Cappadocia is best known for its bucket-list-worthy hot air balloon rides. But you should know that it is so much more than just these balloon rides and sunrise photoshoots. And while it definitely is some of that, Cappadocia also offers some of the most unique landscapes found anywhere on earth, along with a fascinating history that shaped our modern world. So yes, Cappadocia is magical, but for reasons that go way beyond those famous hot air balloons.
Are you thinking about visiting one of Turkey’s most memorable spots? Want to know how to make the best of your trip? Keep reading to discover 21 things you need to know before visiting Cappadocia. You will find tips for hot air balloon rides, things you shouldn’t do, and everything that makes Cappadocia, Turkey one-of-a-kind.
1. Cappadocia Is Not The Name Of A City In Turkey
Oh you want to go to Cappadocia? Well you’re going to have to get more specific, because there is no town or province in Turkey that goes by that name.
In fact, Cappadocia is the name of a historic region in central Turkey. This means that the area used to have political and cultural significance. The Kingdom of Cappadocia was an independent empire whose prominence was around the years 330 BC – 20 AD. Today Cappadocia is still used to refer to this popular region, but most visitors stay in Göreme, which acts as the region’s tourism hub.
2. Pass On Göreme If You Want To Get Away From The Crowds
Let me start by saying that Göreme is not a bad place to stay. It is central to many of the activities around Cappadocia, and there are plenty of beautiful lodging options in Göreme. But it is also the busiest town with visitors, so you will have ATVs, Jeep tours, buses and general crowds creating a bit of a hectic atmosphere.
Because of all the hustle and bustle, and the amenities targeting travelers, there are not many locals who call Göreme home. So spending your vacation here makes connecting with locals more challenging. On the other hand, we stayed in nearby Avanos and were invited on hikes with local guides (for free), spent evenings drinking wine by the fire with our new friends, and even had dinner at their homes (twice!). These types of experiences would not have happened if we had stayed in Göreme.
3. Cappadocia Probably Won’t Be Close To Anything Else On Your Itinerary
Turkey is HUGE. As an American, I am required to measure the size of a place by using Texas as a benchmark. And guess what? Turkey is 1.2 times bigger than Texas!
Also, Cappadocia is right smack in the middle of Turkey. Which means that it probably won’t be very close to whatever else you want to add to your Turkey itinerary. If you are also visiting some other destinations on your trip to Turkey, then you will have to go on a bit of a journey to get to Cappadocia.
4. You Can Stay In An Actual Cave In Cappadocia!
Want to get a taste of what life used to be like in Cappadocia, Turkey? Well, you can spend the night in a cave hotel! Okay, maybe it’s not exactly like how the early Cappadocians lived in caves, I mean, I doubt there used to be running water, wifi, and heated towels. But many cave hotel rooms are actually old homes built into the rocks that were renovated to accommodate guests. So there’s a chance that you will literally be sleeping in someone’s old home.
You will not regret spending a decent chunk of your vacation budget to go on a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, Turkey. This is one of the best places in the entire world to check this off your bucket list, so if your wallet allows, then you absolutely won’t be disappointed.
Aimara cried happy tears. The sweet Turkish lady next to us was asking the balloon pilot to translate to us that what she was seeing was a dream. There is no other way to put it than being up there with nearly 165 other hot air balloons is pure magic. The experience of floating through the morning sky and watching the sun come up behind historic volcanos was worth it in every single way.
Riley Nielsen i liked the article thanx