Cappadocia is one of Türkiye’s most popular destinations for good reason—its stunning scenery is unique and breathtaking. Moreover, the region is rich in cultural heritage featuring ancient historical sites and friendly locals, making it an essential stop on any traveler’s Turkish itinerary.
Don’t feel overwhelmed by your options; we’ve compiled a list of the eight most spectacular places to visit in Cappadocia, allowing you to focus solely on exploring the beauty of this region.
1. Göreme
Best place for fairy chimneys
One of the top draws for tourists visiting Cappadocia is its iconic fairy chimneys—stacks of soft tuff rock formed by volcanic activity and weathered into surreal shapes over centuries. While they can be found throughout Cappadocia, the central town of Göreme boasts the highest concentration in its surrounding valleys.
Take a hike through the Red or Güllüdere (Rose) Valley in the late afternoon to admire the fairy chimneys as they glow in fiery reds under the evening sky. Alternatively, explore Love Valley, where the formations take on particularly suggestive shapes.
Göreme is also a significant spot for history enthusiasts; during the Byzantine period, many fairy chimneys were hollowed out to create monasteries. These interiors were adorned with stunning frescoes, many of which remain intact today and are preserved within the Göreme Open-Air Museum.
Planning tip: The valleys surrounding Göreme are particularly suitable for one-way hikes. If you have a vehicle, consider parking at your endpoint and taking a taxi to the trailhead, therefore simplifying your hiking experience.
2. Kayseri
Best place for Seljuk heritage
Many travelers tend to overlook Kayseri in their rush to take in Cappadocia’s iconic attractions; however, this bustling city is well worth a day or two of exploration. It is renowned for its elegant architecture left by the Seljuks, who ruled a significant portion of Türkiye in the thirteenth century.
The black stone castle in the city center is of Seljuk construction, though it has undergone extensive restoration. Nearby, the Mahperi Hunat Hatun Complex, encompassing both a mosque and a madrassah, remains beautifully preserved. Be sure to admire the intricate carvings around the mosque’s entrance and enjoy a calming cup of çay in the madrassah’s atmospheric courtyard. Visiting the local ethnographic museum located in the 15th-century Güpgüpoğlu House also offers a fascinating glimpse into life during the Ottoman period.
Planning tip: Set aside an afternoon to absorb the various attractions in Kayseri. Begin at the Museum of Seljuk Civilisation in Mimar Sinan Parkı and navigate south to sweep up all the main sights.
3. Aksaray
Best place for historic valleys
The busy city of Aksaray, located in the west of Cappadocia, may not be a primary destination for travelers, yet it serves as an excellent base for visits to cultural highlights such as the Ihlara Valley and Güzelyurt Valley (known as Monastery Valley). Both canyons offer picturesque walks, with cliff sides abundant in Byzantine cave churches ripe for exploration.
The Ihlara Valley, particularly impressive and popular, presents a well-marked path that follows a flowing river along the canyon floor, passing cave churches with some of the best frescoes in Cappadocia. The Yılanlı Kilise (Snake Church) is a notable highlight, with lively images illustrating four snakes jeopardizing individuals for various sins.
Meanwhile, Güzelyurt Valley offers a more tranquil hike. Although its churches may seem less dramatic, the lesser crowds cultivate a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the stunning surroundings.
4. Avanos
Best place for quirky museums
The small town of Avanos, located just 8 km (5 miles) north of Göreme, offers a refreshing change of pace if you’ve experienced plenty of fairy chimneys and Byzantine churches. Here, the attractions venture into the offbeat. Start with a visit to the GÜray Müze, an underground art gallery showcasing beautiful pieces from contemporary Turkish artists, accompanied by a remarkable assortment of ceramics available in its shop.
Next, make your way across the river to the unique Chez Galip Hair Museum, which is indeed what it sounds like—a whimsical collection of hair locks affixed to the walls and suspended from the ceiling, donated by female visitors. This unusual museum is unlike any other.
5. Kaymaklı
Best place to wander underground
The inhabitants of Kaymaklı took the concept of underground living to new levels, developing a vast network of caves and passageways. Visiting this subterranean labyrinth offers a fascinating glimpse into how people lived in this incredibly complex site, which contains essential facilities for daily life, including bread ovens, wine presses, horse stables, and extensive shafts for air circulation.
While there are several underground cities in Cappadocia, Kaymaklı’s passages encourage spontaneous exploration, making it particularly enjoyable to navigate. Although Derinkuyu is larger, many find Kaymaklı to be more engaging due to its smaller crowds.
6. Aladağlar National Park
Best place for multi-day treks
In the southern region of Cappadocia lies the beautiful and unexpectedly serene Aladağlar National Park, considered one of Türkiye’s most unspoiled trekking destinations. From the village of Çukurbağ, paths lead through rugged limestone ravines, ascending to alpine plateaus and the picturesque Yedigöller lakes. Many of the routes are extensive, making them impossible for day hikers, so if you appreciate multi-day treks and camping amidst stunning mountains, Aladağlar National Park is an excellent option.
7. Ürgüp
Best place for local wine
The volcanic soil of Cappadocia is ideal for grape cultivation, making it an important wine production area for many centuries. Although the industry saw a decline in the early twentieth century, it is now experiencing growth, with the town of Ürgüp leading the resurgence.
Consider visiting the friendly Turasan company’s factory for an insightful tour and a taste of their high-quality vintages. Alternatively, if you’re in town in September, don’t miss the Cappadocia Vineyard Festival. You could also unwind in one of Ürgüp’s numerous wine bars to savor a glass or two.
8. Erciyes Dağı
Best place for winter sports
Cappadocia may not immediately spring to mind when thinking of winter sports, but the Erciyes Dağı mountain resort offers excellent skiing just a short distance from Kayseri. As one of Türkiye’s highest mountains, it is a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts, equipped with ski lifts and rental equipment available for all skill levels. Outside of the winter season, the mountain provides wonderful opportunities for trekking, ensuring it remains a year-round destination for outdoor activities.
