Cappadocia is a place of whirling volcanic-rock landscapes that appear to have been fashioned by naughty elves. However, it results from wind and water gradually whittling away at the rock. Humans have lived in this area since the Bronze Age, digging beneath the soft volcanic rock to survive.
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The Cappadocian towns carved into the hillsides, the Byzantine-era rock-cut churches with spectacular paintings, and the labyrinthine underground city where early Christians sought refuge from invaders are the main tourist attractions.
Also, it receives the most tourists, it is overly touristy, and it is centrally positioned for all Cappadocia activities. Additionally, it boasts a large selection of quality hotels.
Things to Know Before Going to Cappadocia:
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: A must-do experience, but be prepared for high costs. Watching the balloons ascend at dawn over the fairy chimneys is magical.
- Popular Tours: The Green and Red Tours are popular day trips from Goreme, each offering different highlights like Derinkuyu Underground City and Ihlara Valley.
- Sunset and Sunrise Spots: Sunset Point in the Red and Rose Valleys offers the best views for sunset, while the sunrise over fairy chimneys is a must-see.
- Hiking Trails: Don’t miss hiking through the Red and Rose Valleys. The landscapes are otherworldly and will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty.
- Göreme Open Air Museum: A UNESCO-listed site located about 20 minutes outside of town, home to rock-cut churches and ancient frescoes.
- Cappadocia Cuisine: Try the signature "testi kebab," a delicious beef stew cooked in a sealed clay pot and dramatically smashed over the fire.
- Stunning Views: Cappadocia is full of deep valleys and hills that offer fantastic views, such as Paşaba Monks Valley, Pigeon Valley, and Love Valley.
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How to Get to Cappadocia
Cappadocia, located in central Turkey, is easily accessible by air, land, and bus. The region is served by two main airports: Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) and Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR), which are the closest airport to Cappadocia.
- Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV): This is the closest airport to Cappadocia. It’s a smaller airport but well-connected with major Turkish cities like Istanbul. You can use Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport Taxi to reach Cappadocia, Turkey. (Approximately 30 km from Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey)
- Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR): Kayseri Airport is another option for travelers. Though further away than Nevşehir, it offers more frequent flights, especially from Istanbul and other major cities. You can also use Kayseri Erkilet Airport Taxi to reach Cappadocia, Turkey. (Approximately 80 km from Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey)
How To Spend 3 Days in Cappadocia
Especially if you have a three-day travel plan in Cappadocia, you have time for fairy chimneys, valley tours, balloons and delicious wines!
If you are planning a 3-day holiday in Cappadocia, Turkey, we have prepared a guide that tells you about every day and gives you great advice. Pack your suitcase and take note of our recommendations.
Cappadocia - Day 1
On your first day in Cappadocia, start by touring the historical Göreme. This region is filled with surprises, from fairy chimneys to exciting rock formations and mysterious underground houses. The landscape is so unique, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped onto another planet.
Explore the Local Area
Spend the day exploring the area surrounding your Cappadocia hotel. You can wander around and discover houses and restaurants carved into the rocky hillsides, creating a unique ambiance.
If you're looking for the best restaurants in Cappadocia, try the Viewpoint, Nature Little Kitchen or Organic Cave Kitchen for dinner. These places offer a unique dining experience in the caves, reflecting the local culture.
Red Tour Highlights
After you settle into your hotel, take a Red Tour to explore the main sights of the region. The Red Tour includes stops at some of the best attractions, such as:
- Goreme Esentepe, which offers panoramic views of the village and surrounding fairy chimneys.
- Göreme Open Air Museum, an impressive collection of medieval churches and chapels that reflect Cappadocia’s rich Christian history.
- Uçhisar Rock Castle, a natural rock formation offering spectacular views of the region.
- Love Valley, known for its dramatic rock formations.
Other highlights include Devrent Valley, with its lunar-like scenery, and Pasabag Valley, famous for its mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. Avanos, a small village with a rich pottery tradition dating back to 3000 BC, is also included, and you can attend a pottery workshop to try your hand at this ancient craft.
Additional Experiences
Galerie Ikman in Göreme is a must-visit for photography lovers. This famous shop allows you to take pictures, but you must pay a small fee (about 50 Turkish Lira for 10 minutes). It’s a perfect place for capturing the magical atmosphere of Cappadocia.
Make sure to visit the Three Beauties, or Three Graces, which are three iconic fairy chimneys near Ürgüp. This is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the region.
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Where to Stay
For those taking hot air balloon tours, Göreme is an excellent choice for accommodation. Most balloon launches are within walking distance of hotels in this area.
Here are some excellent accommodation options:
- Budget: Kose Pension, Peace Stone House, and Cappa Cave Hostel.
- Mid-range: Goreme Palace Stone Hotel, Falcon Cave Suites, Grand Cappadocia Hotel, and Ottoman Cave Suites.
- Luxury: Cappadocia Cave Suites and Cappadocia Inn Cave Hotel.
Cappadocia offers a range of options that fit any budget, from budget hostels to luxurious cave suites.
Tip: If you’re traveling in the peak months of July and August, expect clearer skies and warmer weather (around 32°C), making it an ideal time for sightseeing in this region.
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Cappadocia - Day 2
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The stunning scenery of Cappadocia's sky, filled with colorful hot air balloons, will certainly tempt you to experience this incredible view up close. A hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is one of the most popular and iconic activities in the region.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
The hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia offers a unique opportunity to discover the breathtaking landscape of the region from above. With the guidance of a Balloon Tour Guide in Cappadocia, the balloon rises to an altitude of 915 meters, giving you a bird's-eye view of the fairy chimneys, valleys, and ancient rock formations that make this area so famous.
For many visitors, a hot air balloon ride is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and there's no better place to take part in it than in Cappadocia. The early morning flights are magical, as you watch the sun rise over the valleys and see the landscape come to life below.
The flight begins very early, just before dawn, with most hot air balloon companies having permits to take off at sunrise. If you’re up for the early adventure, the entire experience will be over by around 8 a.m., leaving you with the rest of the day to explore.
More Adventures
Although the balloon ride is a highlight, Cappadocia offers plenty of other thrilling activities to keep you busy.
- ATV Quad Safari: If you’re looking for a bit of adrenaline, consider taking a two-hour ATV quad tour. This adventure is perfect for those who want to explore Cappadocia’s stunning valleys and rugged terrain off the beaten path. The Quad Safari takes you through unique rock formations, hills, and valleys, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.
- Horseback Riding: For a more relaxed but equally captivating experience, try horseback riding through Cappadocia’s scenic valleys. Spend two hours riding through the fairy-tale landscape, with views of the famous chimneys and caves.
Both the ATV tour and horseback riding will give you a new perspective of the region and are a great way to enjoy Cappadocia's natural beauty while adding a sense of adventure to your trip.
Cappadocia - Day 3
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As your three days in Cappadocia come to an end, it’s the perfect time to capture some of the most iconic Instagram photos—especially with the colorful hot air balloons in the sky.
For those looking to immortalize their memories in the best way, consider hiring a professional photographer who knows the best spots for stunning photos and can also take amazing drone shots.
Green Tour
To make the most of your last day, you should join the Green Tour, which explores southern Cappadocia. This full-day tour covers numerous natural wonders and historical sites, including underground cities and Uchisar Castle.
- You’ll get the opportunity to see the Derinkuyu Underground City, the largest underground city in Cappadocia, with 16 stories and space for up to 20,000 people—a must-see for history lovers.
The tour will also take you through the Messenger Valley, home to the Meskendir Church—one of Cappadocia’s most famous cave churches.
Valley Hikes and Exploration
For a more relaxed and scenic experience, you should consider hiking through the Red and Rose Valleys. These valleys are known for their stunning rock formations and hidden chapels carved into the hillside.
After hiking, the journey concludes at Cavusin Village, one of the oldest settlements in the region, famous for its Church of St. John the Baptist—the largest cave church in Cappadocia.
Additional Sights
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- Pigeon Valley: Located near Goreme, this valley is named for the pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. These homes were historically used by farmers to collect pigeon droppings for fertilizer.
- Uchisar Castle: As the highest point in Cappadocia, Uchisar offers panoramic views of the entire region. The castle is an ancient fortress carved from the soft rock and has numerous cave dwellings that you can explore.
- Love Valley: Known for its towering fairy chimneys, Love Valley is famous for its 40-meter-tall formations. According to legend, these unique structures were formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.
Before you leave, don’t miss the chance to witness the mesmerizing Whirling Dervishes ceremony. This spiritual dance, performed by the Dervishes, is a ritual of religious enlightenment that has been practiced for centuries in Turkey.
Final Relaxation
After a day of adventure and cultural immersion, wind down by enjoying a delicious meal at Kadıneli or Centre Restaurant. You’ll have a chance to reflect on your amazing time in Cappadocia while enjoying the local cuisine.
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Accommodation
For families or those seeking a quieter atmosphere, Uchisar offers a more peaceful environment compared to Göreme. Consider staying at one of these charming accommodations:
- Budget-friendly: Anatolia Pension, Maze of Cappadocia, or Cozy Villa Cappadocia.
- Mid-range: Sakai Konak Cappadocia or Hermes Cave Hotel.
- Family-friendly: Wish Cappadocia and Aurora Cave Hotel are excellent options for families.
Your time in Cappadocia will be full of adventure, stunning landscapes, cultural immersion, and unforgettable memories.
How Much Does a Trip to Cappadocia Cost?
The cost of a trip to Cappadocia can vary based on several factors, including the type of traveler, accommodation preferences, and activities planned.
- For a solo traveler, the average cost for a seven-day trip is around $2,141, while a couple can expect to pay approximately $3,845.
- A family of four will likely spend around $7,209 for the same duration. Hotel prices in the region range from $44 to $140 per night for standard hotels, with vacation homes costing between $110 and $380 per night.
- When flying to Nevşehir Airport (NAV), economy class tickets typically range from $1,183 to $2,766, while first-class tickets can cost between $3,712 and $8,680.
- For daily meals and transportation, travelers can expect to spend between $30 and $80 per person, depending on the activities they choose.