Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes are one of Turkey’s most famous natural wonders, known for their unique rock formations and amazing hot air ballooning spots. Located in eastern Anatolia, the unique landmarks, architectural sites, and famous tourist attractions make visiting Cappadocia high on every tourist’s Turkey bucket list.
This area has been populated by the human race since the Bronze Age, which makes it a historical and cultural hub for travel enthusiasts to visit. When it comes to natural attractions, the region has it all. Its valleys are one of Turkey’s top hiking and horseback riding attractions, and an aerial view of the region’s sinewy curves has made it one of the greatest spots in the world to take a hot-air balloon trip.
For tourists planning a trip to Cappadocia soon, learning about the places to visit and tourist attractions to explore can help them plan their trip to the region.
10 Prime Tourist Attractions and Activities to Explore in Cappadocia
Whether it’s a three-day trip to this region or a ten-day one, it’s hard to run out of things to explore in Cappadocia. Here are the ten best tourist spots and activities to explore when visiting Cappadocia:
1. Book a Hot Air Balloon Trip Over the Valley
If you look up “Cappadocia”, the first pictures that pop up of the region are of tourists enjoying a hot air balloon ride over the beautifully curved golden valley. Going on an early morning hot-air balloon trip in Cappadocia is one of the travel highlights for many travellers.
Almost 100 hot-air balloons soar to the skies immediately after sunrise during summer, offering passengers spectacular bird’s-eye views of the central valley area and its rock formations. The standard flight route passes over the Red, Rose, and Meskendir Valleys, providing tourists with a quick tour of such a vast region.
2. Ride a Horse or Hike Along the Valleys
The Red and Rose Valley is located next to the famous town of Göreme. The sweeping and rippling rock walls of this region stretch out across the countryside in a palette of pastel pink, yellow, and orange cliffs caused by volcanic eruptions and millennia of wind and water erosion.
Between these scenic cliffs, lie lush orchards and vegetable fields managed by local farmers. The valley is also home to hidden chapels and hideouts dating back to the Byzantine era which are carved out of the rocks. Among these chapels are the Kolonlu Church, the Haçli Church, and the Üç Haçli Church, which are open for tourists to marvel at their ancient and intricate architecture.
The most famous activity to do in this valley is going horseback riding or hiking along the picturesque landmarks, and orchards, and enjoying the sunset views.
3. Visit the Göreme Village
There is a reason why Göreme is one of the most beautiful villages in the world. The village lies half-buried into a hill, the stone house in the town concealing a labyrinth of cave rooms beneath.
Göreme is the tourism hub of Cappadocia, and many of the traditional houses here have been converted into boutique cave hotels. A short walk from the Göreme Open-Air Museum offers access to El Nazar (Evil Eye) Church and Sakli (Hidden) Church, two famous chapels in the region.
The village is also the main starting point for hikers, which branches out to give hikers a myriad of paths that go through bizarre rock formations.
4. Explore the Churches of Göreme Museum
Located just outside of Göreme village, Göreme Open-Air Museum is a monastic cluster of rock-cut chapels with intricate frescoes and monk cells. In the 10th and 12th centuries, Cappadocia was an essential Byzantine religious centre, which is when these intricate frescoes were carved into the chapels.
The complex contains several churches and chapels, the most famous ones being the Elmal Church, the Azize Barbara (St. Barbara) Chapel, and the Dark Church (Karanlık Kilise). These buildings are some of the best remnants of the Byzantine period’s civilization and important cultural landmarks.
5. Climb the Fairy Chimneys of Paşabağı
Paşabağı Valley’s hoodoos, also known as fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, are one of the region’s most recognized natural landmarks. As tourists drive over the hill from Cavusin Village, their first view are the fairy chimneys in Paşabağı Valley which appear to be a grove of giant rocky mushrooms.
A monastic community of devotees of Saint Simeon Stylites, a 4th-century monk who spent his life on top of a pillar in northern Syria, devoted their lives to their stylite practices here in the early Byzantine period. The unique formations of these rocks are still of great interest to visitors who stop to marvel at the scenic views in this valley.
6. View the Uçhisar Castle
The highest point in Cappadocia, Uchisar Castle, is a gigantic monument that reflects the scale and complexity of the ancient communities. The castle was formerly the city’s major defence and once accommodated 1,000 people, most of them soldiers.
Most of the castle is now in ruins, although it may still be explored. Tourists can see the ruins of rooms and living quarters as they go around the rocky hill.
7. Tour the Mazi Underground City
Mazi Underground City, another well-known site in the region, provides another intriguing perspective on a unique historical tradition. The underground complex, with its twisting series of residences, barns, and civic spaces, provided long-term lodging for Christian refugees.
Though facing some degree of ruin, the city offers interesting locations to explore, including a big agricultural field with a highly sophisticated barn system. The entire region is a remarkable illustration of how the people of the underground city established and preserved their societies.
8. Check Out Galerie Ikman
Galerie Ikman is one of the most eye-catching stores in the area. Offering a wide array of beautifully crafted Turkish carpets and rugs, this store is a great place to visit even if tourists don’t plan on buying anything. Displaying a combination of artistry and technique that make them great souvenirs, these rugs and carpets are a major part of the region’s culture.
Right next to the shop is the famous Lamp Shop by Ikman Hediyelik, which displays a beautiful collection of Turkish lamps, each with its distinctive mosaic-style pattern. A stroll through these shops, all lit up at night, makes for a unique wandering experience.
9. Try a Testi Kebab
The region of Cappadocia is famous for its delectable Testi kebabs, also known as clay pot kebabs. These are prepared in a stew of meat and vegetables cooked inside a clay pot over an open fire until the bottom of the pot cracks.
The pot is packed with bread to collect the ceramic shards so people don’t end up eating clay along with their kebabs. The finest spot to have Testi kebab in Goreme is Dibek, a local eatery.
10. Hike Through the Ihlara Valley
Ihlara Valley is a small, lush valley at the foot of a 100-metre-deep canyon in southwest Cappadocia, which is a nature lover’s paradise. Surrounded by rough, high cliffs, this valley is a beautiful terrain of towering poplar trees and fertile farming plots alongside the sweeping Melendiz River, which flows 14 kilometers from Selime village to Ihlara village.
This valley was a popular retreat for hermetic monk groups during the Byzantine Empire. Now, this place is a beautiful place to drive around or walk around and watch the sunset reflected by red rocks.
Exploring the Sweeping Region of Cappadocia
Whether you’ve visited the region before or plan on doing so, the unique beauty and charm of Cappadocia can’t be denied. With an endless terrain, and countless villages all brimming with historic charm and natural beauties. A travel itinerary of this region can be endless. While tourists can explore things spontaneously, they can truly have a complete travel experience in this region by booking a tour with iLinkTurkey. Take a look at our 2 Days Cappadocia Tour for an unforgettable time in one of Turkey’s stunning regions.
