Things to do in  Cappadocia

Cappadocia’s lunar-like landscapes draw admirers from around the world. And its “fairy chimneys,” soaring rock pinnacles topped with lids like mushroom caps, are at the region’s heart. See them from one of the popular sunrise balloon flights, but they’re equally impressive up close, as they're used as homes, hotels, and ancient churches.

Perhaps one of the most recognizable attractions in Cappadocia, Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye), the unusual edifices at the Göreme Open-Air Museum (Göreme Açık Hava Müzesi) are an important part of monastic history. A popular Byzantine settlement in the fourth century, the cave churches found at Göreme were carved out of soft volcanic cliffs.

Cappadocia’s underground cities—vast multistory complexes carved into the region’s famous volcanic rock—are among the most impressive underground dwellings in the world. Kaymakli Underground City is one of the most visited, with eight floors reaching depths of 262 feet (80 meters) and a history dating back to the eighth century BC.

Cappadocia’s wind-sculpted volcanic tufa has created an impressive series of valleys, dotted with towering “fairy chimneys” and dramatic rock formations. Taking its name from the pigeonholes carved into the tops of its fairy chimneys, Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi) is stunning, and visitors to Cappadocia shouldn’t miss it.

Honeycombed with tunnels, the twin slabs of volcanic tuff rock known as Uchisar Castle (Uçhisar Kalesi rear up above the little town of Uchisar and Cappadocia’s dramatic landscape in mesmerizing style. Climb the stairs to savor dramatic views across the surrounding valleys, which are spectacular at sunset—as is the castle itself.

Cappadocia is already well known for its unusual rock formations, but at Devrent Valley—nicknamed Imagination Valley—these large stones are the densest cluster found anywhere else in the region and they seem to take on a life of their own.

This unique town, located in the heart of Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye), is an excellent jumping off point to some of Cappadocia’s most fantastic attractions. From the fairy chimneys in Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia to the incredible cave churches at the Göreme Open-Air Museum, this region offers a variety of stunning sights.

The largest excavated underground city in the world, Derinkuyu Underground City spans 18 levels of tunnels, reaching depths of over 279 feet (85 meters), although only a fraction is open to the public. The subterranean labyrinth of cave rooms and tunnels includes the remains of stables, cellars, storage rooms, kitchens, wineries, a church, and more. Fed by a remarkable ventilation system, it provides fascinating insight into Cappadocia’s troglodyte history.

A stone-sculpted wonderland of billowing tuff cliffs and towering fairy chimneys; Monks Valley is the postcard image of Cappadocia and it’s every bit as compelling in real life. Named for the Christian monks who once hid out in the rocks, the valley’s UNESCO-listed landscapes are both a geological wonder and a key part of Cappadocia’s history.

Thousands of years ago the Melendiz River cut its way through the land between Mount Hasan and Mount Melendiz creating a magnificent canyon that’s roughly 328 feet (100 meters) deep. Today, travelers visit the Ihlara Valley to hike the canyon, observe its cave churches, and experience it’s oasis-like environs.

Situated along the Kızılırmak (Red River)—the longest river in Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye)—Avanos is a small town in Cappadocia known for red earthenware pottery that was originally created by the Hittites during the Bronze Age. Explore the lovely stretch of old town that overlooks the river and stop into the pottery shops selling their rouge-colored wares.

Selime Monastery is a unique structure carved directly into Cappadocia’s rocks. Over the course of two centuries in the 8th or 9th century, skilled artisans created this awe-inspiring structure. The cultural attraction boasted an enormous cathedral-sized church complete with stone columns, plus living areas, a missionary school, stables, a water well, and a large kitchen with a towering chimney. Selime Monastery is a must-see experience for anyone exploring Cappadocia’s rich history and distinctive geological formations.

Discover the historic Zelve Open-Air Museum, built on the site of a Byzantine monastery carved into the rock face centuries ago. Once a monastic retreat from the 9th to the 13th century, Zelve was inhabited until 1952. Explore the open-air exhibition that showcases preserved ruins and highlights the fascinating history of the site. Don't miss the chance to experience this unique destination.

Smaller than Cappadocia’s other subterranean cities like Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, Ozkonak Underground City (Özkonak Yeraltı Şehri) makes for a less crowded, more intimate travel experience. Built around the time of the Byzantine Empire (and at one point home to some 60,000 residents), this hidden gem was rediscovered in the 1970s by a local farmer—and it has served as a fascinating tourist attraction ever since.

The Rose Valley (Güllüdere Vadisi) in Cappadocia is filled with enormous, cone-shaped rocks and offers some of the region’s best hiking. Home to the Cross Church (Haçli Kilise), the Columned Church (Kolonlu Kilise), and other sighes, the valley is particularly striking late in the day when the sinking sun brings out the stones’ rosy glow.