Cappadocia Travelers Recommend

Three days in Cappadocia leaves enough time to visit the fairy chimneys, tour an underground city, and explore the villages, as well as taking a hike through the Ihlara Valley and experiencing local culture. Here’s how to get the most out of three days in one of Turkey’s most alluring destinations.

Day 1: Cappadocia’s Fairy-Tale Landscapes

Sculpted over millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion, the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia are even more extraordinary when viewed from above. Start your Cappadocian vacation with an unforgettable hot-air-balloon flight over the valleys, and watch the sunrise as you float over the fairy chimneys.

Then dive into the “Red Route,” Cappadocia’s most popular sightseeing route and the ideal way to take in the highlights. Join a tour or explore independently on a hop-on hop-off bus to maximize your time. Must-visit sites en route include the Goreme Open-Air Museum (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Uchisar Castle, and the cave village of Cavusin. Photo stops in Love Valley, Pigeon Valley, and Monk’s Valley provide the best views of the fairy chimneys.

Day 2: Ancient Wonders

Start your second day with a visit to one of Cappadocia’s underground cities; the most popular is Derinkuyu, but Kaymakli is a great choice to avoid the crowds. Used as hideouts by the early Christian communities during the Arab-Byzantine Wars, the vast subterranean complexes are full of remarkable design details—visit with a guide to ensure you don’t miss anything.

In the afternoon, a hike through the Ihlara Valley reveals even more of Cappadocia’s ancient wonders. The 2-mile (3-kilometer) hike winds through a scenic river canyon, dotted with early Christian cave churches, some of which date back to the fourth century. Be sure to organize pickup and transfers in advance, even if you plan to hike independently—the hike starts and ends at different locations.

In the evening, head to Goreme or Urgup for dinner at a cave restaurant (book a table in advance to avoid disappointment), or enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner show.

Day 3: Cultural Immersion

Despite its popularity with travelers, Cappadocia is still a great place to experience traditional Turkish life, and it’s worth taking a day to visit the rural villages and learn about local culture. Head to Avanos, a town known for its distinctive red-clay pottery, where you can watch pottery demonstrations, shop for handicrafts, or even have a go at pottery making. Another fun activity is to take a cooking class at a family home. As well as shopping for ingredients at the local market and sampling Turkish coffee at the local coffeehouse, you can learn to make tasty Turkish dishes such as bulgur soup, borek (stuffed pastries), and manti (Turkish ravioli). After a delicious home-cooked meal, end the day with wine tasting at one of Cappadocia’s wine caves.

With one day in Cappadocia, you’ll have just enough time to squeeze in the highlights of this popular Turkish destination. See the central villages of Ürgüp and Gӧreme, take a hot-air-balloon flight, explore the fairy-chimney valleys, and learn how to make Turkish cuisine. Here’s how to make the most of one day in Cappadocia.

Morning: Visit the Fairy Chimneys

Cappadocia’s fairy-tale landscapes are even more magnificent when viewed from above—it’s consistently voted one of the best places in the world to take a hot-air-balloon ride. Rise at dawn and watch the sunrise as you float over the mountains, valleys, and fairy chimneys. For the full experience, choose a tour that includes a Champagne breakfast when you land. With just one day to take in all the highlights, opt for a Red Route tour, which covers the northern villages and fairy-chimney valleys such as Love Valley, Pigeon Valley, and Monk’s Valley. Travelers who prefer to explore independently might opt for a hop-on-hop-off-bus tour instead.

Afternoon: Ancient Wonders of Cappadocia

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Gӧreme Open-Air Museum offers insight into Cappadocia’s early Christian settlements. A guide can provide historical context and help you navigate tricky passages in these ancient cave churches, homes, and stables carved into the cliffside. Other sights that lie along the Red Route include the long-abandoned cave village of Çavuşin and the village of Uçhisar, known for its gigantic fairy chimney “castle.” Time your arrival in Avanos village to watch the sunset over the Red River. Avanos is renowned for its distinctive, red-clay pottery, and many of the shops offer demonstrations or the chance to try your hand. If you want to pick up some traditional Cappadocian handicrafts, this is the place.

Night: Turkish Delights

Immerse yourself in local culture by taking a cooking class to learn the secrets behind tasty Turkish dishes such as bӧrek (stuffed pastries), creamy manti (dumplings), or sweet baklava. After mastering traditional cooking techniques, sit down to enjoy a homemade feast with your hosts. Alternatively, have dinner at one of Cappadocia’s atmospheric cave restaurants. Popular restaurants can fill up quickly in the summer months, so book a table in advance to avoid disappointment, and look for one that includes live entertainment such as belly dancing or Turkish folk music.

The curious landscapes of Turkey’s Cappadocia region resulted from thousands of years of volcanic activity, erosion, and human input, which helped shape tuff, a porous rock formed by volcanic debris, into unexpected forms. From formations forged by nature to man-made rock structures, here’s where to find Cappadocia’s top rock formations.

Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley)

Devrent Valley is known for its lunar-like landscapes and sculptural rock formations, many of which, despite being the work of nature, appear as though they were shaped by human hands. Look out for fairy chimneys (tall spires of rock topped by a larger, harder piece of rock) and formations that—if you tilt your head at the right angle—resemble animals, including camels and seals.

Göreme Open-Air Museum

A must-see site in Cappadocia, Göreme Open-Air Museum is home to a collection of rock-carved churches, chapels, and monasteries created by Byzantine monks. The highlight of the site is Karanlik Kilise, a rock church filled with well-preserved religious frescoes.

Underground Cities

While most of Cappadocia’s rock formations are visible above ground, there are also some spectacular subterranean sites. The underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli feature a network of underground tunnels and rooms carved directly into the volcanic rock.

Ihlara Valley

A popular hiking spot in the region, the Ihlara Valley is known for its 8.6-mile (14-kilometer) gorge, which plumb depths of up to 328 feet (100 meters). The red-rock walls of the gorge are steep and sheer in parts, and man-made cave churches are peppered throughout the valley.

Three Graces

Also known as the Three Beauties, this trio of fairy chimneys in Ürgüp is one of the most-photographed formations in the region. According to local legend, the stones represent a princess, her shepherd husband, and their child, all of whom were turned to stone—according to the princess’ wishes—after her father, the king, ordered they be killed.

Love Valley

The euphemistically named Love Valley is the butt of many jokes, thanks to its cluster of phallic-shaped pillar formations. Formed by the gradual erosion of the soft volcanic rock, some of these pillars reach heights of up to 130 feet (40 meters).

Two days in Urgup gives you enough time to explore both North and South Cappadocia, as well as experiencing local culture. See the fairy chimneys, try Cappadocian cuisine, visit cave dwellings and underground cities, and experience a Whirling Dervish ceremony. Here’s how to get the most out of two days in Urgup.

Day 1: Fairy-Tale Landscapes

Morning: A hot-air-balloon ride is a quintessential Cappadocia experience. Make an early start and watch the sunrise over the otherworldly landscapes as you float overhead. After celebrating your landing with a glass of Champagne, set out on a tour of the valleys, and see the fairy chimneys close up. Love Valley, Pigeon Valley, and Monk’s Valley offer the most photo-worthy views.

Afternoon: The Red Route is one of Cappadocia’s most popular tour routes, and it takes in all the highlights. Learn about the region’s early Christian history on a walking tour of the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; peek inside the ancient cave dwellings at Cavusin; and climb to the top of the rock-hewn Uchisar Castle for a magnificent view over the fairy chimneys below.

Night: This evening, immerse yourself in Cappadocian culture with a cooking class at a local family home. Learn about traditional home cooking from your host, help make a variety of typical dishes such as bӧrek pastries or sweet baklava, then sit down to enjoy a delicious, 3-course dinner.

Day 2: Ancient Marvels

Morning: Follow the Green Route today to take in the highlights of southern Cappadocia, starting with a visit to an underground city. The Derinkuyu and Kaymakli underground cities are by far the most visited, and it’s worth exploring with a guide to understand the historic context and find out more about these remarkable feats of engineering.

Afternoon: The 2-mile (3-kilometer) hike through the Ihlara Valley is one of the most rewarding in Cappadocia, affording stunning views as you wind through this river canyon renowned for its large concentration of cave churches, some of which date back to the fourth century. The hike starts and ends at different points, so it’s most convenient to visit as part of a tour or arrange transport in advance.

Night: For your final night in Cappadocia, opt for a memorable evening show. Enjoy dinner at an atmospheric cave restaurant accompanied by live entertainment and belly dancing, or attend a Whirling Dervish ceremony and experience the unique spiritual practice that Turkey is famous for.

Urgup is ideally situated for discovering Cappadocia, and with three days in the area, you’ll have time to visit fairy chimneys and cave dwellings, hike in the valleys, and experience Turkish culture through food, coffee, and performances. Here’s how to get the most out of three days in Urgup.

Day 1: Fairy Chimneys and Fairy-Tale Views

A hot-air-balloon-flight over Cappadocia is an unforgettable experience, and it’s worth the early wake-up call to watch the sunrise as you float over a sea of fairy chimneys. Then devote the rest of your first day to visiting the villages and valleys of North Cappadocia, a sightseeing circuit known as the Red Route. Opt for a guided tour, customize your time with a private guide, or explore independently with a hop-on-hop-off-bus tour. However you sightsee, be sure to visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum UNESCO World Heritage Site, the abandoned cave village of Cavusin, and Uchisar village, dominated by its towering rock “castle.” Time your visit to the fairy chimney valleys, such as Love Valley, Pigeon Valley, and Monk’s Valley, for sunset, when the light is perfect for photos.

Day 2: Underground Cities and Overground Hikes

Follow the Green Route today to tour the highlights of southern Cappadocia, starting with a visit to an underground city. Derinkuyu and Kaymakli once housed up to 20,000 people and were used as hideouts by the early Christian communities during the Arab–Byzantine wars. In the afternoon, head to the Ihlara Valley to enjoy one of Cappadocia’s most rewarding hikes. The 2-mile (3-kilometer) trail through the river canyon affords incredible views and passes a series of notable cave churches, some of which date back to the fourth century. The hike starts and ends at different points, so it’s most convenient to visit as part of a tour or arrange transport in advance. Back in Urgup, sample Cappadocia’s nightlife. Perhaps enjoy dinner at a cave restaurant, accompanied by traditional Turkish belly dancing and entertainment; attend a spiritual Whirling Dervish ceremony; or visit one of the cave bars in neighboring Goreme.

Day 3: Cappadocian Culture

Devote your final day to experiencing Turkish culture and local Cappadocian life. Visit village markets to shop for fresh produce, sample Turkish coffee at a typical coffeehouse, and take part in a cooking class at a family home. After tucking into homemade Anatolian dishes such as börek pastries or bulgur soup, visit one of the region’s wine caves to sample Cappadocian wines. End the day in the riverfront town of Avanos, famous for its red-clay pottery. Creative types can take part in a pottery workshop; otherwise watch the professionals at work, and browse the shops for handcrafted souvenirs. In the evening, head down to the waterfront and enjoy a sunset cruise on the Red River, then have a romantic dinner with a view at one of the riverside restaurants.

With just one day in Urgup, there’s no time to waste, so opt for a tour that takes in all the highlights, maximize your photo opportunities, and fill your day with unforgettable experiences. Here’s how to spend one day in the hub of Cappadocia.

Morning: See the Fairy Chimneys

Cappadocia’s fairy-tale landscapes are even more magnificent when viewed from above, and it’s consistently voted one of the best places in the world to take a hot-air-balloon ride. Rise at dawn and watch the sunrise as you float over the mountains, valleys, and fairy chimneys, or upgrade to a tour that includes a Champagne breakfast when you land. Opting for a full-day tour or taking a hop-on-hop-off-bus tour will help maximize your time. Cappadocia’s most popular tour routes are the Red Route and the Green Route, but most first-time visitors opt for the Red Route, which visits northern villages and valleys. Start by exploring the fairy-chimney valleys; Love Valley, Pigeon Valley, and Monk’s Valley offer the most impressive photo opportunities. 

Afternoon: Cappadocian Culture and History

The Goreme Open-Air Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to some of Cappadocia’s oldest and most remarkably preserved ruins. Visit with a guide to learn more about the site’s early Christian settlements and admire the ancient churches and cave dwellings carved into the rock. Nearby, the deserted cave village of Cavusin, the rock castle of Uchisar, and Imagination Valley offer further insight into the region’s unique cave homes and fascinating history. End the afternoon in Avanos, famous for its red-clay pottery—many tours include a visit to the pottery shops and workshops, where you can watch the craftsmen at work and pick up some handmade souvenirs. 

Night: Turkish Traditions

Urgup is a great place to sample typical Turkish cuisine, and there are a number of atmospheric cave restaurants to choose from. For an immersive experience, take part in a cooking class and learn to make local specialties such as bӧrek pastries, stuffed eggplant, or baklava. Alternatively, opt for a memorable dinner date accompanied by traditional Turkish belly dancing and entertainment, or attend a spiritual Whirling Dervish ceremony. 

Turkey, the world’s fourth largest grape producer, has been making wine for at least 4,000 years, and the best Turkish wines come from Cappadocia in Anatolia, the country’s biggest wine-making region. Here are some of the must-try varietals and tasting experiences in Cappadocia.

Must-Try Varietals

The volcanic ash soil and arid climate of Cappadocia are well-suited for growing several kinds of grapes indigenous to Turkey. About a quarter of the local grape production is Emir, the only grape exclusive to this particular region of Turkey, and which is typically used to make light to medium-bodied still and sparkling wines. Narince wine, another white varietal, is often quite dry due to the high acidity level of the grape. Some of the country’s best red wines are made from the Kalecik Karasi grape, known for its ruby red color, boiled candy nose, and light finish. Fans of round, fruity wines should sample Okuzgozu, a light and easy-to-drink varietal that ages well. Those looking for a complex, challenging red can opt for Bogazkere, which translates to “throat burner,” an appropriate name to describe its full body and dense tannins.

Must-Do Experiences

• See Cappadocia’s highlights—including UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum, Fairy Chimneys, and Pigeon Valley—on a full day private tour complete with a wine tasting along the way.

• Sip on local wine inside traditional wine caves dug into the soft volcanic rock.

• Hone your palate with a guided wine tasting at a traditional Cappadocia ancient cave winery before watching a romantic sunset over the Red Valley from the village of Kizilcukur.

Two days in Cappadocia gives you enough time to explore both the northern and southern parts of the region and experience Turkish culture. Visit an underground city, take a hot-air-balloon flight over the extraordinary fairy chimneys, and hike in the Ihlara Valley. Here’s how to plan your two days in Cappadocia.

Day 1: Cave Villages and Fairy Chimneys

Morning: Cappadocia is one of the most popular places in the world to experience a hot-air-balloon flight, and you’ll soon realize why. Float over the mountainous landscapes on a sunrise flight, and marvel at the fairy chimneys from above. For an unforgettable start to the day, opt for a tour that includes a postflight Champagne breakfast.

Afternoon: Follow the “Red Route,” which takes in the highlights of northern Cappadocia, starting with a visit to the fairy-chimney valleys. Love Valley, Pigeon Valley, and Monk’s Valley all offer incredible photo opportunities. Afterwards, discover Cappadocia’s early Christian remains during a visit to the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; visit the deserted cave village of Çavuşin; and climb to the top of Uçhisar Castle for a spectacular view over the surrounding villages.

Night: Sample traditional Turkish cuisine and learn more about Cappadocian culture this evening by attending a cooking class at a local home. Get hands-on in the kitchen as you create dishes such as börek (stuffed pastries), creamy manti (Turkish ravioli), or sweet baklava. At the end, sit down to enjoy your homemade feast with your hosts.

Day 2: Underground Cities and Overground Hikes

Morning: Set off this morning on Cappadocia’s second tour circuit, the “Green Route,” which covers the highlights of the southern valleys. Most tours start with a visit to Derinkuyu, the largest of all the region’s underground cities, but to escape the crowds, opt for a tour that visits Kaymakli Underground City instead. Whichever you choose, it’s worth visiting with a guide—the sites have very few information boards, and many details can easily be missed.

Afternoon: Take one of Cappadocia’s most popular short hikes this afternoon, an easy 2-mile (3-kilometer) trail along a scenic river canyon in the Ihlara Valley. The hike is a one-way route, so it’s worth arranging pickup and drop-off in advance. Give yourself enough time to explore along the way—the valley is home to a large number of ancient cave churches, dating as far back as the fourth century.

Night: Top off your stay with a dinner to remember at one of Cappadocia’s cave restaurants. The most popular can fill up quickly, so book a table in advance to avoid disappointment. To celebrate your final evening in the region, choose one that includes a live show, and be entertained by folk music and belly dancing while enjoying your dinner.