21 Incredible Things to do in cappadocia turkey

How to Get to Cappadocia

The easiest way is to fly from Istanbul to either Kayseri Airport (ASR) or Nevşehir Airport (NAV). Kayseri usually has more flights and tends to be a bit cheaper, while Nevşehir is slightly closer to Göreme (about 40 minutes by car).

Once you land, you can book a shuttle transfer directly to your hotel (most accommodations can arrange this for you), or rent a car if you want the freedom to explore the valleys and villages at your own pace. Buses from major Turkish cities like Ankara or Antalya are also an option, but they’re long — like 7–10 hours — so flying is usually worth it.

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How to Get Around Cappadocia

I stayed in Göreme, and from there it’s easy to walk to nearby viewpoints, restaurants, and even a few valleys. But for the bigger sights — like Derinkuyu, Ihlara Valley, or the farther villages — you’ll need some form of transport.

Here are your main options:

• Car rental: The best choice if you want freedom to explore. Roads are in good condition, parking is easy, and driving between towns is straightforward.
• Scooter or ATV rental: Fun for short distances and off-road areas like Love Valley or Rose Valley.
• Tours and day trips: Perfect if you don’t want to drive. The popular Red Tour, Green Tour, and Blue Tour cover different parts of the region and include hotel pickup.
• Taxis: Available but not the most budget-friendly for longer trips.
• Hotel transfers: Many hotels will arrange drop-offs for nearby attractions or viewpoints.

Need to book a trip?

These are my go-to sites for booking trips:

Where to Stay

If it’s your first visit, Göreme is the best base. It’s central, walkable, and packed with cave hotels ranging from budget to luxury. You’ll find cozy stone rooms, rooftop terraces with balloon views, and plenty of restaurants nearby. More on cave hotels later!

For something quieter and a bit more upscale, Uçhisar is ideal — it sits on a hilltop with panoramic views of the valleys and the iconic Uçhisar Castle. Ürgüp has a slightly more local feel, with boutique hotels and wine bars, while Ortahisar is great if you want to escape the crowds completely.

Best Time to Visit Cappadocia

Cappadocia is beautiful year-round, but the best times to visit are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) when the weather is warm but not scorching, and the skies are usually clear for those famous hot air balloon rides.

Summer can be very hot, especially if you plan to hike the valleys, while winter brings snow — magical for photos but cold for early morning balloon rides. This is when I visited. Balloons fly most mornings, but they’re weather-dependent, so be sure to allow at least three mornings in your itinerary to increase your chances.

How Many Days Do You Need

Make sure you’re in Cappadocia for at least three mornings. Why? Because it can happen that your hot air balloon ride is cancelled one of these mornings, so they will push it to the next morning (or the third morning, like mine was).

You also need 2-3 days to explore the area and you can’t rush it.

21 Things To Do In Cappadocia

1. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Let’s be honest. One of the main reason you’re visiting Cappadocia is for the hot air balloon. So if you do one thing in Cappadocia, make it this.

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Watching the sun rise over the valleys while floating in a hot air balloon was one of my biggest ‘wow’ moments. You’ll be up before dawn (yes, painfully early), but once you’re in the air, the quiet and the views make it completely worth it.

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This is the very hot air balloon tour I booked and I cannot fault it. The whole team were incredible (down to the pilot telling me it was his first day – he didn’t let me down with his humour!).

The flight lasts about an hour, drifting over fairy chimneys, vineyards, and little villages below. Prices vary depending on the season and company – you can expect to pay anything from €50–€250 per person. More, if you opt for a private ride.

Balloon rides are weather-dependent, so DO NOT book it for your last morning. I can’t stress that enough. We were lucky that we had ours booked for our first morning. It was cancelled as we were driving up to the pick-up point! The second morning, it was also cancelled. Eventually, we got up in the air on our third morning (albeit, we had to be dropped off directly at the airport afterwards).

Want to know everything about booking a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia? Read this blog.

BOOK YOUR CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE HERE!

2. Stay at a Cave Hotel

This is the second reason people visit Cappadocia. It’s part of the whole experience. The region is full of boutique hotels carved straight into the soft volcanic rock, with arched ceilings, stone walls, and terraces that overlook the valleys.

There’s something pretty special about waking up in a cave room, opening the door, and seeing hot air balloons drifting past outside. Most cave hotels in Göreme have rooftop terraces where you can watch them at sunrise with a cup of Turkish tea — easily one of the best ways to start the day!

We stayed at Sora Cave Hotel in Göreme. It was quiet – I think only around 6 rooms – adults-only, with stone-arched rooms and a terrace view that reminded you exactly where you were. The bathrooms were modern, the WiFi worked, and it had that cosy cave feel without compromising comfort.

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The only thing Sora Cave didn’t have was a view of the balloons in the morning. However this ended up not being an issue for us as the balloons didn’t operate the first two mornings and we had our own balloon ride on our last morning.

If you’re after something a bit more luxurious (because yes, cave hotels can be fancy), here are two highly recommended options:

• Sultan Cave Suites – Perched on Aydınlı Hill in Göreme, this hotel has one of the most iconic rooftop terraces in Cappadocia, where you can watch the balloons rise in the morning. The cave rooms are beautifully designed, and there’s a Turkish bath, restaurant and excellent views.
• Artemis Cave Suites – Situated right in the heart of Göreme, this adults-only accommodation offers uniquely designed cave and stone rooms, fantastic views of the sunrise and balloon activity, a spa, terraces and a calming vibe.

3. Visit Göreme Open-Air Museum

No trip to Cappadocia is complete without visiting the Göreme Open-Air Museum. It’s one of the region’s most famous sights — a UNESCO World Heritage site packed with rock-cut churches, monasteries, and frescoes that date back to the 10th century.

It’s only about a 15-minute walk (or a 3-minute drive) from the centre of Göreme, so there’s really no excuse to skip it.

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The site is a bit of a maze of ancient cave dwellings, and it’s pretty mind-blowing to think people once lived and worshipped here. Just to note that The Dark Church (Karanlık Kilise) requires a separate ticket to enter. While the description from our guide did make it seem worth it, we ultimately decided to skip the additional price.

Give yourself about 1.5–2 hours to wander through the site, pop into the cave chapels, and take in the views over the surrounding valleys. Some of the steps leading up to the chapels are quite steep and require some level of fitness, but even if you’re not able to make it all the way up, it’s still worth the visit.

Pre-book your Open Air Museum tickets here!

4. Explore Derinkuyu Underground City

This place is wild. Derinkuyu Underground City is an entire city carved deep below the surface of Cappadocia. It’s thought to have sheltered up to 20,000 people (plus livestock and supplies) during invasions. You can wander through narrow tunnels, kitchens, stables, and even a church, all hidden underground.

It’s about 35–40 minutes from Göreme by car, and visiting with a guide is a good idea. They’ll be able to point out details you’d otherwise miss, like the huge stone doors that were rolled shut to block intruders.

That said, a quick warning: if you’re even a little claustrophobic, this one might not be for you. Some of the tunnels are low and tight, and the deeper levels can feel stuffy. I’m not usually bothered by small spaces, but even I found a few sections pretty intense. Your guide will let you know a section you can go as far before needing to turn back if you’re not great in tight spaces.

5. Hike the Rose Valley

If you want to see Cappadocia’s landscapes up close, Rose Valley is the one hike to do it. The trail runs between Göreme and Çavuşin, winding past cave houses, small churches, and viewpoints that show off the valley’s soft pink rock formations.

The name wasn’t just made up, you know. In the late afternoon, the rocks really do take on a rosy glow. It’s especially good around sunset when the light hits just right.

The hike itself isn’t too difficult, but the paths are uneven and dusty, so wear proper shoes and bring water. Depending on where you start, it takes about 1.5 to 3 hours.

It’s an easy, low-cost way to see why Cappadocia’s scenery gets so much attention — and you’ll probably end up with some of your best photos from here.

6. Visit Pasabag (Monks Valley)

Pasabag, also known as Monks Valley, is one of the best places to see Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimneys up close. The rock formations here are some of the most distinctive in the region, with tall columns topped by conical caps that look like something straight out of a fantasy film.

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It’s located just a short drive from Göreme, between Zelve and Avanos, and is easy to visit as part of the Red Tour or on your own by car or scooter. The site is small enough to explore in about an hour, with walking paths that wind through the formations and a few caves you can step inside.

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Monks once lived and prayed here in isolation, which is how the valley got its name. You can still see the small chapels and hermit cells carved into the rocks.

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We were even graced with the presence of two beautiful dogs during our walk through Pasabag!

7. See the Fairy Chimneys in Love Valley

Ah, Love Valley! The name alone makes people curious, and once you see it, you’ll get why. The valley is famous for its tall, oddly shaped fairy chimneys that have made it one of Cappadocia’s most photographed spots. Let’s just say nature had one heck of a sense of humor here!

It’s only about 10 minutes from Göreme, and the drive itself is lovely. The main viewpoint is where most people head first – it’s an open plateau that looks out over the valley, and if you go at sunrise, you’ll get those hot air balloons floating above the rock formations.

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There’s a small café where you can grab a tea or fresh juice, and if you want to wander further, you can follow one of the walking paths down into the valley.

8. Make Your Own Mosaic Lamp

This was one of my absolute favorite things I did in Cappadocia. Balloon ride aside, of course. You can only visit so many valleys and viewpoints before wanting something a little different, and this mosaic lamp workshop was the perfect creative break.

I booked this one, and it was such a fun experience. You get to choose between making a lamp or a candle holder – go for the lamp. It takes a little longer, but it’s so much more impressive when it’s finished (and you’ll actually want to use it at home).

The class starts with a short intro about the traditional mosaic designs, and then you get to pick your own glass colors and patterns. It’s relaxed, no pressure, and surprisingly satisfying seeing your design come together. The instructors are lovely and help you with the tricky parts, so don’t worry if you’re not artistic. I am definitely NOT.

The best part? You can take your finished lamp home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir. It’s so much nicer than another fridge magnet (full disclosure, I also bought a Cappadocia fridge magnet).

Book your mosaic lamp class here!

9. Explore Uçhisar Castle

You’ll spot Uchisar Castle long before you get there — it’s that giant rock formation rising above the landscape. The castle sits at the highest point in Cappadocia and gives you one of the best panoramic views in the region. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Mount Erciyes in the distance.

It’s about a ten-minute drive from Göreme, or you can even hike there through Pigeon Valley if you’re up for it. The castle itself is a natural rock formation that’s been hollowed out over centuries, with stairways and tunnels leading up to the top. It’s more of a viewpoint than a traditional castle, but the climb is short and absolutely worth it.

There’s a small entrance fee, and you’ll want sturdy shoes because the steps are uneven. The town of Uçhisar itself is lovely too. It’s a bit quieter than Göreme, with a few cafés and shops perfect for a quick stop after your visit.

10. Visit Devrent (Imagination) Valley

If you’ve got a good imagination, you’ll love Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley. It’s the place where Cappadocia’s rock formations look like animals, people, and random shapes — a natural sculpture park created entirely by erosion.

There aren’t any cave churches or carvings here, just incredible rock formations. The most famous one is the camel-shaped rock, which you’ll spot pretty quickly, but once you start looking, you’ll see all sorts of things depending on your perspective. It’s a fun stop to walk around, take a few photos, and see what shapes you can spot.

Devrent Valley is about ten minutes from Avanos or fifteen from Göreme, and you don’t need much time here — 30 to 45 minutes is plenty. There’s no official entrance fee, and a few small stalls nearby sell tea, juice, and souvenirs.

11. Stroll Through Pigeon Valley

Pigeon Valley is one of Cappadocia’s most scenic walking trails and connects Göreme with Uçhisar. It gets its name from the small pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. Get this: locals once used them to collect droppings for fertiliser!

The trail takes about 1.5 to 2 hours one way, depending on how many photo stops you make. It’s mostly easy walking with a few steep sections near Uçhisar, so wear good shoes and bring water. The views are classic Cappadocia — soft pastel rock formations, cave dwellings, and stretches of green that make it feel more peaceful than some of the busier valleys.

If you start in Göreme, you’ll end in Uçhisar right near the castle, which makes a nice reward at the end of the hike. You can either walk back the same way or grab a taxi for the return.

12. Take a Pottery Workshop

Cappadocia is famous for its pottery, especially in the town of Avanos, which has been producing ceramics for thousands of years thanks to the red clay from the Kızılırmak River. So naturally, I had to give it a go myself.

I booked this pottery class and it was such a fun, hands-on experience. You start by watching a quick demo from a local artisan, then you get your turn at the wheel. Let’s just say it’s a lot harder than it looks, but the instructors are great and help you shape something that actually resembles a bowl by the end.

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The workshop lasts around an hour, and you can either take your piece home right away (if you’re okay with it unbaked) or have it fired and shipped to you for an extra fee. I’ll admit, my end result was not great and it ended up not making it back home with me. But it was super fun nonetheless!

Book your pottery class in advance here!

13. Tour the Zelve Open Air Museum

If you enjoyed the Göreme Open Air Museum but want something a little quieter, the Zelve Open-Air Museum is a great follow-up. It’s about ten minutes from Göreme and offers a more open, natural setting with fewer crowds but just as much history.

Zelve was once one of the region’s largest cave communities, with homes, churches, and even a mosque carved into the soft rock. People lived here right up until the 1950s when erosion made it unsafe, and they relocated to a nearby village. Today, you can wander through three connected valleys filled with cave dwellings and tunnels, most of which are open to explore.

The walking paths are well-marked and fairly easy, though a few sections are uneven or narrow. Allow about an hour to see it properly. It’s less restored than Göreme, which actually makes it feel more authentic.

There’s a small entrance fee and a café near the car park if you want a quick drink before moving on. Honestly, it’s a bit of an underrated spot and one I’d definitely recommend adding to your Cappadocia itinerary.

14. Visit Çavuşin Village

If you want a taste of local village life in Cappadocia, Çavuşin is the place to go. It’s one of the oldest settlements in the region and has a completely different feel from busy Göreme.

The main draw here is the Old Greek Village, with its crumbling stone houses stacked along the hillside. You can walk up through the ruins to the top for panoramic views over the valley. It’s quiet, scenic, and feels a little frozen in time.

At the heart of the village is the Church of St. John the Baptist, one of the largest cave churches in Cappadocia. It’s worth the short climb up for the views alone, and the church itself is fascinating, with traces of frescoes still visible on the walls.

Çavuşin is only about 5 minutes from Göreme, so it’s an easy stop to combine with Rose Valley or Pasabag.

15. Watch the Sunset from Red Valley

If you’re chasing that classic Cappadocia sunset, Red Valley is the spot. The colours here are unreal in the evening. The rock formations shift from soft pinks to deep reds as the sun drops, and the whole valley starts to glow.

Getting there is easy. It’s about ten minutes from Göreme by car, and the road leads right to a series of viewpoints along the ridge. Once the sun dips behind the mountains, the valley cools down quickly, so bring a layer if you’re visiting outside summer.

It’s easily one of the best (and simplest) things to do in Cappadocia.

16. Explore Ihlara Valley

If you’re craving a total change of scenery in Cappadocia, Ihlara Valley is the perfect escape. The moment you walk down into the canyon, everything shifts. It’s lush, green, shaded, and so peaceful compared to the rocky, open landscapes you see everywhere else. I honestly wasn’t expecting it to feel so different, but it’s such a refreshing surprise.

The valley stretches for about 14 kilometers, though you definitely don’t need to walk the entire thing. Most people do the shorter route from Ihlara Village to Belisırma, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours at an easy pace. You’ll follow the river the whole way, passing little footbridges, carved churches, and quiet spots where you can sit and take it all in.

It’s about an hour from Göreme, so it’s usually done as part of a day trip, often combined with Selime Monastery. Just expect a fair bit of walking and stair climbing!

Book a guided tour of Ihlara Valley here!

17. Visit Selime Monastery

If you’re already visiting Ihlara Valley, I suggest definitely making time for Selime Monastery. It’s right at the end of the canyon and it’s one of the most impressive rock-cut sites in Cappadocia.

The scale of it is huge. You walk up to the cliff face and suddenly realise the entire thing is a monastery carved straight into the rock. It’s insanely cool.

Inside, you’ll find a cathedral-sized chamber, tunnel-like passageways, viewpoints tucked into corners, and rooms that once served as living quarters for monks. You can climb through most of it, but be prepared for steep steps and some slippery sections. Good shoes are a must!

The views from the top are fantastic, especially over the surrounding valleys. It doesn’t take long to explore, maybe 30 to 45 minutes, but it’s memorable and pairs perfectly with an Ihlara Valley hike.

It’s a bit more rugged than places like Göreme Open-Air Museum, but that’s part of what makes it so cool. It feels untouched and dramatic, and it’s usually not as busy as the major sights closer to Göreme.

18. Watch the Hot Air Balloons at Sunrise

If taking a hot air balloon ride is the number one experience in Cappadocia, then watching them from the ground at sunrise is a very close second. This was honestly my second favourite view in all of Cappadocia, right after the view from inside the balloon. It’s that good.

You’ll want to be up early, as the balloons lift off just after sunrise. The best spots are the sunrise viewpoints around Göreme, especially the one near the Love Valley turn-off, or even your hotel rooftop if you’re staying somewhere with a terrace view. Many hotels really lean into the experience with cushions and carpets set up outside, which makes it an even better Instagram spot.

Check the night before whether flights are confirmed, since everything depends on weather conditions (remember, my flight was cancelled twice before I eventually got up in the air).

BONUS ACTIVITY: Treat yourself to a hot air balloon photoshoot!

19. Visit the Göreme Panorama Viewpoint

If you want a quick, easy stop with classic Cappadocia views, head to the Göreme Panorama viewpoint. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a wide overlook with sweeping views across the town, the fairy chimneys, and the valleys in the distance. It’s one of those spots where you step out of the car and instantly think yep, this is the Cappadocia I came to see.

It’s only a few minutes from Göreme on the way to Uçhisar, so it’s really simple to slot into your day. You don’t need long here, ten or fifteen minutes is plenty, but it’s great for photos, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the light softens.

20. Take an ATV or Jeep Safari Tour

If you want something a bit more adventurous in Cappadocia, an ATV or Jeep safari is such a fun way to cover a lot of ground. These tours take you through valleys you might not reach on foot, and you get those wide open landscape views that make Cappadocia feel almost otherworldly.

ATV tours are usually around two hours and tend to run around sunset, which is honestly the best time. You’ll stop at a few viewpoints along the way for photos, especially around Love Valley and Sword Valley. It’s bumpy and a bit messy, but hey, that’s all part of the fun.

If you’d prefer something a little more relaxed, the Jeep tours are a great alternative. You get the same scenery without having to drive yourself, and guides usually add in a few local spots or short walks depending on the route.

21. Enjoy a Turkish Night Show at a Cave Restaurant

If you want to end your Cappadocia days with something fun, colourful, and totally memorable, go for a Turkish night show at a cave restaurant. I did this exact show and it was such a neat contrast to all the hikes, ruins and balloon rides, showing Cappadocia’s playful side.

The evening starts with a transfer from your hotel, which makes it easy. You arrive at a cave-style restaurant lit with soft, warm light and full of atmosphere. Inside you’ll find long communal tables, live music, traditional dances, and a hearty spread of Turkish food and drinks.

Is it touristy? Absolutely. But it’s still a nice relaxed, fun evening. The music, the dancing, the food… it’s great!

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I hope this travel guide to some of the best activities in Cappadocia helps you plan an incredible trip and gives you a real feel for what to expect. And honestly, once you see that first hot air balloon sunrise over the valleys, you’ll get exactly why Cappadocia is such a special place.