Top 12 Things To Do In Cappadocia

The amazing natural wonderland of Cappadocia really is a must-see when visiting Türkiye. Its landscape, unlike any other, has miles and miles (and miles) of fanciful fairy chimneys and stunning wrinkled ravines. And as one of the world’s largest and most beautiful cave-dwelling complexes, some older than 3,000 years old, its history is incredibly rich and diverse. This post covers the top things to see and do in Cappadocia.

About Cappadocia 

Cappadocia’s stunning landscape started millions of years ago when nearby volcanos erupted, blanketing the area in up to 30’ (10 m) of ash.

After this, a millennium of water and wind carved out the spectacular valleys and dynamic rock formations that make Cappadocia so impressive today. Making it even more fascinating, the landscape here continues to evolve as old fairy chimneys deteriorate and new one develop.

The people here, taking advantage of this unique landscape, carved into the soft volcanic ‘tuff’ to build homes, stables, and storerooms. In addition to individual dwellings, there are 100’s of underground cities here, many built in the 7th and 8th centuries BCE and earlier, to safeguard citizens from invaders, some holding up to 20,000 people!

Even Christians took refuge here in 4th to the 10th or 11th centuries to avoid persecution. They also added to the complexes built here, creating 100’s of elaborate churches into the “tuff” and painting them with dazzling frescoes to privately celebrate their faith.

These cave dwellings not only provided protection during times of instability, war, and persecution, they were very energy efficient, keeping the air warm in winter and cool in the summer.

Historically, this area was ruled by many, including the Hittites, Eastern Mushki, Persians, Macedonians, Romans/Byzantines, Seljuks, Karamanids, and Ottomans, before becoming the Republic of Türkiye. Each leaving a legacy carried on by the people that live here today.

The spectacular geological features of Cappadocia and its cave dwellings may be the biggest tourist attraction, but the people here are also truly warm, welcoming, and wonderful, making this a fascinating and fun place to visit.

Top Things To Do In Cappadocia

Open-Air Museums

Visiting at least one of the two open-air museums here, the Göreme Open-Air Museum or the Zelve Open-Air Museum, is a must. Göreme is the more popular of the two, and is conveniently located where most of the accommodation is.

Göreme Open-Air Museum

Just east of the town of Göreme is the UNESCO listed site of Göreme National Park, the most visited open-air museum in Cappadocia. Among its fairy chimneys and unique rock formations, there are many cave dwellings that have been in use for centuries.

This area was also an important area for Christians avoiding persecution, as there are many churches in this small park area.

In the Göreme Open-Air museum, there are 15 churches and 11 refectories (which is a room for communal meals in religious places), dating from 10th and 11th century. Their detailed frescoes, hidden from the light for centuries, remain vivid today.

One of the most popular churches here is the Buckle Church (Tokali Kalise). This is the oldest carved church in the open-air museum and the largest and most decorated in Cappadocia. It was the main church for the large group of devotees that made pilgrimages here and lived here.

Another key church is the Dark Church (Karanlik Kalise). It’s called the “dark church” as very little light gets in, which has helped preserve its spectacular art.

To make sure it stays that way, no photography is allowed here. I’ve added the image below from Wikimedia to give you an idea of just how elaborate and brilliant it is. There is an extra fee to enter this church, but it’s worth it.

Another key point of interest here is the Nunnery. Just to the left of the museum entrance you’ll see the 6-story formation where nuns lived in the 12th century. This is Rahibeler Monastery. It, unfortunately, is not open to visitors due to the instability of the rocks.

How To Get To Göreme Open-Air Museum

This park is the main attraction in Göreme so easy to find. Göreme is a small town, so if you’re staying here, you can walk.

Zelve Open Air Museum

The Zelve Open-Air Museum was a monastic retreat from the 9th to 13th century. After this, it became a functioning village. In 1952 all the people living here were resettled to Altepe or Yeni Zelve (New Zelve), as erosion became too dangerous for daily living.

It’s now a museum. It does not have as many churches as the Göreme Open-Air Museum, and their frescoes are not as impressive, but it’s a nice alternative as it’s less touristic. The landscape here is also more interesting, so it’s a fun place to wander, climb, and explore the open caves and cervices.

How to Get To Zelve Open-Air Museum

Zelve is about a 15-minute drive northeast of Göreme. It’s also 3 miles (4.7 km) northeast of Pasabag (below), so consider hiring a taxi for the day, or rent a car or scooter and do them together. Also consider adding Devrent as it’s in this are too.

Take Hot Air Balloon Ride

One of the most popular things to do in Cappadocia is to take a hot air balloon ride over the magical landscape here. Especially as the sun rises.

The Göreme Hot Air Balloon Sunrise Tour picks up from from any hotel in Cappadocia. They have colorful balloons, complimentary pre-flight snacks and a champagne toast after the flight.

One thing to keep in mind is that the ride may be canceled if the weather is bad. The tour above offers a full refund or placement on a flight the next day if space is available.

Watch The Balloons Lift Off

If a balloon ride is not your thing, getting up early to simply watch all the balloons flying in the sky is equally magical. Or do both! There’s something about this beautiful landscape being sprinkled with colorful balloons that makes it even more stunning.

Some of the best places to watch the balloons rise are on the roof tops of the cave hotels in the Göreme area. Of course, you need to stay at the hotels there to access their rooftop.

One of the most well-known spots is the rooftop of Sultans Cave Suites. You can go basic here or very plush as some rooms have amazing tubs overlooking the view of Cappadocia and fireplaces.

Others nearby include Koza Cave Hotel, Taskonak Hotel, and Apex Cave Hotel. These places all have stunning views and very high reviews.

Sunrise/Sunset Point

If you’re not staying at one of the hotels above, head to Sunrise/Sunset Point to watch the balloons in the morning. It’s best to arrive well before sunset to find your ‘space’, as it can get crowded in peak season.

If you’re staying in Göreme, you can walk up to sunset/sunrise point. Follow the road towards Ascension Suites, using maps.me or your GPS, and continue walking up the hill past it.

Of course, this is also a great place to watch the sunset in Cappadocia.

Uchisar Castle

This area gets its name Uchisar, which means ‘Outer Citadel’ in Turkish, from the large rock formation here. This was once the main defensive point of the city. The rock formation is a 196’ (60 m) high panoramic rock castle, which is a centuries old citadel.

A fortress and shelter throughout history, it was also a place for early Christians to avoid persecution. There are cave dwellings inside, used as both homes and storage space.

The castle is actually quite ugly. Its beauty lies in its history and the view from the top. It’s an effort to climb the steep and uneven steps, but worth it for the panoramic view.

The top is actually the highest point in the region, so also makes a great place to to watch the sunset. Because of this, the best time to visit is close to sunset. It’s open every day from 7 AM to 8 PM.

How To Get To Uchisar Castle

Located 3 miles (5 km) southwest of Göreme, Uchisar is a bit far to walk. There are regular buses from Göreme, so ask for the latest schedule at your hotel. If driving or renting a scooter, it’s about 10 minutes away.

Pasabag, or Monks Valley

Pasabag, or Monks Valley has some stunning fairy chimneys. My favorite is the one below.

The name of the area, Pasabag, means Monk’s Valley in Turkish, likely as many monks took refuge here in the 4th and 5th century (although the area was also once owned by a man named Pasha, so they’re not sure).

Saint Siméon (Saint Simon) was one of the monks that took refuge here, staying in one of the fairy chimneys, 49’ (15 m) off the ground. The formation with the three-headed cone contains a chapel dedicated to him, which you can visit. You can also visit his seclusion room.

Try to visit Pasabag in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.

How To Get To Pasabag

Located 1.7 miles (2.8 km) north of Göreme at 50180 Goreme/Nevsehir Merkez/Nevsehir Turkey, it’s about a 10 minute drive or 30 minute walk.

The Zelve open-air Museum is another 3 miles (4.7 km) northeast of Pasabag, another 10 minute drive (Devrent, below, is also in the area).

Devrent, or Imagination Valley

This valley does not have caves, churches, or castles, like other valleys, its appeal is the whimsical shapes of its rock formations, often looking like animals. The camel shaped formation is a popular stop for tours, but it’s interesting to wander and let your imagination roam (as its name implies).

How To Get To Devrent Valley

Devrent Valley is about 3 miles (4.7km) northeast of the Zelve Open-Air Museum, at devrent mevkii no: 1.

Uc Guzeller, or Three Graces (Beauties)

The Three Graces, or Beauties, is a perfect photo stop.

There are several stories, or legends, surrounding these beautiful fairy chimneys.

The more common one is the story of a young princess who elopes to marry her love, a shepherd. A love forbidden by the King.

After becoming a family, with a baby, the princess decides to see if her father has forgiven her. Her father, the King, still enraged, demands their death. The princess prays to God, who helps them by transforming the three into these rocks, mother, father and baby. And they still stand here today.

How To Get To Uc Guzeller, or Three Graces

Easiest to find on Google maps under its Turkish name, Uc Guzeller, it’s located just west of Urgup at Esbelli, Nevsehir Urgup Yolu. If staying in Göreme, it’s about 6.2 miles (10 km) east, so best to take a taxi, rent a scooter, or drive.

Cavusin Village

Cavusin Village has a fascinating cave dwelling to see. Locals were living here as recently as the 1960’s, but were forced to evacuate when falling rocks became too much of a hazard.

Some of the homes carved into the rock here are so old, much of the outer covering has worn away, so you see the interior of many of the homes from a distance.

You can wander the dwellings and climb to the top for a spectacular view of the area.

Getting To Cavusin

The village of Cavusin is located about 3 miles (5 km) north of Goreme. It’s best to take a taxi or rent a scooter to visit.

Underground Cities

There are 100’s of underground cities in Cappadocia, but the biggest and most popular are Kaymakli and Derinkuyu. The latter may have housed up to 20,000 people!

Literally carved into the rock to hide citizens from aggressive invaders, these cities are an amazing network of tunnels and small rooms. They even have defense features like large round stones that roll into place to cover doorways and shafts for spears.

Believed to be built in 8th and 7th centuries BC, they may date back as far as the 15th century BC. In later centuries, they were used by the Christians to avoid persecution. 

Getting To The Underground Cities

Kaymakli is about a 30-minute drive from Goreme, while Derinkuyu is about 35, so both are challenging to get to unless you have a car or take a tour.

Another option is to rent a scooter or take a taxi. Bus options are available if you have more time. This requires taking a bus to Nevşehir station, then a minibus, or dolmus, from there.

Hiking Trails In Cappadocia

The hiking trails are fantastic in Cappadocia, with several great valleys to hike in and explore the fascinating terrain. They include:

• Guvercin Vadisi, or Pigeon Valley
• Gulludere Vadisi, or Rose Valley
• Kizilcukur Vadisi, or Red Valley
• Baglidere Vadisi, or Love Valley.

The individual trails range from 1 – 3 miles (1.6 km – 4.8 km). You can also combine some, turning them into a large loop.

I had a someone drop me at the start of Pigeon Valley one morning, wandering the trails back to Göreme on my own (where I was staying).

It was beautiful! Full of old caves homes and churches, the landscape was also impressive, with several interesting rock formations, or tunnels, to walk through. It felt like an adventure at every turn.

Along the way, you will inevitably run into locals who have set up small tea shops along the way. Other than that, I ran into almost no one else along these trails. And yes, I felt very safe hiking solo here.

My friend later dropped me at Red Valley, where I again walked back to Göreme.

How To Get To The Trails

For a map of the trails, see this great link on Hiking In Cappadocia. This shows several trails that start/end near Göreme. All Trails also offers detailed loop trails in Cappadocia, but requires an annual membership to access them.

If an out and back or loop trail is too long for you, have a taxi take you to the far end of one (or several) and make your way back to Göreme. Alternatively, your hotel may offer you a ride.

Although the trails are not marked on maps.me, it’s a great tool to use as satellite will track your location offline. At the very least you’ll know you’re not lost while in the middle of nowhere!

Make sure to download the map of Cappadocia when you have access to WiFi. Then you can mark your hotel, or a point you want to hike to, and track towards it.

Stay in A Cave Hotel

This is a must! The cave dwellings here are full of modern amenities and there is a huge variety to chose from.

The place where I stayed is no longer in business, but these cave dwellings, centrally located in Göreme, all get great reviews.

• Sultans Cave Suites
• Apex Cave Hotel
• Koza Cave Hotel

Getting Around Cappadocia

Getting around Cappadocia is not easy as public transportation is not readily available and most sites are too far to walk to. It’s best to use a taxi, hire a driver, or rent a scooter.

A friend of my brother’s family lives in Cappadocia, and I was honored to meet with him and his wife. Remzi Kaya and Sulbiya are both very special people, leaving me with wonderful memories of Turkey. Remzi is rated as the best tour guide on TourHQ. If you are interested in doing a tour here with a safe and trusted friend, send me a message and I am more than happy to connect you.

This post may use affiliate links. This means I may make a small commission if you choose to make a booking or purchase through one of these links. This is at no additional cost to you. If you find my content helpful, please consider booking through me as it is completely win win!

How To Get To Cappadocia

The best ways to get to Cappadocia from inside Turkey are to fly, take the bus, or drive.

Fly: There are two main airports in Cappadocia, Kayseri and Nevşehir. To get to your hotel you will need a taxi, which can be expensive, arrange to be picked up by your hotel, or book a shuttle. Note that the shuttle must be booked in advance! Don’t expect to find one when you land. Helios and Cappadocia Express both offer transport services.

Bus: If arriving from Istanbul, the bus ride is 10-12 hours, often an overnight bus. If your bus stops at Kayseri or Nevşehir airport, rather than Göreme, you need to make an advance shuttle reservation (unless taking a taxi or being picked up by your hotel).

If arriving from Selçuk (Ephesus), the bus arrives directly in Göreme, taking 14-15 hours. There are also buses from Selçuk (near Ephesus), Denizli (near Pamukkale), and Antalya to Göreme, ranging from 9-14 hours.

Train: There are no trains from Istanbul to Cappadocia, but you can take a train to Anarka, the capital, and make your way from there by bus or car.

Want To See More Of Turkey?

Türkiye is incredible. I’ve been here three times now. I’ve not only been amazed with each city I’ve visited, there’s still so much more to see!

Aside from Cappadocia, my favorites include the following.

Istanbul is Türkiye‘s main tourist destination, full of glorious remnants from its Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman history. It’s sumptuous Topkapi Palace, stunning mosques, Basilica Cistern, and Roman ruins are amazing.

There’s also Ephesus, some of the best Roman ruins in the Mediterranean. The ruins in this city are truly amazing.

Pamukkale, with its unique ‘cotton cloud’ spa terrace formation, and Antalya, a great seaside escape with even more historical ruins.

Antalya, on Türkiye’s stunning southern coast, has calm, turquoise waters framed by the beautiful Taurus Mountains, a charming old town, Kaleiçi, picturesque old harbor, and fabulous Roman ruins.

To help plan your trip, also see my Türkiye Travel Guide, which features the all top places to visit, how to get there, safety, scams, logistics, and more to help make your visit epic.