Cappadocia, Turkey- The most incredible locations to visit

Located in central Turkey, Cappadocia is truly a place like no other. Have you ever come across images of fairy landscapes and hundreds of hot air balloons filling up the morning sky? Even though you might have thought that these were photoshopped, this is what Cappadocia is in real life. 

Although there are a million different reasons for you to visit this surreal destination, the friendly locals, delicious food and incredible, jaw-dropping landscapes are just a few to name. Cappadocia is also well-known for unique cave-style hotels with rooftops overlooking the fairy valleys and hot air balloons. If you’re planning a trip to this postcard-perfect place, these are the locations you must visit! 

1.PASABAGI

If Cappadocia was where Fred Flinstone lived, Pasabagi would be his home. The completely surreal valley of Pasabagi is home to the otherworldly rock formations known as the fairy chimneys. 

Some of these mushroom-shaped rocks house chapels inside of them and the most iconic one is a three-level cave dedicated to St. Simeon. This very place is a popular photography backdrop and it attracts travelers with its unique shapes and details. If you’re planning to visit Pasabagi, plan your arrival for early hours as this place is a popular stop for the guided tours! 

2. GALERIE IKMAN

This family-run carpet shop has become Instagram darling over the past few years and is now one of the most iconic places to visit in Goreme. Bustling with colours and patterns, Galerie Ikman is not just a shopping treat, but a great cultural experience too. Stepping into this boutique shop is like visiting the whole different world of sultans and magic carpets. 

With the ever growing popularity, there came admission fees to enter the shop for photography purposes only. If you want to snap some of these iconic shots, you will need to pay for your photography time slot. 

3.ROSE VALLEY

Explore the unique lunar rock formations, wildflower meadows and historical chapels. Being a popular horseback riding destination, the Rose Valley is also a take-off or landing site for the balloons (depending on the wind). 

If you’d like to explore the surreal landscapes on horseback, check out Dalton Brothers Ranch for custom and private experiences. 

If you want to visit the balloon take-off site, Rose Valley is your place to go. Whether you want to take a flight or watch the balloons rise with the Sun, the 5 am wake-up call will be totally worth it! 

4. UÇHISAR

Standing as the tallest point of Cappadocia, the citadel of Uchisar is going to serve you with the unrivaled views of the unique rock formations and cave houses. This picturesque town is surrounded by triangle shaped rocks and the maze of small streets packed with shopping stalls and rug shops. What is more, Uchisar is where you can find the variety of unique boutique hotels such as the Museum Hotel or Rox Cappadocia. 

When in town, make sure you visit the Uçhisar Castle, which proudly overlooks the entire area. 

5. SUNSET/SUNRISE VIEWPOINT

Cappadocia has some incredible spots to watch both the sunrise and sunset. If you use Google Maps, simply type ‘sunset view point’ and follow the directions to get to one of the best lookouts. Although this place gets busy before the golden hour, everyone can find a space to fully enjoy the most insane views. 

Alternatively, you can also visit the Red Valley, Love Valley, Pigeon Valley or Lover’s Hill Sunset Spot. The sunset or sunrise scenes watched from any of these spots will leave you speechless. 

OTHER LOCATIONS TO VISIT IN CAPPADOCIA (If your schedule allows):

• Love Valley & Imagination Valley
• Hitit Seramik Pottery Workshop
• Göreme Open Air Museum
• Kaymakli Underground City
• Zelve Open-Air Museum
• Derinkuyu Underground City
• Ihlara Valley