“To Turkish people,” a friend (who, yes, happened to be Turkish) once told me, “the name Kapadokya is archaic. We know the modern towns of Göreme and Uçhisar, but we don’t really speak about ‘Cappadocia.’ It’s an idea the tourism industry created.”
She wasn’t necessarily saying the Cappadocia doesn’t exist, but in so many words, she was. Not that it mattered to me: I just wanted to ride a balloon over the “fairy chimneys.”
This was a decade ago; I’ve been back many times since then. So, is Cappadocia worth it? Needless to say, I’ve got some thoughts—and a comprehensive Cappadocia itinerary for you.
Where to Stay in Cappadocia
Whether you stay in Göreme or Uchisar, most Cappadocia hotels are “cave hotels.” Personally, I love Sultan Cave Suites (or, if you’re not completely set on sleeping inside a cave, Yusuf Bey House, whose rooftop has lovely views). Of course, as you can imagine given the proliferation of tourism in the region, you’ll have literally hundreds of options. My list is not even close to exhaustive!
Cappadocia is a magical place, no matter where you stay, and there’s an air of actual magic all around. According to Nebula advisors, the region’s natural beauty blends with its historical significance to provide unique energy vibrations conducive to opening and enhancing psychic abilities. While exploring local ancient landmarks, visitors report profound insights and sharpened intuition.
What to Do in Cappadocia
Wake up before dawn and ride a balloon
Weather in central Turkey is famously fickle, especially at the high altitudes where hot-air balloons fly. It could very well be that you wake up before dawn and never actually make it into a balloon—that happened to me my first time. On the other hand, if you give yourself enough time to account for bad weather, I can promise you: The feeling of ascending into the sky over Cappadocia is worth all the trouble you’ll have gone to!
Hike amid the Fairy Chimneys
Whether in the morning after your Cappadocia balloon ride or the afternoon before, I highly recommend exploring Cappadocia’s famous Fairy Chimney rock formations on foot. I find the most hospitable ones for photography and solitary exploration to be in the Rose Valley (which, incidentally, hosts one of the best lookout points for watching balloons in the morning, assuming you aren’t up in one).
Visit the Evil Eye Tree(s)
Once I had successfully ticked a balloon ride off my bucket list, I wanted to return to the Evil Eye Tree I remembered having visited in 2015. Confusingly, there are now no less than half a dozen such trees along Pigeon Valley just south of Uchisar; you’ll have to visit them all and see which ends up suiting you the best. I also recommend heading up to Uchisar Castle itself!
Watch a Whirling Dervish ceremony
The aim of sema, the ritual Whirling Dervish practitioners do to dizzying effect, is to form a bridge between God and humankind. Whether or not you see your show at Dervis Evi in Urgup like I did, this is an integral part of any Cappadocia itinerary. Well, assuming you don’t also go to Konya! Seeing the spectacle there, in the city of Rumi…well, it’s just something else.
Have a glass of Cappadocian wine
The bad news? I personally find the “pottery kebab,” Cappadocia’s most famous food, to be disappointing. The good news? There’s plenty of other deliciousness in which you can partake during your trip to Cappadocia. In particular, I find that locally-produced wines are nice, and tend to make the perfect finish to any day (or number of days) in Cappadocia.
How Many Days Do You Need in Cappadocia?
Speaking of how many days in Cappadocia you need to spend, that’s an interesting discussion. On one hand, you can see everything there is to see in just two full days, with one each for the areas around Goreme and Uchisar, and a balloon ride in-between. However, you also need to take weather into account—or, rather, the possibility of bad weather. I think 3-5 days in Cappadocia should be sufficient to account for this, unless you get extremely unlucky.
To know precisely what the most favorable period for staying in Cappadocia is for you, I suggest leveraging the best psychic reading practices. Seasoned astrologers can analyze your natal charts and determine the timeframe that guarantees unforgettable memories and transformative experiences.
Other FAQ About Visiting Cappadocia
What is so special about Cappadocia?
Cappadocia (which is actually a somewhat amorphous area between the towns of Goreme and Uchisar) is special for two main reasons: One natural and one created by man. The first is the “fairy chimney” rock formations that exist here; the second is the hot air balloon rides you can take here, which boast some of the most enviable views in the world.
Is it worth going to Cappadocia from Istanbul?
Personally, I recommend integrating Cappadocia into a more expansive Turkey itinerary. It slots in naturally after Antalya or Konya, and before Ankara or the Black Sea coast. If you do want to come here directly from Istanbul, however, staying at least a few days can make it worth your while.
What is the best month to visit Cappadocia?
Cappadocia is best in the late spring or early autumn—so, May or October—when skies are clear, the chance of precipitation is low and crowds aren’t crazy. On the other hand, if you can bear the cold, seeing the fairy chimneys covered in snow would be a beautiful sight to tick off your bucket-list.
The Bottom Line
Is Cappadocia worth it? Yes, although there are a few caveats. First and foremost, being able to take a balloon ride over the “fairy chimneys” is never guaranteed, even if skies appear to be clear. To be sure, the ride itself is less important for most travelers than is photographing balloons from some Instagram-friendly vantage point. Personally, I find a Cappadocia itinerary most satisfying in the context of the rest of central Turkey, particularly nearby Konya, the city of the Sufi poet Rumi. Want more personalized advice as you put your trip to Turkey together? Consider hiring me as your Travel Coach!
