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 went for hiking as part of our package tour. It was lovely. Scenes were beautiful. Our guide was very good in narrating the various points. At the bottom there was a hut to have rest and some snacks. Overall a very good experience
Totally loved the underground multileveled city complex; it is completely self-sufficient and full of interesting history. However, there are moments of discomfort as the tunnels are small and cramped, and many times, we had to bend over, even crouch, to get through the tunnels or to enter a small room, etc.
I'd love to know what sights the 3 reviewers who consider this average have seen! This site is amazing!! It's not big but is all the better for that and as other reviewers have said, it's free. Top tip: head right from the car park and over the ridge where you'll find a ladder down to a small allotment/small holding….
The ferry chimneys with the 12th-16th century paintings.. still intact was amazing. A walk through into various caves gave an insight into the life of the people who lived in these caves. The best part it was just a km walk from our hotel so we could visit it again. Great shopping too.
It does not matter whether or not you like geology or interesting landscapes, Goreme/Kapadokya in general will BLOW YOUR MIND! Great for people of all ages, however, it is walking-intensive and Turkey is not the best when it comes to amenities for the disabled (i.e. ramps) and those with limited mobility (senior citizens).
One must also be careful and note…
Seemed to go from one to another. Very hard walking and a lot of climbing, some extremely steep. The path we took was about 6 1/2 kms and was not well posted. Take water with you and good shoes. Stunning scenery.
No entrance fee, there's just a terrace for you to take great photo with rocky valley behind you. As many other valleys at Cappadoccia, the view is great, mystical grey and white rock just give you a feeling that you're at other planet.
Through the small door, walking down the narrow tunnels, time has ingrained both the wall and ground. Sandy grains are loosely covering the floor makes it slippery to walk on the inclining slop. Caves are subdivided into many small chambers and stairs led to many different directions, makes it an underground labyrinth.
Amazing! Advisable to be with tour guide that you will learn more and understand each narrow tunnel and passage.. Be careful when you bring along older people… my mom have difficulty in breathing after she went out of the tunnel and I missed to buy some souvenirs ! Incredible fascinating experience with parent and my daughter, that’s what I can…
It is a wonderful town and experience…the fairy chimneys and the museum's artifacts…a must see while there.