If you have yet to hear of Cappadocia, it is a stunning region in central Turkey! It is famous for its fairytale scenery, interesting cave dwellings, remarkable rock formations and, of course, the hundreds of colorful hot air balloons that fly over at sunrise every morning. With diverse trails and landmarks, Cappadocia is a hiker’s paradise. While this is just the start of all that Cappadocia has to offer, we have narrowed down our extensive list to the top 8 things to do while exploring this beautiful region:
1. Fly in a Hot Air Balloon at Sunrise
Cappadocia hot air balloons are fast-becoming one of the most common travel bucket list items in the world! If you haven’t heard about these rides yet, just picture yourself seamlessly floating above the historic cave dwellings of Goreme Town while also being surrounded by over 100 other colorful balloons at sunrise. Overall, a sight straight out of a fairytale scene. Every year more than half a million people enjoy this 1-hour hot air balloon ride, making Cappadocia the most popular destination in the world for this activity. This should be a must on your Turkey to-do list.
2. Goreme Open-Air Museum
The Goreme Open-Air Museum is one of the most popular and historic sites in Cappadocia. Listen to the audio-tour that will guide you through the ancient paintings, churches, and cave houses that people once lived in many centuries ago. This museum is close (15-minute walk) to the center of Goreme, which is the most popular town in Cappadocia.
3. Free Pottery Workshop in Avanos
If you’re interested in crafting with your hands, consider participating in a pottery workshop in Avanos. Avanos is a settlement located on both sides of the Kizikirmak River, and is popular for its workshops on how to make ceramics, pots, and pans. This important tradition has been around for a very long time since the surrounding land is soft and oily, perfect for clay. After the clay is formed on a workbench, they are baked in the sun and then dried in an extremely hot oven. Specifically, consider checking out Chez Galip‘s workshop. You can take the minibus to Avanos, and walk from there. If you are not interested in crafting yourself and prefer just to watch pottery making, that is fine, too. Good news for the clumsy travelers is that if you happen to break something at the workshop, then you’re not expected to pay. Instead, they will ask you to replace it by showing you how it’s made.
4. Pigeon Valley Hiking Trail
Pigeon Valley is one of the most popular hiking trails in Cappadocia. Stretching between Goreme to Uchisar, you will find cave dwellings, ancient paintings, earth pillars, and of course… pigeons along the route. You know you’re on the right track when the trail begins with a sharp descent along a white dusty path. Soon you will be in the heart of the valley with the town above you. Picture yourself back to the time where people lived here during the Byzantine period. The entire trek should take you around 2 hours. Make sure to bring water with you! For the extra adventurous, try cycling this route.
5. Watch the Mapping Show
If looking for a unique activity in Cappadocia, head to the mapping show on the fairy chimneys. A company called Zelve Mapping projects images onto the fairy chimneys in Zelve Valley at dusk. The projections highlight the region’s geological structures through a story of diverse beliefs and civilizations that called these lands home through the ages. The show lasts around 30 minutes and will cost you 100 TL. Make sure to call beforehand to reserve your spot as the company needs at least 5 people attending to run the show.
6. Watch the Sunset from the Top of Uchisar Castle
Uchisar Castle offers one of the best viewpoints in Cappadocia and is only a short drive or a small trek from the nearby town of Goreme. Most find the trek to the top fairly easy as it is only around 100 stairs up. The path will first lead you inside the caves of the castle before emerging to the exterior stairs. The top will present you with 360-degree views! Take some time to take it all in and walk to each corner to look out over Goreme and all of the surrounding valleys.
7. Make & Taste Wine at Wine Houses
Wine enthusiasts should most definitely visit the wine houses while in Cappadocia. The land’s fertile soil leads to tons of surrounding vineyards that have been in Cappadocia throughout history. The two main wine producers in Cappadocia are Kocabağ and Turasan. Popular tours include touring the factories of these producers followed by wine tastings. Expect to find many white wines produced from Emir grapes that are indigenous to Cappadocia.
8. Go to the Hair Museum
One of the most bizarre exhibitions in the world, the Hair Museum is a one-of-a-kind. The Guinness Book of World Records officially ranked this museum as the 6th world’s most bizarre. The museum – which is located in a pottery market – displays more than 16,000 locks left by women. The museum’s story starts out with Galip’s French girlfriend leaving Cappadocia to go back to her country and he asked that she leave behind something he could remember her by. So, she cut off a lock of her hair and hung it to the wall. As customers asked Galip about the hair, he would tell them the story, and more women began leaving locks of their hair. This tradition still lives on today. The museum is open every day of the week 8 am to 7 pm.
From the popular to the obscure, we have covered the top sights in Cappadocia! Which intrigues you the most? Let ACanela get you one step closer to Cappadocia, Turkey today!
Post written by: Kirsten Cusack, @kirqsak