From its hilltop perch—the highest point of central Cappadocia—the rocky pinnacle of Uçhisar Castle gazes out over the kingdom of tuff-sculpted topography and fairy chimney valleys below. There are few things to do in this Turkish town besides visiting the castle and admiring the views, but the traditional troglodyte village makes an idyllic base from which to explore Cappadocia. Check into a luxury cave hotel, watch the sunrise from a hot air balloon, and visit nearby Göreme Open Air Musem, or enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding through the valley.
Uçhisar Castle has long been one of Cappadocia’s most popular sunset spots, but arrive early to snag the best spots. The small town swells with day-trippers throughout July and August, and this is also the hottest and most expensive time to visit. If you can, time your trip for the shoulder seasons—you can still enjoy sunny days from May through October. In May, Uçhisar hosts the Cappadox Festival, featuring live music and contemporary art in the castle's shadows.
The small village of Uçhisar is easy to explore on foot, although be prepared for steep uphill roads. Regular minibus (dolmuş) services link Uçhisar to Göreme, Ürgüp, and other Cappadocia villages, and you’ll also find plenty of options for taxis and tours leaving from Uçhisar. Feeling adventurous? You can rent an all-terrain vehicle or motorbike to zip around the hills or hike between Göreme and Uçhisar through the Pigeon Valley (about a 1.5-hour hike).
If you want to enjoy the views without the crowds and admission fees of Uçhisar Castle, nearby Tiraz Castle is a little-known alternative, just a short walk away. Afterward, wander down through Uçhisar’s residential streets until you reach Güvercinlik or Pigeon Valley, so-called for the many pigeon houses that have been carved into the tops of the rocks and fairy chimneys.
