The Cappadocia region of central Turkey is an expansive area known for its distinctive fairy chimneys, unique rock formations, enchanting cave hotels and a sky filled with hot air balloons.
With a rich cultural heritage that has earned the region UNESCO World Heritage site status, as well as endless outdoor adventures, Cappadocia is any traveller’s dream destination, and deserves a spot on your bucket list. It was one of my most memorable travel experiences.
Top things to do in Cappadocia
1. Take a sunrise hot air balloon flight
Cappadocia is renowned for its hot air balloon experience and no visit feels complete without trying it for yourself. It is genuinely magical.
Hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia mean an early rise! We had a 5am pick up and were shuttled to the take-off site where we watched with excitement as they blew up the balloons. Within minutes balloons were dotted all over the landscape – you could see them light up like fireflies.
Once we were settled into our basket, it wasn’t long before we had lift-off. It was so calm and tranquil, like sudden weightlessness. As we gained altitude, we could see hundreds of balloons lacing the sky and dancing with the wind. It was truly a magical experience with stunning views.
2. Watch a hot air balloon flight from a rooftop
As well as taking part in a hot air balloon flight, watching the experience is one of the best things to do in Cappadocia. You will need to get up before sunrise, but trust me, it is worth it to see hundreds of balloons fly over the Göreme open-air museum. It is a stunning spectacle, I felt I was living in a postcard. The only sounds we heard were the gas flames firing into the balloons, and the birds chirping alongside them.
TOP TIP: Make sure to book a hotel with a rooftop overlooking the unique valleys. You can see some of my recommendations on where to stay in Cappadocia below.
3. Explore Cappadocia by bus tour
There are many tours available to explore this amazing region, but the Red, Green and Blue tours are the most popular.
The eight-hour Red Tour explores the northern part of Cappadocia taking in Göreme’s unmissable Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, Deverent/Imagination Valley and Cavusin Old Cave Village. It was an extremely interesting tour, enhanced by our tour guide Ali’s extensive knowledge of Cappadocia’s long history and language.
4. Visit the carpet shops
As well as purchasing carpets, many visit purely to partake in photoshoots of these colourful stores. You can dress up in traditional Turkish dress and get your photo taken from every angle. This is one of the best things to do in Cappadocia for Instagrammers. I particularly enjoyed Sultan Carpets and Mr. Ali was a character.
