Cappadocia

Getting There

Fly into Kayseri (ASR) or Nevşehir (NAV). Most tourists arrive as part of a wider Turkey itinerary from Istanbul (a 1.5-hour flight) or Antalya. Transfer to your hotel is typically arranged in advance — the region's towns (Göreme, Uçhisar, Ürgüp) are spread across the landscape.

The Landscape

The volcanic plateau of Cappadocia was formed by eruptions of Mount Erciyes millions of years ago. Ash and lava compressed into soft rock (tuff) that was then shaped by millennia of erosion into columns, cones, and valleys. The Göreme Open Air Museum — cave churches with Byzantine frescoes from the 10th–12th centuries, carved directly into the rock — is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most important historic site in the region.

Hot Air Balloons

This is not an optional excursion. The sunrise balloon flights over Cappadocia are among the finest travel experiences available anywhere. Flights last about an hour and cost €150–220. Book with an operator that has a good safety record — Royal Balloon and Butterfly Balloons are the most reputable. Launch is at dawn; conditions sometimes prevent flying. Go on your first morning in case of cancellations.

Where to Stay

Cave hotels carved into the rock of Uçhisar or Göreme are the correct accommodation choice. Museum Hotel (Uçhisar) is the finest; Argos in Cappadocia is architecturally magnificent. Even budget cave hotels are atmospheric. The experience of sleeping in a space carved out of volcanic rock is unique.

Underground Cities

Derinkuyu and Kaymakli are underground cities that extend eight to ten storeys below ground, housing thousands of people during periods of persecution. The scale and the engineering — ventilation shafts, rolling stone doors, stables — is extraordinary. Derinkuyu (the deeper one) is the more dramatic.

When to Go

April to June and September to November. Winter (December–February) is cold but the snow on the fairy chimneys is spectacular and the balloon flights still operate on clear days.