Best Activities in Cappadocia

10 Activities in Cappadocia that Will Blow You Away!

When it comes to the best tourist cities, Cappadocia is second to none. Waking up to stunning hot air balloons wistfully floating against Cappadocia’s sunrise is a view to die for. The city is certainly Turkey’s most prized possession and the activities in Cappadocia are certainly to write home about.

Cappadocia’s beauty eclipses every other place in the world. The best time to visit Cappadocia is usually in July and August but if you’re into snow-covered peaks, then you’d love to see this winter wonderland in all its glory during the colder months. Its mysterious volcanic-rock landscape, rock churches, heroic hikes, and open-air museums must not be missed! From all the top things to do in Cappadocia, we’ve brought you the 10 best activities that will take your breath away.

Ride a Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia

We’ll start with the obvious – flying a hot air balloon in Cappadocia. Gear yourself for an unforgettable adventure. Mind you, this isn’t your usual airship. The excitement that rushes in the moment you step into a roaring hot air balloon is indescribable.

Millions of visitors pour into Turkey for this fairytale journey every year. As you experience a stunning flight that will give you butterflies in your tummy and a gorgeous view to behold, make sure to take lots of pictures as you soak in the panoramic viewpoints of the cityscape.

The balloon ride usually lasts about an hour but even that won’t feel enough. You can enjoy either the classic sunrise tour or the luxury tour. Make sure to book a balloon flight before you reach as the spots run out quickly!

Marvel at the Goreme Open-Air Museum

Goreme Open Air Museum is a UNESCO Heritage site that is brimming with historic charm. Resembling a monastic complex, the museum contains churches that can be dated back to the 11th and 12th centuries.

You’re quite likely to visit this first and foremost during your stay in Cappadocia. Located in the heart of the city, the museum is easily accessible no matter where you are. From Goreme village center, the distance is about a 15-minute walk.

Brace yourself for breathtaking rock-cut natural churches that will leave you in awe. Inside them, you will find colorful and gorgeous frescoes that are sure to take you for a lovely walk in the past. And while you’re at it, do watch out for the Sakli Kilise (Hidden Church) and El Nazar Kilise (Evil Eye Church) on your way to the museum. Also, there are many secret trails running across the heavy rock formations for those who enjoy hiking!

Walk into the Past at Kaymakli Underground City

Does the thought of climbing down a mysterious, underground city excite you? Kaymakli Underground City is a history enthusiast’s dream come true. The citadel branches out into multiple tunnels that are constructed underground.

With a total of eight floors carved inside the earth, four of these are open to visitors and tourists. Throw on your best boots because a trip inside the Kaymakli Underground city will challenge your exploratory spirits!

Soak the Sights of the Ihlara Valley

Ihlara Valley is a mesmerizing tourist sight in Cappadocia. Surrounded by soaring poplar trees and vibrant, fertile earth, Ihlara valley is nature’s heaven. The valley has quite a history too. Back in the Byzantine Era, several monk communities made monastery complexes and churches insides the cliffs.

These natural churches are quite unique to Cappadocia’s landscape. You simply can’t miss them. The Kirk Darm Altı Kilise (St. George Church) and the Yılanlı Kilise (Snake Church) are visual beauties. The valley is also believed to have many more cave dwellings. Visit this place to find out!

Visit Uchisar Castle

Have you ever dreamed of visiting a real-life castle? Well, here’s your chance. Uchisar castle is an enchanting fort 5km away from Goreme. Stationed at the highest point of the city, Uchisar castle is definitely going to be the highlight of your Cappadocia tour.

The castle isn’t as tall as the Eiffel tower but definitely offers a magnificent panoramic view from the top. Enjoy Cappadocia’s breath-taking scenery with Mount Erciyes’ royal presence nearby.

Buy Vintage Cappadocia Rugs

Here’s a wonderful souvenir you want to get your hands on! Turkish rugs are one of Cappadocia’s most popular attractions. Handmade Turkish rugs in Cappadocia are weaved with stories and tales of the past. You can find them in all kinds of colors and patterns that suit your liking.

Turkish rugs in Cappadocia are greatly prized for the mesmerizing symbolic art etched into their fabric. It can make your home décor so much more meaningful. You can find these rugs in many street markets and shops in Cappadocia! Check out our quick guide to buying the best carpets in town.

Experience Avanos

Cappadocia isn’t just a city of historical allure. It has many bustling sights that are just as exciting and worth visiting. Avanos is a picturesque town located near the Kizilirmak River. If you’re a nature lover, step into this town for beautiful hillside views and old-fashioned towns.

The ancient fragments of the town are surrounded by old Ottoman mansions and buildings. Avanos, thus, offers a beautiful fusion of modern and historical life.

The town’s local pottery industry invites many visitors. Avanos is home to some of the most breath-taking pottery work since the time of the Hittites. The Guray Ceramic Museum houses wonderful ceramic collections from all over Turkey. Beneath the Guray Pottery Workshop lies an array of adventurous caves. It really couldn’t get any better than this!

Hike in the Red and Rose Valleys

The Red and Rose Valleys are a treat for the hiking-lovers. Take your Cappadocia tour up a notch with a powerful hike around the lovely valleys between Cavusin and Goreme. These valleys elegantly intertwined to keep the hikers busy with wonder.

Naturally constructed after years of wind erosion and volcanic explosions, these valleys have spread out in elegant ripples. Climb over and down the cliffs in striking colors of orange, pastel pink, and yellow. Additionally, this is also a great place for some horseback riding in Cappadocia.

And if you’re fond of surprises, you’re surely going to love all the secret hide-outs and cliff churches carved inside the rocky landscape. The Haçli Kilise (Church of the Cross) and the Kolonlu Kilise (Columned Church) are ancient monuments preserved for the visitors’ delight and awe.

Marvel at Pasabag

Prepare yourself for spectacular earth pillars on your way back from Avanos. Pasabag – the Pacha’s vineyard – is one of nature’s finest wonders. These regal pillars are rocky cones rising into the sky. With plenty of hideouts and nooks within the stony structures, many hermits and stylites used to hide here back in the past.

Pasabag is also home to eye-catching fairy chimneys that will leave you with a newfound love for our human civilization.

Visit Eski Gümüsler Monastery

If you’re still wondering “what to do in Cappadocia?” then we’ve saved the best for the last. Towards Cappadocia’s far south lies an impressive rock church – the Eski Gümüsler Monastery. This one befittingly rivals some of the most precious churches in the world. With enchanting frescoes and paintings that can go back to the 11th century, this monastery will certainly leave you breathless.

Inside the church, you will find a labyrinth of tunnels and pathways specially opened up for tourists to enjoy. You might have to squeeze a bit to get in but that’s definitely all the fun!

Cappadocia is a mesmerizing place brimming with tourist attractions. Your Turkey tour is simply incomplete without a taste of this gorgeous city.

So, when are you booking a ticket?