Cappadocia is a bizarre fantasy of nature itself, which will surprise every tourist with a scattering of valleys, stone mushrooms and fantastic caves. Find out more about the most famous sights and the best hotels in the region in our new Cappadocia travel guide

Cappadocia is a place where nature's fantasy is reflected in the most bizarre forms. The local landscapes are often compared to alien ones, and for good reason. Moviegoers know that it was here that George Lucas filmed some of the scenes from his legendary Star Wars movies. And the first female cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, looking at the Earth from space, noted Cappadocia among the most prominent sights, along with the Great Wall of China.

This region fascinates with its uniqueness. Millions of years ago, four volcanoes - Erciyas, Hasan, Melendiz and Gülludag - created unusual cones of frozen lava here. For many years, rivers and rains gradually eroded these formations, turning them into a true art of nature. The result of this process is eight valleys with amazing stone mushrooms and rocks that look like they were created by an artist with a tireless imagination.

Cappadocia will not leave any traveler indifferent, offering breathtaking views that seem to transport you to a completely different fantasy world.

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What is Cappadocia?

Cappadocia is a historical region that impresses with its unusual volcanic landscape, underground cities and cave monasteries that were created in the first millennium BC. These unique landscapes were formed millions of years ago as a result of active volcanic activity. Volcanic eruptions covered the area with lava flows, which later turned into a soft stone-tuff. Winds, rains, and sun worked together to create the bizarre shapes of valleys and gorges from this material, reminiscent of fantasy creations.

This region is often referred to as the "chimneys of the fairies" because of the bizarre stone hills that seem to be the result of magic. However, Cappadocia is not only about the amazing scenery above ground, but also about the underworld where the first Christians hid from persecution. They created underground cities where they could live in extreme heat or cold. Some of these cities have up to seven levels, but today only three are open to tourists.

In addition, bright frescoes have been preserved in the underground churches, thanks to the peculiarities of the tuff, which does not allow moisture to pass through. These frescoes, depicting scenes from the Gospels, remain rich and vivid even after centuries. However, some of them have been damaged, including the eyes of saints, which is due to Islamic religious prohibitions on depicting people. In these churches, you can find scenes from the life of Jesus Christ, such as the Nativity, the Last Supper, and the crucifixion, which are particularly moving. It was in Cappadocia that St. George the Victorious was born, one of the most revered saints in the Orthodox world.

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The most beautiful valleys of Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a region that is divided into several unique valleys, each of which has its own characteristics and attractive features. Visiting these places, you can fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of amazing landscapes and historical monuments that have been created over millions of years.

Here are four valleys worth seeing even if you have limited time:

1. The Valley of the Pigeons stretches for four kilometers and is known for its numerous pigeon nests, which were specially carved into the rocks to preserve the birds. Stone mushrooms and brightly colored drawings on the walls, created to attract pigeons, add a special charm to this place.

2. The Valley of the Fairies is known for its bizarrely shaped rocks that resemble fairy tale houses. In the evenings, these "houses" were illuminated with candles, creating a fabulous look. Sharp temperature changes add to the atmosphere, creating the illusion of floating fairies.

3. The Valley of Imagination, also known as Derwent or Pink Valley, is famous for its rock formations that resemble the silhouettes of animals and fairy-tale characters. The sunset adds shades of pink to these rocks, which makes them even more fascinating.

4. The Valley of Love is characterized by phallic rocks that are not found anywhere else in Cappadocia. This place attracts tourists for funny photo shoots and romantic stories.

These valleys offer a unique experience and unforgettable impressions that will stay with you for years to come.

When to go to Cappadocia?

The best time to visit Cappadocia is from April to October, when the weather is favorable for walking and exploring. In November, temperatures can drop to -8ºC, which makes traveling less comfortable. 

The most convenient way to get to Cappadocia from Istanbul is to use Pegasus Airlines flights, where a round-trip ticket will cost about €50 (including only hand luggage up to 10 kg). 

An alternative option is to fly to Ankara and then take a five-hour bus ride, which will cost about €3-5. If you are on vacation in Side or Belek, it is worth considering a two-day tour with an overnight stay and a visit to the city of Konya, which costs from €120, including meals and accommodation.

What to visit in Cappadocia?

Cappadocia offers not only exciting hot air balloon rides and picturesque valleys, but also many other interesting places that are worth your attention. This region of Turkey is full of history, mysterious underground cities and charming small towns.

1. Avanos is a small town on the banks of the river, known as the center of pottery. It is ideal for those looking for peace and inspiration. Here you can visit pottery workshops, enjoy the authentic atmosphere and take part in workshops.

2. Uchisar Fortress is one of the most impressive sights in Cappadocia. A huge 60-meter-high rock resembling a cheese with holes in it was a defensive structure in the Ottoman period. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a stunning panoramic view of the entire region.

3. Goreme National Park is a unique place where you can immerse yourself in history and culture. It is home to a monastery complex turned into an open-air museum. Tourists from all over the world come here to see ancient churches carved into the rocks and stay in atmospheric hotels.

4. The underground cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu are real architectural wonders. They are among the largest and best-preserved underground cities in the world, where the first Christians sought refuge from persecution. These multi-level underground complexes date back to the 7th century and impress with their complex system of tunnels and rooms.