10 Magical Things to Do in Cappadocia

Welcome to Cappadocia, one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world!.

I wrote down the top 10 things to do in Cappadocia for you.

1. Hot air balloon ride: One of the most popular activities in Cappadocia is taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. The region’s unique landscape of fairy chimneys, rock formations, and valleys make for a breathtaking view from above. Companies such as Royal Balloon and Butterfly Balloons offer rides that typically last around an hour.

2. Explore the underground cities: Cappadocia is home to several ancient underground cities, some of which date back to the Hittite era. The most popular ones to visit are Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, which have multiple levels and were used as shelters during times of war.

3. Visit the Goreme Open Air Museum: The Goreme Open Air Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features several rock-cut churches with frescoes dating back to the 10th century. There are also monasteries and chapels to explore.

4. Hiking: Cappadocia has plenty of hiking trails, with options for all levels of difficulty. The Pigeon Valley and Rose Valley are popular routes, both of which offer stunning views of the landscape.

5. Horseback riding: Exploring the valleys and fairy chimneys on horseback is a unique way to see the region. Many companies offer horseback riding tours that can last anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day.

6. Turkish bath: After a day of exploring, treat yourself to a traditional Turkish bath, or hamam. The process typically involves steam, exfoliation, and massage, and is a great way to relax and unwind.

7. Visit the pottery workshops: Cappadocia is known for its pottery, and there are several workshops where you can watch artisans at work and even try your hand at the pottery wheel.

8. Try the local cuisine: Cappadocia has a unique cuisine that is influenced by its history and geography. Some dishes to try include testi kebab (meat and vegetables cooked in a sealed clay pot), manti (Turkish dumplings), and gözleme (a type of savory pastry).

9. Visit the Ihlara Valley: The Ihlara Valley is a deep gorge with a river running through it, and it’s a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. The valley is also home to several rock-cut churches and monasteries.

10. Watch the sunset from a viewpoint: Cappadocia has plenty of stunning viewpoints from which to watch the sunset. Some popular spots include the Ortahisar Castle, the Uchisar Castle, and the Sunset Point in Göreme.