A few reasons why Cappadocia should be on your travel radar: one, it is a geological anomaly dotted with towering honeycombed rock pinnacles dubbed ‘fairy chimneys’, two, it is home to an extensive network of underground cities and mysterious subterranean chambers, and three, its eroded volcanic terrain lends it a lunar landscape.
Adding to the surreal charm of the place are the homes Cappadocians have chiselled out for themselves in the soft rock, paving the way for signature cave-dwellings and – surprisingly – luxurious boutique hotels. So whether you’re drawn in by the hiking potential of the place, by its troglodyte lifestyle or by its historic and cultural significance, Cappadocia serves up a one-of-a-kind, not-to-be-missed experience.
And below are a few travel highlights and tips from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism on how to make the most of your visit.
EXPLORE UNDERGROUND CITIES
Beneath Cappadocia’s rock formations are underground cities that historically served as sanctuaries during periods of strife – lookouts would sound a warning horn if an enemy was spotted approaching, and the entire city, along with its livestock, would simply vanish underground until the danger had passed, which could last for a period of months. The largest of these underground cities is more than ten levels deep, with narrow passages and tunnels connecting the floors, and features subterranean churches, seminaries, water reservoirs, stables and even serpentine ventilation shafts.
STAY IN A CAVE
Göreme is probably the most popular destination in Cappadocia and is populated with cave hotels. Many cave dwellings and fairy-chimney chapels have been converted into boutique hotels, where you can try the troglodyte lifestyle in luxury. Features include cave hamams (Turkish baths), rock-cut arches, walls patterned with volcanic colour-banding and panoramic terraces overlooking the valleys.
TAKE A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE
Every morning, if the conditions are right, the skies of Cappadocia are dotted with dozens of hot air balloons – last year almost half a million tourists viewed the Cappadocian landscape from these symbolic hot air balloons. The balloons float up with sunrise and gently drift over and between fairy chimneys, orchards and vineyards, through impressive valleys, each with distinctive rock formations, and then float up over rippled ravines for breath-taking views of the landscape.
HIKE
Cappadocia offers endless trails for the hiker. Pick a valley, pack a lunch and some water, and go for the day. You will find endless caves and rock-climbing opportunities. Uchisar castle is the highest point in the region and offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the whole Cappadocia region. Alternatively, you can get around by mountain biking, horse riding or on scooter through the valleys from Göreme.
ENJOY A TURKISH NIGHT
The Turkish Night Show – presented in multiple venues across Cappadocia – highlights traditional folk music and dances indigenous to various regions of Turkey. This lively performance is a popular tourist activity, and is a great way to take in the local culture, unwind after a day of sightseeing and allows for audience participation.
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Where to stay
Cappadocians have chiselled out homes for themselves in the soft rock, paving the way for signature cave-dwellings and surprisingly luxurious boutique hotels. Our top hospitality pick includes:
ARGOS IN CAPPADOCIA
This boutique hotel serves up quite the experience: built on the site of an ancient monastery, its guest rooms and suites are spread among six mansions, connected by a five-and-a-half kilometre tunnel and an underground city. Once a subterranean warren of passages and living spaces hollowed out as sanctuaries and hidden shelters, this hotel offers a unique historical perspective, and comes complete with cave pools.
No. of rooms: 51
CAPPADOCIA CAVE RESORT AND SPA
Literally built right into a mountain, this luxury hotel offers a dramatic view of the region. And in spite of its rooms coming complete with raw cave walls, the hotel offers modern enmities including a digital jukebox and a massage tub and is best known for its relaxing experience.
No. of rooms: 79 and 26 suites
MUSEUM HOTEL CAPPADOCIA
The Museum Hotel has been designed and created from a distinctive combination of the land and historical features and ruins, some intact and some beautifully restored to their original glory. Notably, no room in the hotel is alike – the unusual ‘living museum’ concept means that cave rooms and specially restored traditional feature stunning views of Cappadocia. Perfect for history buffs.
No. of rooms: 30