{"id":54,"date":"2021-08-31T19:09:36","date_gmt":"2021-08-31T19:09:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tdi_32_764"},"modified":"2026-09-03T20:21:26","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T20:21:26","slug":"5-things-to-do-in-cappadocia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mdchotel.com\/blog-en\/5-things-to-do-in-cappadocia\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Things to Do in Cappadocia"},"content":{"rendered":"

5 Things<\/span> to Do in Cappadocia<\/h4>\n

Those who have been to Cappadocia before usually wish they could discover it again and again as if for the first time \u2014 or explore it as a foreign tourist would. If you are visiting Cappadocia for the first time, or only have a short trip ahead of you, you should definitely read this article. Under the heading 5 things to do in Cappadocia, we have put together a selection to make your trip an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the read.<\/p>\n

\"5
Photo by Mesut Kaya<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1 Watching the Sunrise or Sunset from Lovers’ Hill<\/h4>\n

Its panoramic vantage point provides some of the most magnificent views in Cappadocia. It is no surprise that Lovers’ Hill (A\u015f\u0131klar Tepesi) and the sunrise are usually mentioned in the same sentence. When you visit Lovers’ Hill as the sun rises, you will be greeted by a spectacular view of the entire region, while dozens of hot air balloons gently lift off almost everywhere around you. This is without question one of the most exciting ways to start the day in Cappadocia \u2014 especially if you want to catch the hot air balloon action. However, like many tourist spots, Lovers’ Hill gets crowded with both locals and travellers, day in and day out. But don’t let that keep you from capturing some of Cappadocia’s most enchanting views. So if you have some free time and are looking for a place to end the day, look no further.<\/p>\n

2 | Exploring the Zelve Open-Air Museum<\/h4>\n

Once home to one of Cappadocia’s largest communities, this sprawling cave town is now known as the historic Open-Air Museum of Zelve. Located about 8 kilometres from G\u00f6reme, Cappadocia’s most popular town, the museum is a little more out of the way than the G\u00f6reme Open-Air Museum<\/a>. Yet despite Zelve’s unfortunate location, I believe a visit is well worth the extra effort. With its rock-carved churches, impressive cave dwellings and distinctive rock formations, it is not only one of the absolute highlights of any trip to Cappadocia, but also an incredible place to look into one of the region’s most important settlements. In my opinion, Zelve is the more interesting option, especially considering that it is invaded by far fewer tourists than its more famous sibling, the G\u00f6reme Open-Air Museum. In addition, I recommend combining your visit with the neighbouring Pa\u015faba\u011f Valley.<\/p>\n

\"5
Photo by Karl Magnuson<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3 | Exploring Sword Valley<\/h4>\n

When I did my research, I had not read much about Sword Valley (K\u0131l\u0131\u00e7 Vadisi). Even so, it surprisingly became one of my favourite places in all of Cappadocia. The reason is how Sword Valley compares with the other, more popular valleys of Cappadocia: it still feels largely undiscovered. Although it is one of the smallest valleys in the region, Sword Valley instantly managed to channel my adventurous spirit. During the two hours I spent walking its trails, I witnessed incredible beauty. I came across sword-like chimneys and hidden cave settlements, as well as a narrow tunnel with a total length of about 300 metres. I was lucky enough to spend a full week in Cappadocia; even so, I understand that most travellers only have a few days here. Nevertheless, when it comes to hiking in Sword Valley, I think differently. I absolutely believe it is one of the most unique things to do in Cappadocia, so I recommend it if you get the chance to stop by.<\/p>\n

4 | Climbing Ortahisar Castle<\/h4>\n

A perfect example of the iconic rock architecture Cappadocia is known for: in the middle of the town of Ortahisar stands Ortahisar Castle, a rock fortress 86 metres high. With views stretching as far as U\u00e7hisar, G\u00f6reme and the Red Valley, this iconic castle is surrounded by the charming little streets of the weathered old town. The castle is said to have first been used under Byzantine rule, serving as one of three outposts protecting the region from potential threats. Another point worth noting is that the town of Ortahisar is regarded as the epicentre of fruit production in Cappadocia. As soon as you arrive in Ortahisar, you will notice thousands of narrow stone hollows that maintain a constant temperature of 10 \u00b0C in both summer and winter \u2014 which makes them perfect for storing fruit and vegetables such as citrus, potatoes and apples. All in all, I believe Ortahisar is a perfect place to deepen your knowledge of history.<\/p>\n

5 – Walking Through Pigeon Valley<\/h4>\n

With its convenient location between the popular towns of G\u00f6reme and U\u00e7hisar, the well-worn hiking trails running through Pigeon Valley are generally considered the most popular in Cappadocia. Known in Turkish as ‘G\u00fcvercinlik Vadisi’, the beloved Pigeon Valley takes its name from the thousands of pigeons that live here. Much like Cappadocia’s cave dwellings, the valley’s soft volcanic sandstone can be seen throughout Pigeon Valley, and you will see a great number of artistically carved man-made dovecotes. In ancient times, these pigeons are said to have played an important role in the region’s natural resources. As mentioned above, Pigeon Valley is now one of the best places for hiking. It combines best with a visit to U\u00e7hisar Castle and Love Valley<\/a>. It is worth noting that combining these three activities will take up a full day of your time in Cappadocia.<\/p>\n

Finally, one of the things that makes a trip truly great is the accommodation. For that, my choice in Cappadocia was MDC Hotel<\/a>. I recommend it to you as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

5 Things to Do in Cappadocia Those who have been to Cappadocia before usually wish they could discover it again and again as if for the first time \u2014 or explore it as a foreign tourist would. If you are visiting Cappadocia for the first time, or only have a short trip ahead of you, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":292,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,1,5,10,13],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-54","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cappadocia-destinations","8":"category-cappadocia-guide","9":"category-cappadocia-hotels","10":"category-cappadocia-tours","11":"category-places-to-visit-in-cappadocia"},"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n