Cappadocia is a region, not a town, so whatever you do, don’t solely rely on typing Cappadocia into Google Maps. Doing this will undoubtedly send you either into the mountains on a tour of the entire region! Instead aim for either of the two main towns of the region, Goreme and Uchisar.

Hotels & Hostels

For outstanding views from your bed or restaurant table it all depends on your budget. However, there are ways around it! Rooms get booked up early in these rock towns so planning ahead will make a big difference. (I booked mine a year in advance and still didn’t have complete availability!) Take time researching the different hotels and hostels to see which has a terrace with a view of the fairy chimneys or actually offers a bed in the rocks. Some of my top choices were Traveller’s Cave Hotel, Local Cave House Hotel, Koza Cave Hotel and Karlık Sokak Guest House.

Read about Comparing Cappadocia’s Hotels & Hostels: Worth the money (COMING SOON!)?

Whirling Dervishes

What seems like a crazed dance is actually illustrating a journey for love and truth, which leaves you emotionally beguiled, who knew? (not me obviously) The removal of the black cloak to reveal the felt flowerpot-looking hate (the ego’s tombstone) and the ghostly white smock (the ego’s burial outfit) symbolises the birth of the true self, capable of conveying God’s love to those watching. Though these shows are definitely a well rehearsed step on the beaten tourist track, seek out a show and you won’t be sorry. The performances happen throughout the seasons and can be throughout the valley. Tour prices usually start at €25, though if you get there by yourself it should be cheaper.

Underground Cities

With a total of 36 underground cities designed to house up to 20,000 people carved into Cappadocia’s volcanic wonderland. All you need is to consider is how deep and narrow a tunnel you can squeeze into before becoming claustrophobic. These incredible subterranean worlds have everything you would expect of a city, churches, stables, schools, wineries, homes and streets. Used to escape invaders and wars even up until the early 1920s, these caves were a safe haven, sealable only from within. Rolling stone doors to defend each level. Now you can explore them. Though be aware, these tunnels run up to 8 levels deep into the earth, were designed for much shorter people and are hellish for people with claustrophobia. Ranging from ‘Oh my God, I’m stuck!’ in Derinkuyu City, to ‘pffft, they weren’t that short’ in Kaymakli City, you will want to choose the right underground city for you!

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot air balloon ride prices largely depend on the size of the basket and the number of people. The bigger the basket and the more people, the cheaper the cost. However, this also means less space to move around and catch the view from different angles. Personally, I always try and find the best balance between price and quality of experience, always hoping for deals. However, this is one of those things where you need to splash out a bit, if not only for your safety. Expect to pay at least €125 (per person), only spend over €200 if this is something you really want to do in luxury, for example, with a champagne breakfast! One thing is for sure, book your balloon through your hotel, not through the balloon company.

Uchisar Castle

You must not leave Cappadocia without visiting Uchisar Castle! I repeat, you must visit this castle! This ancient citadel is the highest point in all of Cappadocia, allowing your eyes to roam over the valleys from above as though you were in one of the balloon baskets. For just a €1.50 entrance fee you would be crazy not to go. The best views are around the back of the castle as you climb up the 240 steps. It will probably take you a good half an hour to get to the top, not because of the steps, but because the view is so amazing you will be stopping every 3 seconds to take another photo! To get a snap of the castle from afar, go to Ethem Ustanin Yeri Cafe and enjoy a coffee looking over the view.

Hikes & Walks

There are too many fantastic hikes and walks to list without dedicating a post just to them… Here. Some of the most memorable and unmissable are Pigeon Valley, Love Valley, Red & Rose Valley, Imagination Valley, Ihlara Valley and Zemi Valley Hike. These trails will take you deep into the heart of Cappadocia’s most incredible rock formations and past the best viewpoints of the valleys. Make sure to do as many as you have time for.

Read about Cappadocia’s Hikes & Walks and where to find them

Evil Eye Trees

Near the Goreme Valley rests The Evil Eye Tree, adorned in cobalt blue talismans to ward off evil and greed. Ironic that it should turn into an Instagram location then! But who are we kidding, it’s beautiful. Also, the tree is supposedly meant to protect innocents, so maybe we’re in luck. One can be found overlooking Goreme Valley and another overlooking Pigeon Valley.

Ikman Carpet Gallery or Sultan Carpet Shop

These are not cafes, they are carpet merchants, who have wised up to the Instagram trend of people draping themselves on colourful rugs for a photo. You can take a photo in here for around €10, or you can use their drone for about €50! Though, they expect Instagrammers to come knocking, please be courteous and don’t just assume without asking permission to take a photo first. After all, these places are a beautiful gem and to many travellers are a token of a magical world from the past.

Kaya Campsite

Amazing views of the Red Valley and only 2kms from Goreme! A tranquil place to enjoy Cappadocia’s landscape away from the crowds of the two main towns. If you can motivate yourself to crawl out of your tent before 6am you can catch the flight of the hot air balloons directly over the campsite. A better view that many of the expensive cave hotels and for a 50th of the price. The site also organises balloon rides straight from the campsite as it’s located up on a cliff.

Lake Tuz

Not a spot that makes it on to most Cappadocia travel itineraries for some reason, but it’s definitely on mine! This pink salt lake is about a 1.5 hour drive from Cappadocia central and a gorgeous pit stop between Cappadocia and Ankara. This violently pink salt lake is even more vibrant set against the pastel lime hills of Anatolia. Go for a swim, take a fabulous photo, but please don’t let the salt get on anything you love, especially your camera. IT WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN! Wait for the flamingos or the sunset, or both! The sunset will play with the colours of the lake and conjure a surreal landscape, only possible till now in your imagination.