Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s most impressive destinations, renowned for its unique geological landscapes, rich history and cultural heritage. A trip to Cappadocia includes visits to historical monuments, natural wonders and unforgettable experiences such as hot air ballooning.
Cappadocia was the destination we chose for our 1st group trip. So we, and a group of ten people, started from Athens, in May 2024, to spend 6 unforgettable days together. We arrived at Kayseri airport after a stopover in Istanbul. Our 2 flights lasted 1 hour each, which adds to Cappadocia’s advantages as an ideal travel destination. Read the program we followed so that you too can experience Cappadocia to the fullest!
Kayseri
Kayseri is not considered a tourist town. However, it is worth spending a few hours to explore it. Kayseri is a city of historical and cultural importance, located in the Cappadocia region of central Turkey. It is one of the oldest cities in Turkey, with a history that stretches from ancient times to the present day. It was founded by the Hittites and was an important center during the Roman and Byzantine Empires. The city is an important economic center of Turkey, known for its production of carpets, textiles and industrial development. It also has one of the largest industrial parks in the country.
What to see in Kayseri?
Visit the castle of Kayseri and the picturesque alleys with the old houses and the big bazaar for shopping. Be sure to try the local delicacies such as mandi (a type of dumpling filled with minced beef), sucuk (traditional sausage) and pastourma, three famous, traditional dishes of the region.
The city is home to Erciyes University, one of the largest and most important universities in Turkey, which attracts students from all over the country and world. Don’t miss to visit the Mother Mary Church which has been converted into an impressive library where you will mostly find students studying.
Underground cities
The underground cities of Malakopi and Kaimaklis are two of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Cappadocia region of Turkey.
- Malakopi (Derinkuyu): The underground city of Malakopi, known today as Derinkuyu, is the largest and one of the most famous underground cities in Cappadocia. It was discovered by accident in 1963 and has an estimated depth of approximately 60-85 meters, extending eight levels below the earth’s surface. The city includes a number of dwellings, storehouses, kitchens, churches, schools and stables, and could accommodate around 20,000 people along with their livestock. Derinkuyu is cleverly designed to ensure adequate ventilation and protection from intruders, with a complex system of wells, vents and hidden doors. The city was suitable for extended residence and was probably used during the period of Arab raids in the 7th and 8th centuries.
- Kaymakli: The underground city of Kaymakli, equally impressive, is one of the largest in the region. It is located near the city of Nevsehir and has been in use since the Hittite era, around the 2nd century BC. The city spans eight levels, although only four of them are open to the public today. The architecture of the city of Kaimaklis includes storage areas, kitchens, wineries, residences and places of worship. The city also used a ventilation system to ensure fresh air and was designed to be self-sufficient during the period of attacks.
Common Characteristics of Underground Cities
Both underground cities served as refuges for the inhabitants of Cappadocia during periods of war or persecution. Underground life allowed people to survive for long periods, as cities were equipped with all the necessary infrastructure for daily life. The use of volcanic stone from the area allowed the easy excavation and shaping of the underground spaces.
Traffic of underground cities
Both underground cities are now popular tourist destinations. Visitors can explore the extensive networks of tunnels and chambers to get a glimpse of ancient life in Cappadocia. Exploring these cities offers a unique glimpse into the ingenuity and resilience of the region’s ancient civilizations. If you have to choose between these two, choose the underground city of Malakopi which is bigger and accessible in all its levels.
Göreme Open Air Museum
The Goreme Open Air Museum is one of the most important attractions in Cappadocia. Here you will see unique carved churches and monasteries, decorated with impressive frescoes dating from the 10th to the 12th century. Visiting this museum will take you back in time and offer you a unique insight into Byzantine heritage. Some of the most important churches you will find are:
- Church of Agia Barbara (St. Barbara Church): It is known for its frescoes depicting military symbols and geometric designs.
- Dark Church/Karanlık Kilise: Perhaps the most impressive church in the museum, with its rich and well-preserved frescoes depicting scenes from the New Testament.
- Church of the Sandals (Çarıklı Kilise): Took its name because of the sandal prints that appear on its frescoes. It also has many frescoes from the life of Christ.
- Milos Church/Elmali Kilise: Has extensive frescoes depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
- Snake Church/Yılanlı Kilise: Took its name because of the fresco of Saint George slaying a dragon, often thought of as a snake.
Ihlara valley
The Ihlara Valley in Cappadocia, Turkey is characterized by its impressive landscapes with deep ravines, green trails, and the Melendiz River that runs through the valley. The natural beauty of the area is breathtaking and offers opportunities for hiking and exploring. The route along the Melendiz River is particularly popular and offers opportunities for relaxation and recreation by the water. The valley is home to many cave churches and monasteries dating back to the early Christian centuries. These churches are decorated with remarkable frescoes and are important examples of Byzantine art and architecture.
Compared to other tourist areas of Cappadocia, Ihlara Valley is quieter and less crowded. This makes it an ideal destination for those looking for tranquility and contact with nature. In the valley of Ihlara you will find many floating restaurants to taste traditional dishes, get to know the local culture and hospitality.
Love Valley
The Love Valley is known for its impressive geological formations, which look like giant phalluses. A hiking trail allows you to explore the valley and enjoy the special natural beauty of the area. The Love Valley is also ideal for photos, offering amazing, but also more special landscapes.
Red Valley for sunset
Red Valley is known for its spectacular landscapes, which include strange rock formations and colorful canyons. There are many hiking trails that offer amazing views of the sunset. These routes vary in difficulty and duration, but all of them offer enchanting landscapes. The best time to enjoy it is just before sunset. Usually, most travelers start heading to the observation sites about an hour before sunset. In the area there are several places to sit and enjoy the view, while in some locations you can also find small cafes. Visiting the Red Valley for sunset is an experience not to be missed if you are in Cappadocia.
Uchisar
Uchhisar is a small village with an imposing castle that offers a panoramic view of Cappadocia. Climb the castle and enjoy the impressive view of the surrounding valleys and limestone formations. Uçhisar is also known for its traditional houses and narrow streets, which offer a picturesque picture of the village.
Urgup
Urgup is one of the largest towns in Cappadocia and offers many options for accommodation, dining and shopping. Prokopi has even been twinned with the city of Larissa, Greece. Characteristic of Urgup are the three similar geological formations that exist just outside the city. Urgup is also known for its local wines, so be sure to try the excellent wines of the area.
Sinasos (Mustafapasa)
Sinasos is a charming village with traditional architecture and historic buildings. Walk through its alleys and enjoy the peace and quiet of the village. Visit the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen, the monastery of Saint Nicholas and the Konstantinidis mansion, some of the most important sights of Sinasos. If you want to try the local cuisine, choose the old Greek house hotel & restaurant. A former Greek country house that today functions as a traditional restaurant and guest house. Do not miss to stand in front of a painting at its entrance depicting the emotional farewell between Greeks and Turks during the exchange of populations. It is worth to notice, that in Sinasos of Cappadocia, Greeks and Turks lived in love and unity.
Avanos
Avanos is located next to the Kızılırmak (Red River), the longest river in Turkey, which offers a beautiful view and opportunities for relaxing walks. Avanos suspension bridge offers a beautiful view of the river and is a popular spot for walks and photos.
- Ceramics & Pottery: Avanos is world-renowned for its pottery. This art has its roots from ancient times and continues to this day, with many local artisans producing ceramic vessels using clay from the Kizil Irmak River. Arriving in Avanos you can visit workshops and watch the artisans at work or participate in workshops.
- Old town of Avanos: Also visit the old town of Avanos, which has traditional houses made of stone, with characteristic narrow streets and picturesque alleys. Many of these buildings have been preserved and restored, offering a taste of local architecture and lifestyle.
Karvali
Karvali (in Turkish Güzelyurt) is a historic town in the Cappadocia region, known for its rich cultural and religious heritage. It is one of the most important Greek settlements in the area before the exchange of populations in 1923.
- History: Karvali was an important center of the Greek population in Cappadocia. The Greek residents of Karvali brought with them the Greek language, traditions and Orthodox Christianity. After the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923, most of the Greek residents of the area moved to Nea Karvali, near Kavala, Greece.
- Points of interest: Monastery of Saint Gregory the Nazianzus: One of the most important historical and religious sites of Karval. This monastery was dedicated to Saint Gregory the Theologian (Gregory of Nazianzus), one of the great Fathers of the Church. Saint Gregory was born and raised in the area.
- Churches and Residences: The town is known for its numerous churches and houses carved into the rocks, characteristic of Cappadocia architecture. Many of these churches date back to the Byzantine era and bear beautiful frescoes and decorations.
- The square of Karvali will remind you of a Greek village square. Grab a table in one of the cafes you will find there, order the best Greek (Turkish) coffee you have ever tasted and watch the grandparents talk and drink their tea.
Hot air balloon ride
One of the most unforgettable experiences in Cappadocia is the hot air balloon ride at sunrise. As the hot air balloon rises, you will have the opportunity to see the spectacular landscapes of Cappadocia from above, while the sun will set from below. Geological formations, valleys and villages take on a magical appearance under the first light of day, creating an unforgettable experience. The whole group was eagerly waiting for the hot air balloon flight, with the same anticipation as of small children. For this experience you will need to wake up at 4:30 in the morning. I know it sounds inhuman, but all the magic you will experience is really worth it.
Prices vary and may slip if you don’t make your reservation in time. A hot air balloon flight starts from 200 euros and can reach 270-300 euros, depending on the season and demand. The best thing you can do to book at a reasonable price (we booked at 200 euros per person) is to book the activity in time (at least a month in advance) and email us to give you more information.
Horse ride or ATV ride
Horse or ATV riding in Cappadocia offers an unforgettable experience exploring the unique landscapes of the region. By choosing horse riding (as we did) you have the opportunity to enjoy a more peaceful and traditional tour, crossing the picturesque valleys, the paths between rock formations and ancient caves, with the opportunity to connect with the nature and history of the area.
On the other hand, ATV adventure tour offers a more exciting and dynamic experience, ideal for adventure enthusiasts. This way you can quickly and easily explore the remote parts of Cappadocia, enjoying the adrenaline of driving on rough trails, discovering hidden treasures of the area and waiting to be filled from top to bottom with lots of dust.
Accommodation in a cave hotel
An overnight stay in an underground hotel (so-called cave hotels) in Cappadocia offers a unique and unforgettable experience for many reasons. The cave hotels are built with traditional techniques and materials, preserving the authentic character of Cappadocia. Their particular architecture provides a combination of comfort and aesthetics found nowhere else. A stay in a hotel like this, offers an authentic local experience, different from the typical stay in modern hotels.
Cave hotels are often located in secluded and quiet locations, offering ideal conditions for relaxation and rejuvenation. Peace and quiet offered by the caves create an ideal environment to escape from the stress of everyday life.
Cappadocia is a destination that combines history, culture and natural beauty. From historic cities like Kayseri and Prokopi, to the unique landscapes of the Valley of Love and hot air balloon rides, Cappadocia offers countless opportunities for exploration and unforgettable experiences. Pack your bags and discover this enchanting destination!
See more about our trip to Cappadocia at highlight stories #CAPPADOCIA on Ιnstagram
If you liked our page and found our information useful, remember that by purchasing a service through our website, we receive a small commission at no additional cost. These earnings help dodyourtravel operate. Thank you!
