35 Best Things to Do in Cappadocia: What to Visit in 2025?

Cappadocia is a unique region in central Turkey, known for its surreal landscapes, ancient cave dwellings, and a mix of natural beauty and human history. Here’s a detailed guide to the best experiences, sights, and adventures in Cappadocia for 2025.

Where is Cappadocia?

Cappadocia extends from Avanos in the north to Ihlara Canyon in the south. Key towns include Göreme, Uchisar, Ürgüp, Ortahisar, and Cavusin. Göreme is the main hub for tourists with easy access to the region’s top attractions.

The 3 Most Popular Things to Do in Cappadocia

Best Time to Visit

Cappadocia is great year-round, but spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer mild weather and fewer tourists, making them the ideal times to explore. For a more detailed breakdown of activities, check out our article on the best time to visit Cappadocia.

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Flying in a Hot Air Balloon at Sunrise

It’s the most iconic activity in Cappadocia. Imagine floating above valleys, fairy chimneys, and caves with 100+ balloons around you.

Cost: $150–$250 per person. Book in advance.

Tips: Dress warmly; it’s chilly in the early morning. Most companies offer hotel pick-up and drop-off. Flights start at sunrise, lasting about an hour.

Watch The Balloons From A Rooftop

If you prefer staying on the ground, you can still enjoy the spectacle by watching from your hotel rooftop. Many hotels in Göreme offer great views.

Top spots include Sunset Point in Göreme, Red Valley, and Koza Cave Hotel’s rooftop.

Local Tours: Red, Green, and Blue

Cappadocia’s unique landscapes are best seen through guided tours. The three main options are the Red, Green, and Blue tours, each showcasing different areas. Here’s what to expect:

1. Red Tour

The Red Tour focuses on the most famous spots near Göreme.

• Stops Include:
  • Göreme Open-Air Museum: Rock-cut churches with frescoes.
  • Pasabag (Monks Valley): Iconic fairy chimneys.
  • Avanos: A pottery town where you can try making ceramics.
  • Uchisar Castle: Offers sweeping views over Cappadocia.
• Duration: 6-7 hours

2. Green Tour

This tour covers natural sites and historical locations further out.

• Stops Include:
  • Derinkuyu Underground City: An ancient multi-level city.
  • Ihlara Valley: Ideal for hiking along a river and seeing cave churches.
  • Selime Monastery: A grand rock-cut monastery.
• Duration: Full day (8-9 hours)

3. Blue Tour

Perfect for exploring quieter, lesser-known spots.

• Stops Include:
  • Mustafapaşa: A preserved Greek village.
  • Soğanlı Valley: Scenic hikes and ancient churches.
  • Ortahisar: Known for its castle and traditional streets.
• Duration: 7-8 hours
• Best For: Repeat visitors or those wanting a less crowded experience.

Visit Cappadocia’s Valleys

Cappadocia is famous for its incredible valleys, each offering unique landscapes and experiences.

1. Red and Rose Valleys

These two connected valleys are among the most iconic in Cappadocia.

• Why Visit: Known for their red-hued rock formations, tunnels, and cave churches. They’re especially stunning at sunset when the rocks glow a deep red.
• How to Explore: Hike the trails that link these valleys, or join a sunset tour. There are multiple paths ranging from easy walks to longer, more challenging hikes.
• A good tour with hiking on the Red Valley

2. Love Valley

Famous for its unusual rock formations.

• Why Visit: The valley’s spire-shaped rocks are unique, and the area offers beautiful views. It’s also a popular spot for watching the hot air balloons during sunrise.
• How to Explore: Take a short hike, rent an ATV, or book a guided tour. The best views are from the top, so make sure to hike up.

3. Pigeon Valley

Named after the pigeon houses carved into the rocks.

• Why Visit: This valley features scenic walking trails with great views of Uçhisar and Göreme. The pigeon houses were used to collect droppings for fertilizer.
• How to Explore: A popular trail connects Uçhisar to Göreme and takes about 1.5-2 hours to hike. It’s a moderate path with some uphill sections.

4. Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley)

A whimsical, otherworldly landscape.

• Why Visit: The rocks here resemble various shapes like camels, dolphins, and other figures, sparking your imagination. It’s a fun spot for kids and those who enjoy photography.
• How to Explore: This is a self-guided valley, so you can walk around freely. It’s also a short stop on many guided tours.

5. Ihlara Valley

A lush canyon perfect for nature lovers.

• Why Visit: The valley stretches for 16 km and features a river, shaded walking paths, and hidden cave churches. It’s one of the greenest places in Cappadocia.
• How to Explore: Start your hike from the village of Ihlara or Belisirma. There are various sections, so you can choose to hike a few kilometers or the entire stretch. Guided tours are also available.
• Find Ihlara Valley tours >>

6. Zemi Valley

A lesser-known gem with serene paths.

• Why Visit: Peaceful and less crowded, Zemi offers a quieter alternative to more popular spots. The valley has lush vegetation, hidden caves, and small streams.
• How to Explore: Best explored on foot. Start from Göreme Open-Air Museum and head toward the valley’s trails.

7. Swords Valley

Close to Göreme, it’s named for its sharp, sword-like rock formations.

• Why Visit: Features unusual rock formations, hidden caves, and narrow paths. It’s a great area for short, easy hikes with beautiful views.
• How to Explore: Walkable from Göreme or visit as part of a group tour.

8. Soğanlı Valley

A bit off the beaten path, this valley offers a more local, rural vibe.

• Why Visit: Famous for its rock-cut churches, local villages, and traditional handmade dolls. It’s a quieter experience compared to the busy central valleys.
• How to Explore: You can drive yourself or join a Blue Tour, which often includes a visit to this valley.

Cappadocia’s Underground Cities

Cappadocia is home to over 30 underground cities, each carved deep into the soft volcanic rock. These cities are ancient, fascinating, and tell stories of a time when people lived underground to escape invasions, harsh climates, and even religious persecution. Here are three of the most notable ones you should visit:

1. Derinkuyu Underground City

• Depth: 8 floors underground
• Why Visit: Derinkuyu is the deepest and most famous underground city in Cappadocia. It can house around 20,000 people, and you can explore various rooms, including kitchens, storage areas, a church, and even a ventilation shaft that stretches through all floors.
• Best Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds, especially if you’re claustrophobic. This place can get quite busy.

2. Kaymakli Underground City

• Depth: 4 floors
• Why Visit: Kaymakli is more compact and easier to navigate, making it a great choice for those who want a shorter visit. It’s known for its well-preserved living areas, wine cellars, and tunnels. You can see how people organized their lives underground, from food storage to communal rooms.
• Best Tip: Watch the documentary at the entrance to understand the history better before you explore the city.

3. Özkonak Underground City

• Depth: Smaller and shallower than the other two
• Why Visit: Özkonak is less crowded and offers a quieter experience. It’s smaller but has unique features like narrow tunnels and defensive holes. There’s also a grassy area outside where you can see more cave dwellings.
• Best Tip: If you want a more peaceful visit away from the main tourist spots, Özkonak is your best bet.

Traditional Pottery Workshop in Avanos

You can touch Cappadocia’s pottery culture with a workshop in Avanos. You’ll learn to shape clay using traditional methods, guided by local artisans.

Watch a demo, then try molding your own piece with expert help. It is perfect for beginners. Explore a gallery of pottery art after your session.

Visit the Open-Air Museums in Cappadocia

Cappadocia’s open-air museums are a window into the region’s rich history, offering a look at ancient churches, stunning frescoes, and centuries-old cave dwellings. Here are some of the must-visit sites:

1. Göreme Open Air Museum

It’s the most famous open-air museum in Cappadocia, featuring churches carved directly into the rock from the 10th to 12th centuries. The frescoes here are well-preserved, showing vibrant colors and famous designs.

Don’t miss the Dark Church (Karanlık Kilise) with its detailed frescoes, the Apple Church (Elmalı Kilise), and the Chapel of St. Barbara.

• Practical Tip: Get there early to avoid crowds. Most sections are easy to explore, but some parts require climbing steep stairs.

2. Zelve Open Air Museum

Zelve is less crowded than Göreme, and you can freely wander through the old cave dwellings, bakeries, and even a small mosque. This was a lived-in village until the 1950s.

• Practical Tip: Ideal for those who prefer self-guided exploration. Bring water and good shoes, as there’s a lot of walking.

3. Açık Saray Museum

A lesser-known site, Açık Saray is now free to enter, offering a quieter experience. Wander through the cave houses, ancient churches, and enjoy the wildflowers that bloom in the area during spring. The abandoned feel adds a bit of mystery to the visit.

• Practical Tip: There are no entrance fees, so it’s perfect for budget travelers.

4. Lake Tuz – The Pink Salt Lake

While not in the immediate Cappadocia region, Lake Tuz is a striking pink salt lake that’s worth the detour. It’s one of the largest salt lakes in the world, and its colors make for epic photos.

• Practical Tip: Combine your visit with trips to nearby sites like Derinkuyu Underground City and Ihlara Valley for a well-rounded day trip.

Or enjoy it with tours:

• Cappadocia Tour: Underground City, Caravanserai & Salt Lake
• Daily Salt Lake Tour from Cappadocia

Selime Monastery

The largest rock-cut monastery in Cappadocia, featuring a huge church and numerous chambers. It was carved in the 8th century and offers a fantastic view over Ihlara Valley. Explore the vast network of rooms, tunnels, and halls. The main church is adorned with intricate carvings and frescoes.

Tours to Selim Monastery >>

Cavusin Church

This ancient church, nestled in the rocky landscape, offers a unique perspective on Cappadocian history. Even if the church is closed, the views over Cavusin Valley make the visit worthwhile. The church’s architecture and surrounding cave dwellings are fascinating. You can admire the rock formations and see the town spread out below.

Selime Peri Bacaları

Located near the town of Selime, these “fairy chimneys” are stunning rock formations that date back to the Roman Empire. They marked the start of the Cappadocian region and are not as well known as other sites.

Explore ancient dwellings and churches hidden among the rock formations. Nearby, you can also find Sultan Selim’s tomb and taste local Emir grape wine at the market.

Aksaray

A historically rich town that marks the gateway to Cappadocia, with roots dating back to the Hittites in the second millennium BC. Visit local landmarks like Ulu Cami, Egri Minaret, and Zinciriye Madrasa. Explore local markets and try regional dishes like Aksaray tava and Bamya çorbası.

• Practical Tip: Ideal for history enthusiasts. Take your time exploring the old town, and don’t miss local hammams.

Uchisar Castle

Why Visit: A fortress carved into a 60-meter-high rock, offering stunning panoramic views of Cappadocia. Climb to the top to see the entire region. It’s especially beautiful at sunset when the rock formations are bathed in golden light.

Practical Tip: Show your ID at the ticket counter if you have Turkish residency for a discount.

Sunset ATV Tour

The Sunset ATV Tour is a thrilling way to explore Cappadocia’s valleys. You’ll ride an ATV through trails, hills, and sandy dunes, taking in iconic rock formations and fairy chimneys. The tour usually ends at a viewpoint, where you can watch a stunning sunset over the valleys.

• Duration: About 2 hours, with a break for tea.
• Tip: Wear comfortable clothes; dust protection like scarves can be useful.

Mevlevi Dervishes Show in Cappadocia

Experience a Mevlevi Dervishes Show at the historic Saruhan Kervansaray. The ceremony includes music, singing, and the hypnotic whirling dance of dervishes, symbolizing spiritual ascent.

• Duration: About 1 hour.
• Setting: A 13th-century caravanserai adds to the ambiance. Shows end with a cup of warm cinnamon tea.

Horse Ride in the Red Valley at Sunset

Horseback riding through the Red Valley during sunset is a must-try in Cappadocia. Even for beginners, the horses are gentle, and guides are there to assist. The 1.5-hour journey takes you through scenic trails, leading to a stunning sunset viewpoint.

Paragliding Over Cappadocia

Experience paragliding over Cappadocia’s stunning rock formations. No need for prior training; an instructor will guide you. You get about 20-25 minutes in the air to see the landscape and finish with a smooth landing. Book early, especially during peak season.

Book your paragliding experience here >>

Sunset or Sunrise Camel Ride

Ride a camel through Cappadocia’s valleys at sunrise or sunset. You’ll pass through Pigeon Valley with views of Uchisar Castle. These rides aren’t just for photos—learn about the region’s history and trade routes along the way. Rides are usually 1-2 hours.

Enjoy the camel ride here >>

Day Jeep Off-Road Adventure

Explore Cappadocia’s unique landscapes on a jeep safari. The tour covers key spots like the Sword, Red, and Love Valleys, plus hidden gems like Cavusin Ghost Village. Expect rugged trails and amazing sunset views. Some tours include a Turkish BBQ meal to make the day.

Visit the Famous Carpet Shop

Head to Galeri Ikham in Göreme, a top spot for Turkish carpets. You’ll find a vast selection, from classic to modern designs. Want to take photos? It’s best to ask for permission — purchasing something small helps.

Also, we found a tour that includes a carpet photo stop!

Traditional Turkish Bath

Try a Turkish bath in Cappadocia. It’s a great way to relax after hiking or sightseeing. Expect a mix of steam, scrubbing, and massage to leave you refreshed. Many local hamams offer packages, including hotel pick-up.

Stay in a Cave Hotel

Staying in a cave hotel is a Cappadocia must. Options like Local Cave House, Koza Cave Hotel, and Wings Cappadocia offer unique rooms with modern amenities. Book early for top views and experiences.

Taste Cappadocian Cuisine

Cappadocia has distinct local dishes like manti (Turkish dumplings) and bulgur pilavı. Many restaurants offer cooking classes, where you can learn to make local specialties like borek and baklava.

t’s the perfect place to try a cooking class and learn about Turkish culinary traditions firsthand. These classes offer a hands-on experience, letting you cook with local ingredients and learn from experienced chefs:

• Cooking Class at Exclusive Kings Valley
• Cappadocia Cooking Class
• Cappadocia: Evening Cooking Class with Hotel Transfer

Turkish Night Performance

For a fun night out, join a Turkish night show in a local cave restaurant. Enjoy dancing, music, and unlimited drinks while watching traditional folk performances. It’s interactive — don’t be surprised if you’re invited to join the dance floor!

• Recommended Shows:
  • Göreme: Dinner and Folk Show at a Cave Restaurant
  • Turkish Night with Dinner and Drinks

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