Introducing Cappadocia (Kapadokya)
Those troglodytes sure knew what they were doing when they decided to lay down their hats and call Cappadocia home. Deep in the heart of the country, they settled within the lunar-like landscape and burrowed their houses and churches into stone cliffs and their cities underground. In so doing, they provided a still-cogent example of the simplicity and sense of living at one with nature rather than imposing upon it.
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These days the cave dwellers are predominantly tourists staying in cave hotels who have been drawn to this part of Turkey by its surreal scenery, wealth of ancient churches and unparalleled opportunities for adventure activities. Where else can you float over the fairy chimneys in a hot-air balloon in the morning, admire Byzantine frescoes in the afternoon and sample fine food and wine at night? Let alone take a spectacular hike through a rose-tinted gorge, indulge in a frenzy of shopping at a covered bazaar dating from Ottoman times and see dervishes whirl in an atmospheric caravanserai. It’s this mix of attractions that makes Cappadocia such a compelling tourist destination – there truly is something here for everyone.
Let’s be clear, though. The true joy of Cappadocia doesn’t come courtesy of its wealth of boutique hotels, its spectacular sunsets, its world-class hiking or its warm and welcoming locals. Instead, it stems from the fact that life still follows a village rhythm here, far removed from the wannabe jet-set lifestyle of the Mediterranean tourist resorts or the marvellous mayhem of İstanbul. This is a place to enjoy at your own pace.
Last updated: Mar 24, 2009
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Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Birding in the Sultan Marsh in Cappadocia
by sarikanarya 14 September 2011
Given the huge variety of birds in Turkey,bird watching is popular here,not just amongst visitors but Turkish people too.Here are some…
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Re: Help with 26 days in Turkey
by sarikanarya 14 September 2011
Hooo,this is stil a pretty full itinery but anyway,you know your travel style best.You seem to be doing a big zig zag towards the end…
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Re: Help with 26 days in Turkey
by travelingcook 14 September 2011
Hello everyone! So, I'd like to post my revised itinerary and get your feedback :) 10/23 - Arrive Istanbul 17:15 10/24 - Istanbul…
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Cappadocia (Kapadokya)
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Our Top Picks For Cappadocia (Kapadokya)
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1 Göreme Open-Air Museum
Marvel at the luminous frescoes and rock-hewn churches at Göreme Open-Air Museum
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2 Ürgüp
Sample the boutique hotels and local wines in Ürgüp
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3 Ihlara Valley
Follow the river and explore the ancient churches in the magnificent Ihlara Valley
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4 Underground cities
Explore the subterranean wonders of the underground cities at Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı
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5 Ala Dağlar National Park
Brave the rapids of the Zamantı River in the magnificent Ala Dağlar National Park
Our favourite Cappadocia (Kapadokya) Blogs (beta)
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Cappadocia, Dude
Blog: 12FOOT3 - 9 January 2010
It’s not often that party banter will bring you half way around the world. Before we left on our trip, we met a California surfer at a party, and after finding out he had been to Turkey several times, we asked the obvious question: “What we shouldn’t miss in Turkey?” His answer: “Cappadocia, dude.” Even with this [...]
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Cappadocia from above and underground
Blog: nateniale { reflections on my travels and everything else I love } - 29 December 2009
We started the day cold and early for a hot-air balloon ride. We were initially reluctant to spend the exorbitant amount of money for the ride. However, we thought it could probably be a once in a lifetime experience as it would be the first time for both of us to be up on a hot-air balloon. After reading many great reviews, I was looking forward to it.
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Fairy chimneys in Cappadocia
Blog: nateniale { reflections on my travels and everything else I love } - 29 December 2009
We reached Urgup in Cappadocia early in the morning. We waited in the cold for our transfer to the hotel but it never came. Some helpful guys at the bus counter helped us to check our bookings, but we found that there has been some mistakes in the bookings. After an hour or so, we finally ended up in a quaint little bed and breakfast managed by an extremely nice Turkish man. We believed that he converted his home into this bed and breakfast.
