Places to Visit in Cappadocia, Turkey, Europe

Places to Visit in Cappadocia, Turkey, Europe

Cappadocia is a historic region located in Central Anatolia region belonging to the province of Nevşehir in Turkey. It is situated around 280 km southeast of the Ankora, the capital of Turkey and 730 km southeast of the country’s largest city, Istanbul. Lying on the heart of Turkey, Cappadocia is one of the top tourist destinations of Turkey as it holds the distinct cultural, historic and geographical features inherited from the historic period.

Kayseri is the nearest city to Cappadocia, holding an airport with connection to Istanbul and Ankara. Cappadocia is geographically positioned between 38°39′30″ N latitude and 34°51′13″ E longitude.

History of Cappadocia:

The name Cappadocia may be a modified form of Katpatuka which was an Old Persian name of what is today’s Cappadocia. The recorded history of Cappadocia begins with the foundation of the settlement of Hittite Empire in the late Bronze Age. Following the fall of the Hittite Empire, Cappadocia continuously changed the hands of the Lydian, Persian, Greek and Roman.

Connectivity to Cappadocia:

Cappadocia is served Kayseri Erkilet Airport, located in the city of Kayseri, around one and half an hour drive from the centre of Cappadocia. This airport receives regular direct flights from Istanbul city.

One can also reach Cappadocia through Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport.

Because of the importance of tourist destinations, there are many renowned bus operators offering services from Istanbul and Ankara to the cities of Nevsehir and Göreme near Cappadocia.

Shopping and Food in Cappadocia:

Colorful and affordable carpets and pottery are the purchasable items in Cappadocia.

Some tourist favor food corners in Cappadocia are as follow:

Safran Restaurant
Firin Express
Meeting Point Cafe
Cappadocia Kebap Center

Things to do in Cappadocia:

Golfing
Horse riding
Day tours

Places of interest in Cappadocia:

Gümüşler Monastery:

Situated in the village of Gümüşler, around 10 km away from the city of Niğde, Gümüşler Monastery is a hidden gem dating from either 10^th or 11^th century and it came to limelight in the 1960s. The highlights of this superbly carved monastery are the world’s only smiling Madonna and frescoes. Entrance fee is 3 TL.

Göreme Open Air Museum:

The Göreme Open Air Museum features a group of caves, churches and museums with collection of nice frescos. Entrance fee is 15 YTL and those who want to see the Dark Church should pay 8 YTL extra.

Underground cities:

The Underground cities is one of the distinct features of Cappadocia covering tunnels and caves in the cities of Gaziemir, Derinkuyu, Kaymaklı, Mazıköy. Entrance fee differs on cities.

Güvercinlik Valley:

Güvercinlik Valley or Pigeon valley is located between the cities of Göreme and Uçhisar. This 4 km trail begins from the south side of Göreme while moving it offers stunning views of the natural cliffs and many other artificial caves. Taking a guided tour is recommended.

Cross Golf:

Cross Golf is a natural golf course featuring the rock formations, fairy chimneys and eye catching landscape. Playing golf here would be a great challenge and experience even for experienced golfers.

List of other places of interest in and around Cappadocia includes:

Cappadocia Cave Dwellings
Cappadocia Art & History Museum
Rose Valley
Zemi Valley
Ihlara Valley
Derinkuyu Underground City
Uchisar Castle
Kaymakli Underground City
Fairy Chimneys
Dervent Valley
Mazi Underground City
Akhal-Teke Horse Riding Center
The Dalton Brothers Ranch
Gomeda Valley
El Nazar Kilise

Best time to visit Cappadocia:

Undoubtedly, during the summer months between May and September would be the best time to visit Cappadocia in Turkey.

Accommodation options in Cappadocia:

Cappadocia houses around 200 accommodation centres including hostels, hotels, and guest houses of which most offer advance booking facility through online for visitors’ convenience. The prominent hotels in Cappadocia are listed below: