What to See in Cappadocia

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Cappadocia is a semi-arid region in central Turkey, known for its cone-shaped rock formations, also called "fairy chimneys". Even so, you will remember this mystical place for its landscapes with the famous hot air balloons at sunrise. When I visited Cappadocia I was left speechless. How can there be such a spectacle in the middle of nowhere? What is more, not only are there entire villages carved into the mountain, but there are also underground cities. And it is the Erciyes volcano that is to blame for this Martian landscape. A volcano 3.916 metres high, the highest peak in Asia Minor. While it was active it covered the whole area in ash, and that is why, after erosion, these strange shapes remain today. Below we will give you some basic tips for getting around and tell you about the best places to see in Cappadocia.

Getting to Cappadocia

If you are in Istanbul, it is very easy to get to this area, as it is only 1.20 hours away by plane. You will need to take a flight from Istanbul to Kayseri, which is the closest area to the villages of Cappadocia, with Turkish Airlines or Pegasus. I recommend flying with Turkish because it is one of the best airlines in the world and you will lack for nothing.

Getting around Cappadocia

Cappadocia is made up of a series of valleys and villages that are not far apart, but far enough that you need a vehicle. Because of the mass tourism you can find travel companies that will arrange buses from one place to another, but I recommend having your own vehicle. Diesel is more expensive around Cappadocia, but if you fill up in the villages before you arrive, you can find diesel for less than 1€/litre. In Turkey you can park freely wherever you like, so you can spend the night at the foot of a valley and watch the sunrise of the hot air balloons for free.

If you don't have your own, you can rent a car in Kayseri for 25-30€/day. Prices vary depending on the time of year and how far ahead you book. Cappadocia is full of beautiful and unique corners that you will not be able to visit any other way if you want to enjoy them completely on your own. It is also common to rent quad bikes to move around freely over the sandy, winding terrain. Above all, don't go in flip-flops and put on a good pair of boots. You will remember me if you don't.

History of Cappadocia

Cappadocia is very interesting to see for its geology. Its curious rocks were formed 60 million years ago by the eruptions of the Develi and Erciyes volcanoes. Over time, rain, rivers and wind were responsible for gradually sculpting the characteristic shapes of the rocks. They take on their curious chimney shape as a result of differential erosion. The lower parts are softer because of the volcanic ash, and the upper parts are harder, made of volcanic lava rock. That is why they take on a mushroom shape at the top and narrow at the base.

Where to sleep in Cappadocia

Cappadocia is one of the most touristy places to see in Turkey, so hotels are expensive, especially compared with the rest of the country. You may not find them expensive, though. We recommend staying in the Uchisar area. Prices will not go below 35€/night, but you can find deals.

Balloon ride

You can't go to Cappadocia and let the balloon ride slip away. Well, I didn't! As I mentioned before, I parked my motorhome at the foot of a cliff to watch the sunrise of the balloons high in the sky from my window, with my coffee and breakfast in hand. But if you fancy going up in a balloon, the price is around 200-300€. They take off between 6:00 and 8:00am. You can get them at other times, but sunrise is worth it. On this page I leave you several deals for the balloon ride, by clicking HERE.

What to see in Cappadocia?

Uçhisar

Uçhisar is the prettiest and most curious village to see in Cappadocia. It is made up of streets of houses that converge towards the top of a castle surrounded by two valleys. The castle is made up of houses carved into the rocks with windows and costs 10 TL. It is not really worth paying, because all the surroundings are the same and free. The most representative valley is called The Pigeon Valley in honour of the number of strange species of pigeons you will come across. Some have quiffs, beards and feathers on their feet that look like diving fins. I have my theory that Cappadocia was an alien civilisation and that these were the species of pigeons that lived there in their day.

I recommend watching the sunrise from the Erciyes guesthouse next to the terrace of the Kristar Cave Hotel. There is a very quiet valley at its feet, and in the background the view of the balloons. To watch the sunset, the best place is from the top of Uçchisar castle with the Pigeon Valley. You will find numerous charming terraces where you can have a tea and relax with the views.

Pasabag. The Monk Valley

Pasabag is the most touristy spot to see in Cappadocia. On arrival you will see rows of buses full of tourists and souvenir shops, so don't expect a solitary stroll. The steep paths are paved to make the visit easier for tourists, and there is an Open-Air Museum that costs 45 TL about the history of Cappadocia. You will also find several churches carved into the rock.

It is the tourist spot par excellence. When you arrive you will see row after row of buses full of Japanese and Latin American tourists. Here you will only find buses and a couple of places to get a drink, plus several souvenir shops. The steep paths are paved (for all kinds of visitors). Next to it is the Open-Air Museum, which of course we did not visit. It costs 45 TL. It has a couple of churches carved into the rock.

Ortahisar: the least touristy thing to see in Cappadocia

Ortahisar is the least touristy village to see in Cappadocia, as it is further from the main area of interest. If you are travelling with your own vehicle the visit is worth it because you will find supermarkets to buy food (Bim, A-101). Ortahisar has its own castle, steeper than the one in Uçchisar, and it only costs 3 TL to enter. It is an ideal place to watch the sunset from the top or from some chairs set up at the entrance next to the cliff edge. The village has a lot of charm with its old buildings with handmade roofs.

Love Valley (the Valley of Love, or of the Phalluses)

Love Valley, or the Valley of Love, is the biggest and most curious valley to see in Cappadocia. Tourists usually look at it from the top of the cliff to get the panoramic view on their camera without having to walk much. Even so, I recommend going down in good footwear for a hike.

You will find steep paths surrounded by "Fairy Chimneys" or "Phalluses" in thousands of shapes and shades of colour that will turn it into a tale from Mars. You will also find flowering vegetation and the odd stone house with windows, but it is a valley where the geology dominates.

To discover other tourist attractions in the south of Cappadocia, click HERE.

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