Fun Things to do in Cappadocia

 

If you know about Turkey as a destination, then it would come as no surprise that the next best destination that pops into your mind after Istanbul is Cappadocia. A region in central Turkey, Cappadocia has some of the most dramatic scenery in all of Turkey and offers a unique array of experiences for anyone who enjoys outdoor adventures.  You might be wondering what Cappadocia has in store for you. Here is an overview of what you can expect from this extraordinary destination.

Take a hot air balloon ride

If you come across a brochure or a website about Cappadocia, most certainly it will be adorned in a picture filled with floating hot air balloons. It is imperative to take a hot air balloon ride first thing in the morning to really appreciate what Cappadocia has to offer. This region's unique topography and muted hues are made even more pronounced in the early morning sunlight and from an aerial perspective. Cappadocia offers a broad range of hot air ballooning options, from short duration rides to an elaborate one-hour ride with breakfast and champagne.  Most visitors to Cappadocia put this activity at the top of their travel wishlist, and it is well worth of every penny. The best hot air ballooning season in Cappadocia takes place between April and November when the weather is perfect and ideal for outdoor activities.

Experience nonchalant rooftop viewing moments

Cappadocia’s unique landscape has often been compared to lunarscapes and fairytale settings and this is what makes it so popular among wanderlusts. The jagged rock formations and rugged townships are best viewed from an elevated viewpoint. The region has an amazing collection of alfresco dining restaurants and elevated hotels that offers stunning views of the scenic panorama of earthy tones dotted with hundreds of colourful hot air balloons suspended mid-air. Before you apply for a turkey visa and go ahead with your hotel stay planning, try adding a one-night stay at Sultan Cave Suites, Museum Hotel, or Rox Cappadocia which offers some of the most memorable scenic rooftops viewing experiences that you can enjoy with a scrumptious breakfast. If your holiday budget does not align with a stay at the hotel, then book a table at one of the rooftop restaurants strewn along the scenic vista for a memorable evening and dinner.

Discover Goreme

Goreme is a breathtaking spot in Cappadocia that can be easily explored by foot or by hot air ballooning trips. The region under Goreme National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its extraordinary rock formations and fairy chimneys created through years of erosion activity. The whole landscape in Goreme is scattered with these phenomenal nature formations. One of the most popular tours to take here is the Goreme open-air museum which is famous for its fresco-laden churches entirely made out of rocks. Pasabag is another gorgeous spot to visit in Gorem which is studded with fairy chimneys. A hike to the sunset viewpoint is an exciting way to view the beauty of this region from an elevated point of view. The whole region offers an extraordinary experience to explore a destination unlike any other in the world.

Explore the Underground City

Cappadocia’s splendour spreads deep beneath the surface of the planet where the fascinating labyrinth of underground caves form the breathtaking Kaymakli and Derinkuyu Underground city. Said to be built in the 7th or 8th century BCE, these caves were easy to carve into the soft volcanic rocks by early human civilization. Today, these have stood the test of time and are open for public viewing as a popular tourist attraction in Turkey.  These massive underground cities run deep into the earth and have multiple levels, making it an abode for early inhabitants along with livestock and produces. The architecture and planning of these cities will definitely amaze you.

Take an excursion to Red and Rose Valley

Located just outside Goreme, Red and Rose Valley are terrific sports for adventure and nature lovers. It gets its name from the pinkish rugged rocks lining the valley. A change in the atmosphere as the sun starts its decent to the horizon is fantastic to watch as the spectrum of colors shifts from pink and purple to orange and amber. Those dramatic sunset views are what draws travellers to the valley to sit down on the slopes and gaze peacefully at the horizon while soaking up the breathtaking sunset atmosphere. It is a soul-stirring and gorgeous experience to witness on a trip to Cappadocia.

Spend some time at the astonishing Lake Tuz

Also, popularly known as the Pink Salt lake, the lake is a quiet spot to just enjoy the unique beauty and vibrant pink hued water. Lake Tuz is not exactly located in Cappadocia but can serve as an interesting excursion for those who want to venture out more and explore the uniqueness of Cappadocia and its surrounding areas. Tuz Lake is the second largest salt lake in Turkey and allures tourists with its pink tones which it gets from a certain kind of algae growing in its hypersaline waters. The water remains pink as long as the climate is suitable for algae growth which means that during summers when the water dries up a bit, chances are you will come across a white lake rather than a pink one. 

Enjoy finger-licking delicious local cuisine

One thing that is definitely a not-to-miss experience while on a Turkey holiday is to explore its gastronomical delights. Each region of Turkey offers something traditional and full of flavours and Cappadocia is no different. Start your day right with beautiful servings of basic traditional breakfast consisting of Menemen,  freshest produces like olives, freshly baked loaves of bread, fig and apricot preserves, raw honey, and Turkish coffee. While in Cappadocia, make sure to gorge into some lip-smacking Testi Kabab or pottery kabab which is a signature dish of this region. The unique cooking technique blending flavours and aromas of meat and spices in a slow cooking process sealed in an earthen pot makes it a rather tempting dish to savour. Other traditional dishes to delve into are Poaca, Gozleme, and Patlican Salatasi to name a few.

Experience the Local art of pottery

Get yourself a memorable souvenir from the pottery craft of Cappadocia. The Avanos village is famous for its pottery crafts of terracotta and ceramics. The majority of the population in this village is involved in the pottery-making business. The craft is taken so seriously that there is a saying that in the early days, that a man cannot get married in this village if he did not know pottery. The village still thrives on the best-quality pottery business and has long held the honour of preserving the age-old tradition of Cappadocian craft. The market area of Avanos is a treasure trove of clay earthenware and ceramic merchandise along with handwoven carpets.

 Conclusion

Cappadocia is an incredibly interesting destination to visit in Turkey that is brimming with natural wonders both above and beneath the surface of the earth. Together with rich culture and an appetizing food scene, Cappadocia offers some of the finest holiday experiences sprinkled with unique attractions. The experiences of a Cappadocia tour will linger on with you long after you have completed the holiday.