Cappadocia is a relatively small area of Türkiye: from Aksaray in the west to Kayseri it’s about 160km (100mi), while from the northern limit of Hacıbektaş to the southern city of Niğde is about 130km (80mi). Thanks to its well-positioned towns and excellent travel infrastructure, navigating this iconic region is quite easy.
Görme, Cappadocia’s main tourist hub, is centrally located and enjoys good transport connections, making it a practical choice for exploring the region. Most of the area’s top attractions can be visited using a combination of public transport and taxis. However, for those seeking to uncover some of the more undiscovered gems, renting a car for a couple of days could be a more effective option.
Take the dolmuş with the locals
The principal form of public transport in Cappadocia is the dolmuş, which are minivans running set routes around the region’s towns and villages. They are primarily used by locals, although tourists are more than welcome to use them. In larger towns, like Görme, dedicated stops exist where dolmuşes depart, often accompanied by ticket offices. In more rural areas, dolmuşes will stop in the town center on request. They represent a budget-friendly way to travel between the region’s main attractions; however, please note that services may be limited for more remote locations. Görme serves as a good starting point for checking local dolmuş routes.
Take a taxi for greater freedom
While dolmuşes are convenient, several parts of Cappadocia can be challenging to reach this way. This is where local taxis come in handy. You can easily hail a taxi from the street or arrange for one through local taxi companies. For short trips, the street taxis are a good choice, as drivers use the meter and generally do not overcharge. This option is particularly useful for one-way hikes; a taxi can transport you to the starting point or pick you up afterward. If you plan to visit less accessible areas, like the Soğanlı Valley, you might consider arranging a car and driver beforehand for the day.
Explore more with a car
If you desire to explore every nook of Cappadocia, renting a car for a few days is a highly recommended option. While it may not be the cheapest choice, the pricing is reasonable, and most major rental companies operate in the region, including locations at Nevşehir and Kayseri airports, as well as in Görme town center.
Driving in Cappadocia is user-friendly, with well-maintained roads and clear signposting guiding you toward towns and tourist attractions. Traffic is generally light, unless traveling into Kayseri or Aksaray city centers. The road from Avanos to Görme can sometimes be busier, particularly during evening hours when the Open-Air Museum is closing. Parking is typically free, making car rentals an optimal option for exploring at your own pace and uncovering some off-the-beaten-path highlights.
Do it on foot along the hiking trails
Cappadocia is a favorite destination for hikers, boasting dramatic and unique valleys ideal for immersive walking experiences. While there are no extensive long-distance trails, several excellent day-hike routes start from Görme. Popular paths include walks to Uçhisar via Pigeon Valley or Love Valley, and to Ortahisar along the Red Valley or Zemi Valley trails. Moreover, the Ihlara Valley hike from Ihlara village to Selime is a highlight, offering stunning scenery coupled with historical significance.
Accessible travel in Cappadocia
Unfortunately, accessible travel options in Cappadocia remain quite limited. Dolmuşes are not wheelchair accessible, and few taxis offer this service despite some advance booking availability. Navigating town centers can also be challenging due to uneven pavements, although efforts are being made to improve accessibility in many towns.
While attractions like underground cities and Byzantine rock-hewn churches may pose challenges due to staircases and narrow entrances, several sites can still be appreciated from the outside. For example, paths at the Görme Open-Air Museum have been made wheelchair-friendly, allowing for impressive views of the remarkable rock formations. Paşabağı also features a relatively well-maintained path around its rock formations. However, hot air balloon rides are currently unavailable for wheelchair users. Still, there are excellent flat viewing areas above Görme to witness the mesmerizing spectacle of sunrises and the mass take-off of colorful balloons.
