about exploring Istanbul with this 3 Days in Istanbul Itinerary.
Is Cappadocia safe?
Crime and terrorism aren’t safety issues in Cappadocia. As one of Turkey’s foremost attractions and a significant contributor to tourism revenue, the Turkish government has made substantial investments to ensure Cappadocia’s safety and enhance the overall visitor experience.
Are Hot-Air Balloons Safe in Cappadocia?
Every pilot is licensed, and balloons undergo routine safety inspections. Hot air balloon companies exclusively employ operators with extensive flying experience, prioritizing incident prevention.
Furthermore, balloon flights are contingent on ideal weather conditions. Even minor deviations prompt the cancellation of all hot air balloon flights, with rescheduling for the following day. While this can be inconvenient for travelers with limited time in Cappadocia, it underscores the paramount importance of safety in this region.
Be sure to book all of your tours through reputable services.
Conclusion: Is Cappadocia Worth It?
In conclusion, in deciding is Cappadocia worth it, we discovered that it is absolutely worth it! The enchanting land of Cappadocia presents a wealth of unique experiences that make it undeniably worth the journey. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a surreal landscape adorned with whimsical Fairy Chimneys sculpted by millennia of natural processes that you can’t find anywhere else. It also has exquisite pottery, shopping, and dining options to make your Cappadocia visit so worth it!
Ultimately, whether Cappadocia is worth it depends on your inclination for extraordinary adventures and your ability to embrace both its charms and challenges. Amid its undeniable tourist appeal, Cappadocia continues to retain its captivating allure, beckoning travelers from around the world to explore its remarkable wonders.
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