Top 30 Things to See in Cappadocia: Ultimate Guide & 7-Day Itinerary
Cappadocia is a region filled with wonders, from its unique landscapes to its rich history. Whether you’re planning a short visit or a week-long adventure, here are the top 30 things to see in Cappadocia, along with a suggested 7-day itinerary to help you make the most of your trip.
Top 30 Things to See in Cappadocia
1. Göreme National Park: Göreme National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its unique rock formations and historical significance.
- Göreme Open-Air Museum (including the Dark Church): Göreme Open-Air Museum is home to a collection of rock-cut churches and monasteries adorned with ancient frescoes.
Göreme is one of the best places to witness the enchanting spectacle of hot air balloons rising into the sky.
You may be interested in: Hot air balloon tours in Cappadocia
- Fairy Chimneys: Iconic Fairy Chimneys are also known as “Peri Bacaları”, they are unique rock formations.
- Rose Valley: The picturesque Rose Valley is known for its pink-hued rocks and stunning sunset views.
- Love Valley: Love Valley is famous for its phallic-shaped rock formations and breathtaking scenery.
- Zelve Open-Air Museum: Ancient cave dwellings and rock formations at Zelve Open-Air Museum used to serve as a monastic retreat.
- Devrent Valley: The surreal landscape of Devrent Valley where the rocks resemble various animal shapes is also known as Imagination Valley,
- Monks Valley (Paşabağ): Monks Valley has fairy chimneys with unique shapes and ancient hermit caves.
- Cappadocia Cave Dwellings: Those ancient cave dwellings are scattered throughout Cappadocia and people once lived and worshiped in them.
10. Uchisar Castle: Uchisar Castle provides panoramic views of the region. This fortress is the highest point in Cappadocia.
- Pigeon Valley: Pigeon Valley is named for the numerous pigeon houses carved into the rocks.
- Ortahisar Castle: Visit Ortahisar Castle is another rock-hewn fortress with impressive views.
- Derinkuyu Underground City: The fascinating Derinkuyu Underground City is an ancient multi-level underground complex used as a refuge.
- Kaymaklı Underground City: Kaymaklı Underground City is another remarkable underground settlement with narrow tunnels and chambers.
- Ihlara Valley: You can hike through Ihlara Valley, a lush gorge with a river running through it, dotted with rock-cut churches.
- Selime Monastery: Selime Monastery at the end of the Ihlara Valley is a large rock-hewn complex with a cathedral-like church.
- Çavuşin Village: Çavuşin Village is known for its rock-cut dwellings and ancient churches.
- Güllüdere Vadisi (Red Valley): You can hike through Red Valley, known for its striking red rock formations and hidden cave churches.
- Güzelyurt Monastery: Güzelyurt Monastery is a historical site with beautiful frescoes and scenic views.
- Keslik Monastery: Keslik Monastery is an ancient monastic complex with rock-cut churches and courtyards.
- Sultan Marshes: Sultan Marshes is a great spot for birdwatching and enjoying the natural beauty of the wetlands.
- Avanos: Avanos is a town famous for its pottery and ceramics. You can visit a pottery workshop and try your hand at making your own piece.
- Soğanlı Valley: Soğanlı Valley is known for its rock-cut churches and beautiful scenery.
- Mustafapaşa: Mustafapaşa is a charming village with Greek-influenced architecture and historical sites.
- Sobesos: The archaeological site of Sobesos features Roman mosaics and ancient ruins.
- Taşkınpaşa Medresesi: Taşkınpaşa Medrese is an ancient Islamic school with unique architecture.
- Ürgüp: Ürgüp is a town known for its rock-cut houses, and historical sites.
- Hacıbektaş: The town of Hacıbektaş is home to the Hacı Bektaş Veli Museum and is a significant spiritual center.
- Gülşehir: Gülşehir is a town with historical sites and rock formations.
- Nar Lake: Nar Lake is a volcanic crater lake with stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.
7-Day Trip Plan to Visit Cappadocia’s Top 30 Places
This 7-day itinerary will give you a comprehensive experience of Cappadocia’s unique landscapes, historical sites, and cultural heritage. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring a camera, and enjoy every moment of your adventure!
Day 1: Göreme and Surroundings
Göreme National Park
Göreme Open-Air Museum (including the Dark Church)
Fairy Chimneys
Rose Valley
Day 2: Valleys and Historical Sites
Love Valley
Zelve Open-Air Museum
Devrent Valley
Monks Valley (Paşabağ)
Day 3: Castles and Caves
Cappadocia Cave Dwellings
Uchisar Castle
Pigeon Valley
Ortahisar Castle
Day 4: Underground Cities and Valleys
Derinkuyu Underground City
Kaymaklı Underground City
Ihlara Valley
Nar Lake
Güzelyurt Monastery
Selime Monastery
Day 5: Villages and Monasteries
Çavuşin Village
Güllüdere Vadisi
Hacıbektaş
Gülşehir
Day 6: Towns and Historical Sites
Ürgüp
Paşabağ (Monks Valley
Avanos
Day 7: Medrese, Towns, and Natural Wonders
Mustafapaşa
Keslik Monastery
Sobesos
Taşkınpaşa Medresesi
Soğanlı Valley
Şah Saray Cave Suites
Cappadocia’s weather can vary significantly between seasons. Bring appropriate clothing for the season of your visit, and be prepared for temperature changes throughout the day. Consider hiring a local guide to enhance your understanding of the region’s history, culture, and geology.
For an authentic experience, choose to stay in a cave hotel. A cave hotel like Şah Saray offers a glimpse into the region’s historical living conditions with modern comforts. Many restaurants in Cappadocia offer a traditional dining experience with local flavors. Visit Uzundere Restaurant nestled in the heart of Cappadocia’s breathtaking landscape.The menu is a testament to flavorful cuisine of Turkish and Islamic heritage. There, each bite is enhanced by the view of ancient terrains and the dance of balloons dotting the sky. Enjoy the Halal dining at Uzundere Restaurant to experience local flavors.
OUR CLOSE TO ACCESS POINTS
Experiences & Activities
Apart from our in-hotel services, we also support you with airport transfers, culture-art tours and various activities.
Close to Tourist Attractions!
Our hotel is very close to many important points where you can visit with pleasure.
