Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason. Because its stunning views are unparalleled anywhere else.
Combine this with a rich cultural heritage full of ancient historical sites and welcoming people, and it’s easy to see why this is a must-see on every Turkie itinerary.
There’s no need to be overwhelmed by the number of choices. We’ve compiled eight of the most amazing her places to visit in Cappadocia, so all you have to do is book your ticket and go.
1. Goreme
The perfect place for a fairy chimney
One of the biggest attractions for tourists visiting Cappadocia is its iconic fairy chimneys. This is a stack of soft tuff formed by volcanic uplift and weathered over thousands of years into otherworldly shapes. These can be found throughout Cappadocia, but the central city of Göreme probably has the highest concentration in the surrounding valleys.
Hike through the Red Valley or Güldere (Rose) Valley in the late afternoon to admire the fairy chimneys, which turn fiery red in the evening light, or stroll through the Love Valley, where the chimneys have a particularly suggestive shape. Why not try it?
Göreme is also a must-see for history buffs. During Byzantine times, many of the fairy chimneys were hollowed out and used as monasteries. The monks decorated the inner cave with exquisite frescoes. Many of them have survived to the present day and are preserved at the must-see Goreme Open Air Museum.
Planning tip: The valleys around Göreme are particularly suitable for one-way hiking. If you have a car, park at the end of the trail and take a taxi to the trailhead, saving you the hassle of a round trip.
2. Kayseri
Great place to discover Seljuk heritage
Many travelers ignore Kayseri in favor of Cappadocia’s iconic attractions, but this large, bustling city is worth a day or two to explore. This is one of the best places in the country to see the elegant architecture left behind by the Seljuk dynasty, which ruled much of Türkiye in the 13th century.
The black stone castle in the city center dates back to the Seljuk period, but has been extensively restored and looks a little too pretty. But just across the road is the Maheperi Hunat Hatun complex, a perfectly preserved mosque and madrasa. Admire the intricate carvings around the mosque’s gates and enjoy chai in the madrasa-inspired courtyard. While you’re in the city, the excellent ethnographic museum in the 15th-century Gübugupol House gives you an insight into life during the Ottoman era.
Planning tip: Spend the afternoon exploring Kayseri’s various attractions. Start at the Seljuk Civilization Museum in Mimar Sinan Park and head south to see all the city’s biggest names.
Hike the Ihlara Valley and explore ancient churches in caves © frantic00 / Shutterstock
3. Aksaray
Great location in a historic valley
The bustling city of Aksaray in western Cappadocia enjoys relatively limited tourist interest, but the region’s cultural highlights, such as the Ihlara and Güzelyurt valleys (also known as the Valley of the Monasteries), It’s a comfortable place to base your visit. Both of these wide canyons are scenic walks, with Byzantine cave churches lining the cliffs on either side.
Ihlara Gorge is a particularly impressive and popular route, following a gushing river along the canyon floor and a clear path past cave churches with some of the best frescoes in Cappadocia. Yılanlı Kilise (Church of the Serpent) is a distinctive highlight, with vivid paintings depicting his four serpents biting people as punishment for various sins.
Güzelyurt Valley, on the other hand, is a quiet walk. Although the church there is not very dramatic, it is a very quiet walk through beautiful surroundings with few visitors.
Side trip: Make a quick stop at the Aksaray Museum. Here you can see his collection of 1000-year-old mummies discovered in the Ihlara Valley.
4. Avanos
Great place for quirky museums
The small town of Avanos, 8 km (5 miles) north of Göreme, is a refreshing change of pace for those who’ve seen plenty of fairy chimneys and Byzantine churches. The attractions here are pleasantly quirky. Start by visiting Güray Muse, an underground art gallery that displays beautiful works by contemporary Turkish artists. The attached shop also has a surprising variety of pottery on display.
Then cross the river to the truly unique Chez Galip Hair Museum. As the name suggests, it is a collection of hair strands mounted on the walls and suspended from the ceiling, all donated by female visitors. To the museum. There is no other place quite like it.
Explore the fascinating underground city of Kaymakli © Parilov / Shutterstock
5. Kaymakli
Great place to stroll underground
The Byzantines may have dug holes into the soft rock of Cappadocia to build churches, but the inhabitants of Kaymakli fared even better. Digging deep into the earth, they developed a vast network of caves and passageways, now known as the Kaymakli underground city.
A visit to this underground labyrinth is a unique experience and it’s fascinating to imagine how people lived in this incredibly complex place, which contained everything needed for daily life: bread ovens, wine presses, stables and huge shafts to ensure the circulation of clean air.
There are several underground cities like this in Cappadocia. Nearby Derinkuyu is larger, but Kaymakli is more fun to walk around. Its walkways encourage random strolling, and the small number of visitors makes it feel less claustrophobic.
6. Aradalar National Park
Great place for a few days trek
In the south of Cappadocia is the beautiful and rarely visited Aradalar National Park. This is one of the most pristine trekking destinations in Turkiye. From the village of Çukurbag, you can ascend through rugged limestone gorges to the alpine plateau and finally to the beautiful Lake Yedigerer. Although the routes are long and few can be tackled as day hikes, Alada Gral National Park is the perfect destination for multi-day trekking and camping amidst beautiful mountain scenery.
Detour: While you’re in the area, check out the nearby Eski Gümüşler Monastery, one of Cappadocia’s most overlooked highlights. A cave monastery dating back to Byzantine times, Gümüşler’s frescoes are among the best in Cappadocia, including a remarkably well-preserved nativity scene and a rare statue of the smiling Virgin Mary.
7. Urgup
Great place to enjoy local wine
Cappadocia’s volcanic soils are perfect for growing grapes, and for centuries this region of Turkiye was a major wine-producing region. The industry slumped in the early 20th century, but is expanding again, with the town of Urgup at the forefront.
Take a tour of the friendly Turasan factory and sample some of their wonderful vintages, or stop by in September when the town hosts the Cappadocia Vineyard Festival. Alternatively, you can relax and enjoy a glass or two at one of the town’s many wine bars.
Side trip: While you’re in town, be sure to check out the rock formations known as the Three Beauties. This is Urgup’s iconic landmark and is depicted on the labels of many Turasan wine bottles.
Winter brings great skiing options to Cappadocia © Nejdet Duzen / Shutterstock
8. Ercijs Dag
Great place for winter sports
Cappadocia may not immediately come to mind when you think of winter sports, but Erciyes Dag Mountain, just a short distance south of Kayseri, is home to a great ski resort. He is one of the highest mountains in Turkiye and is a very popular destination for skiers, with ski lifts, rental equipment and a wealth of trails to suit all levels. You don’t have to limit yourself to winter as mountains are also great places for trekking.
