Central Anatolia

Cappadocia

Cappadocia is Türkiye’s best-known inland destination: fairy chimneys eroded out of volcanic tuff, churches cut into the rock, and underground cities. The hundreds of balloons lifting off at dawn have become its signature.

The frescoed rock churches of the Göreme Open Air Museum are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı descend as much as eight levels, and the Ihlara valley offers a walk along the length of a canyon.

Here the accommodation is part of the trip: cave hotels, carved into the rock, are particular to the region. Balloon flights depend on the weather, so we recommend scheduling them on the first morning to leave room for a cancellation.

Highlights

  • A hot-air balloon flight
  • Göreme Open Air Museum
  • The Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı underground cities
  • The Ihlara valley
  • Uçhisar Castle
  • Avanos pottery

When to go

April–June and September–November are the best months. Snow on the fairy chimneys is spectacular in winter, but balloon cancellations are more frequent.

Getting there

Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport (NAV) is 40 km; Kayseri Erkilet (ASR) is 75 km.