Cappadocia: 11 ideas for things to do there

What is Cappadocia?

Cappadocia is a historical area in the east of Cappadocia that is notable for its unusual volcanic landscape, underground cities created in the 1st millennium BC and cave monasteries whose history dates back to the time of the early Christians.

How were these lunar landscapes formed? Millions of years ago, volcanoes dropped rushing lava flows during eruptions, and over time the volcanic ash compacted and turned into soft rock-tuff. Then nature began to work miracles with the help of sun, rain and wind. As a result, the valleys and gorges were formed, the shape of which strikes the human imagination. It seems to be a magical creation of the fairies themselves. That is probably why the bizarre hills of Cappadocia are called peri bacaları, which means "chimney fairies". If Cappadocia used to be "the land of beautiful horses" (that's how the name is translated), today this area can be safely called an underground metropolis.

The first inhabitants of these underground cities were Christians who, fleeing from persecution, torture and execution, as well as trying to isolate themselves from the outside hostile world, carved out caves and underground passages. Whole cities emerged, where in summer, during the exhausting heat was cool, and in winter, in frosty weather, warm enough. Today, these underground cities number up to 7 floors down, but only 3 of them are open to tourists.

It was also here that they built churches with domes and columns. And thanks to the moisture-proof tuff and the constant climate inside the temples, the colors of many murals are strikingly bright and saturated even today. It is noteworthy that on some frescoes the eyes of the saints are gouged out. In Islam there is a religious ban on the image of the faces of saints - so Muslims and "had a hand" in the destruction of the faces of Christian ascetics. You feel a special feeling when you see on the walls such familiar, soul-stirring scenes from the Gospel: the Nativity of the Savior, Baptism, the Last Supper, Judas' betrayal, the Crucifixion. By the way, especially revered by the Orthodox people, St. George the Victorious comes from Cappadocia.

What to see in Cappadocia?

The main route of all travelers is two standard routes - Güreme (underground cities with Christian churches) and three valleys with cosmic landscapes. The Cappadocia-Güreme open-air museum complex itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can book a hotel in Cappadocia with a discount of up to -65% on the website.

It takes about 3-4 hours to visit the underground cities with Christian temples (the most famous temple is the Dark Church of Karanlik Kilise). The entrance fee is 45 liras.

But not all tourists visiting the "land of magic fairies" go down to these towns. Their main goal is 3 valleys: Valley of Fairies, Valley of Love and Valley of Doves.

When to go to Cappadocia?

Please note that the best period to visit Cappadocia is April-October, as temperatures sometimes drop to -8º in November.

How to get to Cappadocia?

It is most convenient (and cheapest!) to fly from Istanbul. A round-trip flight is available from Pegasus Airlines - from €50 (10 kg hand luggage only). Or the second option - fly to Ankara and then 5 hours by bus (the cost of the bus - €3-5).

If you are vacationing in Side or Belek (Antalya coast), you can buy a tour for 2 days with an overnight stay in a hotel and a visit to the city of Konya (tour from €120 with meals and overnight stay ). The journey from Side is 7-8 hours by bus one way.

What to do in Cappadocia?

If you plan a trip to this bizarre country, you should count on 3-4 days to get the most out of this atmosphere. Well, if you come only for the sake of Instagram photos, 1-2 days will be enough.

Of course, you can write endlessly about Cappadocia and entertainment in this magical place, but such beauty is definitely worth seeing with your own eyes walking on foot, flying in a hot air balloon or driving by rented car.