The landscape of Cappadocia might come from out of a dream, with fairy chimneys, caves, and hot air balloons. And nothing can get you ready for the first time you drive into this magical place. There just aren’t enough hours in the day to fully explore all that Cappadocia has to offer.
I recall seeing a picture of the fairy chimneys and cave homes in Cappadocia, Turkey, when I was very little. I was enthralled and had no doubt that I would find myself there one day, exploring the valleys. Therefore, it was one of those odd times where you can’t quite believe you made it when I eventually DID get there.
There is a little something for everyone in Cappadocia. Cappadocia has expanded and is no longer just a place to go hiking in valleys and seeing fairy chimneys! On our one-month road trip through Turkey, we were able to REALLY explore the area thanks to our newfound love of leisurely travel. For a comprehensive list of things to do in Cappadocia, look no further.
Things to do in Cappadocia
Hot Air Baloon
Booking a balloon ride has the advantage that you can always get a refund if the weather doesn’t cooperate. The money is often held by the trip operators, and you only ascend when the weather is favorable. However, you are entitled to a full refund if you do not check out before the conclusion of your stay.
Walks, Hikes & Valleys
Before you assume that I am an expert hiker or something similar, let me clarify that I am nothing of the type. I love being in the outdoors and taking walks in it. Walking and hiking also fit well into the area of travel that is done on a tight budget.
The ensuing strolls and hikes that we took were so stunning and completely doable for a non-hiker like myself. But most significantly, our kids, who are nine and seven, thought they were amazing. They occasionally required a little encouragement, but overall they handled it well.
Explore Underground Cities
Did you realize that the Cappadocia region contains more than 30 visited underground cities? We didn’t either! They were a pleasant surprise and a memorable experience for us. Even though I dislike cramped quarters, these underground cities were an amazing site to explore.
They are actually deeply cut into the ground. We eventually descended four stories. And when you are four storeys down and pause to think about that, the idea starts to feel a little overwhelming. You decide to put it out of your mind and continue finding more obscure places. They resemble mazes and are a lot of fun for kids.
The entrance to the underground cities costs a minimal amount. Depending on the place, each changes. We visited the first two of the following three caves after receiving recommendations from a local friend.
Open Air Museums
There are a few open-air museums that are worthwhile to see, but read on to choose which is more appropriate for your spending limit or preferred experience.
