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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Nothing is marked – there are many trails in many directions -really quite dangerous suggest you take a local with you – I have done it twice and was glad to be back safey both times
Not brilliant, but a must see all the same. The highlight is the Dark Chuch – costs an additional 8TL, but worth every penny – the murals are intact, unlike everywhere else, and the colours stunning.
Göreme has a very unique rock formations: caves, animal-like rock formations. The old christian cave-churches, the balloon trip is simply unforgettable. The Dark Church which has the best preserved and most colourful murals to be seen at the site. It is well worth the extra 15TL.
After visiting the Uchisar castle we managed to find the starting point of the path through the Piegon Valley that leads to centre of Goreme. It was a really lovely walk, with plenty of photo opportunities, away from the crowds. We had the whole valley to ourselves! Definitely worth visiting..
The underground city was made by ancient Turkish to hide from their enemies. Inside they made ventilation so fresh air flows and you don't have to worry about breathing difficulty. Yes, tourists are crowded there. You will see their winery, church, kitchen, bedroom,etc. Difficult to imagine one can survive living deep down the earth 🙂
When touring Capadokia, the Kaymakli Underground city cannot be missed. This complex of caves and tunnels is breathtaking! But, just one advice: if you have any health problem, skip it. Sometimes it is very narrow, difficult to go through the tunnels and smalls passages. Watch your heads always. Tall people be careful.
Stunning place which you can walk around and explore at your leisure. The volcanic and weather beaten landscape with cave dwellings carved out of the rock is just too beautiful for words and has to be seen to be believed.
This is a valley walk that takes about hour and a half tops. Ignore the suggestions that it is not well signposted – it's a valley! You walk along the bottom and don't go up the sides – what coud go wrong? Very interesting rock formations, views etc all the way along. Walking up to the fortress at the top…
A very easy and incredible scenery. Also the half stop for an apple tea in a very rustic "cafe". I would happily do this walk again as it was not overly strenuous.
Seeing the spaces people lived and worshiped in was really an eye opener to the way life was in those ancient times