Cappadocia Travel Guide
Our comprehensive travel guide to Cappadocia provides everything you need to plan your trip. Discover the best things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more.
- Introduction to Cappadocia
- List of Places to Visit in Cappadocia
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Cappadocia
- Best Things to Do in Cappadocia: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Cappadocia
- Food and Drink Scene of Cappadocia
- Where to Stay in Cappadocia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Cappadocia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Cappadocia
- Best Time to Visit Cappadocia
- Do’s and Don’ts of Cappadocia
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Cappadocia: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Cappadocia
- Where to Go Next from Cappadocia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Cappadocia
Cappadocia is located in the heart of Turkey, in Central Anatolia, and is known for its stunning natural landscapes, unique rock formations, and fascinating historical sites. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years and has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from the Hittites, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Today, Cappadocia is a popular destination for travelers from around the world, offering stunning outdoor adventures, a vibrant food scene, and a one-of-a-kind cultural experience.
List of Places to Visit in Cappadocia
There are many incredible places to visit in Cappadocia. We’ve categorized them into two main groups - culturally important attractions, and natural attractions.
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Goreme Open Air Museum
- Zelve Open Air Museum
- Uchisar Castle
- Kaymakli Underground City
- Derinkuyu Underground City
- Cavusin Old Village
Natural Attractions of Cappadocia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Fairy Chimneys
- Love Valley
- Pigeon Valley
- Red Valley
- Rose Valley
- Devrent Valley
- Hot Air Balloon Tours
Hiking/Biking Routes of Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a hiker and biker’s paradise with breathtaking scenery around every corner. Here are a few of our favorite routes:
- Pigeon Valley Hiking Trail
- Kizilcukur Trail
- Ihlara Valley Hiking Trail
- Love Valley Biking Trail
- Red Valley Hiking Trail
- Rose Valley Biking Trail
Best Things to Do in Cappadocia: Activities and Tours
- Hot Air Balloon Tours
- ATV Tours
- Horseback Riding Tours
- Turkish Bath Experience
- Pottery Making Classes
- Turkish Cooking Classes
Week-Long Itinerary for Cappadocia
Day 1: Goreme Open Air Museum, Rose Valley, and Sunset Point Day 2: Hot Air Balloon Ride, Uchisar Castle, and Pigeon Valley Day 3: Ihlara Valley Hiking Trail, Selime Monastery, and Derinkuyu Underground City Day 4: Zelve Open Air Museum, Love Valley Biking Trail, and Pottery Making Class Day 5: Kaymakli Underground City, ATV Tour, and Turkish Bath Experience Day 6: Devrent Valley, Avanos Ceramic Village, and Turkish Cooking Class Day 7: Free day to explore the town, shopping souvenirs, and enjoying the food scene.
Food and Drink Scene of Cappadocia
Must-Try Dishes
- Testi Kebab
- Mantı
- Gözleme
- Dolma
- Baklava
Local Beverages
- Turkish Coffee
- Apple Tea
- Ayran
Where to Stay in Cappadocia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Sultan Cave Suites
- Museum Hotel
- Taskonaklar Hotel
- Kelebek Special Cave Hotel
- Local House Hotel
- Nomad Cave Hotel
What to Buy in Cappadocia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Pottery and Ceramics
- Handmade Carpets and Rugs
- Turkish Delight and Baklava
- Handwoven Textiles and Fabrics
- Pashmina Shawls and Scarves
Local Culture and Customs of Cappadocia
While Cappadocia is a modern tourist destination, there are still some ancient cultural customs that visitors should be aware of. Turkish hospitality is legendary and is still evident in Cappadocia, as the locals are warm and welcoming. It is polite to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home, and visitors should dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
Best Time to Visit Cappadocia
The best time to visit Cappadocia is between April and June, and from September to November when the temperatures are mild, and crowds are thinner. However, the region is beautiful throughout the year, and each season offers unique experiences.
Do’s and Don’ts of Cappadocia
Do:
- Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites
- Try Turkish coffee and traditional Turkish dishes
- Be respectful of local customs and traditions
- Visit underground cities and open-air museums
- Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise
Don’t:
- Overlook local customs and norms
- Be disrespectful to locals
- Littering anywhere, and be sure to leave no trace
- Engage in dangerous activities
Safety and Health
Safety in Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a generally safe place to visit, but tourists should take precautions while exploring the region. Travelers should watch out for scams and avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas and poorly lit streets. Women should dress appropriately and be aware of their surroundings.
Health in Cappadocia
The tap water in Cappadocia is not drinkable, and tourists should only drink bottled water. It is also essential to be aware of food hygiene and wash hands before eating.
Getting to Cappadocia: Transportation Options and Logistics
There are many options for getting to Cappadocia, including flights, buses, and private transfers.
Airports Near Cappadocia
- Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV)
- Kayseri Erkilet International Airport (ASR)
Bus Stations Near Cappadocia
- Nevsehir Bus Station
- Goreme Bus Station
Other Options
- Private Transfer
- Car Rental
How to Get Around in Cappadocia
The best way to get around Cappadocia is by car, which enables you to explore the region at your own pace. Alternatively, you can use local buses, taxis, or hire a bike.
Where to Go Next from Cappadocia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Ankara, Turkey’s capital city
- Antalya, a seaside resort city
- Istanbul, the cultural and commercial hub of Turkey
- Konya, the home to the famous Whirling Dervishes
Conclusion
Cappadocia is an enchanting destination that appeals to all types of travelers, with its unique landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the outdoor adventures and cultural sites to the tasty local cuisine, it has something for everyone. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, we hope this comprehensive guide will help you plan your trip to Cappadocia.
