Cappadocia is an historical region in Central Anatolia, mainly in the Nevşehir, Kayseri, Kırşehir, and Aksara districts.
The town of Goreme in the Nevşehir Province is the tourism centre of Cappadocia, 750 km southeast of Istanbul and 500 km northeast of Antalya.
Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s most popular destinations, famous for its “Moonscape” landscapes, Fairy Chimneys, and other magnificent and impressive rock formations the result of many million years of water and wind erosion. Hundreds of homes, decorated churches and monasteries were all carved into the Volcanic soft rock 2,000 years ago by early Christens who ran out of Rome.
Visit the impressive underground cities home for thousands of people as early as 2,000 years BC and take a hot air balloon flights, over the magnificent landscapes Cappadocia is so famous for.
Cappadocia is a 1,000 m high plateau, pierced by volcanic peaks, with Mount Erciyes near Kayseri being the highest at 3916 m. The region consists of low hills and a network of valleys home to the rock carved structures, especially in the district of Nevsehir, in Goreme’s National Park, in the towns of Urgup, Avanos, and in the village of Uçhisar.
Be sure to visit the great rock churches and monasteries on the steep slopes of Ihlara Valley, and the must visit famous underground cities in Derinkuyu, Kaymakli south of Goreme and Ozkonak north of Avanos.
On the way to or from Cappadocia, or as a day trip once there, you can visit the southern Aladaglar National Park, its lakes and forests, and the famous Kapuzbasi Waterfalls flowing out of the bare cliffs.
When traveling in the valleys and open-air museums, the area offers great outdoor activities opportunities, with numerous hiking and cycling trails, ATV trips opportunities, horse riding and more. For the best hiking and mountain Bikes trails, consult your hotel, or a tourist centre office for specific routs that would fit you.
In addition to the magnificent scenery and attractions enjoy the marvelous Turkish culture, the markets and the local Pottery and Carpets shops. Relax in a Hamami Turkish Bath, enjoy the local cousin served in cave restaurants with vibrant Turkish Night local shows, and at night sleep in a nice cave hotel.
Avanos
Urgup
Goreme National Park
Cappadocia is quite warm in the summer months of July and August, hence traveling in the Spring (March-June) or early autumn (September- October) will be much more comfortable.
If you are in Istanbul, the best way to get to Cappadocia is by flight to Nevşehir Kapadokya airport or the Kayseri Erkilet International Airport. If you plan to come from the south, Antalya or Marmaris for example, you can either fly, rent a car, or take a tour to Cappadocia. In Cappadocia, you can move around using public transportation, but obviously renting a car or taking local tours, will be much easier and less time consuming.
Planning a trip to Cappadocia, consider at least 2 full days, preferably 3 days, to visit the regions magnificent and unique highlights.
Thetjoy.com suggests making your base in Goreme or in Urgup which has higher level accommodation.
In the first day explore what is referred to by the locals as the Red Route. Spend your day in Goreme and in Goreme Open Air Museum, visit the “Uçhisar Rock Castle“, and if you have the time, the village of Cavusin, Zelve Open Air Museum, and the towns of Avanos the center of Pottery Production, and Urgup.
In the second day, explore Derinkuyu, or Kaymakli (or both) underground cities, or you can combine your visit of Avanos with a visit of Ozkonak underground city north of Avanos, and the magnificent Ihlara Valley.
Obviously if you want to spend more time hiking in the region, explore the interesting valleys and the Fairy Chimneys areas.
While traveling south, visit the Aladaglar National Park, it’s lakes and forests, and the famous Kapuzbasi Waterfalls.
Combine your visit in Cappadocia with a vacation southeast in the Antalya Region or northwest in beautiful Istanbul.
