Cappadocia, in the heart of Anatolia, looks like nowhere else on earth. Ancient volcanic eruptions covered the region in soft rock, and wind and water carved it into cones, pillars and "fairy chimneys" that people have been hollowing out for homes, churches and hiding places for thousands of years.
Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most visitors stay in Göreme, Uçhisar or Ürgüp, often in a hotel carved into the rock.
Top things to see in Cappadocia
A sunrise balloon flight
Hundreds of balloons rise over the valleys at dawn on good-weather days. Flights depend on the wind and are approved by the authorities each morning, so we suggest planning at least two mornings in the region.
Göreme Open-Air Museum
A cluster of rock-cut churches and chapels with Byzantine frescoes, some remarkably well preserved.
Underground cities
Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı go many levels below ground, with stables, chapels and ventilation shafts used by communities hiding from invaders.
Valley walks
Rose, Red, Love and Pigeon valleys have easy to moderate trails, best in the late afternoon light.
Uçhisar Castle
The highest point in the area: a rock citadel riddled with rooms, with views across the whole region.
Avanos pottery
A riverside town known for pottery made from the red clay of the Kızılırmak river.
Frequently asked questions
Is the balloon flight safe?
Balloon operators in Cappadocia are licensed, and flights only go ahead when the authorities approve the weather conditions that morning. We only book with licensed operators.
What if my balloon flight is cancelled?
You are not charged for a cancelled flight. Where the itinerary allows, we try to rebook you on another morning.
Are cave hotels comfortable?
Yes. Most are boutique hotels with modern bathrooms and heating, built into the rock. They stay cool in summer and warm in winter.
