Top Things to do in Cappadocia, Turkey
- Pragnya Das
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
Cappadocia, a stunning region in central Turkey, is renowned for its unique "fairy chimney" rock formations, ancient cave dwellings, and sunrise hot air balloon rides. Cappadocia’s landscape includes dramatic expanses of soft volcanic rock, shaped by erosion into towers, cones, valleys, and caves. We visited Cappadocia last year, and spent 5 wonderful days experiencing the best of the region. Cappadocia is not a city or a town in itself, but a region centered around the towns of Göreme, Nevşehir and Kayseri. If you are looking forward to visit Cappadocia and still thinking how to reach there and what to do there, then here it is, with all the information you need.
Skiing:
Yes, you can ski at Cappadocia. Don't be surprised! You can ski but yes you'll have to make some effort. Mt. Erciyes Ski resort is a famous destination for skiing. At a height of 3300 meters and around 90 kms away from Göreme, it is a great activity if you love snow and ski.
Location: Erciyes Ski Resort
Cost: Transport Around 50 euros, Ski 100-150 euros
Skiing at Mt. Erciyes Horse Riding:
Horse riding is another popular activity in Cappadocia. Given the beautiful terrains all around the region, the horse riding is really enjoyable. There are number of ranches all around the region.
Cost: 15-20 euros
Hiking:
There are some beautiful treks across the region. The wonderful landscape, terrain and volcanic valleys offers great sights all along the trek.
Cost: Free
Recommended treks: Rose and Red Valley, Pigeon Valley, Love Valley, Ihlara Valley
The Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia ATV Experience:
ATV riding is another popular activity at Cappadocia. There are numerous ATV tours offered by rental companies. These tours will take your through 4-5 locations, with some great photo spots.
Cost: Around 15 euros (1 - 1.5 hours)
ATV tour at the Cappadocia valleys Hot Air Balloon Watching:
Cappadocia is a place that offers greatest of views. Imagine a sky filled with 100s of hot air balloons, flying over beautiful valleys and fairy chimneys. This is an activity for which you do not need any agent. You just have to wake up early and look out for a great spot to witness the hot air balloons.
Cost: Free
Hot Air Balloon Watching Turkish Night and Dinner:
An evening filled with fun and food! Another great experience, that you should not miss. The Turkish nights are filled with amazing performances depicting the Turkish culture and dance. The Turkish night are usually held at cave restaurants and the package includes pick up, drop, dinner and drinks.
Cost: 40-50 euros
Trike Tour:
This is a very unique fun experience. You would love the Trike tour if you like cute looking vehicles. The photo below should be enough to convince you to do this activity, usually spanning 2 hours.
Cost: 30-40 euros
Trike tour at Göreme The Fairy Tale Photoshoot:
A once in a lifetime photoshoot, the best gift that you can offer to your better half. Fairy chimneys, colorful valleys, shops full of carpets and hot air balloons - the views that would mesmerize you forever.
Cost: 200-350 euros for a couple
Photoshoot at Cappadocia Stay at Cave Hotel:
Cappadocia is full of beautiful cave hotels. Some of them are built within natural caves and fairy chimneys, while some of the newer ones are artificially built. While the beautiful ones and the one built in natural caves are relatively expensive but completely worth staying for at least a couple of days.
Cost: Starting from 100 euros a night
Hot Air Balloon Ride:
An activity which is unmissable! Although there are many places where you can take a hot air balloon ride but what makes Cappadocia unique is the beautiful landscape. An activity which is highly advertised all over Cappadocia and it is worth all the hype. Waking up early is a challenge, but the bigger challenge is the weather, as balloons need a clear sky to fly.
Cost: 70-100 euros per person
Hot Air Balloon Ride at Cappadocia
How to reach Cappadocia?
Option 1 - Cheapest - Bus:
There are numerous overnight, comfortable buses that operate from major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya till Göreme or Kayseri. Based on your source city, the bus journey could take 7-12 hours. We took an overnight bus from Antalya to Göreme, which was quite comfortable. For more information subscribe to out travel vlogs, where we bring new informative travel vlogs every week.
Option 2 - Car:
More expensive but nice if are travelling with kids or friends. You can rent cars from the major cities or book a car with driver from any travel agent.
Option 3 - Flight:
The most expensive option, but sure to save a lot of time. Kayseri airport serves well, and connects all major Turkish cities. Fly to Kayseri and take a local taxi to your hotel.
Useful Apps and Links: Top things to do in Cappadocia
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