Journeying across Cappadocia: Otherworldly experiences in the heart of Türkiye

At the center of Türkiye lies a place unlike anywhere else in the world. This is Cappadocia, where layers of history have formed a unique heritage and mystical geology. More typical of a lunar landscape than its terrestrial reality, Cappadocia offers visitors the opportunity to adventure in a land of fairytales.

Cappadocia: Fairytale beginnings

Created by the erosion of volcanic debris and shaped by millennia of rain, wind, and civilizations, Cappadocia has long sparked the curiosity of those wanting to make sense of the fantastical region.

Today, people journey from all over to see its famed rock formations, underground cities, and skyline dotted with hot air balloons—no matter the season.

From the otherworldly valleys of summer to the snow-capped fairy chimneys (rocky pillars) of winter, the towns of Cappadocia have something to stimulate the senses all year round. Flying into nearby Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport or Kayseri Erkilet Airport, visitors are just a short transfer away from their sensory adventure.

Church frescoes tell the story of biblical scenes

Göreme: A technicolor land

A 40-minute drive from Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport is the enchanting Cappadocian town of Göreme, made even more spectacular by its UNESCO-listed Open-Air Museum. Through historical monasteries, rock-cut chapels, and church frescoes, it offers insight into the cultural heritage of early Christianity. For a true showcase of spirituality and art, visitors can enter the Karanlık (Dark) Church, where the lack of natural light has maintained the murals’ vivid color.

The kaleidoscope continues outside in Göreme’s Kızılçukur (Red Valley), aptly named after the pinkish tuff rocks that burn an intense red in the sun. To best experience this phenomenon, hike to the viewpoint in time for sunset and find reward in the glowing horizon. Plan your route in advance to ensure you have enough time to admire the surreal rock formations, cave openings, and wildflowers that guide the way.

In Cappadocia, there’s no better way to relax after a day of exertion than in a cave hotel—of which Göreme has plenty to choose from. Carefully carved into the soft rock, they blend the authenticity of traditional living with the luxury of modern amenities. Be sure to set your morning alarm for a Turkish breakfast experience, enriched with artisanal products that are unique to the region. Enjoy a spread of eggs, cheese, bread, olives, tomatoes, pastries, honey, jams, and Turkish çay (tea), and find its essence in the food and moments shared with family and friends.

Cappadocia's beauty is best appreciated from the sky

Ürgüp's culinary scene is an ode to Cappadocian cuisine

When the sun goes down, Ürgüp’s culinary scene comes alive with possibility. Settle into al fresco dining on a menu of traditional Turkish meze and mantı (Turkish meat dumplings with yogurt). Or around an earthen oven, which conceals a feast of slow-cooked delicacies like testi kebab (clay pot kebab). A unique Cappadocian dish, diners can delight in a selection of meats, vegetables, and lentils, before washing it down with a glass of local wine.

Ürgüp: Stuff of legends

Further east of Göreme is Cappadocia’s largest settlement, Ürgüp. With so much to see and do, travelers can dedicate an entire day to exploring the town’s boutique shops, authentic restaurants, and late-night bars. However, one landmark is particularly revered by locals and tourists.

The Three Beauties Fairy Chimneys may look like Cappadocia’s distinctive rocky pillars, but they are also the main characters of ancient folklore. They tell the tale of a runaway princess and her eternal wish to stay with her forbidden lover and their child. As there is no entrance fee, visitors can hear it for themselves at any point in the day—even at night when the fairy chimneys are illuminated.

The land of fairytales is famed for its unique geology

Experience the magic of Cappadocia at night from Uçhisar

Back on lower ground is one of the region’s most popular hiking trails, Pigeon Valley. Stretching from Uçhisar to Göreme, the trail takes between one and two hours to complete and allows hikers to find solitude among nature. As they pass through, they can observe the various cave dwellings and wall paintings that occupy this area, as well as the pigeonholes to which the valley owes its name.

Uçhisar: Panoramic beauty

A vast moonscape full of tall peaks, low valleys, and winding paths, Cappadocia is best appreciated from above. Aside from a hot air balloon ride, Uçhisar Castle is an opportunity to take in awe-inspiring views. As the highest point in Cappadocia, the climb to the top is well worth it for the 360° panorama alone.

Inside the castle, oddly shaped rooms are connected to each other via narrow passageways and intricate staircases. While outside, the old defense site is now a bustle of artisanal stalls—each one offering a memento of Cappadocia in the form of decorative carpets, marble ornaments, and local goods.

Cappadocia is a land of twists and turns, where new mysteries await in every direction. Whether you join one of the many private tours available or travel at your own pace, you are sure to expose the secrets of this fairytale landscape—ones that you will want to hold for a lifetime.