The heart of Turkey’s Anatolia region, Cappadocia’s mix of naturally formed rounded and jagged rock, hill, valley, and chimney formations makes the area look like something from a Disney fairy tale. Despite its relative small size, it is this dreamlike attraction that has made the region one of Turkey’s tourism capitals. Many tourists come from around the world just to see the seemingly unbelievable place with their own eyes, whether from the ground, sea or from more than a thousand feet in the air.
Here are our five reasons to make the trip…
Stay inone-of-a-kind surroundings
Whether Cappadocia reminds you of a fairy tale, a lunar landscape, or a scene from the Flintstones, local hoteliers have made the most of the area’s natural resources, updating carved-out cave dwellings to create contemporary experiences to wonder travellers. While a night in a cave dwelling doesn’t sound like a luxurious experience don’t be fooled; each is outfitted with all the top amenities from high-end to hostel, so visitors on all budgets are catered for.
A personal favourite is Argos in Cappadocia is one of the more eccentric cave-rendered properties in the area. A truly wonderful experience the caves even earned a spot on Fodor’s 100 Hotel Awards.
Take to the skies for the view of a lifetime
A wonderful way to see Cappadocia and its surrealistic landscape from way up in the air. Each day before the sun rises, the skies of Cappadocia are filled with hundreds of hot air balloons floating around a dozen passengers for an hour or so of dawn-time sightseeing of the beautiful rock formations. In fact, Cappadocia is one of the world’s most popular destinations for hot air balloon riding.
There are a number of companies that take passengers, but this is an area where you do truly “get what you pay for” so it’s worth spending a few extra notes on. The companies that lean towards the higher price points tend to employ more experienced pilots and pack fewer riders into the basket.
Taste traditional Turkish cuisine
Foodies amongst us will be happy to hear that every day in Cappadocia starts with a spread. Traditional Turkish breakfast consists of cheeses, breads, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggs, jam, and honey, all fresh and mostly locally sourced. Turkish tea, a strong, black tea served in an hourglass-shaped glass is one to look out for. Usually consumed with breakfast it has no milk, but honey and sugar are often added to make it less harsh on the palate. Definitely one to try!
One of the most beloved foods in Turkey is kebab, generally referring to skewered, flame-cooked meat; the specialty in Cappadocia is the testi kebab. Testi kebab is a stew of meat and vegetables baked in a fire and served in a clay pot, with bread or foil covering the opening.
A visit to the winery Kocabag is a must. The Cappadocia region is one of Turkey’s most famous wine areas, with vineyards nestled into the many valleys that litter the expanse. The practice of winemaking here dates back thousands of years, which makes it a perfect stop on any tourists’ travels.
Experience ultimate relaxation
If there is one thing you notice as soon as you arrive in Cappadocia it is the tranquil unhurried pace that life takes on here making it the ideal backdrop for unwinding away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Spend your days lounging on outdoor terraces, in the caves, or wandering around the hills and your cares will soon seem less pressing.
For pampering and relaxation in true Turkish fashion, schedule a trip to the hammam, or Turkish bath. A historic tradition and central element of Turkish culture, bathing at a hammam is all about the business of cleansing and relaxing though bathing can vary in its form. A mud mask, a sauna, pools, showers, a massage, a quiet room, and an attentive scrub-down are all possibilities. Remember; men and women have separate facilities and are tended to by people of their same sex so for most, don’t expect a romantic setting.
You can walk the walk
Unsurprisingly, many travellers choose to take to their own two legs and hike in Cappadocia on their own, following one of the many hiking trails up and around the local towns. If this is something that is up your street, the Goreme Open Air Museum is one of the region’s top attractions and offers ramblers a system of more than 30 fresco filled churches dating back through the 9th to 11th centuries. Another popular excursion with hikers is Cappadocia’s underground cities, constructed in Roman times by Christians who looked to escape persecution by living underground.
Cappadocia is a wonderful tourist attraction for all of the right reasons whether that is on your own or as part of an expert led turkey tour. So there we have it, you’d be crazy not to visit.
