3 Things to Do in Cappadocia
As if it came straight out of a fairy-tale dream, the unique scenery of Cappadocia has earned it a place on the list of the best travel destinations in the world. Located in the center of Anatolia, the Cappadocia region has been attracting the attention of travelers for years. However, the popular region is said to have outgrown itself recently, hosting more than 3.8 million foreign visitors in 2019 alone, before the pandemic. For such an important travel route, I thought it necessary to know 3 things to do in Cappadocia.
Cappadocia offers its visitors unforgettable travel experiences with its unique landscapes, ‘perfect’ fairy chimneys, and exquisite cave-style hotels scattered all over the region. But of course, the main reason travelers visit Cappadocia must be to enjoy experiences they can only find here. For example, a hot air balloon flight over the fairy-tale landscape of Cappadocia. Even though a balloon ride alone is something extraordinary, there is much more to Cappadocia. Think of historic open-air museums, ancient rock-cut castles, epic sunset spots, as well as adventurous hiking trails. To help you make the most of your time in Cappadocia, I have gathered my recommendations in 3 articles. Here are 3 things to do in Cappadocia.
1 | Unique Fairy Chimneys in Paşabağ Valley
Paşabağ Valley, with its magical view of fairy chimneys, is unarguably one of the most popular places in Cappadocia. Although these chimneys are found everywhere in Cappadocia, I believe the best are in the amazingly beautiful Paşabağ Valley. The small but impressive valley hosts a wide variety of these extraordinary earth columns. The most well-known are the unique mushroom-shaped chimneys. Because of these beauties, the valley is full of domestic and foreign tourists. Everyone is excited to see these extraordinarily shaped chimneys and the well-preserved cave houses that surround them. Besides the chimneys, it is possible to take photos with an incredible view of the valley. Don’t forget that Paşabağ Valley has recently introduced a small entrance fee, the main reason being its growing popularity, with about a thousand visitors a day.
2 | HOT AIR BALLOON TOUR AT SUNRISE
Every morning at sunrise, hundreds of hot air balloons float overhead and create the perfect landscape of Cappadocia. Before I booked a ticket to Cappadocia, I never dreamed of seeing the magnificent view of Cappadocia from the basket of a hot air balloon. But now that I’ve experienced it, I understand why it has become one of the world’s greatest travel experiences. While I was staying at the MDC Hotel, a very nice staff member asked me if I wanted to join a balloon flight. I did something crazy and joined.
My first ‘real experience’ in Cappadocia was the balloon flight. Setting your alarm for 4 in the morning is an exciting feeling. The next morning, I was picked up from the hotel around 04:30. It was dark and cold outside. I was still sleepy when a short, bumpy ride took me to the balloon’s launch point. After a short safety briefing, it was finally time to take off. In just 10 minutes, the hot air balloon ascended to a height of nearly 700 meters. The rising sun gradually revealed the dreamy landscape below — it was phenomenal!
3 | DISCOVER GÖREME OPEN AIR MUSEUM
Göreme Open Air Museum, which is on the UNESCO list, has gradually become a frequent destination for travelers flocking to Cappadocia. For this reason, the museum is flooded with visitors, especially in the high season. This museum is only a short distance from the lively town center of Göreme. The museum is home to well-preserved caves, ancient churches, and fascinating frescoes that tell the historical story of the area. The Göreme Open Air Museum tour begins with exciting stories. You will be informed about historical facts about the area and its people. It hosts more than 35 points of interest on the subject. If you want to get away from the crowds somehow, I recommend you visit Göreme Open Air Museum first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon.
My Cappadocia experience was not limited to these 3 things. However, if you have limited time, I would say crown your time in Cappadocia with these 3 experiences. Of course, having come this far, it is impossible not to stay in a cave hotel. For this, I recommend the MDC Hotel where I stayed.
