If you have an Instagram account, you’ve almost certainly seen dreamlike photos of hot air balloons, cave hotels, or magnificent rock formations in Cappadocia, Turkey. If Istanbul is a city of history and modernity, a junction of the two continents of Asia and Europe, then Cappadocia is a place with majestic nature that any tourist who sets foot in Turkey wants to visit.

Cappadocia is more than 730 km from Istanbul of Turkey and 285 km from the capital Ankara. The main town where tourists stay is Göreme (pronounced Gehr-oh-mie) but other areas of interest include the less touristy Nevşehir, Uçhisar (the highest point in Cappadocia), Ürgüp and Avanos.

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Cappadocia is a place with majestic nature that any tourist who sets foot in Turkey wants to visit.

Cappadocia is located in the heart of Anatolia, one of the most beautiful regions of Turkey, even in the world! The Cappadocia region became known for its unique landscape, with its mushroom-shaped rock formations and deep valleys, created over years by volcanic activity and erosion.

It’s hard to believe that nature itself can create this kind of otherworldly scenery. For hundreds of years, the people of this region have taken advantage of what nature has to offer by carving stone into houses, churches and underground towns.

Cappadocia became known for its unique landscape, mushroom-shaped rock formations and deep valleys, created over the years by volcanic activity and erosion.

Best time to visit Cappadocia

Cappadocia is beautiful in all seasons. However, try to avoid July and August because of the heat, crowds of tourists and higher prices. Late spring or early fall is an ideal time for a peaceful visit, with mild temperatures and lower prices. In addition, in the hot months, it is difficult for you to make a hot air balloon flight because the temperature is too high, the hot air balloon will not be able to fly.

Cappadocia hot air balloon flight experience

The first thing to do when you’re in Cappadocia is to join one of the world famous hot air balloon rides. Hundreds of hot air balloons, in various rainbow colors, fly through the beautiful sky above fairy-tale landscapes, in a performance not to be missed.

The first thing to do when you’re in Cappadocia is to join one of the world famous hot air balloon rides.

Most tour companies will pick you up from your hotel at 5 a.m. before taking off at 5:45 a.m. sunrise. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and as such, it can be expensive. Tickets usually cost up to 180 USD (about 4 million VND), in return this price includes breakfast and champagne for a morning to remember.

2. Watch the sunset at the Valley of the Roses, Cappadocia

The Valley of the Roses is a famous place in the Cappadocia region. Located a 15-minute drive from Göreme, it is home to pink-dyed rock valleys, giant rolling rock formations and craters. These one-of-a-kind landscapes are what make Cappadocia, and especially the Valley of the Roses, great for hiking and horseback riding.

The Valley of the Roses makes it great for hiking and horseback riding.

3. Pasabag and Cappadocia Open Air Museum

Pasabag, also known as the “Valley of the Monks”, is home to mushroom-shaped rock formations. With large rocks that seem to balance on top of them, these rock formations are scattered throughout the valley and were once an important settlement of monks. Currently, more than 30 stone churches are open to visitors.

Pasabag, also known as the “Valley of the Monks”, is home to mushroom-shaped rock formations.

Another must-see is the Cappadocia Open Air Museum, one of Turkey’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s located in Göreme, just a 15-minute walk from the city center, so it’s a fun and easy thing to visit if you’re in town. The open-air museum is home to many magnificent churches carved in the rock and has beautiful frescoes painted on the walls.

Cappadocia Open Air Museum.

4. Get lost in a maze of carpets

There is a famous carpet shop in Göreme, called “Galeri Ikman”. This is one of the best places to get stunning photos along with colorful Turkish rugs and other traditional handicrafts. Wander among the colorful textiles, snap photos and sip chai tea while you chat with the owners, who are incredibly friendly.

5. Stay in a typical Cappadocia cave hotel

Cappadocia’s caves were carved hundreds of years ago and were used by locals and monks as homes and churches. Today, these stone houses have been converted into hotels, giving visitors the opportunity to live as the locals once did. This is an unforgettable and completely unique accommodation experience.