Cappadocia: The Land of Beautiful Horses

About Cappadocia

Lying within the boundaries of middle Anatolian cities like Nevsehir, Kayseri, and Aksaray; Cappadocia is one of the main touristic areas of Turkey containing the most extraordinary sightseeings such as Uchisar, Urgup, Goreme, Avanos, and Zelve.

Dating back to the ancient ages, Cappadocia had been under the reign of many different nations, accumulated all the juicy stuff from these nations, and created its very own unique history and culture. Cappadocia’s well-deserved fame of course mostly stems from the fairy chimneys that are probably the most amazing, most weird natural formations one can ever see.

Persians that ruled these lands for a long time, called the place Katpatuka meaning “the land of beautiful horses.” This name comes from the fact that the local residents were great horse masters and they raised a very special and noble kind of horse in the area: Jades. If this did not come familiar at first, let us remind you of Shadowfax, the snowy white of Gandalf that runs faster than the wind in the Lord of the Rings series. This information might not give you the meaning of life of course, but you can impress your friends.

Fasten your seatbelts, because in Cappadocia you will come across the most unforgettable, most iconic scenes like “Sunrise in Cappadocia”, “Sunset in Cappadocia” or “Cappadocia under snow”… It is different in every season of the year, every moment of the days. It is timeless. With every step you take, with every corner you turn, you will have memories that will stick with you forever. We say “This makes me want to be a poet” when we see something very inspiring and Cappadocia is definitely a place that makes one want to be a poet. And for the people that are not gifted with great poetry skills, they can also try their chances with photography. Cappadocia is the perfect spot for that.

In Cappadocia you can see the rock-carved houses, monasteries, and churches in Goreme Open Air Museum, you can enjoy the amazing sunrise on a hot-air balloon trip with the first daylights in Urgup, you can take a journey seven floors underground and take an insight look into ancient people’s daily lives, security measures, religious rituals in Derinkuyu. You can take a long; but mesmerizing walk in Ihlara Valley which looks a lot like paradise. In Uchisar you can enjoy the great views of the area and in Avanos, you can learn the details of the pottery art and you can even create your own mug, jug, or pot.

Top attractions in Cappadocia

How to get to Cappadocia?

Reaching Cappadocia primarily depends on where you’re starting from. Here are a few common scenarios:

From Istanbul by Flight: The easiest way to reach Cappadocia from Istanbul is by air. There are two airports near Cappadocia: Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) and Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR). Several daily flights from Istanbul to either of these airports are operated by Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 hours. From these airports, you can take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel in Cappadocia. Some hotels offer pick-up services, so check with your hotel when you book.

From Istanbul by Bus: If you’re not in a rush, you can take a bus from Istanbul to one of the towns in Cappadocia such as Goreme, Urgup, or Nevsehir. Bus travel in Turkey is quite comfortable with air-conditioned buses, offering reclining seats and sometimes onboard WiFi. The journey can take 10-12 hours.

From Ankara by Car or Bus: Ankara, the capital of Turkey, is about 300 km away from Cappadocia and the journey by road takes about 4-5 hours. You can rent a car or take a bus from Ankara’s main bus station.

From Antalya by Car or Bus: Antalya is another city from where you can reach Cappadocia. The distance is about 500 km and a road journey will take approximately 7-8 hours.

Magnificent dawn with hot air balloons. Cappadocia, Goreme, Turkey - January 29, 2019.

What to pack for Cappadocia?

The items you pack for Cappadocia will depend on the time of year you visit, as the region experiences extreme temperature differences between the seasons. Here are some general packing tips:

Clothing: Pack clothing that can be layered, as temperatures can fluctuate greatly between day and night. In the summer, daytime temperatures can be very hot so lightweight, breathable clothing is advisable. However, nights can still be chilly so bring a light sweater or jacket. In the winter, it can get very cold with occasional snow, so warm clothing including a coat, hat, gloves, and scarf would be necessary.

Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you’ll be walking a lot and the terrain in Cappadocia can be rocky and uneven. If you plan to do any hiking, consider packing hiking boots.

Sun Protection: Regardless of the time of year, pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

Camera: Cappadocia is famous for its unique landscape and hot air balloons, so a camera is a must. Don’t forget your charger or extra batteries!

Water Bottle: It’s important to stay hydrated, especially in the summer. Bring a reusable water bottle that you can fill up throughout the day.

Other Essentials: These might include toiletries, any necessary medications, travel documents, and a power adapter if you’re coming from a country with different electrical outlets.

Where to stay in Cappadocia?

There are several towns in Cappadocia where visitors typically choose to stay. Each has its own charm and attractions, so your choice might depend on what you want out of your visit.

Goreme: The most popular place to stay in Cappadocia, Goreme is right in the middle of the region and is famous for its fairy chimney rock formations. The town itself is small and walkable, and there are numerous hotels and guesthouses to choose from. Many of these are cave hotels, built right into the rock formations, providing a unique accommodation experience. Goreme is also where most of the hot air balloon launches take place.

Uchisar: If you’re looking for a quieter, more upscale experience, consider Uchisar. The town is home to Cappadocia’s highest point, Uchisar Castle, and many of the hotels here have stunning views of the surrounding area. It’s a bit more isolated than Goreme but still has a good selection of restaurants and shops.

Ortahisar: Ortahisar is another quiet town that’s less touristy than Goreme. It’s known for its large fortress-like rock formation that you can climb for panoramic views of Cappadocia. Accommodations here tend to be more budget-friendly.

Cavusin: Cavusin is one of the oldest settlements in the area and a great place to stay if you’re interested in hiking and history. It’s less developed than the other towns but has a charm all its own.

Avanos: This town is famous for its pottery and is located along the longest river in Turkey, the Red River. There are several good hotels here and the town has more of a local feel.

What type of climate does Cappadocia have?

Cappadocia, located in central Turkey, has a semi-arid continental climate. This means the region experiences significant temperature differences between seasons, with hot summers and cold winters.

Here’s what you can expect in each season:

Spring (April to June): Springtime in Cappadocia is mild to warm, with temperatures ranging from 12°C (54°F) in April to around 20°C (68°F) in June. The region starts to blossom, and it’s an excellent time for outdoor activities like hiking.

Summer (July to September): Summers are hot and dry in Cappadocia, with temperatures often reaching up to 30°C (86°F) or more. However, because of its high altitude, the heat is usually bearable.

Autumn (October and November): Autumn is similar to spring in terms of temperature, with highs usually between 15-20°C (59-68°F). The landscape is filled with autumn colors, making it a beautiful time to visit.

Winter (December to March): Winters in Cappadocia are cold and sometimes snowy, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Despite the cold, winter can be a magical time to visit as the snow-covered fairy chimneys create a unique and beautiful landscape.

When is the best time to visit Cappadocia?

The best time to visit Cappadocia really depends on what you want to do and see during your visit. Here are some general guidelines:

Spring (April – June): The weather during these months is typically mild, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing. The landscapes are blooming with vegetation and the tourist crowds are less than during the peak summer months. This is also a great time for hot-air ballooning.

Summer (July – September): Summers can be quite hot in Cappadocia, but this is also the peak tourist season. All attractions will be open, but expect bigger crowds, especially in July and August.

Autumn (October – November): Similar to spring, autumn is a fantastic time to visit Cappadocia with pleasant weather and relatively fewer tourists. The changing foliage provides a beautiful backdrop for photos.

Winter (December – March): Winters in Cappadocia can be cold and it sometimes snows, but the snow-capped fairy chimneys create a unique, picturesque landscape. Fewer tourists visit during this time, so you can enjoy a more peaceful experience. Note that not all activities, like hot air ballooning, are available in winter due to weather conditions.

Overall, the best times to visit Cappadocia for ideal weather and fewer crowds are during the shoulder seasons in spring (April to June) and fall (October to early November).

Top activities in Cappadocia

The history of Cappadocia

Cappadocia, located in the central part of Turkey, has a rich and intriguing history that dates back to ancient times. Here’s a brief overview:

Prehistoric Times: The earliest records of Cappadocia date back to the Bronze Age with the Hittite civilization around 1800 to 1200 BC. After the fall of the Hittites, the region was inhabited by various tribes and peoples.

Persian Empire: Around the 6th century BC, the Persians took over the region and it became part of the Persian Empire. The name ‘Cappadocia’ comes from the Persian word ‘Katpatuka’, meaning ‘the land of beautiful horses’.

Roman and Byzantine Eras: Cappadocia later came under Roman control around 17 AD. With the division of the Roman Empire, it became part of the Byzantine Empire.

Christianity in Cappadocia: The area has significant importance in the history of Christianity. Cappadocia became a refuge for early Christians escaping Roman persecution. They carved out homes, churches, and monasteries from the soft rock of the fairy chimneys, many of which are still standing today. It was also home to several important figures in Christian history, including Saint Basil the Great.

Turkish Control: After the fall of the Byzantine Empire, the region came under Seljuk and later Ottoman control. It has remained part of Turkey since the end of the Ottoman Empire.

Modern Times: Today, Cappadocia is known for its unique geological formations, ancient cave dwellings, underground cities, and beautiful frescoes in rock-cut churches. Its cultural and historical significance led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985.

Please note this is a very broad overview, the full history of Cappadocia is rich and complex, covering many different civilizations and thousands of years.

uchisar-castle-cappadocia

Famous firsts and greatest of Cappadocia

As Cappadocia’s history spans thousands of years, it’s seen many ‘firsts’ and ‘greatest’ moments. Here are a few notable examples:

Early Christian Refuge: One of Cappadocia’s greatest historical achievements is its role as a refuge for early Christians. The region is known for its cave churches, which were some of the first of their kind. These were carved by early Christians fleeing persecution, and many of them feature beautiful frescoes that have been remarkably preserved.

Underground Cities: The underground cities of Cappadocia, such as Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, are also considered among the region’s ‘greatest’. These subterranean cities, which could house thousands of people along with livestock and food stores, were used by early Christians as places of refuge. They represent incredible feats of engineering for their time.

Unique Architecture and Landscape: Cappadocia’s unique landscape of fairy chimneys and rock formations is one of its most famous features. The way inhabitants of the region have historically used this landscape to create homes, churches, and cities is truly a ‘first’.

Hot Air Ballooning: While not a historical ‘first’, Cappadocia is now famous as one of the best places in the world for hot air ballooning. This offers a unique and spectacular way to view the landscape.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1985, the Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia were named as a UNESCO World Heritage site, a testament to their historical, cultural, and natural significance.

Historical places of Cappadocia

Here are some of the most notable historical places in Cappadocia:

Goreme Open-Air Museum: This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to numerous rock-cut churches and monasteries dating back to the Byzantine era. The churches are famous for their well-preserved frescoes.

Underground Cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli: These multi-level underground cities were used by early Christians as hiding places during periods of persecution. They could accommodate thousands of people along with livestock and food stores.

Uchisar Castle: This is a large rock formation that was used as a fortress in Byzantine times. It offers stunning views over the Cappadocian landscape.

Zelve Open-Air Museum: This was one of the earliest-settled and last-abandoned monastic valleys in Cappadocia. The museum displays the most examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia.

Ihlara Valley: This valley is home to hundreds of old monasteries and rock-cut churches from various periods.

Cavusin Village: It is one of the oldest inhabited places in Cappadocia with a rock-cut church dedicated to St. John the Baptist.

Caravanserais: These are ancient roadside inns where travelers could rest and recover from a day’s journey. Examples include the Sarihan, Kırkgoz, and Agzikarahan caravanserais.

Pasabag (Monk’s Valley): This place is known for its unique fairy chimney formations, which feature multiple stems and caps.

Love Valley: Another place famous for its unique rock formations, which are particularly tall and slender.

Who are the most famous people in the history of Cappadocia?

Here are a few notable individuals who have had an impact on Cappadocia’s history:

Saint George: Known as the patron saint of England, Saint George is believed to have been born in Cappadocia in the 3rd century AD. He was a soldier in the Roman army and was later venerated as a Christian martyr.

Saint Basil the Great: A 4th-century Christian theologian and bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia, Saint Basil is revered as a saint in both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Christianity. His teachings had a significant influence on the development of monasticism in Cappadocia.

Erciyes (Argaeus) of Kayseri: The mythical King Argaeus, for whom Mount Erciyes in Cappadocia is named, was said to be a benevolent and popular leader.

Herodotus: Although not from Cappadocia, the ancient Greek historian Herodotus wrote extensively about the region in his Histories, providing valuable insights into its early history.

cappadocia-underground-city

The 15 best Things to do in Cappadocia

Here are 15 of the best things to do in Cappadocia:

    1. Hot Air Balloon Ride: One of the most popular activities in Cappadocia is taking a hot air balloon ride over the surreal landscapes, especially at sunrise.
    2. Goreme Open Air Museum: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Goreme Open Air Museum is a complex of rock-cut churches, chapels, and monasteries with beautiful frescoes.
    3. Underground Cities: Visit the underground cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, ancient multi-level cities that could accommodate thousands of people.
    4. Uchisar Castle: Climb to the top of Uchisar Castle, a natural rock formation, for panoramic views of the Cappadocian landscape.
    5. Zelve Open Air Museum: An abandoned cave town that was inhabited until 1952, Zelve has many churches and dwellings to explore.
    6. Pasabag (Monk’s Valley): Famous for its mushroom-shaped rock formations or fairy chimneys, some of which house chapels and living quarters.
    7. Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley): Known for its unique rock formations, some of which resemble animals and human forms.
    8. Hiking in Ihlara Valley: Enjoy a hike along the Melendiz River through one of the deepest canyons in Cappadocia, stopping to visit some of the hundred rock-cut churches.
    9. Cavusin Village: Visit the old Cavusin village with its rock-cut dwellings and churches.
    10. Pottery in Avanos: Known for its pottery, you can visit a pottery workshop in Avanos and try your hand at this ancient craft.
    11. Sunset Point in Goreme: Watch the sunset over the beautiful landscape from Sunset Point or Rose Valley.
    12. Carpet and Kilim Shopping: Cappadocia has a rich tradition of carpet and kilim weaving. You can visit a local workshop or shop to learn about the craft.
    13. Turkish Bath (Hamam): Experience the tradition of a Turkish bath at a local hamam.
    14. Whirling Dervishes Ceremony: Attend a Sema ceremony of the Whirling Dervishes, a unique and spiritual experience.
    15. Wine Tasting: Cappadocia is one of the oldest winemaking regions in the world. Visit a local winery for a wine-tasting experience.

Top things to do in Cappadocia

What are the best places to visit in Cappadocia?

Some of the best places to visit in Cappadocia include:

Goreme Open-Air Museum: This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to several ancient cave churches, many featuring incredible frescoes.

Uchisar Castle: An ancient fortress located at Cappadocia’s highest point, offering stunning panoramic views of the region.

Underground Cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu: These are complex and deep subterranean structures carved out of rock, used by early Christians to escape persecution.

Ihlara Valley: Ideal for hiking, this valley boasts beautiful scenery along the Melendiz River and contains numerous rock-cut churches.

Zelve Open-Air Museum: Once a monastic retreat, this is a fascinating cave town that was still inhabited as recently as the 20th century.

Pasabag Valley: Known for its amazing collection of fairy chimneys, mushroom-shaped rock formations created by centuries of wind and water erosion.

Devrent Valley: This valley is also known as Imagination Valley for its unique rock formations that resemble animals, objects, or faces.

Hot Air Balloon Rides: One of the iconic experiences in Cappadocia, these balloon rides offer an unmatched perspective of the area’s stunning landscapes, especially at sunrise.

Avanos: The town is known for its pottery and ceramics, made from the red clay of the Kizilirmak River. It’s worth visiting a pottery workshop here.

Goreme National Park: This park showcases the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, from fairy chimneys to unique rock formations, and is best explored by hiking or horseback riding.

The best Cappadocia tours

There are many excellent tours you can take to explore this unique area. Here are some of the best:

Hot Air Balloon Tour: This is the most famous and popular tour in Cappadocia. You will drift above the fairy chimneys and incredible rock formations early in the morning. You’ll get to see the sunrise over the beautiful valleys, which is an unforgettable experience. Most balloon rides last around an hour and include a champagne toast upon landing.

Green Tour: This full-day tour typically covers the Goreme Panorama, Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Belisirma Village, Yaprakhisar Panorama, and Selime Monastery. It includes a professional guide, transportation, and lunch.

Red Tour: Another full-day tour, the Red Tour usually covers Uchisar Castle, Goreme Open Air Museum, Love Valley, Avanos, Cavusin Village, and Devrent Valley. It includes a guide, transportation, and lunch.

Jeep Safari Tour: This is a fun way to explore Cappadocia’s valleys, with plenty of photo opportunities. Some tours also include a visit to a traditional Turkish village.

Hiking Tour: If you prefer to be active, a guided hiking tour can take you through the spectacular valleys of Cappadocia. These tours usually cover Rose Valley, Love Valley, Pigeon Valley, and/or Ihlara Valley, among others.

Horseback Riding Tour: This is another popular way to see Cappadocia. You can enjoy a horseback ride at sunset through some of the area’s beautiful valleys.

Private Guided Tour: If you prefer a more personalized experience, you might consider hiring a private guide. This gives you the flexibility to focus on the sites that interest you most, at your own pace.

Top tours in Cappadocia

Places to visit in Cappadocia in winter

Visiting Cappadocia in the winter gives you a different perspective on its famous landscapes, with snow-capped fairy chimneys and valleys. Here are some places you should consider:

Goreme Open Air Museum: Even in winter, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit. It houses remarkable rock-cut churches and frescoes. It might be even more charming with a dusting of snow.

Underground Cities: Derinkuyu and Kaymakli underground cities are fascinating to explore. These vast subterranean complexes were used by early Christians to hide from Roman persecutors.

Uchisar Castle: This is the highest point in Cappadocia and offers panoramic views of the region. If you can brave the cold, the winter views from here are breathtaking.

Hot Air Balloon Ride: Weather permitting, a hot air balloon ride over a snowy landscape can be magical. Do check in advance as rides can be canceled due to weather conditions.

Zelve Open Air Museum: Another impressive complex of cave dwellings, churches, and a monastery. It’s beautiful in winter, though you’ll want to be careful as paths can be slippery.

Turkish Bath (Hamam): After a cold day of sightseeing, relax and warm up with a traditional Turkish bath.

Stay in a Cave Hotel: Many hotels in Cappadocia offer unique accommodations in restored cave dwellings. There’s nothing quite like cozying up in a warm and comfortable cave room when it’s chilly outside.

Pottery Workshops in Avanos: This town is famous for its pottery due to the red clay from the Kizilirmak River. You can visit a workshop to see how pottery is made, or even try your hand at it.

Places to visit in Cappadocia in summer

Cappadocia in summer is quite the opposite of winter, with warm temperatures, clear skies, and longer days, making it the perfect time to explore the outdoors. Here are some places you can visit during the summer:

Goreme Open Air Museum: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit no matter the season. It features impressive rock-cut churches and stunning Byzantine-era frescoes.

Hot Air Balloon Ride: One of the most iconic things to do in Cappadocia is taking a hot air balloon ride. Summer provides optimal weather conditions, so you’re more likely to have your flight.

Uchisar Castle: The highest point in Cappadocia, providing a panoramic view of the entire region. The clear summer skies will make the view even more spectacular.

Hiking in the Valleys: Summer is an ideal time for hiking in Cappadocia. The Love Valley, Rose Valley, and Pigeon Valley are particularly popular for their unique landscapes and rock formations.

Underground Cities: Visit Kaymakli or Derinkuyu to explore these fascinating, vast underground cities.

Avanos Pottery Workshops: Watch the potters at work or get your hands dirty by trying it yourself. The ceramics are also perfect souvenirs.

Zelve Open-Air Museum: This was once a monastic retreat and is now an open-air museum full of hollowed-out dwellings and churches.

Cavusin Village: This old Greek village has houses and churches carved into the rock similar to Goreme, but it’s typically less crowded.

Sunset Point in Kizilcukur Valley: Watch the sunset in the valley. The summer sunsets can be truly magical with beautiful colors.

Pasabag (Monks Valley): The mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys are unique and well worth a visit.

Cappadocia's nightlife

Here are some ways you can spend your nights in Cappadocia:

Traditional Turkish Nights: These are evenings filled with folk and belly dancing, traditional music, and delicious food. You can find these in local restaurants or hotels. Some of the popular ones are the Cappadocia Cave Suites and the Hal-Tur Hotel in Goreme.

Dinner at a Local Restaurant: Enjoy an evening with delicious Turkish cuisine in a local restaurant. Many restaurants offer rooftop seating, giving you the opportunity to dine under the stars with stunning views of the town and the unique rock formations.

Night Walks: Taking a stroll through the unique landscapes under the moonlight can be a magical experience.

Wine Tasting: Cappadocia is also known for its local wines. Visit a local winery, like Turasan, for wine-tasting sessions, or enjoy a glass of wine in a local wine house.

Live Music: Some restaurants and bars offer live music nights, especially on weekends. The genres can vary from traditional Turkish music to more modern styles.

Visit Avanos: The town of Avanos, located near Goreme, is known for its lively atmosphere in the evening with a variety of restaurants and bars.

Star Gazing: Due to the lack of light pollution, star gazing is a wonderful activity to do in Cappadocia. You can simply enjoy it from your hotel or join an organized star-gazing tour.

Stay in a Cave Hotel: Staying in a cave hotel is part of the Cappadocia experience. Many of them offer comfortable sitting areas where you can relax, read, or chat with fellow travelers.

What are the traditional foods of Cappadocia?

Cappadocia, like much of Turkey, has a rich culinary tradition. Some of the traditional dishes you might want to try include:

Pottery Kebab (Testi Kebabi): This is one of the most unique dishes in Cappadocia. The ingredients (typically lamb, vegetables, and spices) are sealed into a clay pot and slow-cooked, often for several hours. When it’s time to serve, the pot is traditionally cracked open.

Manti: Often described as Turkish dumplings, Manti is a popular dish throughout Turkey. It consists of small pieces of dough filled with ground meat, onions, and spices, typically served with yogurt and a tomato-based sauce.

Gozleme: This is a traditional Turkish flatbread that’s filled with various ingredients such as spinach, cheese, potatoes, and meat, then cooked on a griddle.

Borek: This is a baked or fried filled pastry, typically made of thin flaky dough known as phyllo (or yufka). It can be filled with cheese, minced meat, spinach, or potatoes.

Pide: Often compared to pizza, pide is a boat-shaped flatbread served with various toppings such as cheese, meat, and vegetables.

Dolma: This is a family of stuffed vegetable dishes that can be served warm or cold. Popular versions are stuffed peppers or grape leaves filled with a mixture of rice, pine nuts, and spices.

Local Wines: The Cappadocia region is also known for its vineyards due to the area’s volcanic soil, and local wine is widely available.

Baklava and Turkish Delight: For dessert, you can try traditional sweets like baklava, a sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey, or Turkish Delight (lokum), a family of confections based on a gel of starch and sugar.

The best restaurants in Cappadocia

There are many fantastic restaurants in Cappadocia that serve both local and international cuisine. Here are some of the best:

Seki Restaurant: This is located in the Argos in Cappadocia Hotel in Uchisar and offers a menu of Anatolian cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant also features a great wine list with many local selections.

Old Greek House Restaurant: In the town of Mustafapasa, this restaurant serves traditional Turkish cuisine in a charming old Greek house. Try their Testi Kebabi, a local specialty.

Ziggy Cafe and Restaurant: Situated in urgup, Ziggy Cafe offers a terrace with panoramic views of the town, a fine dining experience with an excellent menu, and a well-stocked bar with cocktails and local wines.

Elai Restaurant: Located in Goreme, this restaurant serves a variety of local and international dishes in a beautiful setting with views of the fairy chimneys.

Seten Anatolian Cuisine: This restaurant in Goreme serves traditional Turkish food made with locally-sourced ingredients.

Dibek Traditional Cook: Also located in Goreme, Dibek offers a variety of traditional dishes cooked in a home-style setting. It’s famous for its pottery kebab.

Pumpkin Art Gallery: This is a unique restaurant in Goreme, which is part restaurant, part art gallery. The food is delicious and presented beautifully.

Lil’a Restaurant: Located in the Museum Hotel in Uchisar, Lil’a serves gourmet Anatolian cuisine with a fantastic view of Cappadocia.

travel-cappadocia-colorful-hot-air-balloons-flying-valley-sunrise

What are the most popular gifts in Cappadocia?

Cappadocia is famous for its unique handmade goods that make for excellent souvenirs or gifts. Here are some popular items:

Pottery and ceramics: Avanos, a town in Cappadocia, is famous for its pottery, thanks to the red clay sourced from the Kizilirmak River. You can find beautifully designed ceramic bowls, vases, plates, and more.

Onyx stone crafts: Onyx, a semi-precious stone found in the area, is used to make various items such as jewelry, vases, wine glasses, and sculptures.

Turkish lamps: These are available in many stores in Cappadocia. The colorful, mosaic lamps are a great addition to any decor.

Cappadocian wines: The region has a long history of winemaking and is famous for its local wines. It’s a great gift for wine enthusiasts.

Carpets and rugs: Turkish carpets and kilims (flat woven rugs) are renowned worldwide. There are many shops in Cappadocia selling these items, with a wide variety of sizes, designs, and prices.

Fairy chimney models: Miniature models of the iconic fairy chimneys of Cappadocia can be found in souvenir shops around the region.

Turkish spices and teas: You can find a wide range of Turkish spices and herbal teas in local markets.

Evil eye talismans: These blue amulets are believed to protect against the evil eye in Turkish culture.

Textiles: Handmade scarves, towels, and other textiles with traditional designs are also very popular.

Goreme

Goreme, home of the magnificent fairy chimneys, is one of the main touristic spots of Nevsehir and one of the first places that witnessed the spread of Christianity.

Urgup

When it comes to Urgup, first scene comes to mind is the rise of a beautiful full moon between two fairy chimneys standing side by side; but looking opposite directions as two lovers who are angry with each other.
shutterstock_1145421254

Avanos

Did you know that Avanos is the heart of pottery production in Cappadocia, following the footsteps of Hittite culture? Being a home for fairy chimneys that are some of the most eccentric natural formations of Turkey, of the world really is more than enough.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Goreme Open Air Museum

Goreme Open Air Museum is one of the largest open air museums of the world, that is included in UNESCO World Heritage List. In amazing ancient city, there are numerous houses, churches, monasteries, graves and schools were built by carving the rocks thousands of years ago.
7

Uchisar

Uchisar hosts the Uchisar Castle that is the perfect spot for the visitors who would like to enjoy the Cappadocia’s amazing panoramic view that is beyond comparison from the top.

Uchisar Castle

Uchisar Castle is the perfect spot for the visitors who would like to enjoy the Cappadocia’s amazing panoramic view that is beyond comparison from the top. It consists of two majestic rocks with many houses graves, vaults and sanctuaries carved on them with great efforts.

Kaymakli Underground City

Kaymakli is an important underground city of Cappadocia that is built for defence and protection purposes. Today 4 layers of the city is open to visitors. It is consisting of the rooms, worshipping areas, vaults, graves and barns that interconnected via ladders, passages and narrow holes.

Derinkuyu Underground City

Derinkuyu Underground City was first built for the hiding and protection needs of first Christians that settled in the area and today it is one of the biggest underground cities of Cappadocia.

Nevsehir

Nevsehir, originally named as Nissa by the ancient civilizations Hittites, has been one of the most important tourism and agriculture centers of its region. It is a very well-known travel destination not only for Turkey; but for the whole world.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The City Maps