Nestled in the heart of Central Turkey, Cappadocia is a place that doesn’t just ask you to look, it asks you to pause. To let your eyes linger a little longer on the undulating valleys, on the surreal spires of rock that look like they’ve been plucked from another planet, and on the soft morning light that washes over the town of Göreme as hot air balloons dot the sky like floating lanterns.

Sure, you’ve seen the Instagram reels. But Cappadocia is far more than just a dreamscape for drone shots. It’s a region layered with history, spirituality, and quiet awe, where ancient civilisations once carved homes, churches, and entire cities into the volcanic stone. I’ve had the chance to experience this dreamscape firsthand, and honestly, it felt like walking through a world suspended between fantasy and memory.

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Here's a thoughtfully curated list of the best things to do in Cappadocia, experiences that go beyond the bucket list and invite you to travel deeper.

If you're headed to Cappadocia, chances are you’ll come across the famous Green Tour and Red Tour, two popular day trips that make exploring the region’s highlights easier without planning every detail yourself. I did both, and while they’re geared toward first-time visitors, each offers a very different side of Cappadocia.

The Red Tour sticks closer to Göreme and is packed with postcard spots like the panoramic viewpoints, fairy chimneys of Pasabag (Monks Valley), Devrent Valley’s whimsical rock shapes, and the beautiful frescoes at Göreme Open-Air Museum. It’s the more relaxed of the two and great if you’re short on time or easing into the region.

The Green Tour, on the other hand, takes you deeper, both geographically and emotionally. It covers a wider stretch of southern Cappadocia, including the haunting Derinkuyu Underground City, where entire communities once lived hidden beneath the earth. From there, it winds through the lush Ihlara Valley, a deep canyon with a river trail flanked by cave churches, and ends with the dramatic Selime Monastery.

I would definitely recommend taking both the trips, to explore the best that Cappadocia has to offer.

The Iconic Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia

If there’s one thing in Cappadocia that is on every traveller’s bucket list, that’s definitely this! Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia isn’t just an activity, it’s the region’s most iconic experience. Floating over a landscape of surreal valleys and whimsical rock formations at sunrise feels like stepping into a dream. With dozens of colourful balloons dotting the sky and the first light of day casting golden hues on the fairy chimneys below, this is one of those rare travel moments that lives up to the hype.

What to Expect from the Hot Air Balloon Experience in Cappadocia

• Pre-dawn Pickup: Your day starts early, as most balloon operators will pick you up from your hotel around 4:00–5:00 AM. You’re taken straight to the launch site where the real magic begins. Watching the balloons inflate in the dark, with fire lighting up the giant canopies, is an experience in itself. There's a quiet excitement in the air as everyone gets ready for liftoff.

• Floating Over Valleys at Sunrise: You glide silently over Göreme’s valleys, fairy chimneys, and surreal rock formations. As the sun rises, the landscape shifts in colour, from soft purples and blues to golden orange. The flight typically lasts about an hour, but the memory lingers long after.

• For Non-Ballooners: Not flying? Don’t worry. Just watching the balloons lift into the sky is equally breathtaking. Head to Sunset Hill, Red Valley Viewpoint, or the terrace of your cave hotel if you have one. The pre-dawn light and dozens of balloons floating together make for a truly cinematic moment.

Getting There

You won’t have to stress about directions. Most companies provide round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off, when you book a hot air balloon ride. If you're staying somewhere off the beaten path, make sure to confirm transportation details in advance. Cappadocia doesn’t have great public transport, but local taxis and shuttles arranged by your accommodation work well.

When It Gets Crowded

The launch site buzzes with energy just before sunrise. With multiple operators setting off simultaneously, it can get busy as everyone’s eager to capture the shot. Post-landing, the scene may feel a bit chaotic, too, especially when tour buses and celebration setups converge. But none of that takes away from the quiet magic you feel once you’re in the sky.

A Quick Tip: Book your balloon ride for your first morning in Cappadocia. Weather can be unpredictable, and flights often get cancelled due to wind. Having buffer days means you have time to reschedule. Also, consider going with smaller baskets (12–16 people) for a more personal experience, and always choose a company with a solid safety record, even if it means spending a bit more.

Stay in a Cave Hotel While in Cappadocia

Staying in a cave hotel in Cappadocia is not just about having a bed for the night, and it’s about stepping into the story of the land itself. These unique stays are carved into the same volcanic rock that ancient civilisations once called home. The rooms may have stone walls and arched ceilings, but they’re far from primitive.

Expect all the modern comforts (Wi-Fi, rainfall showers, plush bedding), and in many cases, rooftop terraces with postcard-perfect views of hot air balloons drifting by at sunrise.

What Makes It Special

Waking up in a cosy cave suite, stepping out onto a terrace wrapped in morning light, and watching the sky fill with dozens of colourful balloons - it’s hard to beat that. The rock keeps the rooms naturally cool in summer and warm in winter, so they’re incredibly comfortable year-round.

Some hotels, like Sultan Cave Suites, Koza Cave Hotel, Cappadocia Inn, and Museum Hotel, have become destinations in themselves. They offer incredible sunrise views, traditional Turkish breakfasts, and stunning interiors that blend heritage with boutique charm.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Rooftop views matter. Pick a hotel with an open terrace if you want to photograph the balloons or just soak it all in with a cup of coffee.

• Not all rooms are created equal. Some cave rooms are more enclosed than others. If you're claustrophobic or prefer windows, opt for a partially cave-structured room.

• These hotels sell out fast during peak seasons (April–June, September–October), so book in advance if you want the best rooms with the best views.

If you plan to travel to Turkey, here’s a month-by-month guide to help you plan your trip.

Where to Stay

• Göreme: The most popular base, close to valleys, restaurants, and balloon take-off points.

• Uçhisar: Quieter, with panoramic views from the highest point in Cappadocia.

• Ürgüp: Offers slightly more upscale cave hotel experiences, often with spacious suites.

All three towns are well-connected. Most hotels offer airport pickups from Nevşehir (NAV) or Kayseri (ASR), so getting there is straightforward.

Best Things to do in Cappadocia with the Red Tour

For good reasons, the Red Tour is one of Cappadocia's most popular guided day tours. It covers many of the region’s most iconic sights, all conveniently clustered around Göreme and its nearby valleys. If you’re visiting Cappadocia for the first time, this tour perfectly introduces its surreal beauty, historical depth, and geological wonders.

1. Uchisar Castle: A Panoramic Welcome to Cappadocia

The tour often begins with a visit to Uchisar Castle, the highest natural point in Cappadocia. From a distance, it looks like a jagged hill, but come closer, and you’ll notice windows, tunnels, and chambers carved directly into the rock.

Historically, the castle served as a watchtower and refuge during invasions. Today, you can hike up to the top (the climb is short but steep) and take in sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. On a clear day, you’ll even spot Mount Erciyes in the distance.

2. Göreme Open-Air Museum: A Journey into Monastic Life

Next, the tour leads to one of Cappadocia’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Göreme Open-Air Museum. This cluster of rock-cut churches, chapels, and monasteries dates back to the 10th to 12th centuries, when Christian monks carved out entire religious complexes into the soft volcanic rock.

Inside, you’ll find vivid frescoes depicting scenes from the New Testament, saints, and angels. The Dark Church (Karanlık Kilise) is particularly noteworthy; it requires a separate ticket, but the well-preserved artwork inside, protected for centuries from light and air, is breathtaking.

You’ll walk along stone paths, explore ancient sanctuaries, and get a glimpse of what daily life might have looked like for early Christian communities in this remote corner of the world.

3. Love Valley: A Landscape that Defies Description

With a name that always raises eyebrows, Love Valley is famous for its peculiar, phallic-shaped fairy chimneys, rock formations that rise tall and narrow from the earth, sculpted by erosion over millennia.

The viewpoint offers an incredible panorama of the valley, with rows of spires set against a backdrop of soft hills and farmland. It’s a short stop, but one of the most visually arresting. You’ll find a few souvenir stalls here and a swing overlooking the valley if you're in the mood for a photo.

4. Avanos: Pottery, Tradition, and the Kızılırmak River

From surreal valleys, the tour shifts to the quaint town of Avanos, located along the banks of the Kızılırmak (Red River), Turkey’s longest river. Thanks to the fine red clay sourced from the riverbed, Avanos has been a hub for pottery since the Hittite period.

Here, you’ll visit a local pottery workshop where artisans still use foot-powered wheels to shape their pieces. There’s usually a live demonstration, and if you’re up for it, you can try your hand at moulding the clay. The town also has narrow lanes, local cafés, and a more grounded, everyday charm that contrasts beautifully with the rest of the tour’s ancient sites.

5. Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley): Where the Rocks Tell Stories

One of the most whimsical stops on the Red Tour is Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley. Unlike other valleys in Cappadocia, there are no churches or cave dwellings here. Rather, it’s just an open space filled with rock formations that resemble animals and fantastical shapes.

Locals and guides will point out the "camel," the "seal," and even a "Virgin Mary" formation. It’s like staring at clouds; everyone sees something different. The joy here is in slowing down and letting your imagination run wild. No climbing needed, just a walk through nature’s surreal sculpture park.

6. Pasabag (Monks Valley): Home of the Mushroom-Capped Fairy Chimneys

Pasabag, also called Monks Valley, is one of Cappadocia's most visually iconic parts. Here you’ll find the famous mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys, tall columns of stone topped with dark, rounded caps, formed by layers of lava and volcanic ash resisting erosion at different rates.

In the early Christian era, monks carved small hermit cells and chapels into the chimneys, living in solitude. You can actually step inside one of these and imagine the isolation, the quiet, the dedication it must have taken.

The walking paths here are easy to navigate, and the formations are close together, making it a great stop for both photography and quiet reflection.

7. Çavuşin Village: A Glimpse of Abandoned History

Some versions of the Red Tour include a stop at Çavuşin, a partially abandoned village known for its crumbling cave houses and rock-hewn churches. The Church of St. John the Baptist, perched on a high cliff, is one of the oldest in the region and offers panoramic views over the valley.

This stop isn’t always included, but it is worth exploring if your tour operator offers it. It provides insight into how communities once lived side by side with nature, adapting to the contours of the land.

During my 48 hours in Cappadocia, I took both the Red and Green Tours and was left in awe. I would definitely recommend going on both!

Best Things to do in Cappadocia with the Green Tour

The Green Tour in Cappadocia is one of the most immersive ways to explore the region’s raw natural beauty and underground secrets. It takes you beyond the fairy chimneys and balloons to showcase the more rugged, lush, and mysterious side of this surreal landscape.

1. Derinkuyu Underground City

This is one of Cappadocia’s most jaw-dropping archaeological wonders. Derinkuyu is the largest excavated underground city in Turkey, stretching up to 85 meters deep. At least eight levels are open to the public (and more are still hidden from excavation).

Believed to date back as far as the 8th century BCE, this subterranean marvel once provided refuge for thousands during times of war or persecution. Walking through its narrow stone tunnels, you’ll come across everything from wine presses and communal kitchens to stables, storage rooms, ventilation shafts, and even a chapel. Imagine families, animals, and entire communities living in the dim glow of oil lamps beneath the earth.

What Not to Miss:

• The massive circular stone doors were designed to be rolled shut to block invaders.

• A vertical ventilation shaft that doubled as a well.

• The church on the lowest accessible level - an eerie, sacred space etched in stone.
  

Travel Tip: The passages can be tight, low, and dark in parts—avoid this stop if you’re severely claustrophobic. Bring a light jacket, as the underground temperature remains cool even in summer.

2. Ihlara Valley: A Green Oasis in a Volcanic Landscape

From underground darkness, you emerge into a lush sanctuary: Ihlara Valley, often referred to as Cappadocia’s hidden Eden. This 14-km gorge, carved by the Melendiz River, slices through the volcanic plateau and is flanked by towering canyon walls, sometimes up to 100 meters high.

The valley is famous not just for its natural beauty but for its rich religious history. Dozens of cave churches are carved into the rock face, remnants of Byzantine monks who settled here between the 4th and 11th centuries. Many churches are still adorned with colourful frescoes that have stood the test of time.

Highlights of Your Walk:

• Ağaçaltı Church (Church Under the Tree) is one of the most accessible and decorated cave churches, with red and green ceiling frescoes featuring biblical scenes.

• Gentle hiking paths that meander through wild poplars, fig trees, and blooming flowers.

• Stone bridges crossing over babbling river streams, which are ideal for a rest or photo stop.

Travel Tip: Most Green Tours cover a manageable 3–4 km section of the valley. Wear good walking shoes, carry water, and prepare for some uneven terrain.

3. Belisırma Village: Enjoy Lunch by the River

After your canyon hike, you’ll stop at the charming riverside village of Belisırma for a much-needed lunch break. This sleepy little village offers a string of family-run restaurants with rustic wooden platforms set right above the water, perfect for a serene, post-hike meal.

Food Favourites to Try:

• Gözleme – a thin, crispy flatbread stuffed with cheese, potato, spinach, or minced meat.

• Fresh trout, caught from the river and grilled on-site.

• Mercimek çorbası (lentil soup) with warm bread.

• Finish with traditional Turkish tea or a glass of refreshing nar suyu (pomegranate juice).

Travel Tip: Ask for a water platform table for the most atmospheric dining. Don’t rush, as the tour slows down here, and you’ll want to soak in the countryside's calm atmosphere.

4. Selime Monastery: A Cathedral in the Cliffs

Post-lunch, prepare for one of the most dramatic stops on the tour: Selime Monastery. This multi-level monastic complex, carved directly into volcanic rock, towers above the valley below. Built in the 8th or 9th century, it was used as both a monastery and a fortress. It’s also believed to be part of the Silk Road route, serving as a caravanserai at one point.

Climbing up the steep slope, you’ll explore vast chambers, dormitories, storage rooms, and a massive rock-cut church with a central dome and arched windows, all interconnected by passageways and staircases worn smooth by centuries of footsteps.

Why It’s Special:

• It’s the largest rock-cut religious structure in Cappadocia.

• The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking—mountains, valleys, and farmlands stretch into the distance.

• It’s said to have inspired parts of the visual design for Star Wars, though the film wasn’t shot here.

Travel Tip: The climb is short but steep, with uneven footing. Go slow and wear shoes with a good grip.

5. Pigeon Valley Panoramic Viewpoint 

On the return drive, most tours make a final stop at a Pigeon Valley viewpoint, a peaceful ridge where you can see the valley roll out into the horizon. Named after the thousands of dovecotes carved into its cliffs, the valley once played a key role in agriculture, as locals collected pigeon droppings to use as fertiliser for vineyards.

Today, it’s one of Cappadocia’s most scenic photo stops, especially in the late afternoon light.

What You’ll See:

• Cone-shaped rock formations and fairy chimneys are scattered across the valley

• The distant silhouette of Uçhisar Castle rising above the landscape

• Optional stalls where local women sell handmade jewellery and scarves

Explore Cappadocia on Horseback: Ride Through the Land of Beautiful Horses

There’s something almost poetic about riding through Cappadocia on horseback. After all, the region’s ancient name, ‘Katpatuka’, means “Land of Beautiful Horses.” And this isn’t just a romantic idea; the wide-open valleys, dramatic ridgelines, and fairy chimneys make it one of the most rewarding landscapes to explore from the saddle.

I signed up for a sunset ride through the Rose and Sword Valleys, and the experience was nothing short of magical. With each turn, the scenery shifted, from towering rock spires to hidden cave dwellings, all bathed in dusk's warm, golden light. Unlike crowded viewpoints or hiking trails, these riding paths felt untouched, quiet, and beautifully raw.

How to Plan It:

Most horseback tours start from Göreme, and your hotel can easily book it for you. Rides usually last 2 to 3 hours and include a local guide who knows the terrain well. You don’t need riding experience, just a sense of adventure and a willingness to connect with the land.

When to Go:

Sunset rides are definitely the most sought-after, and for good reason: the valleys glow in soft orange hues, and you get to watch the fairy chimneys cast long, dramatic shadows. If you prefer a more meditative experience, opt for a morning ride as it’s quieter and cooler, especially in summer.

Travel Tips:

Wear long pants and closed shoes, and ask if helmets are provided for safety. Bring a camera or phone with a strap, because I’m sure you’ll want to capture this from the saddle. And don’t worry if you’ve never ridden before, as the horses are well-trained and the pace is gentle.

Enjoy Turkish Night Shows: A Taste of Local Culture

Think of Turkish Night as a vibrant, theatrical introduction to the country’s diverse folk traditions. These evenings usually take place in atmospheric venues, sometimes in old stone halls, sometimes in underground restaurants carved into rock. Expect a high-energy mix of regional dances, live music, and generous servings of mezze and local wine or raki.

The performances represent different parts of Turkey. Watch as dancers twirl in elaborate costumes, stomping to the beat of drums and zurnas. There’s often a comical wedding reenactment or a fire dance, and yes, belly dancing, too. While it can lean toward the touristy side, the energy is infectious when the performers are authentic and the crowd is engaged.

What to expect:

• A 3-hour program with live folk music and traditional dances from across Turkey

• Unlimited drinks (depending on the venue) and a set Turkish dinner

• Audience participation (don’t be surprised if you’re pulled into the fun)

• Venues in Göreme or Avanos that offer cave-style dining settings

Tip: Book your Turkish Night through a well-reviewed operator or hotel to avoid overly commercial versions. Some of the best venues include Evranos Restaurant in Avanos and Yasar Baba Restaurant near Ürgüp.

Cappadocia is a destination like no other. From its breathtaking landscapes to its rich history, every corner of this region tells a story. While the hot air balloons and cave hotels are must-dos, take time to explore the hidden valleys, underground cities, and rock-cut churches to appreciate the depth of the city truly. With some planning and these insider tips, your journey through Cappadocia will be unforgettable.

Pack your curiosity, your camera, and a sense of adventure, and Cappadocia will reward you with memories that last a lifetime.