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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Unique experience
Dark and Mystic atmosphere
If u r claustrophobe, don't go there
Cappadocia is like no place on earth. This park is interesting and includes buildings built into the rock faces, such as churches. There are lots of signs and it's close enough to Goreme, so a guided tour shouldn't be needed.
When we went it was very hot and it includes a little bit of walking uphill in the sun. We…
The scenery was great and the history even better. Do yourself a favor and hire a guide to enhance your experience. Guides that speak English are plentiful.
The history of these underground cities is just fascinating – the amount of time and effort that must have gone into creating and maintaining these cities is hard to imagine. What a great strategy though, if you want to avoid an invading army or other persecuting force – how better than to disappear underground! The sheer size and complexity of…
Avanos is a pretty town and worth a walk around. Plenty of places to buy distinctive pottery, some of which is handthrown and handpainted and some of which is cast and stencilled. You can also try your hand at 'throwing' a pot. We all left having bought a variety of pieces, from something small to give friends to lovely feature…
We were blown away by Selime Monastery. The cave churches were so well-preserved and fun to explore, and since it was off the beaten path, we enjoyed it much more than the Göreme Open-Air Museum. Definitely worth the trip.
This is a visit you should take in the early morning hours with few people around. Such a great landscape and wonderful paintings from early christianity!
Beautiful hike – some areas poorly signed – stay to the right to make it to Uchisar.
The traditional tourist attractions in the area aren't so awe-inspiring. You go here to see the landscape and experience life in the caves. That being said, a visit to the castle is a nice way to spend a few hours and it also has nice views of the town.
This attraction is very touristy and is overrun with tour groups. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to have the best experience.