Cappadocia, located in the heart of Turkey, is a magical region known for its unique landscapes and hot air balloons that paint the sky at dawn.
We have prepared a 3-day guide to help you make the most of your visit, including how to get there, how to get around, and what not to miss.
If you are planning a trip to this magical destination, here you will find everything you need to know for an unforgettable experience.
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How to get to Cappadocia
Plane
The quickest and most convenient way to get to Cappadocia is by plane. There are two main airports in the region:
Kayseri Airport (ASR): Approximately 75 km from Göreme. This is the airport with the most daily flights to and from Istanbul.
Nevşehir Airport (NAV): Approximately 40 km from Göreme.
International Flights: Most international flights arrive at Istanbul International Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). From there, you can catch a domestic flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir.
From the airport to your hotel, opt for a transfer service. Many hotels in Cappadocia offer this type of service from Kayseri and Nevşehir airports. Check with your hotel to see if they offer this service and book in advance.
Bus
Another option is to travel by bus, especially if you are in another Turkish city. There are bus services that operate from several cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya.
The journey can be long, but buses in Turkey are generally comfortable and well-equipped. From Istanbul to Cappadocia, this was the mode of transport we chose. The journey went very well, taking about 11 hours and we were able to rest.
During the journey, they even offer water, a snack, and tea or coffee. We liked the service and it was a great option for us. We bought the ticket through the Obilet App.
Car
Renting a car is a good option if you prefer to explore the region at your own pace. The roads are generally good and well-signposted. The distance from Istanbul to Cappadocia is around 730 km.
How to get around
To explore the Cappadocia region you have several transport options available.
Rent a car
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Cappadocia, as it gives you the flexibility and freedom to visit the sites at your own pace. You can rent a car at the airport upon arrival or in the center of Göreme.
Transfers and Taxis
Private Transfers: Many hotels offer private transfer services to major tourist attractions. This is a convenient option and can be booked in advance. You can also book through GetYourGuide.
Taxis: Taxis are plentiful throughout the region and can be a good option for short trips. Be sure to negotiate the price before your journey or ask the driver to use the meter.
Guided Tours
Taking a guided tour is a great way to explore Cappadocia, especially if you’d rather not worry about the logistics. Many tour operators offer single-day or multi-day packages, including transportation, a guide, and entrance fees to attractions.
3-day Cappadocia itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and exploring Uçhisar
Arrival in Göreme: Arrive in the morning and check into your hotel. We recommend staying in a cave hotel, a classic in the region. Leave your bags in the room and get ready to explore the region.
Pigeon Valley: We rented a car and started exploring Cappadocia in the Uchisar region. We headed towards Pigeon Valley, which is about 10 minutes from Göreme. This valley is known for its pigeon houses carved into the rocks. Here you can take a short trail to Uchisar Castle. The walk is easy and the valley is a great place to take photos and enjoy the scenery.
Uçhisar Castle: We then arrived at Uchisar Castle and WOW, it was one of our favorite views in the entire Cappadocia region. We walked along the paths around the castle, which has an enchanting setting, it feels like we are in a movie. You can climb to the top of this castle carved into the rock, the climb is relatively easy and the views from up there are spectacular, with a sweeping view over Cappadocia. The entrance fee is 150 TL.
Sunset in the Red Valley: We ended the first day watching the sunset in one of the most beautiful places in Cappadocia, the Red Valley. This valley is very popular for watching the sunset, as the colors of the valley change with the sunlight, providing a truly incredible natural spectacle. Bring a chair and a drink and come watch this moment. The entrance costs 20 TL.
Dinner at a local restaurant: In the center of Göreme you will find a wide range of restaurants serving a wide variety of traditional Turkish dishes. Try typical dishes such as "testi kebabı" (kebab cooked in a clay pot).
Day 2: Hot Air Balloon Ride and Outdoor Adventures
Hot Air Balloon Ride: Start your second day with the best activity you can do in Cappadocia: riding a hot air balloon. We recommend booking this activity well in advance, as it is one of the region’s biggest attractions. This adventure starts at dawn, with pick-up from your hotel. As flights leave very early, you will have the opportunity to start the day with breakfast before the flight. Then, you will head to the place where you will take off and this is where the magic happens! The flight takes place at sunrise and lasts about 1 hour. It is an unforgettable moment, flying over Cappadocia in a hot air balloon with breathtaking views.
Breakfast at the Hotel: After the balloon ride, return to the hotel for a hearty breakfast. Take the opportunity to rest a little before continuing your day.
Love Valley: Continue your day exploring Love Valley. This valley is well-known for its peculiar rock formations, shaped like “fairy chimneys”. Here you have two options: If you want to see them from the viewpoint, you can type “Love Valley” into Google Maps, and the entrance fee is 30 TL. If you prefer to see them from the ground, we recommend typing “Love Valley Trail” into Google Maps. Entrance is free here and it is the start of a trail. To reach the rock formations, you have to take a short walk, which is very easy to do.
Paşabağ Valley (Monks Valley): We continued to the Monks Valley, which is an open-air museum that is also very popular for its rock formations. Entry to this valley costs €12 and also gives you access to the Zelve Open Air Museum. The landscape here is truly unique and it is worth exploring every corner. We chose to visit these two museums instead of the Göreme Open Air Museum because it was more affordable and the place was less crowded.
Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley): This place is famous for its rock formations that resemble animals and figures. The most famous is a rock formation that looks like a camel. Entrance is free.
Whirling Dervish Show: For the full experience, we recommend ending your last night in Cappadocia with a whirling dervish ceremony. The ceremony lasts about an hour and is the perfect combination of traditional music, rhythm, and dance as the whirling dervishes perform their ancient rituals.
Day 3: Explore Goreme
Sunrise: On this last morning in Cappadocia, we recommend waking up early again, but this time to watch the sunrise with the balloons in the background. Watching the sunrise with the balloons on the horizon is a magical experience and a great time to take photos. There are two highly recommended spots: Love Valley or Aşıklar Tepesi (Hill of Lovers), the latter of which can be reached on foot from the center of Göreme. You can take advantage of this moment to have a photo shoot with a professional photographer or rent a dress and do your photo shoot.
Pottery Class: One of the activities you can do in the region is to take part in a pottery class and create your own piece. This is a great opportunity to learn about local art and create a unique souvenir of Cappadocia.
Stroll through the center of Göreme: Before leaving Cappadocia, we recommend taking a short stroll through the center of Göreme. The city center is full of restaurants and shops where you can buy souvenirs at affordable prices.
More days in Cappadocia?
Göreme Open-Air Museum: If you have a few extra days in Cappadocia, take the opportunity to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its rock-cut churches and ancient frescoes. One of Cappadocia’s top tourist attractions, this museum is a complex of rock-cut churches, chapels, and monasteries with stunning paintings dating back to the 10th to 12th centuries.
Cappadocia is one of the most beautiful places we have ever been to, it looks like a place straight out of a movie. Although we were not lucky enough to see hot air balloons in the air, we realized that there were plenty of activities to do in the region.
If you are planning a visit to Turkey, don't hesitate to include Cappadocia in your itinerary. Every moment of this trip will be a memory for a lifetime, and I am sure that you will be enchanted by everything that Cappadocia has to offer.
Have a good trip!
Staying Connected
If you plan to visit Vietnam, don't forget that mobile data does not work outside the European Union!
The best solution to stay connected to the Internet is to buy an eSIM or a local SIM. This time we used a Local SIM, but in other travels, we bought an eSIM at Airalo, and it always worked well. Just have a phone compatible with eSIM and buy the card through the Airalo app. It's very easy!
Get Travel Insurance
It is essential to be prepared for any trip you take, especially outside of Europe. Unexpected events happen, and no one wants to come back from vacation with a huge hospital bill to pay. That's where travel insurance comes in, an indispensable ally to ensure tranquility and safety for your holidays.
IATI offers numerous types of travel insurance depending on your type of trip and various coverages. Moreover, by purchasing insurance through our link, you get a special 5% discount.
Don't let unforeseen events ruin your adventure!
Click here to get your discount.
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