The Turkish region of Cappadocia, a region of exceptional natural wonders, in particular characterized by fairy chimneys and a unique historical and cultural heritage, boasts one of the most dramatic sights in the world.
Visiting Cappadocia is such a change from visiting many other busy bustling sights all over Turkey. It is a great pleasure to wander in the vast open space filled with captivating natural attractions which have seen human history dated back in the Bronze Age.
While in Goreme Open Air Museum , the conical formations resulting from the volcanic eruptions that took place millions of years ago, just follow the path up to the top of one of the ridges where a spectacular view of the fairy chimneys awaits you. The natural cone formations contain caves and labyrinths. As early as the third century, those chimneys became a hiding place for early Christians who fled persecution from the Romans, and then later from raiding Muslims. In modern tourism, many caves have been turned into cave houses for tourist stays and the lunar-like setting of Goreme Valley has become popular for hot-air ballooning.
Many say the extremely unique landscape of Cappadocia resembles some scene in a Star Wars movie and yet you may be surprised to discover that no major commercial movies have been filmed there. It would be a perfect setting for movies such as Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter series.
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Everthing we saw in Cappadocia was just wow! What an incredible vista, almost surreal. How to use the natural lanscape to live in. The whole area and its sights are a must visit.
Astounding views of the surrounding terrain. Not as hard to climb as it appears.
My dad and I parked up where the ATVs, 4WD vehicles look over the valley, and we began our independent hike – without a guide, tour, etc. We didn't really have a plan, but just figured we'd go in the direction of the Red Valley. Things I learned from hiking around Cappadocia:
– wear convertible pants, to roll up when…
This is as reviewed before, if you've seen one cave you've seen them all and if you are travelling with kids you might find the walking and climbing in and out of caves a little bit over bearing!
The best one to visit is the Karanlık Kilise (or the Dark Church). It is definitely worth paying an extra 8TL. You see the best frescoes there.
It was in one area so not too much walking.It was so interesting and signs all around to give you information if you havent got a guide.It wasnt too busy when we went.Id suggest to visit after the crowds have gone.Maybe later in the day.As we got better pictures when there wasnt so many people around.
We visited Cappadocia towards the end of 2012, so it was winter and the weather was very cold and the sky wasn't so sky blue. However, I was told that we were rather lucky because there were not as many tourists as, say, during the spring or autumn period where there were hordes of them. Don't get me wrong, there…
The path was not well marked, We got off track, and ended up with a difficult climb out of the valley and walked back on the road.
We wished we had hiked the Rose Valley and/or Red Valley.
At times it was challenging to get away from the crowds, but the Open Air Museum is a great start to your exploration of the cave dwellings and churches that the region is known for.
If you're going to visit Turkey, Cappadocia and the Goreme National Park are must sees! The landscape is truly like no other. Stay in a cave hotel and take in the scenery via hot air balloon as well as by land.