The 12 things to do in Cappadoce

Visit Turkey to discover one of the most beautiful regions of the planet! What to do in Cappadocia? Here are the 12 must-sees not to be missed.

Located in the heart of Anatolia, the Cappadoce region is unique in the world. Three volcanoes carved a landscape that seems straight to come from another planet. Its lands with ochre and powdery colors contain real works of natural art. But the various human civilizations that have succeeded have also left invaluable treasures to the world. You will find a profusion of troglodyte vestiges and cave sites, swept by a true mythological breath.

Gorëme, Derinkuyu, Ürgüp... Discover Cappadoce, its valleys, underground cities and villages with so evocative names. Here are the 12 things not to be missed during your stay!

1. Gorëme

Among all the wonders that can be found in Cappadocia, the Gorëme valley is the most famous. It contains a small troglodyte village of the same name, carved together by erosion and man. Through its alleys, you have the opportunity to observe these curious log houses dug into the rock from the fourth century. Around you, a lunar panorama extends. It is mouched with fairy chimneys, columns of natural rocks topped by a hat.

Close by, you will find the Gorëme outdoor museum. It is a Byzantine monastic complex, now a place of pilgrimage from the 17th century. Here you can marvel at churches, monasteries and chapels dug in the rock. Some remains contain frescoes to breathe.

2. Derinkuyu

Cappadoce's toponymy often takes part in the magic of the place. This is especially true for Derinkuyu, which means “deep well”. Derinkuyu is an underground city, the largest and certainly the most beautiful in Turkey. If her story is full of mysteries, we know she would have been dug in the 8th or 7th century before our era. She could then house nearly 20,000 people and their cattle!

But Derinkuyu had many other functions. Refuge for Greek Christians persecuted by the Roman Empire, then for Orthodox Christians driven by the Omeyyades and the Abbasids, a place of protection for Greeks against Turkish nationalists... Today, it is open to tourism. Visiting the Cappadoce is an opportunity to visit the Derinkuyu mazes and learn more about the curious daily life of its former inhabitants.

3. The valley of love

Visiting the Cappadoce is discovering valleys that do not resemble what you already know. The valley of love is a perfect example. It offers a huge landscape with beige camaieux, which houses unusual rock formations! For if the valley has been registered for UNESCO’s world heritage, it is especially for its many fairy chimneys. These are the big columns that gave his name so pretty to the valley. Why? You can be judged by yourself by contemplating the photos...

The valley of love offers unforgettable walks among these beautiful tuf chimneys with a suggestive shape. The special light that bathes the places and fragrance of apricot trees participate in making the atmosphere unique.

4. The church of Tokali

What to do in Cappadocia to maximize its religious heritage? The visit of the cave churches is obviously a must. While most were founded around the 11th century, others date back to the 4th century. The region is home to a large number, and all are exceptional. However, the most impressive of all is perhaps the church of Tokali, or church of the Boucle. Built in the early 10th century, it houses a spectacular set of medieval frescoes.

Despite their venerable age, they are admirably well preserved. Visiting Cappadocia is therefore an opportunity to admire these striking examples of the Byzantine art of the Middle Ages. An extraordinary millennium vestige.

5. Zelve

The Zelve Open Sky Museum is an excellent alternative to Gorëme. If you’re looking to find out what to do in Cappadoce to run away from the crowd, it’s here to go! Zelve offers breathtaking reliefs. Carved with small tuft chimneys, the site also houses many cave constructions. Churches, houses, mills, pigeon trees...

In just over two hours, you will have time to go through the trails reserved for tourism. A very charming ride, during which you may not meet anyone!

6. Sobesos

What to do in Cappadocia to get to know his story better? Did you know that the region had belonged to the Roman Empire for a while? From this time, there is nothing left. The most famous vestige is the ancient city of Sobesos, founded in the fourth century of our era. In fact, it is the only Roman city known in the region. It was discovered only in 2002! Lost in a green field, Sobesos will be a visit a little apart during your stay in Cappadoce. If the excavations are still in progress, you can already have a beautiful view! Among the Agora, the Baths, the Basilica and the Cemetery, you will find beautiful mosaics and bas-reliefs.

Sobesos attracts little tourists. Yet we recommend this parenthesis. Between ambient tranquility and flowering apple trees, the atmosphere is ready for immersion.

7. Uçhisar

Visiting Cappadoce is an opportunity to discover many troglodyte villages. Uçhisar is one of the most beautiful in the region. Less tourist than Gorëme, it offers sumptuous landscapes. His particularity? It is dominated by a rocky piton, the Castle of Uçhisar, or Kale. The latter is covered by a complex network of galleries and caves. They were dug in the Hitlerite era, that is, about 1500 years before our era! The “first known skyscraper of history” gives Uçhisar airs of Tatooine. Especially since it is not a “death” heritage. Some troglodyte houses are still inhabited!

8. Açik Saray

Açik Saray is a must-see visit to the Cappadocia in all its complexity. It is an exceptional heritage, called the palace in the open air. In truth, it is a monastic ensemble founded by the followers of Saint Basile the Great of Caesarea.

On the site you will find three cave churches, as well as a series of rooms dug into the tuf. Two carved facades particularly attract the look. In a way, they recall the Al Khazneh Gate of Petra.

Don't miss the Mantar, the star of postcards! Indeed, it is the most emblematic fairy chimney of the Cappadoce. An unusual treasure.

9. The pink valley and the red valley

Visit the Cappadocia without admiring the palette of flamboyant colours offered by the pink valley and the red valley? Unthinkable! Güllüdere and Kizilcukur are unmissable. Take a day to explore the characteristics of these sites. The erosion carved on the landscape of the curves of great delicacy. But nature is not the only craftsman! On the way, you will also meet cave churches decorated with ancient frescoes.

If the path is known to be easy to browse, we recommend that you have a map to spot you. Many visitors end the hike by missing some points of interest. In any event, this escapade in Turkish nature will engrave in your mind many shapes and colors.

10. The Sarihan Caravanserail

The Sarihan caravanserail is a superb example of Islamic architecture to visit in Cappadocia. But what is a caravanserail? It is a place to be used as a stop for merchant caravans and pilgrims. Fortified, it has stables, shops and rooms. The Sarihan caravanserail was built in the 13th century by the Seldjoukides and restored in the 20th century. Hence the different shades of stones that you can observe on the site.

The monumental entrance of Sarihan is particularly interesting. Its beautifully preserved façade is very finely carved. It has complex motives, some of which are simply unique in the Islamic sphere.

11. Mustafapasa

Mustafapasa is a charming commune that was inhabited by the Greeks until 1923. This is an ideal visit if you are looking for what to do in Cappadoce to find out more about this cohabitation! Indeed, among the beautiful troglodyte houses pierced in the cliff, you will encounter typical Greek dwellings. You have the opportunity to visit them. They present an admirable stone work. Take a break at the Old Greek House , built in the 19th century, to enjoy a mint tea.

In Mustafapasa, do not miss the visit of the churches of Saint-Constantin and St. Helena. Their foreheads are decorated with grape cluster paintings. If you want to go inside, you can request the keys at the tourist office.

12. Ürgüp

What to do in Cappadoce if you are looking for authenticity? Ürgüp is a troglodyte village that has kept all its charm. Walking in its old quarters dug into the white rock promises a real time of escape. In addition to the sumptuous landscape that spreads at its feet, its animated alleys are worth a visit.

The cliquetis of the craftsmen’s tools and the rumour of the small shops participate in enriching the atmosphere. If you have to choose a day of the week to visit Ürgüp, it’s Saturday! The market is indeed particularly pleasant. Want to relax? Visit the Ürgüp hammam, an ancient Greek church redesigned.

How to get to Cappadocia?

To visit the Cappadoce, you can make a connection from one of the main cities of Turkey. In general, from France, you will land in Istanbul. But you may also want to go from Bodrum, Izir, Antalya, Ankara, etc. To find the most interesting flights, visit our partner's website Ulysses : Compare selects the most accessible rates according to your departure dates.

Then, to reach the Cappadocia, several solutions are available to you:

• The plane : Kayseri Airport is 80 kilometres from Uçhisar. Indoor flights allow you to access it from Istanbul, Bodrum, Izir, Antalya, etc.
• The bus : cheap solution, it allows you to visit the Cappadocia from many Turkish cities;
• The car : renting a rental car is an excellent solution. It will allow you to visit the Cappadocia freely!

Once on site, you can use the most Turkish means of transport, the dolmuş. Ideal to reach different villages and sites of interest.

Where to stay in Cappadocia?

Are you wondering where to sleep in Cappadocia? Many choices are available to you. If you want to stay in a real postcard setting, you can turn to Gorëme or Uçhisar. It is a tourist destination that houses a wide range of accommodation solutions. Moreover, to discover it and thus enjoy the best offers of the moment, we suggest you to use a Compare hotels .

If you want to get away from the tourist hustle, you can go to Ürgüp or Cavusin. These typical troglodyte villages have a formidable charm that combines with a gentle tranquility.

You want to stay in a real Turkish city? Meet Avanos! If it does not have many sites of interest, it offers visitors a beautiful authenticity. You will find hotels and hotels Airbnb at good price.