Few places in the world feel as surreal and cinematic as Cappadocia. With its otherworldly landscapes, ancient cave dwellings, and skies dotted with colorful hot air balloons, it’s easy to see why this central Turkish region is at the top of so many travel wish lists. We spent five unforgettable nights exploring valleys, castles, and underground cities, and left with a deeper appreciation for the history, hospitality, and natural beauty that define the area.
This guide is your curated cheat sheet to experiencing the very best of Cappadocia—from where to stay and what to eat, to which valleys will take your breath away (literally).
How Long Should You Stay?
While it’s possible to see the highlights in 2-3 days, we were glad to have five nights. Cappadocia isn’t just about checking off the sights—it’s about soaking in the silence, wandering the valleys, and sipping local wine as the sun sets behind the fairy chimneys. If you have time to spare, take it.
TIP: Weather in Cappadocia can be unpredictable, especially in the shoulder seasons. We traveled in late March, and only one morning during our six-day stay did the hot air balloons actually fly due to wind conditions. Be sure to allow a few buffer days if the balloon ride is a priority and depending on the time of year.
Where to Stay?
We split our time between two towns and two hotels—a move that ended up being a great decision and allowed us to experience the full spectrum of what Cappadocia has to offer.
Göreme: Central & Lively
Göreme is the heart of the action and makes for a convenient home base. It’s walkable, packed with restaurants and shops, and the launching point for most tours. There are over 500 cave hotels here—each more atmospheric than the last. If you’re here for a short stay or want to be in the thick of things, this is your spot.
We stayed at Sultan Cave Suites, which delivered on both comfort and style. Our room was spacious and well-equipped, with unique cave architecture and modern touches. The breakfast was an impressive spread that included everything from salads, breads, and cheeses to made-to-order egg dishes and French toast. Their on-site restaurant, Seten, was a great way to experience traditional Turkish cuisine with panoramic views and the number one spot our guide recommended. The famous rooftop terrace (you’ve likely seen it on Instagram) offers panoramic views of Göreme and is a prime balloon-watching perch—though sadly, windy weather kept the skies clear during our stay.
Also worth considering is Kelebek Special Cave Hotel, a longtime traveler favorite with charming rooms, warm service, and access to a sister Turkish bathhouse. Mithra Cave Hotel is another great pick with dramatic views and beautifully designed cave suites. If you’re looking for comfort, centrality, and a little buzz, Göreme delivers.
Uçhisar: Quiet & Scenic
Uçhisar offers a totally different vibe—quieter, more local, and perched above the region with sweeping views. It’s a great spot to end your trip on a restful note.
We stayed at Caldera Hotel, a peaceful gem tucked into the hillside just below Uçhisar Castle. There were hardly any other guests during our visit, which made it feel like our own private escape. Our room had a truly postcard view of the castle, and we liked having our own direct access to the rock formations below the castle. The breakfast here felt like a feast made just for us and filled the entire table: fresh tomatoes, olives, locally made tahini-chocolate spreads, house-baked bread, and a piping hot omelet with Turkish sausage.
We also visited the Museum Hotel, Cappadocia’s premier luxury property, which lives up to the hype. Built into ancient ruins and filled with curated antiques, this hotel feels like a living museum. The grounds are gorgeous, the views dramatic, and the entire space feels secluded yet grand. We came for lunch and were treated to a delicious meal with impeccable service and a dreamy terrace overlooking the valley. If you’re celebrating something special—or just want to splurge—this is the place.
Other great options in Uçhisar include Argos in Cappadocia, a world-renowned boutique property with vineyard views and elegant cave suites, and Taskonaklar Hotel, a stylish hideaway that mixes traditional design with luxury amenities. These properties offer a quieter, more refined stay while still being close to hiking trails and scenic lookouts.
Whether you go for central convenience or peaceful seclusion, there’s no wrong choice—only different shades of magical.
Should You Rent a Car?
If you’re staying in Göreme for a quick visit and joining full-day tours, you likely don’t need a car. But we rented one and loved the flexibility it gave us. Having a car allowed us to beat the tour group crowds, explore valleys on our own schedule, and find quieter moments in more remote areas. Roads are generally well-maintained and signage is easy to follow. Parking was never an issue.
Tip: You don’t need a 4WD. A compact rental is perfect unless you’re planning off-roading.
What to Do on Your Own vs. With a Guide
Some experiences are made better with local insight, while others are ideal for solo wandering. We ended up doing this Private Day Tour the day after our hot air balloon ride so we could get our bearings and then go back and explore things on our own. Here’s our take:
Hire a Guide For:
- Derinkuyu Underground City – The history and layout are fascinating but complex; a guide is really helpful to navigate and bring it all to life.
- Göreme Open Air Museum – So much of the meaning is in the small details of the frescoes and architecture.
- Zelve Open Air Museum – There is so much to take in here across the three valleys, a guide helps provide the rich context behind this once-thriving village.
- Avanos Pottery Workshop & Carpet Weaving – We loved having a guide to take us to these, and then local guides at each explained the significance and artistry behind each tradition.
Explore On Your Own:
- Valley Hikes (Love, Sword, Pigeon, Devrent) – Freedom to roam and discover your own favorite rock formations.
- Uçhisar Castle – Quick and easy to navigate without a guide.
- Pasabag (Monks Valley) – Very doable on your own, and great to explore at your own pace and outside peak tour times.
- Outside the entrance to Göreme National Park – We really liked being able to explore the cave dwellings here on our own. Hardly any people around, and a joy to stumble upon hidden frescoes and take in panoramic views.
- Sunset Spots – We especially loved Sword Valley and the Göreme Sunrise viewpoint for a peaceful end to the day.
Hot Air Balloon Ride: A Bucket-List Experience
An absolute must. We flew with Skyway Balloons and had an unforgettable sunrise ride over valleys and fairy chimneys. We were picked up at 6:05 AM, and after a short drive to the takeoff point near Rose Valley, we watched the balloons inflate in the pre-dawn light.
Our basket held about 32 people, but it felt spacious, and we each had room to lean over the edge for stunning views. The day was crisp and clear, and as the sun peeked over Mount Erciyes, the sky turned a gradient of soft pinks and oranges. Floating above the dreamy landscape as hundreds of balloons joined us in the sky was a true pinch-me moment.
TIP: Book this for your first full morning in Cappadocia—you’ll want a few backup mornings in case of cancellation. I came across this advice when researching and it was truly a lifesaver for us. Also, our hotel cautioned us against untrusted websites and travel agencies offering hot air balloon rides – make sure your balloon experience is in GOREME VALLEY for the main and authentic flight.
Things to See & Do
Uçhisar Castle
Climb to the highest point in Cappadocia for 360-degree views of valleys and distant volcanoes. This natural rock citadel was used as a fortress and lookout tower. The climb is a bit steep, but the views are worth every step. They also did a really nice job of letting you explore some of the rock formations as you climb up and on the outer part of the castle.
Göreme Open Air Museum
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring rock-cut churches and colorful frescoes dating back to the 10th century. Small chapels and monasteries were carved into the soft rock, each with unique artwork and history. It’s a fascinating window into the lives of early Christian communities.
Zelve Open Air Museum
This abandoned village-turned-open-air museum features tunnels, cave homes, classrooms, and churches that were occupied until the 1950s. We loved the freedom to explore the three valleys at our own pace—and getting to learn about the 30-50 meter tunnels they built to escape from one valley to the next.
Derinkuyu Underground City
The largest excavated underground city in Turkey, with up to eight levels of tunnels, homes, wineries, and even a chapel. It was used for centuries as a refuge during invasions. If you get claustrophobic, you’ll want to skip this one – there are areas you have to duck walk through the tunnel. We found it utterly fascinating to see how extensive the city was and the tools they invented to lock doors, shape copper, and communicate.
Pasabag (Monks Valley)
Known for its dramatic, mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys, many of which contain hermit cells and chapels. These natural stone spires are incredibly photogenic and steeped in spiritual history. This gets very crowded during peak seasons. We started our tour early and were lucky enough o have this magical place to ourselves at 8:30 am. Mark climbed up to the third floor of a monks living quarters and we were blown away by how spacious the areas were and how long it would have taken to carve away at the rock.
Devrent (Imagination Valley)
A whimsical landscape where the rock formations resemble animals and objects. Let your imagination run wild—we saw camels, dolphins, even a dragon. This was a spot where we loved having a car to be able to take our time hiking through the area beyond the typical tour bus spot.
Pigeon Valley
Named for the thousands of pigeon houses carved into its cliffs. Locals used the birds for communication, fertilization, and food. With the snow, we didn’t have a chance to hike between Göreme and Uçhisar through the valley, but have heard it’s very peaceful and scenic.
Love & Sword Valleys
These iconic valleys feature uniquely shaped fairy chimneys and are ideal for sunrise hikes. Bring your camera and sense of humor to Love Valley. During our March visit, we caught a beautiful sunset in Sword Valley and watched a parade of ATVs circle through.
Avanos Village
An ancient riverside town famous for pottery (made from Red River clay) and carpet weaving. At Chez Galip, a legendary potter taught us how to use a traditional leg-powered wheel. At the carpet co-op, we watched silk extraction from cocoons and artisans at work—truly mesmerizing.
Where to Eat
Seten (Sultan Cave Suites)
Upscale Turkish cuisine with sweeping views and impeccable service. Try the testi kebab (served flaming in a clay pot!) and the lamb shoulder.
Pumpkin Göreme
A warm, welcoming spot offering a well-priced set menu (soup, salad, entrée, and dessert), generous portions, and excellent vegetarian options. Cozy atmosphere and heartfelt hospitality.
Sedef Restaurant
A casual favorite of locals and one of the three spots our guide recommended to us. Traditional Turkish dishes in generous portions. Try the manti (Turkish dumplings) and grilled meats.
Gurme Kebab
Fast, affordable, and always delicious. Their lentil soup and chicken kebabs hit the spot after a day of hiking and exploring.
Inci Cave Restaurant (Uçhisar)
Rustic yet refined dining with a focus on Anatolian flavors. Their eggplant dishes are standouts.
Millocal Restaurant (at Millstone Cave Suites)
A modern-meets-traditional menu in a gorgeous cave setting with top-tier views of the valley. Great for a romantic dinner.
What to Eat & Drink
Must-Try Foods
- Baklava – Rich, flaky layers of pastry and honey
- Gözleme – Hand-rolled flatbread stuffed with cheese, spinach, or potatoes
- Testi Kebab – A must-try! Meat and veggies slow-cooked in a sealed clay pot, then cracked open tableside
- Dondurma – Turkish ice cream made with goat’s milk, giving it a chewy, stretchy texture
- Local fruits and nuts – Especially dried apricots, almonds, and mulberries
- Turkish Coffee – Rich, strong, and served in tiny cups—don’t drink the grounds at the bottom! Often accompanied by a piece of Turkish delight, it’s a cultural experience as much as a caffeine fix.
- Fresh Pomegranate Juice – Tart, refreshing, and available at roadside stands and cafes
- Cherry Juice – A Turkish staple you’ll find served at breakfast, in restaurants, or as a sweet sip on a warm day
Wine in Cappadocia
This region is a hidden gem for wine lovers, with volcanic soil, cool nights, and high altitudes creating unique, mineral-rich wines
Whites:
- Emir – Light, citrusy, and crisp. Perfect for sipping on a sunny terrace.
- Narince – Fuller-bodied, slightly floral, great with grilled fish or veggies.
Reds:
- Öküzgözü – Fruit-forward and easy-drinking
- Boğazkere – Bold, tannic, and made for meat dishes
Top Wineries: Turasan (Avanos), Kocabag (Uçhisar), Kavaklidere, Vinolus
Cappadocia is more than a destination—it’s an experience. Equal parts history, adventure, and romance, it’s a place that rewards curiosity and invites you to slow down. Take the early balloon ride, hike the valleys, share a long breakfast, and let the silence of this magical land work its way into your memory.
Gül Gül! (That’s “bye-bye” in Turkish!)
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