Cappadocia calling: Experience a fairytale adventure in central Türkiye

Beginning as a volcanic eruption in Türkiye’s central Anatolian region millions of years ago, Cappadocia’s present is every bit as exhilarating as its past. From mountain biking to horseback riding, pottery making to authentic cooking, there is something to charm adrenaline seekers and creative thinkers alike.

The world is your oyster

There is an undeniable sense of possibility when you’re outdoors. Knowing a whole world exists beyond your own brings about a feeling that you could go anywhere, at any time. And for professional cyclist Sophie Wright, it was this wanderlust that inspired her latest trip to Cappadocia in the heart of Türkiye.

Famed for its lunar landscape, rocky terrain, and winding trails, Cappadocia is an ideal destination for cyclists. While it enabled Wright to settle into the familiarity of two wheels, it also gave her the opportunity to go out of her comfort zone and find new ways of experiencing this unique environment—which she says is “nothing like I've ever seen before in my life.”

From sky-soaring excursions to creative workshops, Cappadocia allows travelers to take their travel itineraries beyond the typical sightseeing tours. Join Wright on a journey across this otherworldly region and discover the activities that make it the ultimate adventure playground.

Among Cappadocia's unique geology is a wealth of intrigue

GO ALONG FOR THE RIDE

Wright’s passion for cycling began when she rode her first bike at the age of two or three. “Riding a bike is a great sense of freedom. It’s where my soul feels it has to be,” she explains.

Refusing stabilizers from the moment she sat on the saddle, Wright has never shied away from a challenge. So, when she was faced with Cappadocia’s limitless offroad network, she embraced the chance to go gravel riding into its wonderful unknown.

From Ürgüp in the central Nevşehir province, cyclists can take a round trip to the neighboring town of Ortahisar, passing surreal rock formations and cave dwellings as they go. Stop off at a local vineyard or winery to witness a millennia-old winemaking tradition and try the Anatolian grapes that owe their flavor to the rich volcanic soil in which they grow.

The gravel and mountain paths aren’t limited to cycling; they also lend themselves perfectly to horseback riding. Guided by an instructor, riders are navigated through various valleys and encouraged to observe their intricate geology—including tuff rocks and fairy chimneys. For something extra special, choose a night horseback tour and experience the magic of Cappadocia under the moonlight.

Soaring experiences offer a magical panorama of Cappadocia

Cappadocia is considered the land of the beautiful horses

“To be in a hot air balloon was one of the most amazing experiences. It felt like flying,” says Wright. And fortunately, Cappadocia is one of the few places in the world that allows travelers to defy gravity all year round. Even in the winter months when the layered landscape is covered in a thick blanket of snow.

Back on solid ground, hiking is an opportunity to gain an up-close perspective of Cappadocia’s natural architecture…

Keen walkers can take the popular route from Göreme to Uçhisar through the Love and White Valleys—retracing the steps of ancient settlers who once occupied the rock-cut churches and manmade tunnels of this area. Or they can trek through the lush Ihlara Valley, with the soothing sounds of the Melendiz River to accompany them on the 14-kilometer trail. Take inspiration from Wright and plan your hikes for the early hours when the temperature is much cooler.

TAKE IT AT A SLOWER PACE

The true spirit of Cappadocia lies in the great outdoors. The best way for travelers to find it is through the slow activities that give them the time to take in their natural surroundings.

Hot air ballooning epitomizes this relaxed approach to travel, which is one of the many reasons it is so sought after in Cappadocia. As dawn breaks, you will join hundreds of colorful balloons as they ascend into the sky, floating with a calmness that is only right for a morning cruise. Reaching up to 800 meters high, you will be treated to majestic views as the sun paints the fairylike landforms down below.

Back on solid ground, hiking is an opportunity to gain an up-close perspective of Cappadocia’s natural architecture…

Travelers can immerse themselves in an otherworldly landscape

Pottery continues the legacy of ancient craftsmen

Continue your creative masterclass at a carpet shop, where you can witness a live demonstration of hand weaving. Discover what it takes to make each kilim (woven carpet) or halı (knotted rug) and how history has informed this ancient art form. Complete your experience with a visit to a carpet showroom, which promises to open your mind to the intricacies of each masterpiece.

While carpet weaving is entrusted to expert hands, cooking is a pastime for all abilities. Across Cappadocia, food lovers can join a certified cooking school, where locals will teach them how to prepare dishes from their family ancestry. Cook anything from traditional dolma (meat or rice- stuffed vine leaves) to Nevşehir mantısı (meat dumplings with yogurt) and kayısı yahnisi (meat cooked with apricots).

EXPAND YOUR CREATIVITY

During her time in Cappadocia, Wright made a conscious effort to connect with her surroundings. “[It] grounds you to the earth and brings a sense of calm,” she explains—a core principle of Anatolian living. As much as adventure presents itself to travelers, they can just as easily take a leisurely tour of the towns’ artisanal stalls, boutique shops, and pottery classes.

Avanos is the home of pottery, owing to the red clay of the Kızılırmak (Red River) riverbed, which has enabled craftsmen for over 3000 years. Still valued as a creative practice, travelers can let their imagination run wild at the wheel of a pottery workshop or purchase a clay memento from a local bazaar. “Seeing the creations was really special. You get a real feeling of going back in time,” reveals Wright.

Being in Cappadocia “feels like you’re in a fairyland. It’s just beautiful,” says Wright. Behind every rock formation, above every mountain path, and through every valley, there is a unique activity just waiting to be experienced. Whatever you choose, you are guaranteed a setting that is as breathtaking as it is motivational—the perfect excuse to keep exploring.