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Cappadocia

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Camel rock at Devrent valley (Imaginary valley) in Cappadocia, Turkey.; Shutterstock ID 1086845579; your: Bridget Brown; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: POI Image Update

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Overview

As if plucked from a whimsical fairytale and set down upon the stark Anatolian plains, Cappadocia is a geological oddity of honeycombed hills and towering boulders of otherworldly beauty. The fantastical topography is matched by the human history here. People have long utilised the region's soft stone, seeking shelter underground and leaving the countryside scattered with fascinating cavern architecture. The fresco-adorned rock-cut churches of Göreme Open-Air Museum and the subterranean refuges of Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı are the most famous sights, while simply bedding down in one of Cappadocia's cave hotels is an experience in 21st-century cave living.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Göreme Open-Air Museum

    Göreme Open-Air Museum

    Göreme

    This Unesco World Heritage site is an essential stop on any Cappadocian itinerary. First thought to be a Byzantine monastic settlement that housed some 20…

  • Cave dwelling for the ancient christians in Capadocia

    Zelve Open-Air Museum

    Cappadocia

    The road between Çavuşin and Avanos passes a turn-off to the Zelve Open-Air Museum, where three valleys of crumbling cave-habitations and churches…

  • The Kaymakl underground city, Kaymakl, Cappadocia, Turkey, Middle East

    Kaymaklı Underground City

    Cappadocia

    Kaymaklı underground city features a maze of tunnels and rooms carved eight levels deep into the earth, though only four are open to the public. The…

  • Eski Gümüşler Monastery

    Cappadocia

    Some of Cappadocia's best-preserved and most captivating frescoes are hidden within this rarely visited rock-hewn monastery that was only rediscovered in…

  • Güllüdere (Rose) Valley

    Göreme

    The trails that loop around Güllüdere Vadısı (Rose Valley) are easily accessible to all levels of walkers and provide some of the finest fairy-chimney…

  • Soğanlı

    Cappadocia

    Let's get one thing straight: despite its science-fiction setting, no scene in Star Wars was ever filmed near Soğanlı. But don't despair Chewbacca fans;…

  • Kızılçukur Viewpoint

    Cappadocia

    One of the best views of Kızılçukur (Red) Valley's fang-like rock cones and wavy cliff ridges is from this lookout point, signposted off the highway,…

  • Buckle Church

    Göreme

    The Buckle Church is 50m back down the hill towards Göreme and across the road from the main Open-Air Museum complex, but is covered by the same entrance…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Cappadocia promises incredible natural sights, ancient cultures and wonderful hikes – where to begin? With our round-up of the 9 best things to do there.

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Best Places to Visit

Cappadocia is incredibly popular with visitors to Turkey but where to start with so many attractions? These are 8 of our favorite places to visit.

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Best Time to Visit

Whether you're heading here to explore historic sites, go on a balloon tour, or even ski, read on for what to expect during the different seasons.

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Things to Know

From how long to stay to how to stay safe, here are the key things to know before you go to Cappadocia.

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Transportation

Cappadocia enjoys good transport options by car, taxi and dolmus (van) – check out these tips for getting around Türkiye's dreamiest region.

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Money and Costs

From off-season travel to finding cheap food, these money-saving tips can help you stretch your budget further in Cappadocia

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Best Road Trips

Cappadocia’s combination of dramatic scenery and well-maintained roads makes it a pleasure to explore by car.

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