Itineraries
Where to stay
Göreme for first-timers, close to the balloon launches and the open-air museum; Uçhisar for views and quieter cave hotels; Ürgüp for restaurants and a bigger town.
The areas: Göreme, Uçhisar, Ürgüp.
Where to stay in Cappadocia: areas and adviceHotels in CappadociaPlaces to see
All things to do in TurkeyNeighborhoodAvanosA pottery town on the Kızılırmak river, where workshops show you the wheel.Entry: Free to visit
NeighborhoodÇavuşinA village below a cliff of abandoned cave houses, at one end of the Rose Valley trails.Entry: Free to visit
RuinsDerinkuyu Underground CityA city dug several levels into the rock, where thousands could shelter.
RuinsGöreme Open-Air MuseumRock-cut churches and chapels with painted frescoes, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.Entry: The Dark Church has its own ticket
FoodGöreme villageThe village at the heart of Cappadocia, its main streets lined with restaurants among the fairy chimneys.Entry: Pay as you go
NatureLove ValleyA valley of tall fairy chimneys that the morning balloons often float over.Entry: Free to visit
NaturePaşabağ (Monks Valley)Fairy chimneys with several caps, some carved into hermits' cells.Entry: One ticket covers Paşabağ and Zelve
NaturePigeon ValleyA valley of dovecotes cut into the soft rock, with a walking trail between Göreme and Uçhisar.Entry: Free to visit
NatureRose ValleyPink and orange rock walls that glow at sunset, with walking trails and cave churches.Entry: Free to visit
ViewpointUçhisar CastleA rock pinnacle riddled with old rooms, and one of the best views over Cappadocia.Entry: ₺[fee]
FoodUçhisar villageThe village below Uçhisar Castle, with terrace restaurants looking out over the valleys.Entry: Pay as you go
FoodÜrgüpA bigger town east of Göreme, with old stone houses, restaurants and local wineries.Entry: Pay as you go
RuinsZelve Open-Air MuseumAn abandoned cave village spread over three valleys, with houses and chapels cut into the rock.Entry: One ticket covers Zelve and Paşabağ