My personal favorites are Cappadocia Royal Queen Flight for its luxury flight package and treatment and Sunset ATV Tour for its amazing sunset views in the dunes.

In this Cappadocia Travel Guide blog post, I will detail each of the individual places I visited. If you are particularly interested in one of the locations on this list and want more details about how to get there, what to expect and to see all of the photos from that specific Cappadocia attraction just click on the link to that blog post and you will be able to see the individual article I wrote about that location.

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN TURKEY

When you book your Turkey Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use Discover Cars. They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

Book now with Discover Cars

THE CAPPADOCIA TRAVEL GUIDE: 24 AWESOME THINGS TO DO 

The hot-air balloons are the biggest attraction these days in Cappadocia. However, they are a relatively modern attraction, and this historic region has so much more to offer as you will see on this list of the top things to do in Cappadocia. Before we get into the list, here are the four ‘Top Rated’ tours in Cappadocia that you will love.

FLYING IN A HOT AIR BALLOON AT SUNRISE

The Cappadocia hot air balloons are fast becoming one of the most common travel bucket list items in the world. It’s not hard to see why as you seamlessly float above the historic cave dwellings of Goreme Town with over 100 other balloons at sunrise in what can only be likened to a fairytale scene.

Each year more than half a million people enjoy hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, which is an incredible number and makes this region the number one hot air balloon destination in the world. You NEED to book your balloon flight in advance as they can often be sold out or have a backlog of flights if there are prior days of bad weather.

Book your tour: Cappadocia Classic Sunrise Balloon Flight (Hundreds of positive reviews)

Book your tour: Cappadocia Royal Queen Flight: Luxury Balloon Flight Package including buffet breakfast and royal treatment.

View the full blog post: CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOONS: THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA

• Ultimate Luxury: Mithra Cave Hotel – Amazing Balloon View & Pool
• My Favorite: Sultan Cave Suites – Insta-worthy & Amazing Terrace
• Value Hotel: Traveller’s Cave Hotel is easily the best value (luxury) hotel in Cappadocia

View on Booking.com

RED VALLEY HIKE & SUNSET VIEWPOINT

When it comes to hiking in Cappadocia, it is hard to go past Red Valley. The Sharp sandstone ridges glow a deep, vibrant red as the sun burns into the unique landscape in the last moments of the sunset each night. If you only have a couple of nights in Cappadocia, this one is up high on the list for sunset spots. There is a great trail loop including Meskindir and Rose Valley or you can drive straight to the sunset viewpoint to chill at the cafe or hike to the top of the flag viewpoint. Whether you hike or not, this is one of the must-visit places in Cappadocia.

The hike is joined with Rose Valley in most cases and leads you through an ancient church inside one of the caves, past yellow sandstone rock formations and incredible cave dwellings. The trail is diverse and only moderate in difficulty making it a perfect adventure and of the top things to do in Cappadocia.

View the full blog post: RED VALLEY HIKE & SUNSET VIEWPOINT

SUNSET ATV TOUR

The most popular ‘short’ tour in Cappadocia. As you travel on a sturdy ATV (quad) bike, you will be greeted with spectacular rock-cut valleys that will leave you in awe. This activity is a good option for sightseeing as this will give the opportunity to wander the dunes, valleys, trails, and hills of Cappadocia. The tour finishes right at sunset out in the valley of rock formations for an amazing sunset view.

Book your tour: Sunset ATV Tour

Sunset ATV Tour

• Dunes, valley, trails, and hills
• Rock-cut valleys
• Easy to use bikes

Book tour

ROSE VALLEY HIKE AND SUNSET SPOT

The Rose Valley hiking trail in Cappadocia winds through an incredibly unique area with sharp ridges, tinted in pink, especially during sunset! Over thousands of years, the ridges have formed to create a unique corrugated landscape. Almost all of the time, one side of a ridge is in the sun while the other is in the shadow, further accentuating the sharpness and scale of these sandstone formations.

What makes the Rose Valley one of the most unique places to visit in Cappadocia is that not only do you have these incredible rock formations but in this particular region, the minerals in the sandstone have a pink tinge. This pink becomes more and more evident throughout the day, peaking at sunset when the sun glows directly onto the Rose Valley giving it that fine shade of pink so many people come to see.

Prefer to ride through Rose Valley on an ATV or quad bike? Check out this tour to do just that: Rose Valley ATV Tour

View the full blog post: ROSE VALLEY HIKE IN CAPPADOCIA

CAPPADOCIA HORSE-RIDING TOUR

This 2-hour horse ride includes pick-up and drop-off at Cappadocia area hotels. You’ll ride through the valleys of Goreme with their beautiful horses and witness the enchanting fairy chimneys. Explore the peaceful environment with a professional guide.

Among the highlights of this ride are the rock-cut Hallacdere Monastery, the orchards and vineyards with their picturesque landscapes you’ll pass by. The best thing is that you can choose your own schedule and I highly recommend you’ll tour at least 2 hours before sunset.

Book your tour: Horse-riding Tour

Horse-riding Tour

• Pick-up and drop-off
• Beautiful horses
• Peaceful environment

Book tour

LOVE VALLEY TRAIL TO UCHISAR CASTLE

Love Valley is set just outside of Goreme and you can hike all the way through Love Valley to Uchisar Castle, passing by the rock formations up close on a trail with likely nobody else. It is a relatively flat, peaceful walk through to Uchisar taking 1-2 hours. The rock formations are phallic shapes, which is why the valley full of penis-shaped rocks got its name, ‘Love Valley’. It’s truly one of the most unique places to visit in Cappadocia.

Prefer to ride through Love Valley on an ATV or quad bike? Check out this tour to do just that: Love Valley ATV Tour

View the full blog post: LOVE VALLEY IN CAPPADOCIA: GOREME TO UCHISAR TRAIL

GOREME OPEN-AIR MUSEUM

The Goreme Open-Air Museum is one of the most popular attractions and historic sites in Cappadocia with an audio tour guiding you through the ancient paintings, churches, and cave houses from centuries ago. The tour below actually includes Goreme Open-Air Museum with a guide (I highly recommend) and a visit to other popular spots in Cappadocia.

View the full blog post: GOREME OPEN-AIR MUSEUM IN CAPPADOCIA

With more than 30 stops along the tour, the audio guide explains lots of the history and facts about the region and the people who lived in Cappadocia in the cave houses. This is one of the main reasons why it is one of the most popular things to do in Cappadocia.

Book your tour: Full-day Cappadocia Highlights Tour

Best of Cappadocia Tour

• Unforgettable experience
• Convenient
• Worth paying

Book tour

SPEND SUNRISE AT LOVER’S HILL

This panoramic sunset viewpoint in Goreme Town is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise, which is why it is quite crowded in the morning for sunrise and of course sunset as mentioned. Despite the crowds, it is where I took all of my best Cappadocia hot air balloon photos. You are often above the balloons and can shoot towards Uchisar Castle, Red Valley, or over Goreme Town. There will be crowds but also epic views of the entire region. 

View the full blog post: LOVER’S HILL SUNSET POINT IN CAPPADOCIA (ASIKLAR TEPESI)

EXPLORE IHLARA VALLEY

The Ihlara Valley is an incredible gorge with a stunning river running right down the heart of the valley for 16km within the volcanic rock. It is near the province of Aksaray but is still considered part of the southern Cappadocia region. It’s a great spot for a relatively easy walk amidst some peaceful, leafy nature as well as being a hub for cave churches, of which you will find many along the trail.

View full blog post: IHLARA VALLEY – AMAZING RIVER GORGE IN CAPPADOCIA

The Ihlara Valley is mostly comprised of the section running from Selime to Ihlara Village. Along the route, you will come across lots of churches. 16 of the 105 churches are open to visitors and there in intact paintings and carvings inside.

The tour I have linked below actually takes you to Derinkuyu Underground Village and the Ihlara Valley on the same day, which is a great combo.

Book your tour: Ihlara Valley and Derinkuyu Underground Village Tour

Underground City & Ihlara Tour

• Unique rock formations
• Traditions
• Stunning views of the chimneys

Book tour

PIGEON VALLEY HIKING TRAIL

Pigeon Valley (also known as Guvercinlik Valley) is among the most popular hiking trails in Cappadocia, especially because it stretches between Goreme to Uchisar. Along the route, you will find cave dwellings, ancient paintings, earth pillars, and of course… pigeons.

The trail leads you through thick trees and several caves. If you keep your eyes peeled you will spot a number of ancient paintings on the walls of the cave dwellings, where people lived during the Byzantine period. The Pigeon Valley Trail is definitely one of the top things to do in Goreme, Cappadocia.

View full blog post: PIGEON VALLEY TRAIL IN CAPPADOCIA

ZELVE OPEN-AIR MUSEUM

The Zelve Open-Air Museum is an incredible site that once housed one of the largest communities in Cappadocia. In this incredible cave town, you can walk amongst historic dwellings, churches, and religious chambers as well as the town square.

They have done a great job at this location by creating an easy path to navigate but also giving adventurous people paths and trails to explore a bit further. There’s nothing worse than being stuck on the tourist track when there’s so much more to see but you can really immerse yourself in the scenery here. It’s actually much more interesting than the Goreme Open-Air Museum, which has 20 times more tourists visiting per day and is very crowded.

View the full blog post: ZELVE OPEN-AIR MUSEUM IN CAPPADOCIA

EXPLORE DEVRENT VALLEY

Devrent Valley in Cappadocia (also known as Imaginary Valley) is a beautiful valley full of unique rock formations, many of which are said to resemble animal shapes.

The beauty of Devrent Valley is that unlike other sites in Cappadocia, you can immerse yourself amongst the earth’s pillars and rock formations. You can explore and discover as you wind your way up the steep, slippery hills. If you are willing to get off the beaten path, you will enjoy wandering through Devrent Valley and adventuring amongst these unique natural structures.

View the full blog post: DEVRENT VALLEY (IMAGINARY VALLEY) IN CAPPADOCIA

VISIT PASABAG VALLEY

Pasabag Valley is one of the most popular spots in Goreme, Cappadocia with its epic fairy chimneys and cave dwellings. 

View the full blog post: PASABAG VALLEY (MONKS VALLEY) FAIRY CHIMNEYS IN CAPPADOCIA

Aside from the large crowds and tour buses, Pasabag Valley is well worth a visit. The fairy chimneys truly are quite amazing. Often a rock, sits atop the chimney, ominously balancing its way through storms and heavy winds. Amongst the valley, you’ll find lots of cave dwellings, which are often double and triple stories. You are able to venture inside to explore the different levels.

There’s a great ‘Full Day Tour’ of Cappadocia that includes Pasabag Valley and the Goreme Open-Air Museum.

Book your tour: Full-day Cappadocia Highlights Tour

Best of Cappadocia Tour

• Unforgettable experience
• Convenient
• Worth paying

Book tour

MESKINDIR VALLEY

The Meskendir is a short trail in Goreme that leads you past numerous cave dwellings and historic sites as well as through multiple tunnels. It is quite a shady trail, which makes it a top suggestion for during the middle of the day. I combined the Meskendir Trail, Rose Valley Trail, and Red Valley Trail all into one super hike as the paths all connect. However, if you prefer a short walk, you can just venture out on the Meskendir Trail and do an out-and-back hike.

The Trail has a series of sandstone tunnel that was super cool. Some of them were similar to the tunnels on the Love Valley Trail but these tunnels were longer and the roofs were much higher. Around every corner would be a little opening that would expose some amazing cave dwellings and historic sites.

View the full blog post: MESKENDIR VALLEY TRAIL IN CAPPADOCIA

LOVER’S HILL SUNSET POINT

There are a few great sunset points but the most popular place to watch the sunset in Goreme Town, Cappadocia is Lover’s Hill, which is also known as Asiklar Tepesi. You may also hear it referenced as ‘Sunset Point’, which is a pretty good indication that it is THE spot to go for sunset if you are staying in town.

The beauty of Lover’s Hill Sunset Point is that it is within walking distance of most hotels in Goreme, which is where most people stay in Cappadocia. The majority of people looking to catch sunset either do it at Lover’s Hill, Red Valley Sunset Point or from the terrace of their hotel. Therefore, as you can imagine, Lover’s Hill is quite busy being the closest sunset spot.

View the full blog post: LOVER’S HILL SUNSET POINT IN CAPPADOCIA (ASIKLAR TEPESI)

DISCOVER THE DERINKUYU UNDERGROUND VILLAGE

Derinkuyu Underground City cave system is one of the most remarkable things to see in Cappadocia. Walk down through more than five levels of the cave system, which once housed over 20,000 people and their livestock!

View the full blog post: DERINKUYU UNDERGROUND CITY IN CAPPADOCIA

Derinkuyu Underground City was a secret for a long time! It wasn’t until a local man in the Nevsehir Province decided to renovations in his home that the ancient city was discovered. After knocking down a wall he discovered a strange room and continued to dig further, exposing an intricate tunnel system with a series of cave rooms. 

The tour I have linked below actually takes you to Derinkuyu Underground Village and the Ihlara Valley on the same day, which is a great combo.

Book your tour: Ihlara Valley and Derinkuyu Underground Village Tour

Underground City & Ihlara Tour

• Unique rock formations
• Traditions
• Stunning views of the chimneys

Book tour

HIKE IN ZEMI VALLEY

The Zemi Valley Hike is a 6km stretch beginning in Goreme that leads you through a series of caves, arches and alongside a small stream as you keep your eyes open for cave houses and earth pillars! I think Zemi Valley is one of the most underrated places to visit in Cappadocia.

The trail is a wide, sandy path that is often covered by the trees within the valley but there is also ample time out in the direct sun, which we copped heavily! We met no-one on this trail except some ducks, which wound its way along a small stream and making several crossings. There were multiple times where we had to walk through a thin layer of mud, which I assume would be quite messy in the winter. All of this made it one of the most fun things to do in Cappadocia.

View full blog post: THE ZEMI VALLEY HIKE IN CAPPADOCIA

VISIT THE TWIN FAIRY CHIMNEYS

Cappadocia is full of fairy chimneys and incredible rock formations but some are just a little more amazing than others. The Twin Fairy Chimneys have risen to popularity, so much so that there are often hundreds of people crowded around to marvel at their brilliance. 

Forming over millions of years it is hard to believe that they were formed naturally, looking more like the work of aliens. This is a great little stop en route to another attraction and involves no walking or adventure but still worth checking out.

LAKE TUZ – THE PINK SALT LAKE

Lake Tuz is an incredible salt lake near Aksaray but only just over an hour’s drive away from Cappadocia. The lake is remarkable because of its vibrant pink color. Despite how unique this location is, it’s not very popular and when I visited I enjoyed the entire lake to myself for as far as I could see.

There is a tour that takes you to salt lake for sunset, which is quite handy because we had to rent a car and figure it all out on our own.

This spot isn’t technically in Cappadocia but it’s just a drive away and we visited it on the same day as Derinkuyu Underground City and Ilhara Gorge on our day trip from Cappadocia. I highly suggest visiting these three spots just out of Goreme if you rent a car or hire a driver for the day.

Book your tour: Salt Lake Sunset Tour

View the full blog post: LAKE TUZ (PINK, SALT LAKE) NEAR CAPPADOCIA

CAVUSIN CHURCH

We originally came to check out the Cavusin Castle, but a lovely old lady invited us in to show us her sunflower garden, the Cavusin Church and a cave bedroom she said was 2000 years old.  he church was closed on our visit to Cavusin although we couldn’t find out why. You can still get a great look at the church by walking around the base of it. It is a huge rocky mountain rather than a church building you may be thinking of. It is possible to trek to the roof of the church for a better view of Cavusin Valley.

CAVUSIN VALLEY

Within this valley, the Cavusin Valley, are hundreds of cave houses and earth pillars (chimneys) to marvel at. There are a few sites in particular that are truly remarkable feats of erosion over the centuries. It has one site similar to the popular ‘Twin Fairy Chimneys’, although you won’t find any crowds out here.

BEST INSURANCE FOR TRAVELERS

Don’t wait for an accident to happen… get insured! My travel insurance is HeyMondo which offers low-cost travel & medical insurance. That’s me on the left with three teeth knocked out after a motorbike crash in Bali!

You can click to read my Full Review of the Best Travel Insurance.

I’ve made several successful claims with HeyMondo and find their customer service very quick and helpful. Click the button below to get a 5% DISCOUNT

Get a Free Quote

CAVUSIN CASTLE

Cavusin Castle is actually one of my favorite places to visit in Cappadocia. It’s off the beaten path and such a sweet place to chill out. At the top of the castle, you can tell it has been built into the side of the cliff because it is almost just an extension of the mountain. Only as you walk further towards the edge does it become more a building and less of a cliff? There are hundreds of rooms to explore but it is quite difficult to get into them unless you come from the bottom side up. We made it over the flag pole, which seemed to be chained off but seemed relatively safe. 

From the top of the castle, we had views over Cavusin Village, Cavusin Valley and all the way back to Cavusin Church and even Goreme.

View the full blog post: CAVUSIN CHURCH, VALLEY & CASTLE IN CAPPADOCIA

EXPLORE SWORD VALLEY

Just out of Goreme Town is a great little valley, which is full of cave dwellings and unique rock formations. Wandering around Sword Valley at golden hour is an epic time and I can actually suggest to come here at sunrise if you aren’t flying in a hot air balloon. Most of the balloons will fly straight over you, which makes it possible to get some great photos with the rock formations and balloons. We also found a few caves to hang out in here as there are some rock ladders to the doors but you need a bit of luck to find these spots.

DERVIS EVI SUNSET VIEWPOINT

Overlooking the Red Valley, this viewpoint is definitely a great spot to watch the sunset. Dervis Evi isn’t an official name just the closest point (A nearby hall) on google maps. If you head there on Google Maps you will see the hills nearby. Climb up, relax and enjoy the show as you watch over Goreme Town and the Red Valley. There won’t be huge crowds here, which makes it one of the. top things to do in Cappadocia for sunset.

HOW TO GET TO CAPPADOCIA

Cappadocia isn’t actually a town as many people think but it is an entire region. Within this region are towns such as Goreme (most popular tourist spot), Uchisar, Urgup and Ortahisar among others. There are two airports that serve Cappadocia.

• Kayseri Airport (70km/60 minutes) is the main airport and takes just over an hour by van/bus to reach Goreme Town
• Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (/40km/40 minutes is the secondary airport, which is closer to Goreme but only by about 20-minutes.

The big difference here is that Kayseri is a bigger airport, with more flight options and often has cheaper flights. It is very convenient and quick to fly into Kayseri and I did twice.

Book your airport transfer here: Transfer to Goreme, Cappadocia (Cheapest (and best-reviewed)

To get from Kayseri (or Nevsehir) you need to pre-book your shuttle or be prepared for an expensive taxi. The cheapest and easiest way to do that is to book online here.  For under $15 you can ride in a shared, air-conditioned airport transfer or for $50 you can have a private transfer.

BEST TIME TO VISIT CAPPADOCIA

The beauty of Cappadocia is that while it is a fairytale location in summer, it only gets more and more beautiful in the winter. When it snows in Cappadocia it is truly a mesmerizing sight and something out of a dream world. Snowcaps cover rock formations and paint the valleys white. I visited during the summer but am seriously considering returning to fly again in the winter although the flights are a little more irregular due to the weather of course. Below are some recommendations for the best times to visit Cappadocia.

April to October: Most favorable time for the hot air balloons in Cappadocia with warm nights, clear skies and cool air. The hiking trails were quite hot, especially in the middle of the day.

November to February: If you do visit in February the weather is a bit more up and down but you have the chance to fly over snow, which would be a once in a lifetime experience. Some of the hiking trails will be great in the snow also!

HOW MANY DAYS TO SPEND IN CAPPADOCIA

Something most tourists don’t realize before they arrive in Cappadocia is that the hot air balloons don’t fly every day. In fact, when the wind is too strong they can’t fly because there are no brakes on the balloons and it can be dangerous. They need calm weather. This means that many tourists book 1-2 days in Cappadocia and expect to be able to fly in that window. Unfortunately, all too often the weather doesn’t agree and tourists leave without having seen a hot air balloon in the sky. 

• Firstly, book in advance and make sure you book for the first morning of your trip. If your flight is canceled, you don’t lose your booking or money, you simply get bumped to the next day. Therefore if you arrive and try and book in the town, there may be a backlog of people waiting because the hot air balloons haven’t flown for three days. So the best thing to do is to book in advance online for the first morning of your stay to give yourself the best chance of flying. You can Click Here to visit the booking page to get your tickets online for a set fee without having the hassle of bartering once you arrive and possibly missing out because of availability.
• Secondly, you should stay for more than 1-2 nights to give yourself a window big enough to allow for unfavorable weather. I stayed for ten days to explore the trails so I had a huge window, which isn’t necessary but I would suggest allowing at least 3 days if not 4. I know most people have limited time and want to see lots of Turkey but trust me, there are so many spots to visit and trails to walk in Cappadocia that you are making a mistake if you only stay for two nights anyway!

My final suggestions are to stay for at least 4-5 days that way you guarantee you will fly in a hot air balloon and you can explore some of the hikes that you find in this guide!

WHERE TO STAY IN GOREME, CAPPADOCIA

Where I stayed: Design Cave Suites Cappadocia – I was lucky enough to stay at the Design Cave Suites in Goreme. The location was great and I walked to all attractions. The rooftop garden was awesome for sunrise balloon watching. The buffet breakfast spread was amazing as were the cave-style room designs.

Best Cave Hotel with Pool: Local Cave House Hotel– This cave hotel rose to fame because of its incredible pool. Make sure you click the link and check out how epic the pool backdrop is, with those classic Cappadocia rock formations in the background and traditional cave rooms it is a top pick.

Cave Hotel with Best Roof View (and dogs): Sultan Cave Suites – This cave hotel became famous because of its epic rooftop area for sunrise viewing. Guests can lay out on traditional pillows and carpets while watching the hot-air balloons flying above. The hotel dog might also join you for a photoshoot on the roof!

TRANSPORT IN CAPPADOCIA

Hire a Private Driver: Hiring a driver for a few hours to take you to several sites will cost about 100 Turkish Lyra depending on the car and your negotiation, which is about $20 USD. This is a good idea if you want to see 1-2 locations in an afternoon.

One of the best ways to get around is to hire a driver that will allow you to create a customized itinerary. That way you can visit all the spots you are interested in. To hire a private car with a driver/guide you can book online here or you might be a bigger group and in that case, it can be cheaper to hire a van in Cappadocia, which also comes with a driver. 

• Rent a Mountain Bike: We thought about renting a mountain bike but they were 150 Turkish Lyra for the entire day so it would have been 300 Turkish Lyra for both of us just to transit around. That’s almost $60 USD. It would have been fun but once we found out everyone wanted to help us by giving us lifts there wasn’t much need. We either walked or hitchhiked.
• Rent A Scooter/Moped: A scooter costs about 150-200 Turkish Lyra ($30-40 USD) per day and could be handy if you want to explore some attractions a bit further away or venture over to Uchisar.
• Rent an ATV: Given the rough terrain in Cappadocia, an ATV is a fun option to help you explore the natural wonders and rock formations of the region. Prices are about $40 USD for two hours. If you are keen to head out on an ATV there is an awesome Quad-Bike Safari Tour that takes you through Sword, Love and Rose Valley during golden hour!

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT THE REST OF MY CAPPADOCIA BLOG POSTS?

Click on one of the articles below to check out all of the places you should visit while in Cappadocia!

The big guide! This post has all of my favorite activities, which I personally did while in Cappadocia for ten days: 24 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CAPPADOCIA

The hiking guide! Find out about all of the best hikes in Cappadocia with details, directions and lots of photos: 8 AWESOME HIKES IN CAPPADOCIA

Thinking about flying in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia? Read this first: CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOONS: THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY

Have you heard about the castles in Cappadocia? Check these out:

THE UCHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

ORTAHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

CAVUSIN CHURCH, VALLEY & CASTLE

Not sure where is the best region to stay? Wondering which hotel provides the best value? Check out this guide that will help you decide: WHERE TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA: THE BEST HOTELS & HOSTELS

OR… I write a post about the 12 BEST CAVE HOTELS IN CAPPADOCIA that you might find interesting.

I’ve written a blog post for almost all of the places I’ve visited while in Cappadocia. You can find every single one of these articles right here: CAPPADOCIA ARCHIVES

My personal favorites are Hot Air Balloon Ride for its fairytale sunrise and The Red Tour for its top attractions and amazing viewpoints.

QUICK PICKS: TOP 3 TOURS IN CAPPADOCIA

Don’t have time to read my entire article about the best tours in Cappadocia? No worries! I’ve shortlisted my three favorite Cappadocia tours here to make things easy for you.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

• During sunrise
• Fairy tale
• Very safe

Book tour

The Red Tour

• Top attractions
• Very knowledgeable tour guide
• Amazing viewpoints

Book tour

Sunset ATV Tour

• Dunes, valleys, trails
• Rock-cut valleys
• Easy-to-use bikes

Book tour

BEST TOURS IN CAPPADOCIA COMPARISON TABLE

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA

• Ultimate Luxury: Mithra Cave Hotel – Amazing Balloon View & Pool
• My Favorite: Sultan Cave Suites – Insta-worthy & Amazing Terrace
• Value Hotel: Traveller’s Cave Hotel is easily the best value (luxury) hotel in Cappadocia

View on Booking.com

12 BEST TOURS IN CAPPADOCIA

In this article, you will first find a comparison table, which shows you the price, duration, and average review score for each activity. Below the comparison table, you will find a detailed description with photos for each individual activity as well as the link to the booking site so that you can easily navigate to book the tour that you find most exciting! Hope you enjoy the article.

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE

Tour: Hot Air Balloon Ride (book in advance)

I did this tour and it was beyond epic. It’s truly a fairy tale and it definitely lives up to the hype. The sunrise hot air balloon ride is the most expensive tour in Cappadocia but you simply have to do it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime type of experience. You can view my full blog post about my hot air balloon tour in Cappadocia.

Before the flight, there’s a complimentary breakfast with tea or coffee. You’ll be flying over Cappadocia’s wonderful landscapes and unique rock formations. Have a 360-degree panorama of the entire region and get a satisfying view of its valleys and mountains. After landing, get a toast of free champagne as you enjoy watching hot air balloons flying over you.

It’s important to book this one in advance as often the entire town is sold out of bookings during peak season and there is a 2-3 day waitlist.

Book your tour: Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot Air Balloon Ride

• During sunrise
• Fairy tale
• Very safe

Book tour

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN TURKEY

When you book your Turkey Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use Discover Cars. They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

Book now with Discover Cars

THE RED TOUR

Tour: The Red Tour

This is the most popular day tour in Cappadocia. A tour that will bring you to the most known attractions around Cappadocia.

• Explore Çavusin, one of the area’s oldest settlements.
• Walk among the Devrent Valley’s fairy chimneys
• Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum and see centuries-old rock-cut churches and monasteries.
• In the Pasabag Valley, marvel at the best collection of fairy chimneys in Cappadocia.
• Reaching the top of Uchisar Rock Castle is the area’s highest point.
• Stop in Ürgup to visit a winery for a tasting.

The tour will last for a whole day so you will be provided with convenient transportation and a very knowledgeable tour guide. This is undoubtedly one of the best tours in Cappadocia!

Book your tour: The Red Tour

The Red Tour

• Top attractions
• Very knowledgeable tour guide
• Open-air views

Book tour

BLUE TOUR

Tour: Blue Tour

After the Red Tour, this is the second-most popular day tour in Cappadocia. After a pickup from your hotel at 10 AM you will see the following sights on this all-inclusive tour.

• Hike along the Red and Rose Valley
• Conclude your hike at the Cavusin Cave Village
• Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant
• Descend towards the center of the earth with a trip to the Underground City
• Visit the Pigeon Valley
• Marvel at the old Greek houses of Uchisar
• Visit Ortshisar Castle, the biggest mass of fairy chimneys in Cappadocia.

Book your tour: The Blue Tour

The Blue Tour

• Mysteriously beautiful valleys
• Spectacular view
• Underground city

Book tour

GREEN TOUR WITH TREKKING IN IHLARA VALLEY

Tour: Green Tour with Trekking in Ihlara Valley

This tour is a little bit cheaper than the Red Tour and it lasts for approximately 8 hours. Green Tour is among the tourists’ favorites as there are more places to see. After the pick-up at your hotel, you’ll be headed directly to Goreme’s Underground City, the highlight of this tour.

You’ll be amazed at how people lived their lives during this time. I hope you won’t forget to bring your cameras as you’ll be taking shots of their amazing landscapes along the way. It also includes pit stops at the place’s famous sites, including the Ihlara Valley. The trip is kind of hassle-free with pick-up and drop-off in a luxury van! It is guaranteed to give you comfort and relaxation. If you love to hike and trek, this tour is perfect for you!

Book your tour: Green Tour with Ihlara Valley

Green Tour with Ihlara Valley

• Bit cheaper
• Amazing landscapes
• Luxury van

Book tour

SUNSET ATV TOUR

Tour: Sunset ATV Tour

The most popular ‘short’ tour in Cappadocia. As you travel on a sturdy ATV (quad) bike, you will be greeted with spectacular rock-cut valleys that will leave you in awe. This activity is a good option for sightseeing as this will give the opportunity to wander the dunes, valleys, trails, and hills of Cappadocia. The tour finishes right at sunset out in the valley of rock formations for an amazing sunset view.

Book your tour: Sunset ATV Tour

Sunset ATV Tour

• Dunes, valley, trails, and hills
• Rock-cut valleys
• Easy to use bikes

Book tour

HORSE-RIDING TOUR

Tour: Horse-riding Tour

This 2-hour horse ride includes pick-up and drop-off at Cappadocia area hotels. You’ll ride through the valleys of Goreme with their beautiful horses and witness the enchanting fairy chimneys. Explore the peaceful environment with a professional guide.

Among the highlights of this ride are the rock-cut Hallacdere Monastery, the orchards and vineyards with their picturesque landscapes you’ll pass by. The best thing is that you can choose your own schedule and I highly recommend you’ll tour at least 2 hours before sunset.

Book your tour: Horse-riding Tour

Horse-riding Tour

• Pick-up and drop-off
• Beautiful horses
• Peaceful environment

Book tour

TURKISH NIGHT AT CAVE RESTAURANT

Tour: Turkish Night at Cave Restaurant

Looking for an authentic Turkish-style experience with a combination of night-filled music, dancing, and drinks? You will definitely love what the Cave restaurant in Cappadocia offers. I must say I enjoyed the night of pure relaxation with a touch of Turkish culture.

The onstage performers will keep you entertained the whole evening, so you won’t notice the passing of time.  The location of the restaurant is uniquely situated in a rock-cut cave which makes it more appealing. When it comes to culture, this is the best tour in Cappadocia to really soak it in. You don’t have to worry you might lose your way of getting there, the restaurant also provides free transportation to and from your hotel.

Book your tour: Turkish Night Tour

Turkish Night Tour

• Authentic Turkish style experience
• Night-filled music, dancing
• Night of pure relaxation

Book tour

RED VALLEY AND UNDERGROUND CITY TOUR

Tour: Red Valley and Underground City Tour

This full-day tour in Cappadocia will give you everything there is to offer. You’ll be picked up from your accommodation and headed right away to the first stop, Red Valley as you witnessed its stunning rock formations and iconic landscapes. You can also hike through the colorful fairy chimneys of the place. Among the highlights are the stops at Pigeon Valley and Ortahisar Rock Castle, both are popular spots.

Book your tour: Red Valley & Underground City Tour

Red Valley & Underground City Tour

• Stunning rock
• Iconic landscapes
• Underground City

Book tour

BEST OF CAPPADOCIA DAY PRIVATE TOUR WITH LUNCH

Tour: Best of Cappadocia Day Tour with Lunch

The best way to see all of the sights is on this all-day guided, private tour of Cappadocia’s best spots. You can customize the itinerary or go with the popular spots the guide recommends.

• The panoramic viewpoint of Göreme
• Visit the Underground City 
• Visit Pigeon Valley
• Tour Goreme Open Air Museum
• Çavuşin, which is the Old Greek Village
• Visit Paşabağı to see mushroom-shaped rock formations
• Devrent Valley, which is also known as İmagination Valley.

Book your tour: Best of Cappadocia Tour

Best of Cappadocia Tour

• Unforgettable experience
• Convenient
• Worth paying

Book tour

FULL-DAY DISCOVERY HIKING TOUR

Tour: Full-day Discovery Hiking Tour

When it comes to hiking in Cappadocia, it’s hard not to pick this tour. Get ready for some trail adventures as you descend and find yourself in the underground cities in the region, hike in one of the most attractive valleys, and visit one of the biggest monastic settlements and the largest cathedral.

Book your tour: Full-day Discovery Hiking Tour

Full-day Discovery Hiking Tour

• Hiking
• Attractive valleys
• Unique beauty

Book tour

GOREME OPEN AIR MUSEUM AND FAIRY CHIMNEYS

Tour: Goreme Open Air Museum and Fairy Chimneys

The tour kicks off with a visit to the Imagination Valley wherein you’ll get to witness animal-shaped natural rock formations. You’ll then be headed to Monk’s Valley with its amazing mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. It also includes a stop at Avanos town, famous for its pottery works.

Of course, lunch is included at a famous local restaurant before you head to Goreme Open Air Museum, the main attraction. You’ll be in awe of its stunning panoramic views all over and churches dating from the Byzantine Empire. The last stop is at Rock Castle and it’s worth a visit. You’ll be dropped off to your hotel comfortably. Personally, I think this Cappadocia tour is value for money! 

Book your tour: Goreme Open Air Museum & Fairy Chimneys

Goreme Open Air Museum & Fairy Chimneys

• Enjoyable and memorable
• Imagination Valley
• Animal-shaped natural rock

Book tour

UNDERGROUND CITY AND IHLARA TOUR

Tour: Underground City and Ihlara Tour

On this tour, you’ll get a chance to discover the unique rock formations of Cappadocia. Personally, I like to explore ancient tunnels like the famous Derinkuyu Underground City in Cappadocia and learn the traditions of the locals on how they lived during those times.

If you join this tour, you’ll feel close to nature as you go on your journey to Ihlara Canyon which was formed by volcanic activity, with its scenic views. As you visit the Ihlara Valley, you’ll know how the early Christians made their churches from rocks. This Cappadocia tour also includes quick stops at the Selime Monastery, Pigeon Valley, and the famous Onyx factory to watch how a volcanic stone is formed.

Book your tour: Underground City & Ihlara Tour

Underground City & Ihlara Tour

• Unique rock formations
• Traditions
• Stunning views of the chimneys

Book tour

HOW TO GET TO CAPPADOCIA

Cappadocia isn’t actually a town as many people think but it is an entire region. Within this region are towns such as Goreme (the most popular tourist spot), Uchisar, Urgup, and Ortahisar among others. There are two airports that serve Cappadocia.

• Kayseri Airport (70km/60 minutes) is the main airport and takes just over an hour by van/bus to reach Goreme Town
• Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (/40km/40 minutes is the secondary airport, which is closer to Goreme but only by about 20 minutes.

The big difference here is that Kayseri is a bigger airport, with more flight options, and often has cheaper flights. It is very convenient and quick to fly into Kayseri and I did it twice.

To get from Kayseri (or Nevsehir) you need to pre-book your shuttle or be prepared for an expensive taxi. The cheapest and easiest way to do that is to book online here.  For under $15 you can ride in a shared, air-conditioned airport transfer or a private transfer from $50.

WHERE TO STAY IN GOREME, CAPPADOCIA

Where I stayed: Design Cave Suites Cappadocia – I was lucky enough to stay at the Design Cave Suites in Goreme. The location was great and I walked to all attractions. The rooftop garden was awesome for sunrise balloon watching. The buffet breakfast spread was amazing as were the cave-style room designs.

Best Cave Hotel with Pool: Local Cave House Hotel– This cave hotel rose to fame because of its incredible pool. Make sure you click the link and check out how epic the pool backdrop is, with those classic Cappadocia rock formations in the background and traditional cave rooms it is a top pick.

Cave Hotel with Best Roof View (and dogs): Sultan Cave Suites – This cave hotel became famous because of its epic rooftop area for sunrise viewing. Guests can lay out on traditional pillows and carpets while watching the hot-air balloons flying above. The hotel dog might also join you for a photoshoot on the roof!

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT THE REST OF MY CAPPADOCIA BLOG POSTS?

Click on one of the articles below to check out all of the places you should visit while in Cappadocia!

The big guide! This post has all of my favorite activities, which I personally did while in Cappadocia for ten days: 24 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CAPPADOCIA

The hiking guide! Find out about all of the best hikes in Cappadocia with details, directions and lots of photos: 8 AWESOME HIKES IN CAPPADOCIA

Thinking about flying in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia? Read this first: CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOONS: THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY

Have you heard about the castles in Cappadocia? Check these out:

THE UCHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

ORTAHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

CAVUSIN CHURCH, VALLEY & CASTLE

Not sure where is the best region to stay? Wondering which hotel provides the best value? Check out this guide that will help you decide: WHERE TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA: THE BEST HOTELS & HOSTELS

OR… I write a post about the 12 BEST CAVE HOTELS IN CAPPADOCIA that you might find interesting.

I’ve written a blog post for almost all of the places I’ve visited while in Cappadocia. You can find every single one of these articles right here: CAPPADOCIA ARCHIVES

I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best Cappadocia tours. Enjoy your trip!

In this blog post, I will share the 12 best cave hotels in Cappadocia so you can choose an incredible place to stay. My personal favorites are Sultan Cave Suites for its terrace and delicious breakfast and Mithra Cave Hotel for its luxury and the best view.

QUICK PICKS: 3 BEST CAVE HOTELS IN CAPPADOCIA

Don’t have time to read my detailed breakdown of all the best cave hotels in Cappadocia? No worries! These are my three top picks for the best cave hotels in Cappadocia. If you book one of these three, you are guaranteed to have a great stay in a great location!

Sultan Cave Suites

• Insta-worthy
• Delicious breakfast
• Terrace

Check price

Mithra Cave Hotel

• Best View
• Luxury
• Amazing location

Check price

Traveller’s Cave Hotel

• Value for Money
• Amazing view
• Outdoor

Check price

BEST CAVE HOTELS IN CAPPADOCIA – COMPARISON TABLE

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN TURKEY

When you book your Turkey Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use Discover Cars. They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

Book now with Discover Cars

THE 12 BEST CAVE HOTELS IN CAPPADOCIA

SULTAN CAVE SUITES

Sultan Cave Suites (Insta-worthy): Perhaps you’ve seen Insta-couple photos on Instagram posing
with tons of hot balloons and colorful skyscapes, delicious breakfast set up on the table, colorful cushions, and cute dogs as a backdrop- yes this is the place!

Sultan Cave Suites is best known for its breakfast terrace and really popular with Instagram influencers and couples. In my opinion, the owners here are quite genius as they set up the terrace every morning for the guests to enjoy taking tons of photos for their social media while watching the panoramic view of Goreme.

It’s not only about the best view, but this hotel also has suite rooms of different sizes; ranging from junior suite to sultan suite. The hotel staff can arrange local excursions such as hiking and hot air balloon flights which are must-do activities in Cappadocia. If you are seeking a truly magical holiday, this is the best cave hotel in Cappadocia.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Sultan Cave Suites

Sultan Cave Suites

• Insta-worthy
• Delicious breakfast
• Terrace

Check price

MITHRA CAVE HOTEL

Mithra Cave Hotel (Best View): Mithra Cave Hotel is a luxury cave suite with terrific views of many
hot air balloons gliding over Goreme town. Compared to other luxurious cave hotels, Mithra’s price is quite competitive considering it’s the most photographed cave hotel in town because of its insane view of hot air balloons in the morning.

This property offers numerous terraces adorned with beautiful carpets and pillows – not to mention they also have a cute dog which you can take photos with, too! The rooms are cozy, breakfast is beautiful, and the hotel staff is very welcoming so it’s not just a pretty setting. It is a fantastic place to stay for Instagrammers and luxury seekers. No doubt this is one of the very best cave hotels in Cappadocia.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Mithra Cave Hotel

Mithra Cave Hotel

• Best View
• Luxury
• Amazing location

Check price

KELEBEK SPECIAL CAVE HOTEL

Kelebek Special Cave Hotel (Outdoor Pool): Another top-rated cave hotel in Cappadocia, the
suites at Kelebek Special Cave Hotel are luxurious and romantic so no doubt you’ll have the holiday of your dream here. Many of the suite rooms have fireplaces and private balconies which give unrestricted views of Goreme’s amazing landscape.

With sweeping panoramic views and comfortable seating, the indoor bar and outdoor pool are perfect places to relax after a long day. If you want to book a tour, definitely ask the staff as they are extremely helpful in organizing tours for their guests. If you want to pamper yourself, the hotel offers a traditional Turkish bath and a variety of different spa treatments.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Kelebek Special Cave Hotel

Kelebek Special Cave Hotel

• Outdoor pool
• Romantic
• Luxury

Check price

AYDINLI CAVE HOTEL

Aydinli Cave Hotel (Great Breakfast and Great Room): Aydinli Cave Hotel is one of the most popular
accommodations in Cappadocia. It is a family business property on the hillside that is only a 5-minute walk from the town center. It offers a cozy terrace and the perfect ambiance for photo opportunities.

This hotel has bigger rooms knowing that you are paying for a reasonable price; with incredible heating and cooling system so you will never feel neither cold or hot. The other highlight of the stay was the traditional Turkish buffet breakfast – it’s delicious! nsive food, and stylish rooms- Aydinli does have everything you could possibly ask for.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Aydinli Cave Hotel

Aydinli Cave Hotel

• Great breakfast
• Great room
• Traditional Turkish buffet

Check price

KAYAKAPI PREMIUM CAVES

Kayakapi Premium Caves (Private Pool): Kayakapi is a perfect setting for a luxury vacation. Set less
than a mile from the town of Urgup, this elegant boutique hotel has been meticulously restored retaining its original homely charm whilst providing today’s modern facilities. This premium cave hotel offers guests the choice of rooms from a prime room ($134) to a villa with a private pool ($3,000)- sure you’ll get the taste of luxury here.

From the moment you first walk through their doors until the last day of your stay, their focus is on turning your idea of the perfect holiday into a reality. What is the best thing about this place is some rooms have their own indoor cave swimming pool! Yes, you read that right! A pool in the room. This is perfect for well-heeled travelers or honeymooners who are seeking privacy, luxury, and tranquility. If you are searching for a luxurious cave hotel in Cappadocia, I cannot recommend Kayakapi Premium Caves enough.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Kayakapi Premium Caves

Kayakapi Premium Caves

• Private pool
• Perfect setting
• Elegant boutique hotel

Check price

ROX CAPPADOCIA

Rox Cappadocia (Best Breakfast and Instagrammable): Rox Cappadocia is located in Uchisar, next
to Uchisar Castle, and has beautiful rooftop views. The owner does a great job of decorating the rooftop and the pool area to make it Instagrammable. In fact, some celebrities stayed here, too! Since the hotel is a little farther away from Goreme where the balloons take off, the balloons are quite tiny but the view is still insane.
It was absolutely amazing and magical. The breakfast was truly special and definitely the best breakfast I have tried in Turkey. There is no surprise that the overall rating of this hotel is excellent. I highly recommend this cave hotel in Cappadocia!

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Rox Cappadocia

Rox Cappadocia

• Best Breakfast
• Instagrammable
• Beautiful rooftop views

Check price

TRAVELLER’S CAVE HOTEL

Traveller’s Cave Hotel (Value for Money): Traveller’s Cave Hotel stood atop a hill with an amazing
view of Goreme town resting peacefully below, you’ll feel like you’ve been teleported to a different epoch
when you step outside your room at Traveller’s Cave Hotel.

This Cappadocia cave hotel has everything you need in one delightful place, with professional and welcoming staff to cater to your every need. The rooms are cozy, spacious, and adorned beautifully. What appeals to me was the complimentary outdoor hot tub- it is an extra bonus! It’s quite a walk from the main town where you can shop and eat at local restaurants, so it’s in a perfect location.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Traveller’s Cave Hotel

Traveller’s Cave Hotel

• Value for Money
• Amazing view
• Outdoor

Check price

LOCAL CAVE HOUSE HOTEL

Local Cave House Hotel (Budget-friendly with pool): Looking for a hotel with a pool yet
reasonable in Cappadocia is a bit tricky. Worry no more as I found a place for you! Local Cave Hotel is one of the best-rated cave hotels in Goreme town. This hotel has a reputation for giving exceptional service; the attention to detail and overall quality were on point.

Aside from its good price and big pool, what appeals to me is the location of the place. With shops within close proximity and tour operators easily available, it’s a convenient base for exploring Cappadocia. Definitely one of the best cave hotels in Cappadocia!

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Local Cave House Hotel

Local Cave House Hotel

• Budget-friendly
• Pool
• Location

Check price

TULIP CAVE SUITES

Tulip Cave Suites (Excellent Service and View): Situated on top of the hill overlooking Goreme
village, Tulip Cave Suites is another top-rated accommodation in Cappadocia. Described as ‘perfect,
breathtaking, and convenient,’ and featuring many of the same in-room amenities as other cave hotels in the area, Tulip Cave Suites stands out for its perfect panoramic views of the city and homely vibe. The owners are very nice and generous people which is one of the reasons why I love this property.

The terrace lives up to its reputation, the views really are as stunning as Instagram portrays. This hotel was definitely one of the best I’ve ever stayed in with a gorgeous view and impressive hospitality.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Tulip Cave Suites

Tulip Cave Suites

• Excellent Service
• Great view
• Top-rated

Check price

ARTEMIS CAVE SUITES

Artemis Cave Suites (Sunset View): Set on the highest point of Goreme town, this boutique cave
suite offers guests four terraces that have uninterrupted views of the valleys and sunsets which make for a great photo opportunity. It’s not quite luxurious but if you are looking for a perfect location and viewpoints, then you are in the right place.

Although there’s no pool on the property, they have plenty of seating outside for the guests. You’d better wake up early if you want to witness many hot air balloons flying over Goreme with magical sunrise. The staff can tell you about local tours and sites, and can even book them for you. With great hospitality and value for money, I really can’t fault this place!

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Artemis Cave Suites

Artemis Cave Suites

• Sunset View
• Amazing location
• Hospitality

Check price

YUNAK EVLERI CAPPADOCIA

Yunak Evleri Cappadocia (Unique/ Tranquil): This high-end boutique hotel is built on the stone
cliff offering a rad panoramic view. Although it is further away from the center of Goreme, it is still accessible. They offer daily tours of Cappadocia and hot air balloon rides. With its convenient location in the center of Ürgüp, Yunak Evleri is a perfect base for daily excursions within Cappadocia.

The mansion has big rooms with bathrooms (some with jacuzzi) and you’ll find a stunning swimming pool, too. Plenty of rooms compared to other accommodations in Cappadocia and each is linked by a labyrinth of passageways and curved stone stairways not to mention it has a private patio or balcony. Personally, this lovely cave hotel is small enough to be intimate, yet large enough to offer you some privacy.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Yunak Evleri Cappadocia

Yunak Evleri Cappadocia

• Unique
• Tranquil
• View

Check price

CHARMING CAVE HOTEL

Charming Cave Hotel (Hospitality): With its impressive five-star customer reviews on booking.com,
Charming Cave Hotel is a clear favorite when it comes to hospitality and a perfect location. With impeccable service, exquisite furnishings, and a lavish hint of natural rustic ambiance, this property adds special meaning to your travel experience. This isn’t the most luxurious cave hotel in Cappadocia but it is the most affordable.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Charming Cave Hotel

Charming Cave Hotel

• Hospitality
• Perfect location
• Budget

Check price

I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best cave hotels in Cappadocia and have a great stay.

HOW TO GET TO CAPPADOCIA

Cappadocia isn’t actually a town as many people think but it is an entire region. Within this region are towns such as Goreme (the most popular tourist spot), Uchisar, Urgup, and Ortahisar among others. There are two airports that serve Cappadocia.

• Kayseri Airport (70km/60 minutes) is the main airport and takes just over an hour by van/bus to reach Goreme Town
• Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (/40km/40 minutes is the secondary airport, which is closer to Goreme but only by about 20 minutes.

The big difference here is that Kayseri is a bigger airport, with more flight options, and often has cheaper flights. It is very convenient and quick to fly into Kayseri and I did it twice.

To get from Kayseri (or Nevsehir) you need to pre-book your shuttle or be prepared for an expensive taxi. The cheapest and easiest way to do that is to book online here.  For under $15 you can ride in a shared, air-conditioned airport transfer or a private transfer from $50.

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT THE REST OF MY CAPPADOCIA BLOG POSTS?

Click on one of the articles below to check out all of the places you should visit while in Cappadocia!

The big guide! This post has all of my favorite activities, which I personally did while in Cappadocia for ten days: 24 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CAPPADOCIA

The hiking guide! Find out about all of the best hikes in Cappadocia with details, directions and lots of photos: 8 AWESOME HIKES IN CAPPADOCIA

Thinking about flying in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia? Read this first: CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOONS: THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY

Have you heard about the castles in Cappadocia? Check these out:

THE UCHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

ORTAHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

CAVUSIN CHURCH, VALLEY & CASTLE

Not sure where is the best region to stay? Wondering which hotel provides the best value? Check out this guide that will help you decide: WHERE TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA: THE BEST HOTELS & HOSTELS

OR… I write a post about the 12 BEST CAVE HOTELS IN CAPPADOCIA that you might find interesting.

I’ve written a blog post for almost all of the places I’ve visited while in Cappadocia. You can find every single one of these articles right here: CAPPADOCIA ARCHIVES

CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOON GUIDE

In this guide, I will share with you all the information you need to know before booking your balloon flight, the weather requirements, and even whether you should enjoy the flight from the balloon basket or save some money and experience it from one of the hundreds of epic viewpoints.

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon

• Includes Champagne Toast
• Sunrise Flight
• Hotel Pick-up Included

Book tour

CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOONS AVAILABILITY

Something most tourists don’t realize before they arrive in Cappadocia is that the hot air balloons don’t fly every day. In fact, when the wind is too strong they can’t fly because there are no brakes on the balloons and it can be dangerous. They need calm weather. This means that many tourists book 1-2 days in Cappadocia and expect to be able to fly in that window. Unfortunately, all too often the weather doesn’t agree and tourists leave without having seen a hot air balloon in the sky. 

There are two ways to make sure you fly in a hot air balloon on your visit to Cappadocia. 

1. Firstly, book in advance and make sure you book for the first morning of your trip. If your flight is canceled, you don’t lose your booking or money, you simply get bumped to the next day. Therefore if you arrive and try and book in the town, there may be a backlog of people waiting because the hot air balloons haven’t flown for three days. This is what happened to me. Because of this, we were offered ‘special tickets’ for almost 300 Euros. Out of principle, I declined but I imagine many tourists with only one morning left in Cappadocia will just pay the premium. So the idea is to book in advance online for the first morning of your stay to give yourself the best chance of flying. You can click here to visit the booking page to get your tickets online for a set fee without having the hassle of bartering once you arrive and possibly missing out because of availability.
2. Secondly, you should stay for more than 1-2 nights in Cappadocia to give yourself a window big enough to allow for unfavorable weather. I stayed for ten days to explore the trails so I had a huge window, which isn’t necessary but I would suggest allowing at least 3 days if not 4. I know most people have limited time and want to see lots of Turkey but trust me, there are so many spots to visit and trails to walk in Cappadocia that you are making a mistake if you only stay for two nights anyway!

HOT AIR BALLOON AVAILABILITY CALENDAR

Book your ticket online now: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Experience

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA

• Ultimate Luxury: Mithra Cave Hotel – Amazing Balloon View & Pool
• My Favorite: Sultan Cave Suites – Insta-worthy & Amazing Terrace
• Value Hotel: Traveller’s Cave Hotel is easily the best value (luxury) hotel in Cappadocia

View on Booking.com

CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOONS COSTS

Cappadocia hot air balloon cost ranges from 200 USD all the way up to $300 USD for a ticket in a group basket. If you want your own private, smaller balloon get ready to hit the ATM because I think you will be looking at $500+ per person.  I highly recommend booking online in advance with a reliable vendor like the one below to make sure you don’t miss your window of opportunity as I mentioned above. The link to the booking page below is with GetYourGuide, which is a reliable booking service, one of the biggest in the world and this specific activity has lots of positive reviews.

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN TURKEY

When you book your Turkey Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use Discover Cars. They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

Book now with Discover Cars

BEST SEASON TO FLY IN THE CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOONS

The beauty of Cappadocia is that while it is a fairytale location in summer, it only gets more and more beautiful in the winter. When it snows in Cappadocia it is truly a mesmerizing sight and something out of a dream world. I visited during the summer but am seriously considering returning to fly again in the winter although the flights are a little more irregular due to the weather of course.

April to October: Most favorable time for the hot air balloons in Cappadocia with warm nights, clear skies, and cool air.

November to February: If you do visit in February the weather is a bit more up and down but you have the chance to fly over snow, which would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

HOW LONG IS THE CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT

The flight lasts for 60 minutes but the whole process takes a few hours. First, you need to get picked up from your hotel and taken to the check-in area where we were supplied a basic breakfast and coffee at 4:30 am. Then we transferred in a mini-van to the launch site which took about 30 minutes before sunrise. After the 60-minute flight, we landed in the valley and had a glass of champagne, and snacks, and packed everything up. We were back at the hotel by around 7 am. 

MY CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOON EXPERIENCE

At 4 am we rose out of bed and got ready. An early start has never been more worthy than when you are gearing up to fly in a hot air balloon over Cappadocia. By 4:30 am the van picked us up and comically dropped us 100 meters down the road. Here we checked in and had a small breakfast and coffee provided by the company as they organized all the guests into the right groups.

We set off in the van to the launch-off site, which is quite exciting as everyone waits around watching the balloons inflate. Fire is being thrust into the balloons as they slowly fill with hot air and begin to take shape. The buzz in the air is contagious and the anticipation of what is to come can be seen in all the excited faces of guests waiting to jump into their baskets.

The baskets are tight quarters. There are four segments and each segment is about 2 meters long and shared by up to 5 people. The pilot is in the middle of his own segment, where he pumps hot air into the balloon from different canisters depending on which way he wants the balloon to float. It’s quite an interesting skill and they are very, very precise.

The take-off was quite smooth and all of a sudden we were floating. We calmly drifted off of the cliff and began to float over Love Valley. It surprised me how low and close to the rock formations the pilot went but he was calm and collected the whole time, safely guiding us on our tour through Goreme. 

At our lowest we were just a few feet off the ground and at our highest, we reached 1500 feet. Most of the journey is between 500 and 1500 feet giving you great aerial views over the town and the incredible rock formations that make the Cappadocia landscape so unique.

My favorite part was as the sun slowly broke over the horizon. Other balloons would block it momentarily, making for great backlit photos and an amazing scene. The pilot does a good job of keeping the balloon in a very slow, unnoticeable rotation so that all guests get an equal amount of time looking at the sunrise or certain spectacles down below.

It wasn’t cold at all. I had taken a beanie and several jackets but because the flame is being blasted right next to me it was actually kind of hot despite being hundreds of feet up in the air before the sun was up. It doesn’t hurt to take off layers so bring a jacket of course but don’t expect to be freezing as you are essentially in an oven with open windows!

After an hour, our expert pilot landed us softly in one of the valleys. On a windy day, the landing can be a little heavy and rough but for us, he dropped the balloon right on the trailer with outstanding precision.

We had celebratory champagne and some snacks before boarding the vans and being dropped off at our hotels.

BEST VIEWING SPOTS IF YOU AREN’T IN A BALLOON

Several hundred Euros is a lot of cash to splash on an hour-long joyride in a balloon. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience but for many, that still won’t justify a huge outlay of cash for just one hour of epicness. I get that and to be honest, I had just as much fun watching the balloons from the touristy viewpoint in Goreme. I had a blast inside the balloon but it’s still worth visiting Cappadocia even if you don’t fly in the hot air balloon. This is especially true considering you are actually above the balloons for some of their flight while standing on the viewpoints and cliffs.

I thought I’d add this section to the blog post to let you know the best vantage points to watch the balloons. Their route can change slightly but for the most part, they take a similar path each day so these spots should set you up for a great balloon encounter.

• Lover’s Hill – This panoramic sunset viewpoint in Goreme Town is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise, which is why it is quite crowded in the morning for sunrise and of course sunset. Despite the crowds, it is where I took all of my best Cappadocia hot air balloon photos. You are often above the balloons and can shoot towards Uchisar Castle, Red Valley, or over Goreme Town. There will be crowds but also epic views of the entire region.

• Love Valley – This is a bit of an off-beat spot to watch but generally, the balloons do fly low over Love Valley so if you waited inside the valley, you should be rewarded with some epic photos if you framed the balloons between the rock formations in this valley.

• Red Valley Hill Viewpoint: From the Red Valley sunset viewpoint, hike up onto the hill behind, which is marked with a flag. You can now explore the cliffs while watching the balloons and I guarantee you will be alone.

Sword Valley or Rose Valley: These valleys are just a short drive or walk out of Goreme Town and are where most of the Balloons tend to fly over at low altitudes and many of them land nearby. The cave dwellings and rock formations here are incredible and you can compose some amazing shots in this area. You will also be able to sit in a cave and watch the balloons. Pretty epic if you ask me. This is your best after Lover’s Hill if you don’t have transport.

WHERE TO STAY IN GOREME, CAPPADOCIA

Where I stayed: Design Cave Suites Cappadocia – I was lucky enough to stay at the Design Cave Suites in Goreme. The location was great and I walked to all attractions. The rooftop garden was awesome for sunrise balloon watching. The buffet breakfast spread was amazing as were the cave-style room designs.

Best Cave Hotel with Pool: Local Cave House Hotel– This cave hotel rose to fame because of its incredible pool. Make sure you click the link and check out how epic the pool backdrop is, with those classic Cappadocia rock formations in the background and traditional cave rooms it is a top pick.

Cave Hotel with Best Roof View (and dogs): Sultan Cave Suites – This cave hotel became famous because of its epic rooftop area for sunrise viewing. Guests can lay out on traditional pillows and carpets while watching the hot-air balloons flying above. The hotel dog might also join you for a photoshoot on the roof!

HOW TO GET TO CAPPADOCIA

Cappadocia isn’t actually a town as many people think but it is an entire region. Within this region are towns such as Goreme (the most popular tourist spot), Uchisar, Urgup, and Ortahisar among others. There are two airports that serve Cappadocia.

• Kayseri Airport (70km/60 minutes) is the main airport and takes just over an hour by van/bus to reach Goreme Town
• Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (/40km/40 minutes is the secondary airport, which is closer to Goreme but only by about 20 minutes.

The big difference here is that Kayseri is a bigger airport, with more flight options, and often has cheaper flights. It is very convenient and quick to fly into Kayseri and I did it twice.

To get from Kayseri (or Nevsehir) you need to pre-book your shuttle or be prepared for an expensive taxi. The cheapest and easiest way to do that is to book online here.  For under $15 you can ride in a shared, air-conditioned airport transfer or a private transfer from $50.

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT THE REST OF MY CAPPADOCIA BLOG POSTS?

Click on one of the articles below to check out all of the places you should visit while in Cappadocia!

The big guide! This post has all of my favorite activities, which I personally did while in Cappadocia for ten days: 24 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CAPPADOCIA

The hiking guide! Find out about all of the best hikes in Cappadocia with details, directions and lots of photos: 8 AWESOME HIKES IN CAPPADOCIA

Thinking about flying in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia? Read this first: CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOONS: THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY

Have you heard about the castles in Cappadocia? Check these out:

THE UCHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

ORTAHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

CAVUSIN CHURCH, VALLEY & CASTLE

Not sure where is the best region to stay? Wondering which hotel provides the best value? Check out this guide that will help you decide: WHERE TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA: THE BEST HOTELS & HOSTELS

OR… I write a post about the 12 BEST CAVE HOTELS IN CAPPADOCIA that you might find interesting.

I’ve written a blog post for almost all of the places I’ve visited while in Cappadocia. You can find every single one of these articles right here: CAPPADOCIA ARCHIVES

In this blog post about hiking in Cappadocia, I will detail each of the individual hikes I did. You might be interested in one of these specific Cappadocia hikes and want more details. To find out how to get there, what to expect, and the distance and to see all of the photos from that trail just click on the link to that blog post and you will be able to see the individual article I wrote for that trail. 

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA

• Ultimate Luxury: Mithra Cave Hotel – Amazing Balloon View & Pool
• My Favorite: Sultan Cave Suites – Insta-worthy & Amazing Terrace
• Value Hotel: Traveller’s Cave Hotel is easily the best value (luxury) hotel in Cappadocia

View on Booking.com

8 BEST HIKES IN CAPPADOCIA

I hope you enjoy this list of the best hikes in Cappadocia as must as I enjoyed hiking them!

RED VALLEY HIKE

When it comes to hiking in Cappadocia, it is hard to go past Red Valley. The Sharp sandstone ridges glow a deep, vibrant red as the sun burns into the unique landscape in the last moments of the sunset each night. If you only have a couple of nights in Cappadocia, put this one up high on the list for sunset spots. There is a great trail loop including Meskindir and Rose Valley or you can drive straight to the sunset viewpoint to chill at the cafe or hike to the top of the flag viewpoint. 

The hike is joined with Rose Valley in most cases and leads you through an ancient church inside one of the caves, past yellow sandstone rock formations and incredible cave dwellings. The trail is diverse and only moderate in difficulty making it a perfect adventure.

View the full blog post: RED VALLEY HIKE & SUNSET VIEWPOINT

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN TURKEY

When you book your Turkey Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use Discover Cars. They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

Book now with Discover Cars

ROSE VALLEY HIKE

The Rose Valley hiking trail in Cappadocia winds through an incredibly unique area with sharp ridges, tinted in pink, especially during sunset! The Rose Valley is an otherworldly experience. The rock formations are so unique, I can’t even find anything to compare them to. Over thousands of years, sharp ridges have formed to create a corrugated landscape. Almost all of the time, one side of a ridge is in the sun while the other is in the shadow, further accentuating the sharpness and scale of these sandstone formations.

What makes the Rose Valley unique compared to other hiking trails Cappadocia is that not only do you have these incredible rock formations but in this particular region, the minerals in the sandstone have a pink tinge. This pink becomes more and more evident throughout the day, peaking at sunset when the sun glows directly onto the Rose Valley giving it that fine shade of pink so many people come to see.

Prefer to ride through Rose Valley on an ATV or quad bike? Check out this tour to do just that: Rose Valley ATV Tour

View the full blog post: ROSE VALLEY HIKE IN CAPPADOCIA

RED VALLEY FLAG VIEWPOINT HIKE

Red Valley sunset viewpoint is epic but if you want to take it one step further there is a hike up the hill behind the viewpoint. For a quieter spot to enjoy the sunset, look behind the cafes and you will see a hill with a flag on top. There are a few 15-minute trails to the top that are quite steep but also very safe. The one I took wrapped around the back of the hill and linked several of the mountains in the area by trails. There was just one other person at the top compared to the 200 people, cars, buses, and cafes at the busy sunset viewpoint. 

The view looks down over Red Valley, Rose Valley, and all the way to Goreme. Even Uchisar appears on the horizon. If you want to feel on top of Cappadocia, this relatively unknown hiking trail in Cappadocia is your spot!

View the full blog post: RED VALLEY HIKE & SUNSET VIEWPOINT

MESKINDIR VALLEY HIKE

The Meskendir Valley Hike is a short trail in Goreme that leads you past numerous cave dwellings and historic sites as well as through multiple tunnels. It is quite a shady trail, which makes it a top suggestion for during the middle of the day.

I combined the Meskendir Trail, Rose Valley Trail, and Red Valley Trail all into one super hike as the paths all connect. However, if you prefer a short walk, you can just venture out on the Meskendir Trail and do an out-and-back hike.

This Cappadocia hiking trail has a series of sandstone tunnel that was super cool. Some of them were similar to the tunnels on the Love Valley Trail but these tunnels were longer and the roofs were much higher. Around every corner would be a little opening that would expose some amazing cave dwellings and historic sites. Huge walls of windows and pigeon-holes towered over us as we imagined what the tunnel and stair system looked like on the inside. It’s amazing to try and imagine all of Cappadocia living in this style of dwelling hundreds of years ago. There were even rock paintings high up on the wall. This was one of the best all-round hikes in Cappadocia.

View the full blog post: MESKENDIR VALLEY TRAIL IN CAPPADOCIA

LOVE VALLEY TO UCHISAR CASTLE HIKE

Love Valley is set just outside of Goreme and you can hike all the way through Love Valley to Uchisar Castle, passing by the rock formations up close on a trail with likely nobody else. It is a relatively flat, peaceful walk through to Uchisar taking 1-2 hours. The rock formations are phallic shapes, which is why the valley full of penis-shaped rocks got its name, ‘Love Valley’.

The final section of the valley was brilliant with waving sandstones in a beautiful, stark white surrounding us. I’ve never quite seen a landscape like it. At the end of the valley, you can continue walking all the way up to Uchisar Castle, which is one of the best viewpoints in Cappadocia.

Prefer to ride through Love Valley on an ATV or quad bike? Check out this tour to do just that: Love Valley ATV Tour

View the full blog post: LOVE VALLEY IN CAPPADOCIA: GOREME TO UCHISAR TRAIL

IHLARA VALLEY HIKE

The Ihlara Valley is an incredible gorge with a stunning river running right down the heart of the valley for 16km within the volcanic rock. It is near the province of Aksaray but is still considered part of the southern Cappadocia region. It’s a great spot for a relatively easy walk amidst some peaceful, leafy nature as well as being a hub for cave churches, of which you will find many along the trail.

The Ihlara Valley is mostly comprised of the section running from Selime to Ihlara Village. Along the route, you will come across lots of churches. 16 of the 105 churches are open to visitors and there in intact paintings and carvings inside.

Before the trail had even started we were off into a waterfall. At first, we just checked it out but when we returned after the loop, we actually went for a swim in it. There were lots of rocks under the surface so it isn’t good for cliff jumping but the cool water was very refreshing.

From here on the trail runs alongside the river for the rest of the walk. I think this spot will blow a lot of people away because it is such a dry, brown landscape in Cappadocia typically, but in Ihlara Valley you are in a green oasis. 

View full blog post: IHLARA VALLEY – AMAZING RIVER GORGE IN CAPPADOCIA

PIGEON VALLEY HIKE

Pigeon Valley (also known as Guvercinlik Valley) is among the most popular hiking trails in Cappadocia, especially because it stretches between Goreme to Uchisar. Along the route, you will find cave dwellings, ancient paintings, earth pillars, and of course… pigeons.

The trail begins with a sharp descent along a white dusty path. Within a few minutes, you are in the heart of the valley and hardly take notice of the town above you. In fact, you only get small glimpses of the town or the Uchisar Castle above the treeline at certain moments.

This Cappadocia hiking trail leads you through thick trees and several caves. If you keep your eyes peeled you will spot a number of ancient paintings on the walls of the cave dwellings, where people lived during the Byzantine period. True to its name, there are a lot of Pigeons in the valley. In ancient times, pigeon holes were built into the walls for the domestication of pigeons. They were used for their meat, sacrifice, and message delivery. Their poop was also used for fertilizer and mortar.

View full blog post: PIGEON VALLEY TRAIL IN CAPPADOCIA

ZEMI VALLEY HIKE

The Zemi Valley Hike is a 6km stretch beginning in Goreme that leads you through a series of caves, arches, and alongside a small stream as you keep your eyes open for cave houses and earth pillars! I think Zemi Valley is one of the most underrated Cappadocia hiking trails.

The trail is a wide, sandy path that is often covered by the trees within the valley but there is also ample time out in the direct sun, which we copped heavily!

The trail was definitely more of a brisk walk than a hike as we pushed our way through the bushes and into some beautiful clearings. Cave houses and rock art were found throughout the hike and we even had to make our way through a number of caves along this beautiful Cappadocia hiking trail.

View full blog post: THE ZEMI VALLEY HIKE IN CAPPADOCIA

WHERE TO STAY IN GOREME, CAPPADOCIA

Where I stayed: Design Cave Suites Cappadocia – I was lucky enough to stay at the Design Cave Suites in Goreme. The location was great and I walked to all attractions. The rooftop garden was awesome for sunrise balloon watching. The buffet breakfast spread was amazing as were the cave-style room designs.

Best Cave Hotel with Pool: Local Cave House Hotel– This cave hotel rose to fame because of its incredible pool. Make sure you click the link and check out how epic the pool backdrop is, with those classic Cappadocia rock formations in the background and traditional cave rooms it is a top pick.

Cave Hotel with Best Roof View (and dogs): Sultan Cave Suites – This cave hotel became famous because of its epic rooftop area for sunrise viewing. Guests can lay out on traditional pillows and carpets while watching the hot-air balloons flying above. The hotel dog might also join you for a photoshoot on the roof!

HOW TO GET TO CAPPADOCIA

Cappadocia isn’t actually a town as many people think but it is an entire region. Within this region are towns such as Goreme (the most popular tourist spot), Uchisar, Urgup, and Ortahisar among others. There are two airports that serve Cappadocia.

• Kayseri Airport (70km/60 minutes) is the main airport and takes just over an hour by van/bus to reach Goreme Town
• Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (/40km/40 minutes is the secondary airport, which is closer to Goreme but only by about 20 minutes.

The big difference here is that Kayseri is a bigger airport, with more flight options, and often has cheaper flights. It is very convenient and quick to fly into Kayseri and I did it twice.

To get from Kayseri (or Nevsehir) you need to pre-book your shuttle or be prepared for an expensive taxi. The cheapest and easiest way to do that is to book online here.  For under $15 you can ride in a shared, air-conditioned airport transfer or a private transfer from $50.

LAKE TUZ: THE PINK, SALT LAKE

In this blog post, I will share everything you need to know about Pink Lake Tuz, a salt lake near Cappadocia, Turkey.

WHERE IS LAKE TUZ (THE SALT LAKE)

Lake Tuz is actually not directly in Cappadocia, but I did visit it while staying in Cappadocia. This is why I thought it would be valuable to share that with other travelers who are staying in Goreme or the nearby towns of Uchisar or Orthahisar. We drove 1.5 hours from Goreme to reach Lake Tuz, which I have pinned on the map below.

There is a tour that takes you to salt lake for sunset, which is quite handy because we had to rent a car and figure it all out on our own. Book your tour: Salt Lake Sunset Tour

Once you arrive at Lake Tuz on the map you will realize it is huge. We picked a side that seemed pretty nice and there was no one else there but who knows what you will find on all of the different sides of the lake.

We hired a car for $30 Euros in Goreme town at one of the travel agencies, which split by two people was a pretty cheap way to get around. On this day we first visited Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, and then ended the day at Lake Tuz.

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN TURKEY

When you book your Turkey Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use Discover Cars. They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

Book now with Discover Cars

BOOKING A SUNSET TOUR OF LAKE TUZ

There is a tour that takes you to salt lake for sunset, which is good value as it is a fixed price for your entire group of up to five people. The tour offers hotel pick-up and drop-off as well as taking you to the best spots to view the sunset on Lake Tuz.

Book your tour: Salt Lake Sunset Tour

Lake Tuz Sunset Tour

• Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off
• Fixed group price
• They know the best spots

Book tour

MY EXPERIENCE AT LAKE TUZ

After a long drive from Cappadocia, we started to get near Lake Tuz according to the map. We had originally aimed to keep driving to the top of the lake but passed a stretch along the side of the lake that looked beautiful and empty. Not knowing if our intended destination would be busy or look as nice we decided to park the car next to a field beside the highway and walk into the Lake.

We crossed the highway and then reached the area where the bushes end and they meet the beginning of the salt flats. It was at this point that we decided we needed to take off our shoes and leave our bags because the salt sinks a little and would ruin everything. It is incredibly dense and hard to remove. The issue with this decision is that the salt flats can be very sharp in areas. It’s a trade-off you will appreciate later.

*I’ve since been told that further north there is the main entrance with a cafe and other structures.

It was an hour before sunset when we arrived so we were able to enjoy the vibrancy of the pink lake in full sunshine as well as the pastel sunset reflections later on. It’s definitely the best pink salt lake in Turkey! I highly recommend doing the same as the lake is great in both lighting types although you won’t be able to swim in Lake Tuz. It is incredibly salty and where we were it was only 1 ft deep and very sharp because of the salt on the floor. Other parts of the lake may be different, and that will be for you to discover.

The most interesting part about the lake is the density of the salt formations. It seems that you are walking on pure salt. I actually picked up a few snowball-sized balls of salt, which I instantly regretted as my hands were now covered in a never-ending layer of salt. This is a dangerous place for cameras. You’ve been warned.

As the sunset came we were treated to some beautiful purples and oranges that reflected on the shallow lake, which lay perfectly still at only a few inches deep. 

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT LAKE TUZ IN TURKEY

• Tuz Golu means Salt Lake in Turkish
• Lake Tuz is the second largest lake in Turkey
• The lake occupies a ‘tectonic depression’ and is fed water by two major streams but has no outlet at all. 
• Lake Tuz was declared a protected area in 2001 as there are a colony of ‘Greater Flamingo’ callin the region home as well as Great White-Fronted Goose in addition to the Lesser Kestrel.

I hope you enjoyed this guide about this salt lake in Turkey called Lake Tuz. Just a 1.5-hour drive from Cappadocia it is worth the journey!

WHERE TO STAY IN GOREME, CAPPADOCIA

Where I stayed: Design Cave Suites Cappadocia – I was lucky enough to stay at the Design Cave Suites in Goreme. The location was great and I walked to all attractions. The rooftop garden was awesome for sunrise balloon watching. The buffet breakfast spread was amazing as were the cave-style room designs.

Best Cave Hotel with Pool: Local Cave House Hotel– This cave hotel rose to fame because of its incredible pool. Make sure you click the link and check out how epic the pool backdrop is, with those classic Cappadocia rock formations in the background and traditional cave rooms it is a top pick.

Cave Hotel with Best Roof View (and dogs): Sultan Cave Suites – This cave hotel became famous because of its epic rooftop area for sunrise viewing. Guests can lay out on traditional pillows and carpets while watching the hot-air balloons flying above. The hotel dog might also join you for a photoshoot on the roof!

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT THE REST OF MY CAPPADOCIA BLOG POSTS?

Click on one of the articles below to check out all of the places you should visit while in Cappadocia!

The big guide! This post has all of my favorite activities, which I personally did while in Cappadocia for ten days: 24 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CAPPADOCIA

The hiking guide! Find out about all of the best hikes in Cappadocia with details, directions and lots of photos: 8 AWESOME HIKES IN CAPPADOCIA

Thinking about flying in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia? Read this first: CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOONS: THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY

Have you heard about the castles in Cappadocia? Check these out:

THE UCHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

ORTAHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

CAVUSIN CHURCH, VALLEY & CASTLE

Not sure where is the best region to stay? Wondering which hotel provides the best value? Check out this guide that will help you decide: WHERE TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA: THE BEST HOTELS & HOSTELS

OR… I write a post about the 12 BEST CAVE HOTELS IN CAPPADOCIA that you might find interesting.

I’ve written a blog post for almost all of the places I’ve visited while in Cappadocia. You can find every single one of these articles right here: CAPPADOCIA ARCHIVES

GOREME OPEN-AIR MUSEUM IN CAPPADOCIA

In this blog post, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting the Goreme Open-Air Museum in Cappadocia.

WHERE IS THE GOREME OPEN-AIR MUSEUM

The Goreme Open-Air Museum is very close to the city center of Goreme, which is the most popular town in Cappadocia.  It is possible to walk to the Goreme Open Air museum from the town center, which would take about 15 minutes and is a little bit uphill. Alternatively, many taxis can drop you there for just a few dollars as it is a short trip. Nearby is the entrance to the Zemi Valley Hike and the Meskendir Hiking Trail.

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA

• Ultimate Luxury: Mithra Cave Hotel – Amazing Balloon View & Pool
• My Favorite: Sultan Cave Suites – Insta-worthy & Amazing Terrace
• Value Hotel: Traveller’s Cave Hotel is easily the best value (luxury) hotel in Cappadocia

View on Booking.com

GOREME OPEN-AIR MUSEUM ENTRANCE FEE

The Goreme Open-Air Museum is one of the more expensive attractions in Cappadocia at 40 Turkish Lyra for entry, which is about $8 USD. It is almost three times more expensive than the Zelve Open-Air Museum but the value comes from the paintings in the churches. The Goreme Open-Air Museum also has an audio guide available for an extra 15 Turkish Lyra.

With more than 30 stops along the tour, the audio guide explains lots of the history and facts about the region and the people who lived in Cappadocia in the cave houses. This is one of the main reasons why it is one of the most popular things to do in Cappadocia.

TOURS THAT INCLUDE GOREME OPEN-AIR MUSEUM

• The Cappadocia Historical Red Tour (Small Group) – On the Red tour, your small group will see some of the most popular highlights and tourist sites in the Cappadocia region including the Goreme Open-Air Museum, wine-tasting in Urgup, Cavusin Castle, and of course… Uchisar Castle. You can Click Here to check the price and make your booking on the Red Tour.

Cappadocia Red Tour

• Includes Goreme Museum
• Wine Tasting
• Two Castles to visit

Book tour

MY EXPERIENCE AT THE GOREME OPEN-AIR MUSEUM

The Goreme Open-Air Museum is a beautifully dense complex of monasteries placed side-by-side, each housing an incredibly detailed and historic church. Because of its location in the center of the valley, it is one of the most popular things to do in Cappadocia.

I walked up to the hill from the town center to the Goreme Open-Air Museum. At the entrance, I had to line up for about fifteen minutes to buy my ticket and it definitely felt like a tourist attraction, not an adventure. Nowhere else in Cappadocia had I lined up and on almost all of the hikes we hadn’t seen more than one other person. This is where the common tourist goes to get their fix of cave houses and churches despite their presence throughout the entire region, often in free locations or cheaper sites like Zelve Open-Air Museum.

Nevertheless, often you pay for quality and Goreme Open-Air Museum definitely has some selling points that make up for the crowds such as the following:

• There is an audio guide that you listen to throughout your wanderings through the complex and there is a numbered order to visit the sites. At each number, you press play and listen to a short speech about that painting, cave, or historic fact. This helps you understand what was going on during certain periods of history in Cappadocia and details the ways of life for the cave dwellers.
• The paintings in the Goreme Open-Air museum are brilliant, in great condition, and really transport you back in time. While there are paintings throughout Cappadocia, these may be in the best condition in comparison to others in the region.
• The Goreme Open-Air museum has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984 and was one of the first UNESCO sites in Turkey.
• The route is quite short and you can visit the entire site in-depth in under 1.5 hours without too much walking, which is ideal if you are visiting in the hot Turkish summer.

WHERE TO STAY IN GOREME, CAPPADOCIA

Where I stayed: Design Cave Suites Cappadocia – I was lucky enough to stay at the Design Cave Suites in Goreme. The location was great and I walked to all attractions. The rooftop garden was awesome for sunrise balloon watching. The buffet breakfast spread was amazing as were the cave-style room designs.

Best Cave Hotel with Pool: Local Cave House Hotel– This cave hotel rose to fame because of its incredible pool. Make sure you click the link and check out how epic the pool backdrop is, with those classic Cappadocia rock formations in the background and traditional cave rooms it is a top pick.

Cave Hotel with Best Roof View (and dogs): Sultan Cave Suites – This cave hotel became famous because of its epic rooftop area for sunrise viewing. Guests can lay out on traditional pillows and carpets while watching the hot-air balloons flying above. The hotel dog might also join you for a photoshoot on the roof!

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT THE REST OF MY CAPPADOCIA BLOG POSTS?

Click on one of the articles below to check out all of the places you should visit while in Cappadocia!

The big guide! This post has all of my favorite activities, which I personally did while in Cappadocia for ten days: 24 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CAPPADOCIA

The hiking guide! Find out about all of the best hikes in Cappadocia with details, directions and lots of photos: 8 AWESOME HIKES IN CAPPADOCIA

Thinking about flying in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia? Read this first: CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOONS: THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY

Have you heard about the castles in Cappadocia? Check these out:

THE UCHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

ORTAHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

CAVUSIN CHURCH, VALLEY & CASTLE

Not sure where is the best region to stay? Wondering which hotel provides the best value? Check out this guide that will help you decide: WHERE TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA: THE BEST HOTELS & HOSTELS

OR… I write a post about the 12 BEST CAVE HOTELS IN CAPPADOCIA that you might find interesting.

I’ve written a blog post for almost all of the places I’ve visited while in Cappadocia. You can find every single one of these articles right here: CAPPADOCIA ARCHIVES

The interesting part about Sunset Point is that it’s also one of the best spots for sunrise to watch the hot air balloons float over the town of Goreme.

LOVER’S HILL SUNSET VIEWPOINT

In this blog post, I will share with you the details about Lover’s Hill Sunset Point in Goreme, Cappodocia such as how to get there, what to expect, and facilities, and share my photos of course.

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA

• Ultimate Luxury: Mithra Cave Hotel – Amazing Balloon View & Pool
• My Favorite: Sultan Cave Suites – Insta-worthy & Amazing Terrace
• Value Hotel: Traveller’s Cave Hotel is easily the best value (luxury) hotel in Cappadocia

View on Booking.com

WHERE IS LOVER’S HILL SUNSET POINT IN GOREME

The Google Maps pins in Goreme can be a bit confusing. The pin you want for Lover’s Hill Sunset Point is pinned below on the map under the name ‘sunset view’. However, there is another pin called ‘Sunset view point’ to the northeast of Goreme Town. This is actually the pin for the Red Valley Sunset Viewpoint. It’s also a great sunset spot but involves a hike or a drive to get there whereas you can walk to Lover’s Hill from anywhere in Goreme Town in just a few minutes, which is what makes it so popular.

Lover’s Hill Sunset Point is at the top of a short but steep road and leads you to a cliff that overlooks the entire town and has views out over Goreme towards Uchisar. If you spun in the other direction you will get an amazing view of Red and Rose Valley.

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN TURKEY

When you book your Turkey Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use Discover Cars. They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

Book now with Discover Cars

MY EXPERIENCE AT LOVER’S HILL SUNSET POINT

The beauty of Lover’s Hill Sunset Point is that it is within walking distance of most hotels in Goreme, which is where most people stay in Cappadocia. The majority of people looking to catch sunset either do it at Lover’s Hill, Red Valley Sunset Point, or from the terrace of their hotel. Therefore, as you can imagine, Lover’s Hill is quite busy being the closest sunset spot.

We walked from our hotel near the canal and it took us about 15 minutes to reach the top. The final few hundred meters are steep but even those not in good physical shape will make it up this ramped road to the hill. Once at the top, we joined hundreds of people all gathered together to watch the sun go down. Whether you like crowds or not, it’s a great vibe when you get a big group of people together to appreciate nature and farewell the day together.

At the top of the hill, there is a wooden platform that overhangs the cliff a bit. It’s always full of people but is actually quite a good spot for a regular photo. I preferred to walk around the ridge finding my own little spot and continually changing my position for new angles and also to people-watch as I went along. By doing this I also had new views of Goreme Town and Red Valley, so I do highly advise walking along the whole ridge while you are up there. It may seem like the view will be the same the whole way but as you can see from my photos, it can change quite a bit.

There is a small restaurant at the top that does some food but mostly tea, coffee, wine, and beer. Lots of couples were splitting a bottle of wine or there were groups sharing a big rug while each sipping on a beer. It’s a chilled-out vibe and I genuinely enjoyed it even though it was quite crowded. These are my photos from the sunset at Lover’s Hill Sunset Point in Goreme (for sunset).

*I’ll share my sunrise hot air balloon photos from Lover’s Hill later in the blog post.

SUNRISE AT SUNSET POINT IN GOREME/LOVER’S HILL

This panoramic sunset viewpoint in Goreme Town is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise, which is why it is quite crowded in the morning for sunrise and of course sunset as mentioned. Despite the crowds, it is where I took all of my best Cappadocia hot air balloon photos. You are often above the balloons and can shoot towards Uchisar Castle, Red Valley, or over Goreme Town. There will be crowds but also epic views of the entire region. If you are interested in flying in a hot air balloon at sunrise, I wrote this guide, which you should read first to see if it is worth it for you!

Here are my favorite hot air balloon photos from Lover’s Hill Sunset Point in Goreme, Cappadocia.

I hope you enjoyed this guide about the best sunset viewpoint in Cappadocia, Lover’s Hill.

WHERE TO STAY IN GOREME, CAPPADOCIA

Where I stayed: Design Cave Suites Cappadocia – I was lucky enough to stay at the Design Cave Suites in Goreme. The location was great and I walked to all attractions. The rooftop garden was awesome for sunrise balloon watching. The buffet breakfast spread was amazing as were the cave-style room designs.

Best Cave Hotel with Pool: Local Cave House Hotel– This cave hotel rose to fame because of its incredible pool. Make sure you click the link and check out how epic the pool backdrop is, with those classic Cappadocia rock formations in the background and traditional cave rooms it is a top pick.

Cave Hotel with Best Roof View (and dogs): Sultan Cave Suites – This cave hotel became famous because of its epic rooftop area for sunrise viewing. Guests can lay out on traditional pillows and carpets while watching the hot-air balloons flying above. The hotel dog might also join you for a photoshoot on the roof!

HOW TO GET TO CAPPADOCIA

Cappadocia isn’t actually a town as many people think but it is an entire region. Within this region are towns such as Goreme (the most popular tourist spot), Uchisar, Urgup, and Ortahisar among others. There are two airports that serve Cappadocia.

• Kayseri Airport (70km/60 minutes) is the main airport and takes just over an hour by van/bus to reach Goreme Town
• Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (/40km/40 minutes is the secondary airport, which is closer to Goreme but only by about 20 minutes.

The big difference here is that Kayseri is a bigger airport, with more flight options, and often has cheaper flights. It is very convenient and quick to fly into Kayseri and I did it twice.

To get from Kayseri (or Nevsehir) you need to pre-book your shuttle or be prepared for an expensive taxi. The cheapest and easiest way to do that is to book online here.  For under $15 you can ride in a shared, air-conditioned airport transfer or a private transfer from $50.

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT THE REST OF MY CAPPADOCIA BLOG POSTS?

Click on one of the articles below to check out all of the places you should visit while in Cappadocia!

The big guide! This post has all of my favorite activities, which I personally did while in Cappadocia for ten days: 24 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CAPPADOCIA

The hiking guide! Find out about all of the best hikes in Cappadocia with details, directions and lots of photos: 8 AWESOME HIKES IN CAPPADOCIA

Thinking about flying in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia? Read this first: CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOONS: THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY

Have you heard about the castles in Cappadocia? Check these out:

THE UCHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

ORTAHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

CAVUSIN CHURCH, VALLEY & CASTLE

Not sure where is the best region to stay? Wondering which hotel provides the best value? Check out this guide that will help you decide: WHERE TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA: THE BEST HOTELS & HOSTELS

OR… I write a post about the 12 BEST CAVE HOTELS IN CAPPADOCIA that you might find interesting.

I’ve written a blog post for almost all of the places I’ve visited while in Cappadocia. You can find every single one of these articles right here: CAPPADOCIA ARCHIVES

DERINKUYU UNDERGROUND CITY

In this blog post about the Derinkuyu Underground City, I will share everything you need to know about visiting this amazing tourist site in Cappadocia, Turkey

HOW TO GET TO DERINKUYU UNDERGROUND CITY CAVES

Most people visiting Cappadocia will stay in Goreme or Uchisar, both of which are quite far from Derinkuyu Underground City. We decided to rent a small car for the day, which cost us $40 USD plus gasoline. This way we could visit Derinkuyu Underground city, which was a 40-minute drive from Goreme and Ihlara Valley is an 80-minute drive from Goreme.

If you are keen to see amazing architecture and cave dwellings from this era but don’t want the big drive to Ilhara you can visit Goreme Open-Air Museum or Zelve Open-Air Musem, which are both near Goreme.

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN TURKEY

When you book your Turkey Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use Discover Cars. They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

Book now with Discover Cars

DERINKUYU UNDERGROUND CITY TOURS

The Green Tour in Cappadocia is a pretty awesome day out and includes a short trek in Ihlara Valley and a visit to Derinkuyu Underground City.

• Visit the Derinkuyu Underground City, the largest underground city in Turkey and the deepest in Cappadocia
• Explore Ihlara Valley, a picturesque destination that begins in Ihlara Village and ends in the Selime Monastery
• Witness hundreds of churches carved into the walls of the gorge, which date from the 7th to 11th centuries
• Drive to Pigeon Valley, filled with pigeon houses and dovecotes, and enjoy great panoramic views of the city

Click Here to see the rates and availability of this tour on the booking website.

Underground City & Ihlara Tour

• Unique rock formations
• Traditions
• Stunning views of the chimneys

Book tour

I’ve added the calendar below that shows the Derinkuyu Underground City Tour availability. Hopefully, your desired dates are available!

HOW WAS DERINKUYU UNDERGROUND CITY DISCOVERED

Derinkuyu Underground City was a secret for a long time! It wasn’t until a local man in the Nevsehir Province decided to do renovations to his home that the ancient city was discovered. After knocking down a wall he discovered a strange room and continued to dig further, exposing an intricate tunnel system with a series of cave rooms. Little did he know it at the time but he had discovered the ancient underground city of Derinkuyu, which was once home to more than 20,000 people.

DERINKUYU UNDERGROUND CITY HISTORY

On a 1000m-high plateau in the region of Cappadocia lies the region of Anatolia. Rich in volcanic history, it was covered in ash millions of years ago, which created lava domes and pyramids, which are still evident today. The erosion of the lower sedimentary rock has caused the rock formations or earth pillars we can see today.

This softer rock made it possible for the Hittites of Cappadocia to easily carve out caves and tunnels thousands of years ago. They began by carving out storage rooms and underground food storage. By keeping their food and valuables underneath the ground in storage lockers, they prevented the weather extremes from impacting their goods and food.

Their expertise in underground tunneling would prove valuable for the Hittites when they were able to use their tunnels to hide from the Phrygian raids. The tunnels served the Hittites from the 15th to 12th century BCE according to estimates.

Other suggested dates discuss the possibility of the tunnels being built in the 8th and 7th century BCE by the Phrygians. This theory is backed up by the reputation of the Phrygian architects who were well-known for their complex construction abilities and prior projects. This has often led to the Phrygians being credited with creating the tunnels and the underground city of Derinkuyu.

Archaeologists hold a strong belief that there could be hundreds of underground cities in Cappadocia, although to date only six have been excavated. The underground city of Derinkuyu is not the oldest or, in fact, the largest but it has gained popularity because it is one of the deepest.

CHOOSING TO VISIT DERINKUYU OR KAYMAKLY UNDERGROUND CITY

The general consensus from travelers is that you really cannot go wrong. Both underground cities are incredible and give you a great insight into life underground.

Kaymakli is smaller and housed up to 6,000 people while Derinkuyu housed up to 20,000 but this doesn’t matter so much as only 10% of Derinkuyu Underground City has been excavated. 

The major difference between the two sites is that Kaymakli has lower roofs and is smaller in general so it can be quite claustrophobic. Derinkuyu has higher ceilings and is a bit more open in general, although there were still many moments we had to crouch for extended periods of time as we walked through alleys and tunnels. Derinkuyu and Kaymakli are actually linked by a 3-mile underground tunnel although it is no longer accessible because it has collapsed.

DERINKUYU UNDERGROUND CITY ENTRANCE FEE

Derinkuyu Underground City entrance fee is 35 Turkish Lyra for internationals, which is about $6 USD, making it one of the most expensive ticket attractions in Cappadocia. It was opened to visitors in 1969, although even today only 10% of the underground city is accessible to visitors.

The opening hours are 8 am – 7 pm in the summer and 8 am to 5 pm in the winter.

A guided tour is recommended as there are no signs are information stands available once inside the caves so it is quite important to receive context in each room as to what purpose it served, which is only possible with a tour guide.

MY EXPERIENCE AT DERINKUYU UNDERGROUND CITY CAVES IN CAPPADOCIA

We began the day driving from Goreme to Derinkuyu. It took about 40 minutes to complete the very scenic drive. The site was actually quite busy with at least a hundred or more people outside and milling into the caves.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as we entered the first cave entrance but it was honestly quite incredible. As soon as we were inside, you can’t help but imagine what it felt like centuries ago to live inside these stone tunnels.

A labyrinth of alleys, tunnels, and secret rooms was used for storage, livestock, sleeping, and cooking. Derinkuyu Underground City is the deepest of the discovered cities in Cappadocia with eight floors reaching up to 280 ft in depth. Experts think it could actually be 18 floors deep!

The tunnels were quite narrow and often not tall enough to stand upright. This wasn’t a design flaw but actually, a defense mechanism to ensure invaders had to enter crouched over and in a single file, making it much easier to defend against.

I think the most interesting part was the ventilation shafts and how you could manage to deal with sewage, ventilation, and other logistical issues when 20,000 people are living in underground tunnels.

The experience was very interesting and I highly suggest visiting Derinkuyu Underground City to gain an insight into this unique historical way of life in Cappadocia.

WHERE TO STAY IN GOREME, CAPPADOCIA

Where I stayed: Design Cave Suites Cappadocia – I was lucky enough to stay at the Design Cave Suites in Goreme. The location was great and I walked to all attractions. The rooftop garden was awesome for sunrise balloon watching. The buffet breakfast spread was amazing as were the cave-style room designs.

Best Cave Hotel with Pool: Local Cave House Hotel– This cave hotel rose to fame because of its incredible pool. Make sure you click the link and check out how epic the pool backdrop is, with those classic Cappadocia rock formations in the background and traditional cave rooms it is a top pick.

Cave Hotel with Best Roof View (and dogs): Sultan Cave Suites – This cave hotel became famous because of its epic rooftop area for sunrise viewing. Guests can lay out on traditional pillows and carpets while watching the hot-air balloons flying above. The hotel dog might also join you for a photoshoot on the roof!

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT THE REST OF MY CAPPADOCIA BLOG POSTS?

Click on one of the articles below to check out all of the places you should visit while in Cappadocia!

The big guide! This post has all of my favorite activities, which I personally did while in Cappadocia for ten days: 24 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CAPPADOCIA

The hiking guide! Find out about all of the best hikes in Cappadocia with details, directions and lots of photos: 8 AWESOME HIKES IN CAPPADOCIA

Thinking about flying in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia? Read this first: CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOONS: THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY

Have you heard about the castles in Cappadocia? Check these out:

THE UCHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

ORTAHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

CAVUSIN CHURCH, VALLEY & CASTLE

Not sure where is the best region to stay? Wondering which hotel provides the best value? Check out this guide that will help you decide: WHERE TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA: THE BEST HOTELS & HOSTELS

OR… I write a post about the 12 BEST CAVE HOTELS IN CAPPADOCIA that you might find interesting.

I’ve written a blog post for almost all of the places I’ve visited while in Cappadocia. You can find every single one of these articles right here: CAPPADOCIA ARCHIVES

This guide will help you decide where to stay in Cappadocia so that you have a magical visit. My personal favorites are Sultan Cave Suites for its delicious breakfast and terrace and Traveller’s Cave Hotel for its value for money and amazing view.

There are five different regions to stay in Cappadocia and each has its own highlights. The towns of Göreme and Uçhisar, for example, are the most popular picks and Goreme is my personal favorite as it offers the best views of hot air balloons every morning. But for a quieter place to stay, Uchisar may be a better pick instead.

QUICK PICKS: 3 BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA

Don’t have time to read my detailed breakdown of all the best places to stay in Cappadocia? No worries! These are my three top picks for where to stay in Cappadocia. If you book one of these three, you are guaranteed to have a great stay in a great location!

Sultan Cave Suites

• Insta-worthy
• Delicious breakfast
• Terrace

Check price

Mithra Cave Hotel

• Best View
• Luxury
• Amazing location

Check price

Traveller’s Cave Hotel

• Value for Money
• Amazing view
• Outdoor

Check price

WHERE TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA COMPARISON TABLE

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN TURKEY

When you book your Turkey Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use Discover Cars. They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

Book now with Discover Cars

13 BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA

I’ve covered the best places to stay in Cappadocia – ranging from budget-friendly cave hotels and hostels, best value guesthouses, to luxurious cave hotels. I’ve split the blog up into five sections.

• The 2 best luxury cave hotels in Cappadocia
• The 2 best value places to stay in Cappadocia
• The 3 best cave hotels with pools
• The 3 best cheap places to stay in Cappadocia
• The 2 best places to stay in Uchisar with pools

GOREME TOWN

Goreme is the center of all tourism in Cappadocia. It is certainly the most touristy town as major travel and tour agencies are based here. It also offers the widest price range of hotels, with both boutiques and hostels on offer to suit every budget. The best thing is that you can get a close-up view of hot air balloons and can walk to the famous Goreme Open Air Museum which is the most visited attraction in Cappadocia. If it’s your first time in Cappadocia, then Göreme is definitely the most convenient place to stay.

2 BEST LUXURY CAVE HOTELS

SULTAN CAVE SUITES

Sultan Cave Suites (Insta-worthy): Perhaps you’ve seen Insta-couple photos on Instagram posing
with tons of hot balloons and colorful skyscapes, delicious breakfast set up on the table, colorful cushions, and cute dogs as a backdrop- yes this is the place!

Sultan Cave Suites is best known for its breakfast terrace and really popular with Instagram influencers and couples. In my opinion, the owners here are quite genius as they set up the terrace every morning for the guests to enjoy taking tons of photos for their social media while watching the panoramic view of Goreme.

It’s not only about the best view, but this hotel also has suite rooms of different sizes; ranging from junior suite to sultan suite. The hotel staff can arrange local excursions such as hiking and hot air balloon flights which are must-do activities in Cappadocia. If you are seeking a truly magical holiday, this is the best cave hotel in Cappadocia.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Sultan Cave Suites

Sultan Cave Suites

• Insta-worthy
• Delicious breakfast
• Terrace

Check price

MITHRA CAVE HOTEL

Mithra Cave Hotel (Best View): Mithra Cave Hotel is a luxury cave suite with terrific views of many
hot air balloons gliding over Goreme town. Compared to other luxurious cave hotels, Mithra’s price is quite competitive considering it’s the most photographed cave hotel in town because of its insane view of hot air balloons in the morning.

This property offers numerous terraces adorned with beautiful carpets and pillows – not to mention they also have a cute dog which you can take photos with, too! The rooms are cozy, breakfast is beautiful, and the hotel staff is very welcoming so it’s not just a pretty setting. It is a fantastic place to stay for Instagrammers and luxury seekers. No doubt this is one of the very best cave hotels in Cappadocia.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Mithra Cave Hotel

Mithra Cave Hotel

• Best View
• Luxury
• Amazing location

Check price

3 BEST VALUE CAVE HOTELS

Cappadocia is home to the famous best value cave hotels in the world. With an affordable price, customers can get more than what they want- stunning views of the city, Goreme in particular; awesome food, great location, as well as access to other activities. The value hotels here are top-rated by guests for their elaborate architecture and cozy environment. These accommodation choices below are perfect for your budget.

AYDINLI CAVE HOTEL

Aydinli Cave Hotel: This family-run hotel is in a small converted home made of stones and natural rocks. This charming hotel is equipped with everything you need and it’s very close to hustle and bustle of Goreme town.

From its rooftop terrace, you can get a panoramic view of the wonderful city of Goreme while having a taste of Turkish buffet breakfast which is included in the price. I think is really cheap considering how big the rooms and bathrooms are, and the owners are always available to assist guests in every way they can like arranging private tours and activities. Undoubtedly, it is one of the the best places to stay in Cappodocia and is value for money!

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Aydinli Cave Hotel

Aydinli Cave Hotel

• Rooftop terrace
• Panoramic view
• Best-rated accommodation

Check price

ARIF CAVE HOTEL

Arif Cave Hotel: If what you’re looking for is an accessible property in Goreme, then look no further than Arif Cave Hotel. With its convenient location, the property offers easy access to famous restaurants, shopping centers, and even the city’s must-see attractions. They also have a wide range of amenities and recreational activities like horse riding.

The sweetest part of the stay was unwinding on the balcony with a glass of wine while enjoying the epic sunset view. If you’re fortunate enough to visit Cappadocia and want to witness this insane view from the highest rooftop in town make sure you stay at Arif Cave Hotel.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Arif Cave Hotel

Arif Cave Hotel

• Convenient location
• Easy access to famous restaurants, shopping centers
• Good value for money

Check price

TRAVELLER’S CAVE HOTEL

Traveller’s Cave Hotel

From the name itself, this hotel is suitable for all types of travelers even for backpackers who want to have a comfy stay for a not-so-expensive price. Included in its rooms are a fireplace, hot tub, a minibar, and most importantly, a safe box where you can keep your precious belongings.

For $78 a night, you’ll get exemplary service, a sumptuous buffet-style breakfast, and amazing morning views with hot air balloon background. It feels like home!  One of the best value places to stay in Cappadocia.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Traveller’s Cave Hotel

Traveller’s Cave Hotel

• Budget
• Fireplace, Minibar, Hot tub
• Very reasonable

Check price

 

3 BEST CAVE HOTELS WITH POOLS

These cave hotels provide an extraordinary experience with their best facilities and amenities like outdoor pools, fireplaces and more.

LOCAL CAVE HOUSE HOTEL

Local Cave House Hotel: Perhaps you are looking for a place with a pool this time yet still cater to your budget. This is probably the most famous pool in Cappadocia! The Local Cave House House is definitely the place!

Located right in the heart of Goreme, this boutique-style property offers spacious rooms with traditional Turkish design, a huge modern bathroom, comfy beds, and a balcony. I personally like the massive outdoor pool which is surrounded by sun loungers where guests can enjoy the panoramic views of Goreme. It’s also accessible to everything and the staff is incredibly helpful here. This hotel has table tennis too; seriously it has everything you could ask for. Definitely the best hotel in Goreme town!

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Local Cave House Hotel

Local Cave House Hotel

• Budget
• Pool
• Boutique-style

Check price

ANATOLIAN HOUSES CAVE HOTEL

Anatolian Houses Cave Hotel: Anatolian Houses Cave Hotel is centrally located in Goreme town, close to restaurants shops, and attractions. What’s really interesting is that the property has a unique and modern art concept accommodation wherein you can find a lot of artifacts all over. The hotel gives you a wonderful feeling of a rustic lifestyle with all the comfort you may get from a 4-star hotel.

The superb staff makes you feel at home- they are extremely helpful. It also boasts both a large indoor and outdoor pool which feels like having a Roman bath. They also offer excursions but a major plus point for this hotel is the lovely natural architecture. One of the most well-designed and classiest places to stay in Cappadocia.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Anatolian Houses Cave Hotel

Anatolian Houses Cave Hotel

• Unique and modern art concept
• Comfortable
• Outdoor pool

Check price

GRAND CAPPADOCIA HOTEL

Grand Cappadocia Hotel: This boutique-style hotel offers everything for the comfort of its guests. It features a large outdoor pool where you can swim all you want. The hotel has a terrace in each room where you can enjoy watching the amazing views around and smell the lovely scents of the flowers in its garden.

There is also a little kitchen and a shared lounge, so it’s a good opportunity for you to meet new friends. The breakfast was buffet-style and it was beautiful and delicious. For me, the staff makes the hotel really great as they are extremely helpful. Grand Cappadocia Hotel is a smart choice for travelers to Goreme, offering a relaxed and hassle-free stay every time.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Grand Cappadocia Hotel

Grand Cappadocia Hotel

• Large outdoor pool
• Terrace
• Helpful staff

Check price

3 CHEAPEST PLACES TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA

CAPPADOCIA CAVE ROOMS

Cappadocia Cave Rooms: If you are traveling on a budget, you may want to consider this cave room. This family-run property in the middle of the town of Göreme offers a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of Cappadocia and fairy chimneys.

The location is great as it is very close to everything including the bus station, shops, restaurants, and museum. I couldn’t fault this place; it’s way cheaper compared to decent cave rooms in Goreme town. Overall, I liked the place because of the service, location, rooftop view, and what it can offer. From here, guests can make the most of all that the lively city has to offer.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Cappadocia Cave Rooms

Cappadocia Cave Rooms

• 360-degree bird’s-eye view
• Great location
• Budget

Check price

GOREME CAVE ROOMS

Goreme Cave Rooms: Goreme Cave Rooms is in the center of the hustle and bustle of Goreme. This is one of the cheapest cave rooms to stay and the location is perfect for getting around town. The terrace makes for a great view of watching the balloons rise in the morning.

This property does a good job as they are always helpful with recommendations on excursions. I would suggest booking the tours here as they would give you a good price. I personally recommend this place not only because of its great service and delicious breakfast, but also the amazing panoramic view from its terrace. Definitely one of the cheapest places to stay in Cappadocia!

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Goreme Cave Rooms

Goreme Cave Rooms

• Cheapest
• Great view
• Delicious breakfast

Check price

STAY IN PEACE CAVE HOSTEL

Stay in Peace Cave Hostel

Another option for budget travelers is the Stay in Peace Cave Hostel. For around $20, you can get a comfy bunk bed with a shared bathroom and free breakfast. Airport pickup and bike rental are also available so it’s a very good deal.

There are plenty of restaurants nearby so you won’t worry about getting hungry. It’s also an ideal place to meet like-minded fellow travelers or backpackers around the world. For me, this is my best pick in terms of budget.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Stay in Peace Cave Hostel

Stay in Peace Cave Hostel

• Budget
• Comfortable
• Best pick

Check price

UCHISAR TOWN

Uçhisar is less touristy and also known for its breathtaking rock castle which is the highest viewing point in Central Cappadocia. The area is isolated compared to Goreme yet offers incredible views of Cappadocia and is home to many nice luxury hotels, inns, and rental villas. I

2 BEST HOTELS IN UCHISAR

HERMES CAVE HOTEL

Hermes Cave Hotel (Couple Pick): Hermes hotel is one of the best-rated hotels in the Uchisar area due to its great location. The view from the hotel includes, of course, breathtaking balloons during sunrises which you can observe from your window as well as the Uchisar castle from the terrace of the hotel. They’ve got an amazing staff and the food was top-notch.

This luxury suite is a bit of an undiscovered find and at a very reasonable price. I highly recommend this cave hotel especially the deluxe suite to couples traveling to Cappadocia. This hotel gives a real sense of true Cappadocia.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Hermes Cave Hotel

Hermes Cave Hotel

• Couple pick
• Great location
• Budget

Check price

MUSEUM HOTEL

Museum Hotel (Family Pick):

Museum Hotel is a fancy hotel located on the slope of Uçhisar which boasts phenomenal views over the valleys. What’s really interesting is that the hotel is based on the concept of a living museum and even the rooms contain relics. The view of the hot air balloons from the hotel’s Roman Pool is breathtaking and the Roman ruins scattered throughout the grounds make for some unique photo opportunities.

The pool can be heated so it’s still swimmable even in the winter. No doubt, this is one of the most sought-after hotels in Cappadocia.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Museum Hotel

Museum Hotel

• Family Pick
• Fancy location
• Phenomenal views

Check price

I hope you enjoyed this list of the best places to stay in Cappadocia. I’m sure you now have a good idea of where you want to stay in Cappadocia for a magical visit.

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT THE REST OF MY CAPPADOCIA BLOG POSTS?

Click on one of the articles below to check out all of the places you should visit while in Cappadocia!

The big guide! This post has all of my favorite activities, which I personally did while in Cappadocia for ten days: 24 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CAPPADOCIA

The hiking guide! Find out about all of the best hikes in Cappadocia with details, directions and lots of photos: 8 AWESOME HIKES IN CAPPADOCIA

Thinking about flying in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia? Read this first: CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOONS: THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY

Have you heard about the castles in Cappadocia? Check these out:

THE UCHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

ORTAHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

CAVUSIN CHURCH, VALLEY & CASTLE

Not sure where is the best region to stay? Wondering which hotel provides the best value? Check out this guide that will help you decide: WHERE TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA: THE BEST HOTELS & HOSTELS

OR… I write a post about the 12 BEST CAVE HOTELS IN CAPPADOCIA that you might find interesting.

I’ve written a blog post for almost all of the places I’ve visited while in Cappadocia. You can find every single one of these articles right here: CAPPADOCIA ARCHIVES

VISITING CAVUSIN VALLEY, VILLAGE, CHURCH, AND CASTLE

In this blog post, I will share everything you need to know about all the attractions in Cavusin.

WHERE IS CAVUSIN IN CAPPADOCIA

Cavusin is a great little village just on the outskirts of Goreme, taking about 10 minutes by car from the town center of Goreme to Cavusin. It is nearby the Pasabag Fairy Chimneys. Once you are there in Cavusin, you can’t really miss the castle or the church. However, to make it easier for you it is important to know to put into Google Maps ‘St John’s Baptist Church’, when trying to find the Cavusin Castle. The church shows up normally in Google Maps.

I’ve embedded a map below that shows the pin for the Cavusin Castle. We walked from the Cavusin Church, through Cavusin Valley to Cavusin Castle. There was a lot to see on the way with some of the most impressive earth pillars in all of Cappadocia in my opinion.

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN TURKEY

When you book your Turkey Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use Discover Cars. They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

Book now with Discover Cars

TOURS THAT INCLUDE CAVUSIN CHURCH

There is an awesome tour: Full-Day Cappadocia Tour, which is an epic day of adventures including the following.

• Visit Red Valley, renowned as one of the most spectacular valleys of Cappadocia
• Hike through the colorful and breathtaking fairy chimneys of Red Valley and descend to underground cities
• Walkthrough narrow corridors and discover numerous rooms and storage carved from the soft volcanic stone
• Cavusin Castle visit
• Explore Pigeon Valley and its picturesque sceneries as well as the towering Ortahisar Rock Castle

 Book your tour: Full-Day Cappadocia Tour

Full-Day Cappadocia Tour

• Visit Devrent Valley
• Customizable
• Hotel Pickup

Book tour

MY EXPERIENCE IN CAVUSIN, CAPPADOCIA

We originally came to check out the Cavusin Castle, but a lovely old lady invited us in to show us her sunflower garden, the Cavusin Church and a cave bedroom she said was 2000 years old. A little hard to comprehend for an Australian who grew up in a country with only a couple hundred years of modern history (although tens of thousands of years of indigenous history).

I think from memory she charged us 1 Turkish Lyra to enter her viewing point, which was not something I think was too popular judging by the setup. It did though, have incredible views of the backside of the church. The church was closed on our visit to Cavusin although we couldn’t find out why. You can still get a great look at the church by walking around the base of it. Cavusin Church is a huge rocky mountain rather than the typical church building you may be thinking of.

From the church, we walked directly through the farm fields, where there wasn’t much of a trail. A huge dust funnel swept through, reminding us about just how hot we were in this barren plain. Luckily the walk across to the castle only took about 20 minutes and was quite scenic along the way. Within this valley, the Cavusin Valley, are hundreds of cave houses and earth pillars (chimneys) to marvel at. There are a few sites in particular that are truly remarkable feats of erosion over the centuries.

We had now reached the castle and had taken the back way up to climb. There were a few others at the top, several of which had driven their motorbikes all the way up. I think they must have a different route to the one we climbed up, which wasn’t suitable for a bike.

At the top of the castle, you can tell it has been built into the side of the cliff because it is almost just an extension of the mountain. Only as you walk further toward the edge does it become more of a building and less of a cliff. There are hundreds of rooms to explore but it is quite difficult to get into them unless you come from the bottom side up. We made it over the flag pole, which seemed to be chained off but seemed relatively safe. 

From the top of the castle, we had views over Cavusin Village, Cavusin Valley, and all the way back to Cavusin Church and even Goreme. This could be a pretty epic spot to watch the Cappadocia hot air balloons at sunrise.

WHERE TO STAY IN GOREME, CAPPADOCIA

Where I stayed: Design Cave Suites Cappadocia – I was lucky enough to stay at the Design Cave Suites in Goreme. The location was great and I walked to all attractions. The rooftop garden was awesome for sunrise balloon watching. The buffet breakfast spread was amazing as were the cave-style room designs.

Best Cave Hotel with Pool: Local Cave House Hotel– This cave hotel rose to fame because of its incredible pool. Make sure you click the link and check out how epic the pool backdrop is, with those classic Cappadocia rock formations in the background and traditional cave rooms it is a top pick.

Cave Hotel with Best Roof View (and dogs): Sultan Cave Suites – This cave hotel became famous because of its epic rooftop area for sunrise viewing. Guests can lay out on traditional pillows and carpets while watching the hot-air balloons flying above. The hotel dog might also join you for a photoshoot on the roof!

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT THE REST OF MY CAPPADOCIA BLOG POSTS?

Click on one of the articles below to check out all of the places you should visit while in Cappadocia!

The big guide! This post has all of my favorite activities, which I personally did while in Cappadocia for ten days: 24 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CAPPADOCIA

The hiking guide! Find out about all of the best hikes in Cappadocia with details, directions and lots of photos: 8 AWESOME HIKES IN CAPPADOCIA

Thinking about flying in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia? Read this first: CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOONS: THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY

Have you heard about the castles in Cappadocia? Check these out:

THE UCHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

ORTAHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

CAVUSIN CHURCH, VALLEY & CASTLE

Not sure where is the best region to stay? Wondering which hotel provides the best value? Check out this guide that will help you decide: WHERE TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA: THE BEST HOTELS & HOSTELS

OR… I write a post about the 12 BEST CAVE HOTELS IN CAPPADOCIA that you might find interesting.

I’ve written a blog post for almost all of the places I’ve visited while in Cappadocia. You can find every single one of these articles right here: CAPPADOCIA ARCHIVES

HOW TO GET TO ZEMI VALLEY HIKE

I actually had quite a difficult time finding this information online so I made sure to document well for you guys. Nothing worse than trying to hike a trail and not being able to simply locate the entrance. So the trail runs from Goreme to pretty much the middle of nowhere between Uchisar and Ortahisar. The best thing to do is to either get dropped at the end trailhead and walk back to Goreme. What we did is leave from Goreme and hitchhike/walk back to Uchisar and then the Goreme. Either way is fine.

The trailhead in Goreme is well signed and easy to find. From Goreme town center you walk towards the Goreme Open-Air Museum (There is only one road you can do this on). The trail will be signed on your right with a parking lot right there also. I’ve attached photos and a map below to make sure you find it. The best thing to drop into your Google Maps is “Cappadocia Adventure”. This ATV Shop uses the same turn off from the main road and leads you right to the Zemi Valley hike trailhead. In Turkish, it is called Zemi Vadisi in case you see that signed anywhere. You can also see on the map a road that says Zemi Vadisi Yolu. This is the Zemi Valley hiking trail.

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN TURKEY

When you book your Turkey Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use Discover Cars. They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

Book now with Discover Cars

MY EXPERIENCE ON THE ZEMI VALLEY HIKING TRAIL

With a true disregard for the strong Turkey summer sun, we set off in the middle of the day to hike the Zemi Valley Trail. After finding the entrance as detailed above, we set off on the shady, leafy trail not knowing what to expect. It was suggested that the trail is 5.8km in length and would take about 2.5 hours. I can confirm that is pretty accurate although it could be done faster if you hustled straight through without photos.

The first thing we came across was the Zemi Cafe. We’d already eaten but it could be a nice spot to have a coffee or breakfast before beginning the hike. It was spacious, in the shade of the trees and had a peaceful vibe to it.

The first sign you will come across will point left to the Al Nazar Church, which would be a 20-minute detour or you stay on the right and begin on the Zemi Valley Trail.

The trail is a wide, sandy path that is often covered by the trees within the valley but there is also ample time out in the direct sun, which we copped heavily! We met no-one on this trail except some ducks, which wound its way along a small stream and making several crossings. There were multiple times where we had to walk through a thin layer of mud, which I assume would be quite messy in the winter!

The trail was definitely more of a brisk walk than a hike as we pushed our way through the bushes and into some beautiful clearings. Cave houses and rock art were found throughout the hike and we even had to make our way through a number of caves along the trail. Towards the end of the trail, there were several rock arches, which had formed over the trail, which was just like the Love Valley Trail.

The signs on this trail are great, giving you frequent updates of not only which direction to go but also how many meters remaining. The final stretch is a little uphill as you need to make your way up and out of the valley. This led us to the exit point (could be your entry point), which is signed from the main road but in quite an isolated spot. I’ve attached a photo of the sign to help you find it if need be.

ADVENTURE BAG FROM ZEMI VALLEY TREK

This is an adventure bag. It is full of trash. Every time I go on an adventure I collect one adventure bag full of trash. It’s my small way of saying thanks to mother nature for allowing me to enjoy her beautiful creations. If we have time to go on an adventure we have time to collect an adventure bag on the way back out of the trail once we have enjoyed the waterfall, the hike or the beach. Adventure hard!

Tag your @adventurebagcrew on Instagram and mention @adventurebagcrew in your Instagram stories to be featured and inspire your friends, family, and followers to join the movement!

WHERE TO STAY IN GOREME, CAPPADOCIA

Where I stayed: Design Cave Suites Cappadocia – I was lucky enough to stay at the Design Cave Suites in Goreme. The location was great and I walked to all attractions. The rooftop garden was awesome for sunrise balloon watching. Buffet breakfast spread was amazing as was the cave style room designs.

Best Cave Hotel with Pool: Local Cave House Hotel– This cave hotel rose to fame because of its incredible pool. Make sure you click the link and check out how epic the pool backdrop is, with those classic Cappadocia rock formations in the background and traditional cave rooms it is a top pick.

Cave Hotel with Best Roof View (and dogs): Sultan Cave Suites – This cave hotel became famous because of its epic rooftop area for sunrise viewing. Guests can lay out on traditional pillows and carpets while watching the hot-air balloons flying above. The hotel dog might also join you for a photoshoot on the roof!

Budget Option in Goreme: Emre’s Stone House – For just $6 USD per night you can enjoy Cappadocia and this budget accommodation even has an epic rooftop to enjoy. It’s the best value in Goreme, Cappadocia.

OR

Save money in Cappadocia by staying at an Airbnb! Get a FREE $40 Airbnb Coupon by using my code when you book! I use Airbnb on about half of my travels and find you always get more value than a hotel.

TRANSPORT IN CAPPADOCIA

Hire a Private Driver: Hiring a driver for a few hours to take you to several sites will cost about 100 Turkish Lyra depending on the car and your negotiation, which is about $20 USD. This is a good idea if you want to see 1-2 locations in an afternoon.

One of the best ways to get around is to hire a driver that will allow you to create a customized itinerary. That way you can visit all the spots you are interested in. To hire a private car with a driver/guide you can book online here or you might be a bigger group and in that case, it can be cheaper to hire a van in Cappadocia, which also comes with a driver. 

Rent a Mountain Bike: We thought about renting a mountain bike but they were 150 Turkish Lyra for the entire day so it would have been 300 Turkish Lyra for both of us just to transit around. That’s almost $60 USD. It would have been fun but once we fund out everyone wanted to help us by giving us lifts there wasn’t much need. We either walked or hitchhiked.

Rent A Scooter/Moped: A scooter costs about 150-200 Turkish Lyra ($30-40 USD) per day and could be handy if you want to explore some attractions a bit further away or venture over to Uchisar.

Rent an ATV: Given the rough terrain in Cappadocia, an ATV is a fun option to help you explore the natural wonders and rock formations of the region. Prices are about $40 USD for two hours. If you are keen to head out on an ATV there is an awesome Quad-Bike Safari Tour that takes you through Sword, Love and Rose Valley during golden hour!

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT THE REST OF MY CAPPADOCIA BLOG POSTS?

Click on one of the articles below to check out all of the places you should visit while in Cappadocia!

The big guide! This post has all of my favorite activities, which I personally did while in Cappadocia for ten days: 24 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CAPPADOCIA

The hiking guide! Find out about all of the best hikes in Cappadocia with details, directions and lots of photos: 8 AWESOME HIKES IN CAPPADOCIA

Thinking about flying in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia? Read this first: CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOONS: THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY

Have you heard about the castles in Cappadocia? Check these out:

THE UCHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

ORTAHISAR CASTLE VIEWPOINT

CAVUSIN CHURCH, VALLEY & CASTLE

Not sure where is the best region to stay? Wondering which hotel provides the best value? Check out this guide that will help you decide: WHERE TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA: THE BEST HOTELS & HOSTELS

OR… I write a post about the 12 BEST CAVE HOTELS IN CAPPADOCIA that you might find interesting.

I’ve written a blog post for almost all of the places I’ve visited while in Cappadocia. You can find every single one of these articles right here: CAPPADOCIA ARCHIVES