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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This valley is one of my favourites. It is close to Uchisar village and it is very particular because of the pigeons. You can stand at the panoramic point, just in front at the onyx demostration shop and take your pictures. Amazingly, you'll see one of the best views of Cappadocia.
Simply spectacular! A must see when in Goreme. The grounds were well marked and maintained. Don't walk there from town as it is a little far. Try renting a scooter or a mountain bike to get there; it's fun and well worth it. Also, cabs can be found in the downtown.
Tha walk up to the top of Uchisar castle offers great views of the whole area. We were able to spot the places we saw earlier from the hot air balloon.
Like most Cappadocian towns, Urgup clings to the walls of a valley and tumbles down along the valley floor for some distance. Urgup has shops, a historic Turkish bath, and the Temenni Hill, a high rock ledge looming above the very center of town, with a saint’s tomb at its edge.
Urgup is easily walkable, but if you’re staying in the neighborhood of Esbelli, you may want to know that the hill up from the center of town is quite steep. During the summer months when the municipality fills the streets with clouds of insect repellent to combat the irritating swarms of bees that hover over your breakfast, it’s best to forgo the after-dinner stroll and take a taxi up to your hotel.
It is a small open air museum. Takes only an hour to visit. The caves and chapels inside are well-preserved. Near the town centre.
You can't turn around anywhere in Goreme and not see caves. Amazing, wonderful place. One of the best towns in the world.
We went for a sunset walk in the Rose valley, organized by New Göreme Tours and it was wonderful. It took about 3 hours in a most beautiful landscape. We also 2 churches on the tour, oneof which was the most beautiful one in cappadociain my opinion. Seeing the rocks in the Red valley change color during sunset is a…
We visited Cappadocia on June 12-14, and was amazed by its beauty. The views and valley hikes are breathtaking. Make sure to bring plenty of water, and dress comfortably for the hikes. Also, if hiking or biking with a group, consider bringing some food and have a picnic in one of the valleys or caves!
The Goreme Open-Air Museum in the Goreme Valley is only a 15-minute walk (1.5 km, 1 mile) from Goreme Town and a short ride (6.5 km, 4 miles) from Ürgüp. Since the tourist season had not started yet (I visted in March and the season begins in mid-April), the Museum was not at all crowded, a real blessing! A few…
Take a guided tour of this fantastic open-air museum. There is so much to see and learn! The best part about the museum – really, it's more of a park – is that you can wander around as long as you like, staring up at the numerous 'fairy chimneys' and cave houses. We went off-season, and the weather cooperated, but…