If you have the time, a visit to Turkey practically requires a visit to Cappadocia. The region is just fascinating with its beautiful otherworldly landscapes, history, and bountiful things to do. While most people reserve one to two days of their Turkey trip for Cappadocia, I highly suggest allocating at least four days if you want to see and experience the wide variety of things on offer in this region. Here are ten things to do in Cappadocia, in no particular order:
Be taken on an Adventure: Hot air ballooning is a fantastic way to view Cappadocia’s landscape. You just have to be willing to wake up at 4am!
Make your own Adventure: Wandering the many valleys with a personal guide or on your own gives you the opportunity to examine the otherworldly landscape up close. Make sure you have a hat and lots of water!
Examine Ancient Art: There are many ancient rock churches in this region, either as a standalone or as part of a museum. The condition of the paintings vary wildly so it is a good idea to visit several to experience the variety.
Make your own Art: A sunset walk in the Red Valley or just sitting in the view point’s parking lot can yield beautiful sights that will cause your photography shutter finger to itch…
Explore Above Ground: Soganli Valley is a great place to experience how some people still live a traditional lifestyle, to visit lesser known rock churches, and to wander around the valley’s nooks and crannies with no one around to bother you.
Explore Under Ground: Underground cities are abundant in Cappadocia. However, there are two that are more popular to visit…and for good reason. One is the deepest of the cities and the other is the widest of the cities.
View Artistic Traditions: Pottery is for what the town of Avanos is known – and it has been that way for centuries. A visit to Avanos will allow you to not only buy beautiful works of art but also see how it is made in the traditional manner.
View Religious Traditions: Dervishes whirl in Cappadocia – here, you will find real followers of the Mevlevi Order who perform the sema for visitors to the caravanserai. It is quite a unique ceremony to witness so seize the opportunity to see it!
Eat as a Foodie: Food in Cappadocia can definitely be a highlight. One dish to try is the Testi Kebap. This dish is meat, onion, garlic, tomatoes, and green peppers, all baked in a clay pot. If you have a fun waiter, he’ll present it sealed and have you crack open the clay pot to reveal the steaming food within.
Drink as a Foodie: While people may not exactly associate Turkey with wine, Cappadocia is actually a grape producing region. As such, there is a small yet growing wine industry. Go for a wine tasting!
