From the picture-perfect mountains and beaches to the quaint cobblestone lanes where you may have baklava and tea.
Find out the finest places to visit in this Turkey blog post, which covers everything from dining my way through Istanbul and visiting the amazing mosques to beach time in Alanya, hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, and exploring the cave cities in the area.
Top Things to Do in Cappadocia, Turkey
The top activities in Cappadocia include riding in a hot air balloon, staying in a cave hotel, and visiting the fairy chimneys. There is nowhere else in the world like Cappadocia. You'll think you've landed on another planet due to its unusual rock formations. The Valley of the Moon in Chile and Saxon Switzerland in Germany were the only other locations to come close.
But in my opinion, Cappadocia wins effortlessly! If you visit Cappadocia, I strongly recommend that you go hot air ballooning, about which I've already written a lengthy post. I know a lot of you may be wondering what to do in Cappadocia in addition to that experience. There are a couple more attractions, though, that I'd strongly suggest visiting. I hope you appreciate it as much as I did because it's a beautiful region.
Fly through the air with a hot air balloon.
The highlight of my trip was riding in a hot air balloon above Cappadocia's otherworldly scenery. In addition to the breathtaking vistas, flying to the skies among so many other balloons are a very unique experience. Because of the five times lengthier training programs here than anywhere else in the world, you are also in good hands.
Discover The Magical Landscapes and Historic Caves of Cappadocia
Whoa, check out the futuristic world! When you get to the location and begin to observe the rock formations for yourself, it is truly magnificent. The strange and amazing terrain of craters, canyons, and fairy chimneys (they're the towering pillars with small caps on) was produced by several volcanic eruptions, which were then followed by natural weathering and erosion.
Finding out how much used to occur underground is also fascinating. Large underground towns and cave dwellings from 1800 BC still exist today.
A Cappadocia day tour, which will take you to explore some of the important locations including Love, Imagination, Pigeon and Monk's Valleys, Ürgüp Fairy Chimneys, and of course the peculiar rock castle - Uçhisar Castle, is highly recommended if you want to get a good sense of the area.
Enjoy a Luscious Turkish Meal
Oh, how I enjoy Turkish cuisine! Turkey spans both Asia and Europe, thus it has a variety of unique influences and a rich flavor. There are many delectable options, including kebabs, mezze dishes, and pide (a dish like pizza).
You must try a testy kebap when you are in Cappadocia (pottery kebab). The customary clay pot-baked stew with a tomato base includes a choice of meat. It arrives at the table whole, and it is up to you to use a large knife to cut it open. It's a funny and theatrical scene. To complete your culinary experience, sip on some apple tea, local raki, baklava, and Turkish delight.
Study Cappadocia's History in Great Detail
Although there is a lot of history in Cappadocia, thankfully it isn't the kind that used to make me want to fall asleep in class. As I alluded to above, 36 underground cities originally served as Christian hideouts from Roman armies. I suggest taking a journey to Derinkuyu or Kaymakli to discover the numerous passages dug down below the earth. Everything, including churches, beds, storage facilities, kitchens, and even wineries, can be found underneath.
How this period of history is still being stitched together is fascinating? Archaeologists have just discovered a city with many kilometers of tunnels and churches that date to roughly 5,000 years ago.
Then there is the complex network of above-ground caverns. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Göreme Open Air Museum is the greatest place to learn about Cappadocia's history. Once there, you can explore the 10th-century cave churches from the Middle Ages. The intricate frescoes and decorations that are still visible will astound you.
