Cappadocia is high on the list of Turkish tourist attractions. Who wouldn't want to live and admire a bunch of colorful balloons rising above an interesting landscape while the sun rises in the background?
Cappadocia impresses tourists with its palette of colors and unusual landscape. The swirling structures of volcanic stone look as if they were fashioned by fairy creatures. In fact, it is the work of water and wind, which slowly carry away the stones. Cappadocia was inhabited by civilizations already in the Bronze Age, some of them carved their dwellings into the slopes of the rocks, it is no different with the Byzantine churches carved into the living rock. The valleys of Cappadocia invite nature and history lovers to an unforgettable adventure, be it horseback riding or hiking, and the real feast for the eyes is the multitude of balloons rising above the landscape.
When to Cappadocia?
The best time to visit Cappadocia is between April and June and September and October. The days during this time are warm, and the risk of rain is small. Just watch out for the wind, because the first half of April can be a bit windy, which is why the hot air balloon rides are cancelled.
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What should I see in Cappadocia?
Number 1?! Floating in a balloon over wide valleys with the most beautiful view. During the high summer season, more than 100 hot air balloons rise into the sky at sunrise, offering passengers a bird's-eye view of the valleys and rock formations. Balloons fly into the air every day of the year, the exception being excessively windy weather.
The balloon ride takes about an hour and often includes a breakfast buffet. If the balloons are the main attraction, there are also a number of less recognizable ones. One such is the village Goreme where you can find a church carved into the rock and monastic cells with beautiful frescoes. The complex frescoes date back to the period from the 10th to the 12th century, when Cappadocia was an important Byzantine religious center. The complex consists of several churches and chapels, and the highlight is Karanlık, whose frescoes are among the best preserved examples of Middle Byzantine art. The landmark is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A real feast for the eyes, too Red and Pink Valley, in which undulating walls, the result of volcanic, water and wind erosion, spread across the countryside in a beautiful palette of reds and oranges. Nestled among the cliffs are lush orchards and vegetable gardens, still tended by local farmers, and hidden churches and hermit hideouts from Byzantine times are carved into the rock. The area is also famous for its many hiking trails, making it ideal for hiking and exploring.
According to tourist guides, the village of Göreme is also one of the most beautiful in the world. The village is half-buried in a hill, and its stone house facades hide a labyrinth of cave rooms underneath. Göreme is the center of Cappadocia tourism and many of the traditional houses have been converted into boutique cave hotels. Life underground in Cappadocia is quite lively and interspersed with a lot of caves and tunnels. Underground cities in Cappadocia were first carved out as early as the Bronze Age, and reached their peak during the Byzantine Empire, when Christians in the region lived underground for long periods of time to escape from conquerors. The underground city of Kaymaklı is the largest example of a Cappadocia labyrinth connected by tunnels, extending over eight levels. Underground city Derinkuyu and is considered the deepest underground refuge in Cappadocia. The tunnels here are quite claustrophobic in places as they travel deeper and deeper into the earth.
How to explore Cappadocia?
Buses run hourly from town to town and are a good choice if you're traveling on a budget. Buses are a reliable and cheap way to travel, although they are slow and often less reliable. You will travel the most freely if you rent a car.
How much is a plane ticket to Cappadocia?
Return air tickets with Turkish Airlines from Ljubljana to Kayseri, Antalya and Ankara can be found from 189 euros. From all the mentioned destinations, you can get to Cappadocia either by car, taxi or bus. You can search for flight tickets according to your vacation date HERE.
Covid-19 restrictions in Cappadocia
As of June, all restrictions related to tourist arrivals in the country ceased to apply. You no longer need negative test results or vaccination certificates to enter Turkey. Check all current information about Covid-19 restrictions HERE.
Accommodation in Cappadocia
Lunar Cappadocia Hotel
Lunar Cappadocia Hotel is located in Göreme and offers a bar, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. Rooms are equipped with a seating area and private bathrooms with hot tubs, bathrobes and slippers. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at the property.
Erenbey Cave Hotel
Erenbey Cave Hotel is also located in Göreme, just a short walk from the city center. The traditionally furnished hotel offers cave rooms with modern furnishings. The family-run hotel boasts traditional architecture and balconies overlooking Cappadocia. A buffet breakfast is served daily, combining a traditional Turkish breakfast with a continental selection of pancakes, cereals and pastries.
