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Planning a trip to Cappadocia? Compare 2 tours and activities from licensed local guides, read genuine reviews and book online in minutes. Prices start from €35 per person.
Cappadocia is one of the few places in Türkiye where the landscape itself is the main attraction. Soft volcanic rock has been carved by wind and rain into fairy chimneys, valleys and cliffs, and people have hollowed homes, churches and whole underground cities out of it for centuries. If you are looking for things to do in Cappadocia, you will find plenty of history, walking and photography, along with some of the most unusual sleeping arrangements in the country. Couples, history lovers, photographers and slow travellers tend to enjoy it most, though families with older children do well here too.
Göreme, where we operate, is the most convenient base for exploring the region. It is small enough to walk around, it has a good range of cave hotels and restaurants, and most of the main sights are a short drive or a dolmuş ride away. Stay for at least two nights if you can, so that you have time for one early start and one unhurried day.
Riding a hot air balloon at dawn is the experience most visitors remember longest. The balloons rise over the valleys just as the light turns golden, and you see the fairy chimneys and cave dwellings from above, sometimes with dozens of other balloons around you. Our Cappadocia Sunrise Balloon Flight with Certificate runs for about three hours in total, including the pickup. Expect an early wake-up call, so plan for a light night. Dress in layers, because it is cold before sunrise and warms up quickly once the sun is up. Flights depend on the weather, so check the tour page for the details and be flexible with your schedule.
This is the best-known sight in the area and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Monastic communities carved churches and chapels into the rock here, many decorated with frescoes that still show colour and detail. The complex is spread over a wide area, with paths between the churches. Allow around two hours. Go early in the morning, when the tour groups have not yet arrived and the light is better for photographs. Wear comfortable shoes, as the paths are uneven in places.
Zelve is an abandoned rock settlement in a valley to the west of Göreme. Its cave homes, churches and workshops were occupied until the mid-twentieth century, and you can walk between them along wooden walkways and steps. It feels less polished than Göreme Open Air Museum, which is part of its appeal. Plan for a couple of hours, carry water and wear a hat, since there is little shade in the middle of the day.
Paşabağ is famous for its fairy chimneys, many of which have a rounded stone cap on top. It is a short walk through the valley, and it is one of the best places in the region to watch the light change in the late afternoon. Go towards the end of the day, when the crowds thin out and the rock glows warmer. The paths are easy, but the ground can be loose, so choose sensible shoes.
Uçhisar Castle is a natural rock outcrop, honeycombed with openings, that rises above the town of the same name. Climbing to the top gives you one of the broadest views over the valleys, and you can see Göreme and the surrounding landscape from up there. The steps are steep in places, so take your time. Late afternoon is the best time for both the climb and the photographs.
Love Valley is named for its tall, phallic-shaped rock formations, and it is a popular walk for photographers. Red Valley, known locally as Kızılçukur, gets its name from the reddish tones of its rock, which are especially vivid at sunset. Both walks are unshaded, so bring water and start in the cooler hours. Ask your guide or hotel for the best route, since trails are not always well signposted.
Derinkuyu is one of several underground cities in the region, with multiple levels of tunnels, rooms, ventilation shafts and storage areas. It was used for shelter and storage over many centuries. The passages are narrow and the ceilings are low in places, so this visit is not ideal if you are claustrophobic or have mobility problems. Wear closed shoes with good grip, and allow around one to two hours depending on how much you want to see.
Ihlara Valley is a deep gorge cut by a river, with rock-cut churches set into the cliff walls along the route. The walk can be done in sections, and many visitors start from the village and walk down to the river, stopping at the churches on the way. It is cooler than the open valleys around Göreme, which makes it a good choice on a hot day. Bring water and snacks, as there are few facilities on the trail.
Avanos is known for its pottery, which has been made from the red clay of the Kızılırmak River for generations. Several workshops let visitors try the potter's wheel, which is a fun and relaxed way to spend an hour or two. The Kızılırmak is the longest river lying entirely within Türkiye, and the town's riverside setting makes a pleasant break from the rock landscape. Check opening times and workshop schedules in advance, as they vary.
Göreme itself is worth time on foot. The narrow streets are lined with cave hotels, small shops and cafés, and the old village has a long history of rock-carved houses and churches. If you want more background before you explore, our Göreme History: Historical Tour and Itinerary in Göreme article explains how the village developed and suggests a route through it. A walk through the village in the evening is a good way to end a day out.
Spring, from April to June, and autumn, from September to October, are the most pleasant seasons. Temperatures are comfortable for walking, the landscape is green in spring, and the crowds are manageable outside the busiest weeks. Summer is hot in the middle of the day and attracts many visitors, so start early and plan indoor breaks. Winter is cold, and snow is possible, but the region is quieter and the rock formations look dramatic against the white ground. Hot air balloon flights depend on wind and visibility throughout the year, and cancellations do happen in all seasons, so keep a spare day in your plans if you can.
For a full overview of seasonal conditions and booking options for the balloon flight, see our Cappadocia Balloon Ride: Sunrise Flight over Göreme page.
Two airports serve the region. Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) is the closer option for most visitors heading to Göreme. Kayseri Airport (ASR) is the other option and is also used by many travellers arriving from larger cities. Check flight schedules and transfer times before you book, since the journey from either airport depends on traffic and your final destination.
A private airport transfer can be booked in advance, which is often the simplest way to reach your accommodation after a late or early flight. You can book an airport transfer with us and be met on arrival. Within the region, you can get around by car hire, local minibuses, or organised tours. Many of the sights are spread out, so a driver or a guided tour saves time, especially for the valleys and underground cities.
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