Travel Guide to Cappadocia, Turkey [with Sample Itinerary]

Read our Cappadocia travel guide to help you have an idea with your next journey to this paradise-like city in central Turkey.

Fascinated by the beauty of rock formations? Then Cappadocia in Turkey is the place you should be. This region in central Turkey is blessed with an abundance of magnificent rock formations that are truly unique and picturesque. Since it is also one of Turkey’s tourist destinations, you will be able to learn more about this place’s history and interesting facts. If you want to witness the beautiful landscape of Cappadocia, Turkey then read more about this travel guide that we made for you.

Cappadocia Travel Guide: Places to Visit in Cappadocia, Turkey

1. Goreme National Park

Göreme National Park, a place that attracts the most tourists for many years, entered the Unesco World Heritage List in 1985. You can have a nice visit to the past among the pages of its history, where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, along with the natural structure of the Park. You also have to see the cave churches inside the fairy chimneys.

Suggested Tour: Göreme: Small-Group Full-Day Cappadocia Red Tour

2. Fairy Chimneys

The fairy chimneys/mushroom hills are just one of the most beautiful sights in Cappadocia. The mushroom type small hills are best explored by walking through the streets of Cappadocia. These rock formations were formed through centuries of volcanic activity. When you go here, comfortable clothes and shoes are highly recommended.

Suggested Tour: Cappadocia Highlights Tour with Lunch

3. Cappadocia Cave Dwellings

This place is an impressive combination of geography, geology, and culture. Photographers or people who have a passion for photography would definitely love this place. Today, these cave dwellings have been commercialized as a place for tourists to experience living in a cave by staying in many cave hotels spread around Goreme, Uchisar, and Urgup.

Suggested Tour: Cappadocia: Private Full-Day Tour

4. Pasabag

Pasabag is another site for fairy chimneys sightseeing. This is probably one of the most fabulous spots among all the popular sights in Cappadocia. The volcanic rock formations in this site have different kinds of shapes than other sites in Cappadocia.

Suggested Tour: Ürgüp/Göreme: Full-Day Cappadocia Red Tour

5. Güllüdere Vadisi

The Rose Valley/Güllüdere Vadisi is situated in between Göreme and Avanos Towns in the City of Nevşehir. The valley hikes provide a different view and way to experience the unique landscape of Cappadocia. Walking here is one of the best things that you can do in Goreme. Beautiful landscapes, rock formations, etc.

Suggested Tour: Best of Cappadocia Private Day-Tour

6. Goreme Open-Air Museum

This is a place with beautiful landscapes and ideal to learn a little more about the culture. You’ll get to see the old monastery, multiple partially preserved Churches, and a lot more. It is also amazing how well the colors of the paintings on the walls are preserved! Surely offers a lot of history.

Suggested Tour: Cappadocia: Full-Day Private Custom Tour

7. Zemi Valley

Zemi, just ahead of Görkündere Valley, contains tunnels such as Kızılvadi and Güvercinlik Valley. Beyond that, it is a valley full of adventure and discovery where you can meet a lot of people. It consists of a five-kilometer walking path.

8. Derinkuyu Yeralti Sehri

It is truly an amazing place. It is chilling to see how civilization lived. And being there touring the tunnels is something never seen or experienced before. It was built around 3,500 years ago. Such experience is surely not to miss.

9. Uchisar Castle

If you are in Uchisar you can go up for a short visit and be able to see all the surrounding valleys from the highest point of the country. You can also just observe it from the outside. A unique place to see if you visit Cappadocia.

Suggested Tour: Full-Day Cappadocia Red Plus Tour

10. Pigeon Valley

Another of Cappadocia’s beautiful valleys. A unique and fantastic place. You don’t need to spend long hours to appreciate the valley. A short stop is enough to see the highlights, the beautiful sceneries, and of course, a lot of pigeons.

11. Love Valley

The Love Valley is distinguished by several pillars of characteristic shape. Above it, there is a playground with a heart-shaped swing. It also offers a great view of the stone formations.

12. Sunset Point

From this place, a panoramic view of Goreme opens. Expect that it is crowded in the evenings. However, your eyes will have a beautiful view of the village, all in the lights during the evening. There is also a cafe so staying here is absolutely worth it.

13. Kaymakli Underground City

If you’re in Cappadocia, you should not miss visiting the underground city; This is one of the two most visited cities. The city has 8 levels, of which the first four can be visited. Walking around, you will feel a bit like Indiana Jones, hallways, trap doors, in an environment that makes you feel a strange culture.

Suggested Tour: South Cappadocia Full-Day Green Tour with Trekking

14. Guray Museum

History of ceramics. It is an awesome museum with impressive architecture. It has a rich collection of valuable ceramics, both ancient and current. Not only that, but you can also learn about the history and manufacturing methods.

15. Ihlara Valley

Beautiful valley, a little distant from the center of Cappadocia, but worth the visit! Here, you will lose track of time, you’ll surely love staying there all-day. Along the way, there are stopping points where you can sip tea and relax in silence and pure air.

Suggested Tour: Full-Day Cappadocia Blue Tour with a Small Group

Cappadocia Travel Guide: Sample Weekend Itinerary to Cappadocia, Turkey

Day 1 – Weekend Guide to Cappadocia, Turkey

Goreme Open-Air Museum – For a starter, learn more about the Turkish culture by visiting the Goreme Open-Air Museum. You will be mesmerized by the country’s rich history.

Derinkuyu Yeralti Sehri – Another place for learning, your day 1 should be a “travel back in time” tour.

Day 2 – Weekend Guide to Cappadocia, Turkey

Goreme National Park – Continue exploring the past on your second day in Cappadocia. Goreme National Park is a very popular tourist destination in Cappadocia, Turkey. In this place, you’ll get to explore more rock formations like the chimneys.

Fairy Chimneys – Be amazed by the rock formations of these chimneys that look like mushroom hills.

Pasabag – Another site for fairy chimneys sightseeing. The different kinds of shapes in this site are just picturesque.

Day 3 – Weekend Guide to Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia Cave Dwellings – There’s a lot of great photo opportunities in this place, so make sure to not miss this one!

Ihlara Valley – Before you live Cappadocia, make sure to spend some time here at Ihlara Valley. Its beautiful landscapes attract a lot of tourists.

Cappadocia Travel Guide: Where to Stay in Cappadocia, Turkey

*All prices are subject to change.

Where to Stay in Cappadocia, Turkey if you’re a Backpacker

Epoch Stone House

Each accommodation at Epoch Stone House has garden views and free WiFi. The hotel features city views, a terrace, and a 24-hour front desk. All rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Guests at the accommodation can also enjoy a continental breakfast.

Price: Starts at $26 per night for Economy Double Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.

Ciner Hotel

Çiner Hotel is located in the town of Göreme in the historic Cappadocia region and provides rooms with free Wi-Fi. All rooms include a minibar, satellite TV, and a fridge. Each room has air conditioning and an en suite bathroom with a shower. Nevşehir Airport is 41 km away, while Kayseri Airport is 84 km away from the property.

Price: Starts at $38 per night for Standard Double or Twin Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.

Naturels Cave House

This cozy family-run pension offers cave rooms and stone rooms with an arched ceiling, and it also has a terrace. The authentic rooms at the pet-friendly Naturels Cave House feature underfloor heating, LCD TV with satellite channels, and an electric kettle with free tea and coffee set-up. They all have a private bathroom with free toiletries. Free Wi-Fi is also available in the rooms.

Price: Starts at $39 per night for Stone Room, includes taxes and charges, add $5 for breakfast, it offers a free cancellation.

Where to Stay in Cappadocia, Turkey if you’re on a Budget

Elysee Cave House

The friendly owners at Elysee Cave House offer a high standard of personalized service, including arranging hiking trips in the local area. Each of the rooms is fully heated in the cooler months. A unique menu of traditional Turkish and Ottoman cuisine is served in the rose garden or the cozy restaurant.

Price: Starts at $45 per night for Budget Double or Twin Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.

Cappadocia Cave Land Hotel

Cappadocia Cave Land Hotel offers Ottoman-style accommodation and concierge services. Free WiFi is accessible throughout the premises. Complimentary shuttle services are available in Goreme. Elegantly decorated rooms and suites at Cappadocia Cave Land Hotel include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an electric kettle, and a safety deposit box. Equipped with a bathtub or a shower, the private bathrooms come with a hairdryer, free toiletries, and slippers.

Price: Starts at $62 per night for Deluxe Double Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.

Kirkit Hotel

Kirkit Hotel offers rooms with free WiFi and has a restaurant that serves traditional cuisine. Each room has stone walls and wooden furnishings, some of which are antique. They include a private bathroom with a shower. Some rooms have balconies with views of the Kizilirmak River. Guests can also rent a bicycle and explore the countryside.

Price: Starts at $68 per night for Standard Double Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.

Where to Stay in Cappadocia, Turkey if you want Luxury

DoubleTree By Hilton Avanos Cappadocia

The Doubletree Avanos Capaddocia offers indoor and outdoor pools as well as various spa facilities in the city center of Avanos. Guests can enjoy modern guest rooms with free Wi-Fi access and luxurious bath products. The Avanos Capaddocia Hilton offers 24-hour room service. Freshly prepared, local dishes are available in the restaurant for lunch and dinner.

Price: Starts at $98 per night for King Bed Guestroom, includes taxes and charges, add $11 for breakfast, it offers a free cancellation.

Taru Cave Suites

Taru Cave Suites offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar, and a shared lounge. Each accommodation at the 5-star hotel has garden views, and guests can enjoy access to a garden and to a terrace. All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer, and a desk. They also have a buffet or continental breakfast.

Price: Starts at $198 per night for Suite with Balcony, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.

Seraphim Cave Hotel

Seraphim Cave Hotel offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar, and a garden. Among the facilities at this property are room service and concierge service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel provides an indoor pool, hammam, and a 24-hour front desk. The units at the hotel come with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and a shower. Continental and à la carte breakfast options are available every morning.

Price: Starts at $203 per night for King Suite, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.

Cappadocia Travel Guide: List of restaurants that you can try while in Cappadocia, Turkey

Ocakbasi Urfa Sofrasi

Serves Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine. You’ll have one of the best kebabs in Cappadocia here!

Operating hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Tue-Sun) / 08:15 AM – 12:00 AM (Mon)
Address: Ataturk Cad. Carsi Meydani No: 13, Avanos 50500 Turkey

CanCan Cafe Restaurant

Offers Turkish cuisine, Cancan Cafe Restaurant not only serves excellent food but also offers great service.

Operating hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Wed-Mon) / 09:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Tue)
Address: Avcilar Mahallesi, No.27, Goreme 50180 Turkey

Sakli Konak Restaurant

Sakli Konak Restaurant serves Turkish cuisine and has amazing wine options. Remember to book in advance before you dine here.

Operating hours: 08:30 AM – 11:59 AM and 1:00 PM – 11:30 PM (Mon-Thu) / 08:30 AM – 11:59 AM and 1:00 PM – 11:45 PM (Fri-Sun)
Address: Tekelli Mahallesi, 2 KarlIk Sk No:3, Uchisar 50240 Turkey

Lil’a Restaurant

Their menu includes European and Turkish cuisines that are made with very high quality. All tourists can have an excellent fine dining experience at Lil’a Restaurant.

Operating hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Sun-Sat)
Address: Tekelli Mah. No. 2 Uchisar Museum Hotel, Uchisar 50240 Turkey

Kapadokya Lezzet Sofrası

A lot of people say that to have the best and tasty Turkish dish, this is the place to be. Kapadokya Lezzet Sofrası has that for you.