Must-See Places in Cappadocia
Cappadocia is one of the most important tourist destinations in Turkey. Before travelling to such an important place, it is worth making a travel plan. I wanted to prepare a guide that I believe will help you with that plan. In this guide, I will be sharing with you the places I consider the must-see places in Cappadocia. I hope it proves a valuable read for every one of our readers.
The Hotel You Stay at in Cappadocia Matters!
Since ancient times, cave dwellings have been carved straight out of Cappadocia’s distinctive rock formations. Fortunately, this primitive yet authentic form of shelter is still very much alive. Today, however, these caves are a far cry from the original design they had hundreds of years ago. Instead, these centuries-old caves now deliver a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience. Combining that primitive way of life with magnificent design and every imaginable luxury, they are being transformed into truly, incredibly stunning boutique hotels.
Which brings me to my stay at MDC Cave Hotel, a family-run establishment offering its visitors one of the most authentic cave hotel experiences in Cappadocia. The finest and most varied selection of exquisite cave-style rooms in Cappadocia is found here. With the most delicious breakfast spread imaginable, MDC Cave Hotel has actually become one of my favourite hotels. But for me, the real appeal lies in the fact that they do everything in their power to make you feel at home away from home. After spending an entire week here, that is exactly how I felt. So if you are planning to visit Cappadocia, make sure to include a stay at an authentic cave hotel like MDC Cave Hotel. For me, it was without question the highlight of my time in Cappadocia.
Watching the Sunset in the Red Valley
When it comes to hiking in Cappadocia, the Red Valley will always be part of the conversation. It is marked by a series of rugged ridges and the distinctive, Mars-like sandstone they are formed from. The otherworldly Red Valley is a true hiker’s paradise. I spent a few afternoons on the dusty hiking trails of the Red Valley, where I found some of Cappadocia’s finest cave dwellings, as well as the hidden ancient churches these caves so often shelter. An epic Cappadocian sunset was truly magnificent! Impressive as the Red Valley is on its own, it is even more beautiful when these sharp sandstone ridges are bathed in the deep red tones of the setting sun. Also, if you are thinking of hiking in the Red Valley, be sure to follow the loop through the adjacent Rose Valley.
Hiking in the Rose Valley
The Red Valley gets most of the fame when it comes to hiking in Cappadocia, but in my opinion the adjacent Rose Valley is every bit as impressive. The Rose Valley stands out with its unique pink-hued sandstone hills. It also has breathtaking rock formations and hidden rock-carved churches. With a great many ancient cave dwellings scattered across the wide valley, it truly is remarkable. The more than 4 kilometres of adventurous trails running the length of the valley offer a wonderful experience. But beware — at times, the ‘Rose Valley’ signs may lead you again and again to a small café in the heart of the valley.
Taking in the View from Uçhisar Castle
It sits atop a striking rock formation in the heart of the town of Uçhisar. It is an ancient fortress that once served to protect the region from potential invaders — and it is from this that Uçhisar Castle takes its name. Uçhisar Castle is the highest point in Cappadocia, and for that reason it offers the most dazzling panorama of Cappadocia’s extraordinary landscape. Beyond that, the town below is a wonderful sight in itself and well worth seeing, so I recommend setting aside some time to wander the authentic streets of the town of Uçhisar. Depending on how long you are staying in Cappadocia, experiencing Uçhisar Castle is essential. The most common way is a full-day adventure combined with Love Valley and Pigeon Valley. But if time is no issue, I recommend climbing the castle just before sunset — Uçhisar Castle is a magnificent sunset spot in Cappadocia. For those who prefer to join a guided tour or follow a tight schedule, Uçhisar Castle is also covered on the popular Red Cappadocia Tour.
A Visit to Love Valley
Set between the historic towns of Göreme and Uçhisar, Love Valley is an area renowned for its characteristic rock formations. The fame of these ancient rock formations standing firm on the valley floor is recognised the world over. Should you decide to follow the 2-hour trail towards Uçhisar — and you absolutely should — you will encounter a series of well-preserved cave dwellings and tunnels alongside the mesmerising rock formations. But to me, the most beautiful thing about Love Valley is that just before the end of the trail, the path leads you to one of Cappadocia’s most unique vistas — you could even say it delivers you to a sea of wave-shaped sandstone surfaces. Hiking in Love Valley is one of the best things to do in Cappadocia.
