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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We cabbed up and hiked back downhill. There are lots of caves, big rocks, and side valleys to explore! Just know where the main trail is, because we ended up reaching a steep ravine and had to backtrack a bit to get back to the main path – but the views were absolutely stunning along the way!
It is better to bring a hat and water. There are no signs for visiting directions. Explanations are not enough. Staff at the entrances of the structures are friendly and helpful.
I haven't been to any of the other underground cities, but think Derinkuyu is definitely worth a visit.
We had a great walk trhough the valley, but the highlight was Hasan Tea Garden close to the Uchisar end. HIs tortoises were unreal!
Best to visit on your own. Get one of the Audio guide and your all set. Pay the extra Lira to enter the recently restored church. Its beautiful!
Walking in the open-air-museum in Görme is a must-to-do. Unfortunately lots of groups in small caves / churches – and an extra fee of 8 TL for visiting the dark church (which means not included in the 20,- TL entrance fee).
We went to the Goreme Open Air Museum on our first morning in Goreme, of course we found it interesting but we hadn't seen anything else then.
It was uncomfortably crowded and if you wanted to go into one of the churches you had to pay a second entrance fee.
We spent nearly 4 days in Cappodocia and in that…
This area is so surreal and the cave churches are incredible. I went in february with my girl freind and even though there were lots of people there, it didn't feel crowded. I would suggest you cross the road and explore the area outside the park too.
fantastic natural beauty of the happiest in life.
It has a nice sight of all the rock formations. It is good if you have a guide that will tell you what's behind the name of each valley you visit.
We managed to arrive early and beat most of the crowds; it was busier as we left. The "museum" is a fascinating look at life in caves, with some really beautiful paintings. I particularly liked the way sections were carved out to look like traditionally constructed cathedrals.