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Cappadocia City Guide

A Glimpse into History

Cappadocia held significant importance during the Hittite Empire, subsequently falling under the rule of powers such as the Phrygians, Lydians, and Persians. Following Persian rule, the Kingdom of Cappadocia was established with the arrival of Alexander the Great in Anatolia. After continuous struggles, Cappadocia was incorporated into the Roman Empire in 17 AD. During the early periods of Christianity, its rock-cut churches and underground cities became crucial sanctuaries for Christians seeking refuge.

After becoming part of the Byzantine Empire, Cappadocia endured difficult times marked by Arab raids and sectarian conflicts. The region finally opened to the Turks after the Battle of Manzikert in 1071. It then successively came under the dominion of the Seljuks, Danishmends, Ilkhanids, Karamanids, and finally the Ottoman Empire, consistently serving as a vital bridge for trade and culture.

Through the efforts of Damat İbrahim Pasha, the village of Muşkara was renamed Nevşehir and became an important center, while Gülşehir was developed by Karavezir Silahtar Mehmet Pasha. Nevşehir played an active role during the Turkish War of Independence and achieved provincial status in 1954.

Location

Cappadocia is a general and encompassing region of ancient settlements, sprawling across an area that includes parts of the provinces of Nevşehir, Kayseri, Niğde, Kırşehir, and Aksaray. It sits at the very heart of Turkey’s Central Anatolian Region.

When to Visit?

The region experiences a characteristic continental climate, making spring and autumn the most suitable seasons to visit. Considering that a trip to Cappadocia often involves a lot of walking and outdoor activities, it’s most sensible to plan your visit during the spring or autumn when temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold. Summers in Cappadocia can be extremely hot, while winters are marked by severe cold.

However, experiencing the region covered in snow offers a completely different and magical experience. If visiting in winter, be prepared for snow and icy conditions, and dress warmly. Enjoying the snowy landscapes from a stone house with a fireplace can be truly special. Thus, you might consider visiting during the winter months. Notably, Cappadocia has become a popular destination for New Year’s holidays in recent years.

Accommodation and Holiday Options

When you come to Cappadocia, staying in one of the region’s specialized cave hotels is highly recommended. You’ll find numerous accommodation options for every budget in the districts of Ürgüp, Göreme, Uçhisar, Ortahisar, and Avanos. You might also find the Yunak houses and cave hotels enchanting.

From five-star hotels to small guesthouses, Cappadocia offers a variety of lodging facilities. The towns of İbrahim Paşa (Babayan) and Ayvalı are particularly unique. Here, restored historical houses feature charming cave and arched rooms, providing a delightful stay. By booking early, you can find a wide range of hotel options at very reasonable prices. Cappadocia is especially becoming a popular honeymoon destination during winter.

Since Cappadocia covers a large area, you can find hotels suitable for different budgets in various locations. Ürgüp, Göreme, and Avanos are among the most preferred areas, with hotels seemingly at every turn, offering a full spectrum of choices. Hotels in the center tend to be more luxurious and offer convenient transportation, though guesthouse options are also available. We generally advise against staying in hotels far from the center unless you’re with a tour company, as you might face transportation issues, especially when returning to your hotel in the dark. However, it’s true that more remote locations tend to be more affordable.

Locations farther from the center, such as guesthouses, often appeal more to student groups and organized tour groups. If you plan a longer stay, you can make reservations for accommodations around Göreme and Ürgüp. Even hotels with fewer stars will provide you with the necessary comfort and attention. While security breaches are rare in well-secured hotels, it’s still wise to keep an eye on your personal belongings. Guesthouses, especially in Ürgüp, offer an authentic atmosphere. Most provide breakfast service and free internet. Their charming and stylish room options are suitable for both solo travelers and families.

For those seeking more luxurious options, the best alternatives are the themed cave hotels built around the underground cities and tourism centers. These increasingly luxurious cave hotels and mansion hotels are widely available in central areas. If you’re staying in a converted mansion, we recommend the Ürgüp region. You can enjoy breakfast in the courtyard, stone rooms, and unique, local yet stylish rooms, along with services like restaurants, bars, and parking. In the Göreme area, you’ll find more cave hotels. Some of these suite and boutique hotels even offer private hammams, bathtubs, and jacuzzis in your room. Luxurious rooms typically feature large, comfortable beds and practical furnishings that match the historical texture. However, for the most luxurious and popular honeymoon options, early booking is essential.

Getting Around

Distances within Cappadocia aren’t too far. If you stay at a central hotel, you can easily explore the markets on foot and even walk to several tourist attractions and wine tasting centers. If you’re a sports enthusiast, you can also enjoy a pleasant trip by using a mountain bike in the region. You’ll also see people exploring the area by renting ATVs, which can offer an exciting safari experience.

Besides these practical solutions, public transportation can be an economical option. You can use the numerous minibus lines that serve many routes. Additionally, taxi fares aren’t excessively high, though it’s always a good idea to discuss the fare with your driver based on your destination. Lastly, you can rent a car and navigate the region easily with GPS, but we recommend choosing an off-road vehicle.

Must-See Attractions

Every inch of Cappadocia is worth seeing. You can start your exploration of Cappadocia at the Göreme Open-Air Museum. After these structures, which are like a summary of the region, you can delve into the lives within the deep pits of Ihlara Valley, marvel at the giant fairy chimneys of Paşabağ, and uncover the bittersweet tale of the Three Graces. If you’d like to see an example of a mansion, you shouldn’t leave without visiting the famous Asmalı Konak. Beyond its above-ground beauty, the underground treasures of Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı underground cities await to host you. Güvercinlik Valley and the Hacı Bektaş Veli Complex will immerse you in history and a mystical atmosphere. If you want to see the region from a bird’s-eye view and admire the landscapes, you absolutely must take a hot air balloon tour before you leave.

More detailed information about these places is provided below.

• Göreme Open-Air Museum: This is one of Turkey’s most valuable open-air museums. Upon entering, you’ll immediately see numerous chapels. These rock-carved settlements served as monasteries from the 4th to the 12th centuries. The area, stretching along a valley, also includes other living spaces besides places of worship. The rock-cut houses, refectories, cellars, and other living areas are clearly visible in the hollows and are accessible for exploration. Göreme Open-Air Museum has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1985 as a natural and cultural asset.
• Paşabağ (Monks Valley): Paşabağ is home to Cappadocia’s giant fairy chimneys. After arriving, you can wander closely among the fairy chimneys through sandy and dusty paths. It’s possible to enter some of them for photos and to explore their unique texture. This is one of the easiest places to observe the formation of fairy chimneys. You can see old ones and also examine and photograph newly forming ones.
• Three Graces (Üç Güzeller): These are truly three beautiful fairy chimneys located on the edge of a cliff. While similar formations exist around, these three fairy chimneys immediately stand out. After exploring the area, you can take plenty of photos if the crowds allow. The legend behind the Three Graces tells of a princess who falls in love with a shepherd. When the king, her father, furiously opposes their marriage, they flee and have a child. The princess prays to God to save them from the king’s wrath, and they are transformed into three stones, representing the shepherd, the princess, and their child.
• Derinkuyu Underground City: Among the mysteries of Cappadocia, the underground cities are undoubtedly the most striking. Derinkuyu Underground City is one of the best-known tourist underground cities in Cappadocia, located in the Nevşehir province. The 8-story Derinkuyu Underground City, built thanks to Cappadocia’s geological formation, has been open to tourism since 1967. This fascinating city, believed to have a history dating back to 3000 BC, is also known as the site of the world’s oldest mental hospital.
• Asmalı Konak: There are two locations where the famous Turkish TV series “Asmalı Konak” was filmed, both located in the Ürgüp district, 20 kilometers from Nevşehir. The most visited one, now the Asmalı Konak Museum, is in Ürgüp town center, 800 meters away, across from Yunak Mosque on Tevfik Fikret Street. The other mansion, where some parts of the series were filmed, is 5 kilometers from the town center, in the town of Mustafapaşa, and currently serves as a hotel called Old Greek House.
• Kaymaklı Underground City: Kaymaklı is another well-known and frequently visited underground city in Cappadocia. Compared to Derinkuyu, its passages are less intricate, and it’s easier to navigate. Although Kaymaklı is an 8-story underground city, only 4 floors are illuminated for visitors. It has been determined that the underground city, whose history dates back to 3000 BC, belongs to the Hittite period.
• Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi): Pigeon Valley is a tourist spot in Cappadocia that you might recognize from photos featuring its “evil eye” trees. Up until the 9th century, pigeons were very important animals for the local people. Locals kept pigeons in dovecotes carved into the valleys, using their droppings to fertilize their vineyards, increasing productivity. In earlier times, early Christians used pigeon eggs and shells to make the paints for their church frescoes more durable. Pigeon meat was also a food source in ancient times.
• Hot Air Balloon Tour: When thinking of Cappadocia, a hot air balloon tour is the first thing that comes to mind after the fairy chimneys. Hot air balloons are an indispensable part of this magical atmosphere. If you want to see everything when you visit the region, you absolutely must take a balloon tour, especially if you’re short on time or tire easily. This way, you can see almost all the tourist attractions within two hours and have an unforgettable experience.
• Fairy Chimneys (Peribacaları): A large portion of the fairy chimneys are located in the Cappadocia district, 7 kilometers from the center of Nevşehir province in Turkey’s Central Anatolian Region. Fairy chimneys are found in many parts of Nevşehir, but the most abundant and oldest ones are in Cappadocia. The Cappadocia region extends across the provinces of Nevşehir, Kırşehir, Niğde, Aksaray, and Kayseri. The formation of fairy chimneys took a very long time. It’s estimated that Cappadocia, where the fairy chimneys are located, was an inland sea 60 million years ago. Fossils of marine creatures found in archaeological studies in the region can be considered evidence of this information.
• Ihlara Valley: Ihlara Valley is one of the most dazzling and perhaps most exhausting places in the Cappadocia basin. Firstly, there are two ways to explore the valley. The first is to observe the surroundings by passing through the valley during a balloon tour. The second option is to walk, giving you the chance to enter the churches and caves. For an Ihlara trip, there are stairs leading down into the steep green valley. After hundreds of steps, you descend to a place where waters flow, with greenery and magnificent natural houses.

Local Delicacies

In Cappadocia, you’ll find an abundance of legumes and meat dishes. Considering the region’s agricultural products and neighboring areas, it’s rich in legumes from its fertile plains and valleys, which are used frequently and generously in its cuisine. Due to the region’s suitability for small animal husbandry, you’ll often encounter lamb and mutton. Consequently, there are many stew dishes available. Main courses are typically accompanied by appetizers like yogurt, cacık (a yogurt and cucumber dip), seasonal salads, or spoon salad. You won’t find many vegetable dishes in the main cuisine.

However, the most famous dish is undoubtedly Cappadocia’s pottery kebab (testi kebabı). We highly recommend trying this hot meat dish, served with a local ceremony of breaking the pottery, in the restaurant you visit. Especially during “Turkish nights” and tourist excursions, the menus often include pottery kebab, followed by dried beans and rice. The locals are proud of these dishes and offer them generously to their guests. Other flavors you must try include wedding soup, lamb stew, chickpea stew, quince dolma, and dıvıl (a dish made from a mixture of potatoes and bulgur).

Cappadocia, famous for its viticulture, also boasts unique handmade wines. Wine has been produced in this region, filled with grapevines, for 4000 years. We particularly recommend trying the wines produced around Avanos. In addition to grape wines, fruit wines are also light and must-try delicacies.

Nightlife

Cappadocia does not have a very high-tempo nightlife. Western-style entertainment is mostly found in hotels or nightclubs that cater to tourists, but these venues are not numerous. Apart from these, tours often organize special evening entertainment for guests, known as Turkish nights. For these more traditional and oriental-style entertainments, large, historically themed restaurants are preferred. Folklore shows, belly dancers, traditional folk dances (halay), and drumming (davul zurna) continue throughout the night, and participants enjoy themselves to the fullest. Additionally, for a different experience, there are places where Whirling Dervish (sema) shows are performed at night, attracting both local and foreign tourists.

Beyond these, Cappadocia’s night scenery is also beautiful. On usually cool nights, you can find cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy the captivating view of illuminated tourist areas and fairy chimneys while sipping on hot wine or a nice cup of tea.

The Cappadocia Techno Nights is not just a concert; it’s a full experience that happens couple in times in a year. People from all over the world gather to enjoy techno music amidst Cappadocia’s unique landscape. The stages are surrounded by towering rock formations, enhancing the music with the special atmosphere. The event brings together some of the best names in electronic music, alongside local DJs from Turkey’s growing techno scene. Music fans enjoy not only the sounds but also the captivating light and art shows.

Festivals and Events

Many festivals, concerts, and art shows are held in Cappadocia’s enchanting atmosphere.

• Cappadox: As Turkey’s first destination festival, Cappadox is a multidisciplinary cultural festival that combines music, contemporary art, gastronomy, and outdoor disciplines. It hosts many Turkish and international artists on Cappadocia’s fairytale-like natural plateau. At Cappadox, visitors can enjoy various musical performances, from jazz to classical music, exhibitions organized with a different theme each year, and other art and cultural events. They also have the opportunity to taste delicious Central Anatolian dishes while in Cappadocia. This special region, regularly hosting world-renowned Turkish and international artists and music groups around Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and valleys, offers music lovers an unforgettable experience.
• Cappadocia Tent Festival : Held in June, the Cappadocia Tent Festival and the international hot air balloon festival, Balloon Fest Cappadocia (July), create colorful spectacles in the region.
• Balloon Fest Cappadocia : Hosted by Ürgüp Municipality, the Balloon Festival Cappadocia features hot air balloon pilots from various countries. Spectators witness magnificent hot air balloons filling the sky accompanied by music.
• International Cappadocia World Folk Dance Festival (Avanos): Held in Avanos, this festival brings together dancers from different countries, offering an opportunity to experience and watch local dances from various cultures.
• International Cappadocia Photography Contest: Organized with the support of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) and the Turkish Federation of Photographic Art (TFSF) by Nevşehir Municipality, this competition features photographs from many international photographers. After the competition, selected photographs are presented to art enthusiasts in an exhibition.
• Gastronomy Experiences: The Cappadocia region is believed to have a very long history of winemaking, dating back to the Hittites. It is famous for its viticulture and vineyards, as well as its award-winning wines. There are many wine tasting shops and festivals where visitors can sample local products.
  • Ürgüp Grape Harvest Festival : Held in September, the Ürgüp Grape Harvest Festival promises a wonderful experience for wine and gastronomy enthusiasts visiting the region. Starting with a cortege march, the festival continues with local folk dances, spectacular light shows, and evening concerts. The “Most Beautiful Grape of the Year Contest” is among the most popular events. Visitors can taste the freshest grapes from local vineyards during the competition. Visitors who wish to participate in the grape harvest can pick grapes directly from the vine. Cappadocia’s gastronomy festivals offer a fantastic opportunity to explore the rich culinary and produce of Central Anatolia and taste mouth-watering local delicacies.
  • Traditional Cream Festival : Held in August in the Kaymaklı district, the Traditional Cream Festival aims to introduce this very special and delicious product to all visitors—kaymak is a creamy and rich dairy product with a jelly-like consistency, similar to clotted cream. The festival features a best cream competition and folk dance performances as focal points.
• Traditional Festivals: Cappadocia’s traditional festivals offer an opportunity to experience Central Anatolian culture and the region’s legendary history. These local festivities and cultural-art festivals are mostly held in spring and summer.
  • Hacı Bektaş Veli Commemoration Ceremonies Culture and Art Festival : Held annually in August, this festival hosts a large number of local and foreign guests and is one of the most popular events introducing the region’s culture. The festival showcases Anatolian traditions that attract great interest from visitors.
• Sports Festivals:
  • Salcano Cappadocia Cycling Festival : Held in September, one of Cappadocia’s longest-running competitions, the Salcano Cappadocia Cycling Festival brings together amateur and professional cyclists from different countries around the world.
  • Salomon Cappadocia Ultra-Trail Race : In October, the Salomon Cappadocia Ultra-Trail Race, part of the Ultra Trail World Tour series, the champions league of trail running, offers runners a unique experience in the breathtaking atmosphere of Cappadocia’s hills and valleys.