A surreal moonscape of fairy chimneys, cave dwellings and sunrise hot-air balloons.
Cappadocia is one of Turkey's most extraordinary landscapes, where soft volcanic rock has been eroded into fairy chimneys, valleys and honeycombed cliffs. For centuries people carved homes, churches and entire underground cities into the stone.
Today it is world-famous for its dawn hot-air balloon flights, cave hotels and UNESCO-listed rock churches. It sits inland in Central Anatolia, best reached by a short domestic flight from the coast.
Every valley in Cappadocia tells a story carved in stone — here are the highlights.
A UNESCO complex of rock-cut monasteries and churches with vivid Byzantine frescoes.
The whimsical cone-shaped rock formations that define the Cappadocian skyline, best around Paşabağ.
A vast multi-level city carved deep underground, once sheltering thousands of people.
The highest point in the region, a giant rock citadel with sweeping views across the valleys.
A scenic valley of towering rock pillars, popular for walking and balloon-watching.
A walking trail lined with old dovecotes carved into the cliffs between Göreme and Uçhisar.
Cappadocia has a continental climate: hot summers, cold and snowy winters and mild, colourful springs and autumns.
April to June and September to October offer the most comfortable temperatures and the best balloon-flying conditions. Winter brings a magical dusting of snow over the fairy chimneys.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia
Our latest blog posts and travel tips about Cappadocia, written by our local team.
Early access to seasonal deals and new tour announcements.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.