25 Best Things To Do in Cappadocia, Complete Guide

Cappadocia in Turkey has a mix of history, nature, and awesome rock formations, and cool buildings. You can ride hot air balloons or explore underground cities there.

Whether you love history, adventure, or finding peace, Cappadocia is special. Check out our guide for the best places and things to do when you travel to Cappadocia. Let’s start!

5 Most Popular Things to Do in Cappadocia

• Hot Air Balloon Ride: This is perhaps the most iconic experience in Cappadocia. Floating over the unique rock formations and valleys during sunrise offers a breathtaking view and is a bucket list item for many travelers.
• Göreme Open-Air Museum: This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the premier attractions in Cappadocia. The rock-cut churches with ancient frescoes provide a deep dive into the history and culture of the region.
• Kaymaklı Underground City: As one of the most extensive underground cities in Cappadocia, Kaymaklı gives visitors a fascinating glimpse into ancient subterranean life. Its intricate tunnels and rooms are an architectural marvel.
• Uçhisar Castle: A prominent landmark in Cappadocia, this natural rock formation provides panoramic views of the entire region. It’s a popular spot for both history buffs and those looking for the best views.
• Stay in a Cave Hotel: This unique lodging experience is quintessentially Cappadocian, where traditional caves are transformed into comfortable accommodations. For many visitors, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

For an unforgettable trip to Cappadocia, don’t miss the sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride over its iconic landscapes. Dive into history at the Goreme Open-Air Museum with its ancient rock churches, and navigate the mysterious tunnels of Kaymaklı Underground City. End your day with panoramic views from Uçhisar Castle.

This region promises a blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure, all set in its uniquely sculpted terrains.

25 Must-Visit Places in Cappadocia

Spectacular Hot Air Balloon Ride

One of the top things to do in Cappadocia is to ride a hot air balloon. We didn’t want to leave without living that experience. The view from the hot air balloon was simply stunning.

Remarkable and breathtaking, this adventure gave us a bird’s eye view of Cappadocia’s unique landscape. I assure you that flying in a hot air balloon over Cappadocia is not scary at all. It’s so astonishing that you don’t even remember you have a fear of heights

But without a doubt, flying a balloon was more complicated than it seemed. I mean, it depends a lot on the weather conditions. Flying is no longer safe if the wind blows at more than 10km per hour.

On our trip, we flew as scheduled but faced an unexpected 50€ price hike due to increased demand from a previous day’s cancellation. This could have been avoided had we used travel guides to book with reputable companies.

It’s essential to book in advance online with trusted companies like Civitatis, Viator, or Get Your Guide to avoid unexpected costs and understand that opting for cheaper options might end up costing more.

Daily, only 150 balloons are allowed to fly, with 100 at dawn and 50 an hour later. To ensure a spot, make an early reservation, which typically costs between 180€-250€ and includes hotel pick-up, breakfast, the flight, and a non-alcoholic champagne toast.

Despite the 50€ setback, the balloon ride was a memorable experience.

You can book your balloon flight at this link.

Göreme Open-Air Museum

Explore the well-preserved Byzantine-era rock churches with colorful frescoes. As we have just told you, hundreds of churches were built in this area. Many have not been preserved, but fortunately, others have been held.

The Goreme open air museum is one of the main visits one must make when going to Cappadocia. Above all, what you will see are churches and subways excavated in the rock were built/excavated between the tenth and twelfth centuries.

If we had to tell you what you should visit in the open-air museum, we would say that the most essential things are:

• Rahibeler Monastery
• St. Barbara Chapel
• Yilanli Church
• The warehouse – Kitchen and Refectory
• The dark church or Karanlik
• Chapel of St. Caterina
• Çarikli Church

Things to do in Goreme, Cappadocia

It is located about 12 km from Nevşehir. Göreme was called Korama before it became Göreme. The name meant “the people of the supreme mother goddess.”

Actually, in this area, a group of villages developed: Korama, Avcilar, and Maçcan or Matiana.

During the Ottoman Empire, cities developed and grew. The town was called Maçcan in 1930, changed its name to Avcilar a few years later, and was renamed Göreme in 1975.

The town’s patron is St. Jerome, who is supposed to have been born here in the 3rd century. There are frescoes depicting him in the Tokali church in the open-air museum of Göreme.

In the 7th century, the Arabs were attacking Christian populations with greater intensity, which caused the Christians living in the Kayseri area to move to Göreme in search of refuge.

This marked a period in which about 400 churches were built in this region and began to be decorated with frescoes, which became Cappadocian art.

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Tokali Kilise Churches near Göreme Open Air Museum

The Tokali church is the oldest rock-hewn church in the area. It is one of the best examples of the churches of Cappadocia, whose paintings have outstanding technique and harmonious colors.

It is considered that the art of Cappadocian art reached its highest point with the Tokali church.

The church is the result of the conjunction of several buildings. Its final form comes from the enlargement of the original church (old church) with additional sections. Today, the church is composed of 4 chambers:

• The Old Church with a single nave
• The New Church
• The Church under the old church
• The side chapel located on the north side of the new church

Only the old and the new church are decorated with frescoes. The old church is actually the entrance to the new church.

In addition, there are other churches near the open-air museum of Göreme that you can visit. If you want to see them, we will list them for you, but we will not develop the content because the post will take forever. They are as follows:

• St. Eustace Church: It is near the Tokali Church, from the year 1148.
• St. Daniel’s Chapel: It is next to the church of St. Eustace.
• Church of the Virgin Mary or Kiliçlar Kuşluk Church: Its name comes from the different frescoes of the Virgin Mary that decorate it.
• Kiliçlar Church: It takes its name from the valley in which it is located. About 600 meters from the open-air museum:
• Nazar Kilise: Access is a little more difficult. The interior is decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Jesus.
• Sakli Church, or Hidden Church, is next to the 11th-century Nazar Church.
• Aynali Church: It is a structure with a bedroom, living room, kitchen, storage room, or pantry. It has two sections, one as a church and the other as a meeting center.

Kaymakli Underground City

Navigate the labyrinthine tunnels of this ancient subterranean city. 

The best-known and most visited subway city is Kaymakli. It was opened to the public in 1974 and had 8 floors in height. It is estimated that between 15,000 and 20,000 people could live in it.

In addition, it is believed to be connected to the city of Derinkuyu, which is 10 km farther north. Of the 8 floors, only the first 4 can be visited.

Uçhisar Castle

Climb up this natural rock formation for panoramic views of the region. 

Uchisar Castle is located 7 km east of Nevşehir, a 50-meter-high rock giant.

Built at more than 1400 meters above sea level, it has always been an important defensive point against Arab invasions during the Roman and Byzantine periods.

Many holes seen around the castle drilled in the rock are tombs from the Roman and Byzantine period.

The castle consists of two adjacent buildings, which are referred to as the Agha Castle and the Sergeant’s Castle. An interior staircase can be accessed it, and the different floors have rooms with different uses.

The numerous rooms are linked by stairways, corridors, and tunnels. The entrance and exit of these rooms, as in the subway cities, could be controlled using enormous circular stones that served as sliding doors.

Hike the Ihlara Valley

A picturesque canyon with a river running through it and rock-cut churches. Hiking trails wind through the breathtaking terrain, offering visitors an immersive experience amidst nature and history. 

The scenic beauty of the valley, combined with the intrigue of the rock churches, makes this one of the best places for anyone who loves hiking and traveling to Cappadocia.

Pasabag (Monk’s Valley)

A sojourn to Cappadocia would be incomplete without witnessing the otherworldly rock formations of Pasabag, colloquially known as Monk’s Valley.

This distinct region stands out for its peculiar fairy chimneys, which are rock formations with twin and even triple rock caps. Historically significant, it’s believed that the area was a sanctuary for monks, hence its name.

The monks carved out cells, chapels, and sanctuaries from these unique formations, giving them spiritual significance. The combination of nature’s artistic work and the deep history makes Pasabag a mesmerizing spot for both sightseers and history enthusiasts.

Explore Love Valley in Cappadocia

Love Valley, nestled between the magnificent landscapes of Cappadocia, offers a breathtaking panorama of unique rock formations and fairy chimneys. The valley, named for its peculiarly phallic rock formations, is a haven for trekkers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.

Wander through the trails of Love Valley and be mesmerized by its scenic beauty, intriguing history, and sheer magic of nature. Whether you’re on a hot air balloon soaring above or trekking along the paths, Love Valley promises an experience unlike any other.

Visit the Devrent Valley and Admire the Fairy Chimneys

The Devrent Valley, also known as Imaginary Valley, does not have any cave churches like the other valleys of Cappadocia. However, it is the most uniquely decorated with different rock formations.

The small fairy chimneys in the valley, formed of volcanic ash, are eroded by the natural forces of time, weather, and the activities of man, creating some curious rock formations. For those with a little imagination, it’s like looking at clouds and seeing dragons, camels, seals, and even the Virgin Mary holding Jesus.

While not located in the Devrent Valley, another fascinating natural wonder to visit is Lake Tuz, known for its vast salt flats.  

One of the most prominent formations looks remarkably like the iconic landforms in the “rose valley.” It’s an excellent place for photographers to capture some of Cappadocia’s most unique landscapes.

Pottery Workshop in Avanos

Learn traditional pottery techniques from local artisans. This city already appears in some of the writings of the Syrian merchants of the years 1900 – 1800 BC under the name of Nenessa.

Studying the Hittite archives, the city of Zu-winassa was also found. During the Roman period, the city of Venessa was mentioned, all referring to the same city we know today as Avanos.

It is located next to the Red River, which they call Kizilirmak. It is the longest river in Turkey and owes its name to the color of its waters due to the clay that is transported, which makes it the supplier of the raw material of the pottery of Avanos for millennia.

The classic visit in Avanos is the pottery workshops. We visited the workshop of a master potter from Avanos named Savan Ustanin Yeri, and it was impressive to see the quality of the pieces and to think that everything on display was handmade.

They took excellent care of us, and since we were with a friend, he put us in his house and kitchen. He gave us food and drink because we were hungry.

On the way out, we took the opportunity to cross the river by one of the suspension bridges that cross the river.

Turkish Night Show

Immerse yourself in Turkey’s rich culture with an evening set in a unique underground cave restaurant. Begin with a welcoming drink and be captivated by traditional dances from seven Turkish regions, performed by skilled dancers in vibrant costumes.

Between performances, savor traditional Turkish dishes paired with wine. The evening, enhanced with unlimited beverages, also offers guests a chance to learn a dance move or two onstage.

With hotel transport included, it’s a seamless cultural treat, though not recommended for those with mobility impairments.

Book this experience here

Staying in a Cave Hotel for a Romantic Experience

Experience authentic lodging by sleeping in a cave transformed into a luxury accommodation. Cappadocia’s cave hotels, set amid unique rock formations and fairy chimneys, offer an intimate escape into the past.

Carved into the region’s stone, these dwellings blend ancient charm with modern luxury. Imagine waking up to a sky filled with hot air balloons or dining under a starlit canopy.

For couples seeking an unparalleled romantic experience, these hotels promise a magical immersion in one of the world’s most enchanting landscapes.

Visit the Derinkuyu Underground City

Derinkuyu is another fascinating subterranean city to explore.

Cappadocia boasts a remarkable network of 150 to 200 underground cities, a testament to its rich cultural heritage. Among these subterranean wonders, Derinkuyu underground city stands out as one of the most iconic and expansive.

Originally excavated by the Hittites, these underground cities served as a refuge in a region marked by continuous power struggles, with the Silk Road passing through Cappadocia, attracting the attention of Romans, Mongols, and Persians.

The subterranean dwellings offered security with limited entry points and defensible architecture. Circular stone sliding doors isolated these cities, and they evolved over time, transitioning from Hittite control to Christian refuge during times of persecution, followed by Greek occupation.

With the stabilization of the Ottoman Empire in the region, these underground cities fell into disuse and were gradually sealed, only to be rediscovered later. Among them, Kaymakli is the most renowned and accessible, offering visitors a glimpse into its eight-story depths, capable of housing up to 20,000 people.

However, only the first four floors are open to exploration, leaving an enigmatic part of history concealed beneath.

Horseback Riding

Explore Cappadocia’s Love Valley and another valley with captivating fairy chimneys on this guided tour. Watch the mesmerizing sunset over these enchanting landscapes, all with the convenience of hotel pickups and drop-offs in Göreme or Uçhisar.

Your adventure includes comfortable transportation, horseback riding, and unforgettable photo opportunities, making it a perfect Cappadocian experience.

Book Your Horseback Riding Tour Here.

Rose Valley: Cappadocia’s Iconic Landforms

Rose Valley is renowned for its enchanting reddish-pink hue, especially during sunset. This captivating landscape offers a variety of hiking trails, each providing a unique perspective of the fascinating rock formations and fairy chimneys.

Apart from its natural beauty, the valley holds historical significance, with numerous ancient churches carved into the cliffs and rocks. An exploration of Rose Valley is a journey through both nature’s wonders and the rich history of Cappadocia

Gastronomy Tour

Indulge in local specialties like testi kebap (pottery kebab) and manti (Turkish dumplings).

Cappadocia’s culinary scene is a delightful fusion of Turkish flavors and local specialties. Visitors can savor dishes like “testi kebap,” a flavorful pottery-cooked stew, and “manti,” Turkish dumplings served with yogurt and spices.

The region’s cuisine also boasts an array of fresh fruits, vegetables, and aromatic herbs.

Exploring local markets and dining in traditional restaurants provides a culinary journey that perfectly complements the region’s captivating landscapes, making Cappadocia a destination for both the adventurous traveler and the food enthusiast.

Red Valley Sunset Viewing

Watch the sun set behind the beautiful rock formations. Sunset and the shifting hues it cast over the landscape is a transformative experience in Cappadocia. 

The gentle play of the setting sun on the fairy chimneys and rock formations creates a visual treat that should not be missed.

Being in the midst of this natural spectacle allows you to fully appreciate the unique beauty and serenity of the Red Valley.

Explore Zelve Open-Air Museum

Zelve Open-Air Museum is a testament to the historical and architectural wonders of Cappadocia, showcasing the remnants of a bygone era. This museum stands as a significant site for visitors, with its intricate chambers and levels that once served as a monastic complex.

It offers an insight into the lives of the monks and the religious significance of the region. The carved chambers, churches, and living spaces provide a unique glimpse into the past and are a must-visit when in Cappadocia.

Take an ATV Ride

Experience an alternative way to see the sights of Cappadocia from the ground on this ATV tour. After a quick safety briefing and demonstration, you’ll get some practice on the bikes before beginning your tour. When you feel 100% comfortable behind the wheel, you can start your tour of Cappadocia’s must-sees.

First, you’ll drive through Sword Valley, the smallest valley in the region, and admire the sword-like fairy chimneys that give the valley its name.

Next, you’ll speed through the White, Love, and Red Valleys, stopping in each location for a rest or photos. Finish off at Rose Valley, where you can watch the sunset from one of the best spots for sunset viewing in Cappadocia.

Visit the Carpet Weaving Centers

Understand the art and intricacies of Turkish carpet weaving.

Relax in a Turkish Hammam

Make the most of your time in Cappadocia with an iconic Turkish bath experience, also known as a hammam. Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, it’s a perfect way to unwind after your travels.

This traditional public bath, rooted in ancient Roman culture and steam bath principles, has deep ties to Turkish culture and social life.

During your visit, you’ll enjoy a relaxing steam session, followed by a soothing Turkish scrub to remove dead skin—rest assured, it’s painless and reveals remarkably refreshed skin.

Afterward, you can linger in the Hammam as long as you’d like, allowing your body to rejuvenate and your blood circulation to soar. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the timeless bathing ritual of Ottoman Sultans while unwinding completely.

Sinassos (Mustafapaşa) Village

Explore this old Greek village with its historical mansions and churches. Sinassos, also known as Mustafapaşa, is a charming village in Cappadocia that carries the echoes of its Greek heritage.

Wander through its picturesque streets lined with historical mansions, many of which are well-preserved and display intricate architectural details.

The village’s captivating history and stunning architecture make it a delightful place to explore, offering a glimpse into the cultural tapestry of Cappadocia.

Wine Tasting in Cappadocia

Start your day with a journey through Cappadocia’s historic vineyards. Learn about the grape varieties, pick your own grapes, and cap it off with a visit to the region’s largest winery, Turasan Winery, for a wine tasting.

Cappadocian wines perfectly complement local cuisine, making this experience a must.

Enjoy a comfortable hotel pickup around 9:30-10:00 AM, and immerse yourself in the beauty of local vineyards while discovering the secrets of winemaking from the experts themselves.

Visit Gülşehir

Gülşehir is a tranquil town nestled in the heart of Cappadocia, offering a serene escape from the bustling tourist hubs. Known for its historical significance, it houses the St. Jean Church, one of the region’s largest rock-cut churches, showcasing impressive rock-carved architecture and intricate frescoes.

Gülşehir provides a peaceful atmosphere to explore Cappadocia’s unique blend of history and natural beauty while avoiding the crowds, making it a hidden gem for travelers seeking a more intimate experience in the region.

Trekking in the Pigeon Valley

The Pigeon Valley, nestled in the heart of Cappadocia, offers a breathtaking trekking experience for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Named for the numerous pigeon houses intricately carved into the rocks, the valley presents a harmonious blend of natural beauty and historical significance.

As trekkers journey through its paths, they are enveloped in a panorama of iconic fairy chimneys and rock formations, a testament to the region’s unique geological evolution. 

Beyond its scenic allure, the valley tells tales of ancient inhabitants who relied on pigeons for communication and fertilization of their lands. Today, the Pigeon Valley stands as a symbol of Cappadocia’s rich past, and its trails beckon travelers to immerse themselves in its timeless beauty.

Shop at Ürgüp Market

Buy souvenirs, spices, dried fruits, and local crafts. 

Ürgüp is one of the most touristic areas of Cappadocia. When you enter from Nevsehir, you find the famous fairy chimneys that welcome you to their city as a foretaste of what you will see in the coming days.

The landscape is configured in terraces, which they call Çatalkaya, and is a city that dates back to the Hittites thousands of years ago.

The city of Ürgüp has four neighborhoods that you must visit: Temenni, Kayakapi, Yunak, and Esbelli. It is built around three rock castles, which are the castles of Başhisar, Kadi, and Burhan.

Ürgüp is an excellent place to use as an H.Q. to visit Cappadocia. It is well located and relatively large, has road connections and some nightlife.

Temeni Hill is also known as the Hill of Wishes. It is one of the city’s highest points; from here, you can see a panoramic view of Ürgüb. Once at the top, it is tradition to make a wish.

It is recommended that it not be related to the material or earthly. It has been a sacred place since ancient times, and sacrifices were made to the gods.

Also, in Temeni, possibly because of its sacred character, two cemeteries have been located where some important people of Turkish history are buried, especially sultans of the Seljuk period.

Things to Do in Nevşehir

The city of Nevşehir has thousands of years of history, although we have not been able to find its year of birth.

Originally, the city was called Nyssa and is believed to have been established near the town of Soandos during the Byzantine Empire. But there are no explicit references; we know that previously, during the Ottoman Empire, it was called Muşkara.

Damat Ibrahim Pasha, grand vizier and son-in-law of Sultan Ahmed III, was born in this city. It symbolized the Tulip era in which the Ottoman Empire developed significantly both culturally and economically and was oriented towards Europe opening new trade and communication routes.

The city was originally a village that belonged administratively to Ürgüp. Still, in 1725 it changed its name from Muşkara to Nevşehir, meaning “new town,” and became the region’s capital.

It is not precisely the most tourist nor the one that represents the most typical and picturesque of Cappadocia; in fact, it is the farthest, but it has the advantage of having an airport.

If you need to hire the airport-hotel transfer check it out here.

The Historical Center

You can simply walk the streets of the city. It is a modern city today, the region’s administrative center.

Damat Ibrahim Pasha Mosque Complex

It was built in 1726-27 and had a mosque, a library, a madrasa, a Turkish bath, and a school.

The mosque is also called the lead mosque because its domes are covered with lead.

Mehmet Aga built it, and its courtyard has 3 gates from which stands the Baroque-style minaret 44 meters high.

Nevşehir Castle

It is built in basaltic rock to the southwest of the city. The exact construction date is unknown, but it is believed to have been built in the 12th century over a previously existing Byzantine castle.

It has a pentagon shape and is on top of a hill, which gives it good defensive properties.

Nevşehir Museum

It was created in 1967 and was located in the Madrasa until it was moved to an exclusive building. You can see pieces from the Neolithic to the Byzantine and Ottoman Empire.

Tips for a 3-day trip to Cappadocia

When to Travel to Cappadocia

The altitude of Cappadocia is around 1100 meters above sea level. It has a continental climate, with sweltering summers and practically no rain.

Winter (December to March) is cold, and it can snow.

Spring is the best time to travel to Cappadocia. Temperatures are milder, and weather conditions make this the season for ballooning.

If you want to ride a balloon, you must travel to Cappadocia in spring. We traveled during Easter, and it was the right decision.

How to Get to Cappadocia from Istanbul

You have several options to get to Cappadocia from Istanbul. The most comfortable and fastest way is by plane, but more options exist.

Between Istanbul and Cappadocia are 750 kilometers (465 miles).

By Plane

This is the way we chose. I think it is the most comfortable, and certainly the fastest. And depending on the price of the flight, it may even be the cheapest.

There are direct flights to Kayseri and Nevşehir airports from Istanbul Ataturk and Sabiha Gokcen airports.

I recommend leaving Ataturk early in the morning to make the most of the day. Ataturk Airport is much closer to the center of Istanbul than Sabiha Gokcen.

By Rental Car

This is a good option and the first one we considered. Because on our first planning, we wanted to go to Ankara but didn’t have enough time to see everything.

By rental car, it is a long trip. If you do it directly, it is about twelve hours. I would only use this option if you are traveling with four people and you want to share expenses, and also you will visit Ankara or some other town on the way.

By Bus

They say the buses in Turkey are very good. We don’t know them, but they say they are excellent and cheap.

Yes, it is a long trip, but it is an option if you have time or are on a tight budget.

By train + bus

There is the possibility of going by fast train to Ankara and from there taking a bus to Cappadocia or renting a car.

You can see that there are several options to reach Cappadocia from Istanbul. Choose the one that best suits your trip and budget.

How to Get Around Cappadocia

Transportation within the Cappadocia region can be slow. There are buses and cabs in the cities, but to move from one place to another, if you want to do it on your own, you have to rent a car, a motorcycle, a bicycle, or a private driver.

For me, the best options are two: rent a car and go at your own pace or hire an agency to take you on the tours and most visited places.

The latter is the most usual since the prices are not high and going at the right time is more comfortable to get everywhere without getting lost.

If you stay for a week or more, I recommend renting a car. Click on this link and look at the prices; they are perfect.

How Many Days Do I Need to Visit Cappadocia?

Cappadocia is a magnificent place that you have to visit. You need at least 3 days to visit the must-see places. But if you have the soul of an explorer and want to go beyond the tourist sites, you will need more days.

But you will need at least 3 or 4 days to visit Cappadocia and fly in a balloon. It’s always better to have an extra day in case you can’t fly a balloon the first time.

Accommodation for all Budgets

Cappadocia is a region that is growing a lot, and with it, the hotel offer. I imagine you’ve seen wonderful photos of a dreamy sunrise location with hundreds of hot air balloons on Instagram.

Well, these places really exist, and the best thing is that the prices are not as high as you might imagine. Take a look at Artemis Caves Suites & Spa. We loved it, both the rooms and the restaurant.

There are also more economical offers. But it is very typical to sleep in a cave hotel and thus enjoy a unique experience on your trip.

If you are wondering where to sleep in Cappadocia, don’t hesitate and choose Göreme. You will enjoy unparalleled scenery and the hospitality of the region.

Take a look at the prices in the hotels in Cappadocia for the date of your trip.

Exchange Currency for Travel to Turkey

The currency used in Turkey is the Turkish Lira. Today’s exchange rate (Oct 17, 2022) is 1 Turkish lira equals 0.05 euros.

Use Wise to access your money and make payments: Wise Card helps you make ATM cash withdrawals (you get two free per month), restaurant payments, and even online payments.

With Wise Card, you can pay in more than 50 different currencies, which helps you save a lot of money.

Using a Wise card can avoid those bank charges for paying in a different currency than your account currency. So, it helps you save unnecessary expenses.

The Wise card is very similar to a regular debit card. The only distinguishing feature is that Wise allows you to use the available balance in many currencies.

You will be charged a nominal fee based on the current commercial exchange rate, with no additional charges. And since we’ve been using it, we’ve found that they always make the best exchange for you.

The Wise account is free of charge. However, to apply for the card, you must deposit €7. *This figure may change over time.

You can also exchange currency in Istanbul, Cappadocia, or your place of origin. If you prefer this option, I recommend doing it in your country or Istanbul. In Cappadocia, you can do it, but the exchange rate is usually not very favorable.

If you are coming from Europe, we recommend Ria to exchange currency. They have offices in the main cities, and if not, they also have the option of sending them to your home.

Travel Insurance for Your Trip to Turkey

As always, we remind you that travel with travel insurance is essential. We recommend Mondo’s international travel insurance for this occasion.

Among the best advantages of this insurance are that you do not have to advance a single euro, that they have medical consultation by WhatsApp 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, that it has one of the best coverage in the market, and that its price is the best.

In addition, if you can hire it through our link international travel insurance, you will get a 5% discount, which we have for our readers.

How to Stay Connected During Your Trip to Turkey

Having internet during your Turkey trip will help you stay connected, access WhatsApp, and upload photos to social networks.

When we went to Turkey, we found that my phone operator (Movistar) did not include Turkey in the European plan. So I had to pay for roaming or internet sharing.

So I recommend you check your contract with your operator before traveling if they have Turkey in your agreement.

If they don’t have it, you can contract it with them, hire portable wifi, buy an eSIM or buy a SIM at the destination.

Brief History of Cappadocia

Cappadocia is the name given to this region historically. In Roman times, Cappadocia was considered a much larger territory than what we know today as Cappadocia.

Its borders reached as far as the Black Sea in the north and almost to the Syrian border in the east; at least, this is what the geographer Strabon said in his study of geography on what was called Anatolia at the time.

Today, it is a much smaller region, although large anyway, and has as its main cities Nevsehir, Aksaray, and Kayseri. The area that everyone wants to go to is the one comprising Göreme, Uçhisar, Ürgüp, and Avanos and the area around Ihlara.

Cappadocia has been inhabited since the Stone Age, around 8000 BC but the first people to settle in this region were the Hittites, around 1800 BC.

1200 years later, around 680 B.C., the Persians invaded it and 350 years later by the Greeks and in the time of Christ by the Romans, where later, around 350 A.D., persecutions of Christians took place.

Then came the Byzantines, who occupied this region for 1100 years, with several changes in the last centuries, such as the arrival of the Seljuks in the 11th century and the Mongoloids in the 14th century.

Right up to the capture of Constantinople by the Turks in 1453, the Ottoman Empire began in 1923, when the Republic of Turkey was established.

What is Cappadocia?

Cappadocia is internationally known for its hot air balloon ride to admire its rock formations, churches carved in stone, and subway cities, where the first Christians hid.

But that’s not all you will find on your trip to Cappadocia.

In addition to being known for this, Cappadocia will also allow you to enjoy adventure sports such as trekking, biking, quad biking, etc.

You can visit the northern and southern parts of Cappadocia alone or with a guide who speaks your language. If you choose the last option, the guide will pick you up and take you to your hotel. It is cheaper than you think.

Then, with the help of the Greeks who lived in the region and, above all, their knowledge of architecture and construction with arches, they began to build their houses dug into the ground, which became the usual and traditional way of building.

Today, in addition to the classic hotels of classical construction, Cappadocia has as a form of accommodation the cave hotels being unique to the region, and we would almost say that it is essential to stay in one of them.

In addition, traveling to Cappadocia will allow you to enjoy very typical gastronomy based on the Tandoori oven of the Hittites, lots of unleavened bread, and lots of spices, all washed down with Cappadocia wines, which we can tell you are very good.

And finally, we do not want to forget to mention the handicrafts of this region, especially the jewelry, pottery, and carpets.

Remember that it is not cheap, so you must prepare a reasonable budget for a good carpet or a good set of dishes.

Have you already traveled to Cappadocia? What are your must-visit places? And you, do you want to know Cappadocia? I can’t wait to come back!!!

Plan Your Trip to Turkey

• How to get to Cappadocia from Istanbul
• What to See in Istanbul in 4 Days
• Turkey 9-Day Itinerary: Istanbul & Cappadocia
• Airport Transfers
• Hire Guided Tours
• Accommodation in Cappadocia

Last Updated on 5 October, 2023 by Veronica