Cappadocia is an area that was the cradle of many civilizations, with a history of thousands of years that we do not really know when it began, and nature-like fairy tales full of legends and stories. For this reason, we think that everyone should know these dreamlands. That is why we will take a look at the main and most popular tourist places in Cappadocia with our article on the places to visit.
Goreme Open Air Museum
How about a short trip back in time? Then, your first stop will be the Göreme Open Air Museum. It is a whole set of history and architecture that became a museum in 1950 and entered the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. Goreme Open Air Museum is a complex of monasteries and churches, prior to the Vatican, where the monastic education system began. It is the place where many well-known churches in the area are concentrated.
Love Valley
Do you want to take an epic trip to Cappadocia? There is talk of a story about the valley of lovers and it is said that this is where its name comes from. It is said that once upon a time there were 10 families living in the town, of which 2 were constantly fighting and for this reason, the town had been divided into two, one part supported one family and the other family.
Then the idea occurred to them that if two young people from both sides got married the fight would be over. They introduced two young people who fell in love and got married. But this marriage did not solve the problem. The families fought even more and in the end, they killed the groom. The bride committed suicide of sadness. As punishment, God rained stones on the people. All died. For this reason, the name of the place becomes the “Valley of Lovers”.
The Valley of Lovers is also known as Baglidere Valley. On the road, you will see the name of Bağlıdere on the sign. You cannot enter directly with the car, you must park and walk a bit. At the end of this walk, which may seem a bit long, you will reach the center of the valley where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the splendid supernatural landscape with the fairy chimneys.
Pigeon Valley
The valley of the pigeons is located between Uçhisar and Göreme and occupies an area of 4 km. The name of the valley comes from the dovecotes carved into the rock walls. It is a great relaxation to walk in the valley next to the unusual vegetation and the waterfall that flows in the center.
Places to visit in Cappadocia Valleys
Valley of Swords (Kılıçlar)
Vehicle access is prohibited. This unearthly beautiful valley is well suited for walking, horseback riding, or ATV riding. In the valley, where there are still troglodyte houses that were used as shelters, and dovecots, you can take a walk of almost 2 hours. In the end, the valley joins the valley of Meskendir. It is a visual feast to watch the balloons fly from the bottom of the Kılıçlar Valley. During the walk-in this small valley of Göreme, you can enjoy fresh juices while admiring the scenery. You can visit Kılıçlar Church and Virgin Mary Church on the way.
Cavusin Town
Çavuşin is one of the oldest places in Cappadocia, which was able to preserve its natural state to our days. This area, with its cave houses and churches, was a constant habitat for the people. Çavuşin is one of the most popular places among travelers for still preserving daily life. This town was the heart of the dense Christian life in its time, whose features can still be seen in the Çavuşin church full of frescoes and images of the events and characters of the time. It is the perfect place to take photos, go hiking and see the traditional pottery of the region.
Three Beauties
Esentepe, known as the Three Beauties, located at the entrance of Ürgüp is another place to see in Cappadocia. This symbolic place of Cappadocia receives up to 2 million visitors, both local and foreign, a year. It is a panoramic point that draws attention not only to the fairy chimneys it houses but also to its legend.
The legend that it has is once upon a time there was a sultan and a princess. The princess was a beautiful woman who one day fell in love with a shepherd. Her father, the sultan, did not give his consent to this marriage. But they got married, fled the kingdom, and had a son. The princess thought that by having a grandson, the sultan would change his behavior and forgive them. She goes to the sultan but he does not forgive them and sends his soldiers to kill them. The couple, hidden and unable to flee, begin to pray and beg God for a miracle to save them. God turns them into stones. Thus they transform into the three fairy chimneys that are seen, the shepherd, the boy, and the princess.
Gomeda Valley
The Gomeda Valley, a valley full of mysteries and secrets, awaits you for a walk through its fields. It is one of the most appropriate places for hiking both in autumn and in spring or summer. The trees of the valley partially cover the sun, which allows you to walk quietly in the freshness of nature while admiring the historic structures carved into the rocks.
Uçhisar Castle
Uçhisar is one of the highest points in Cappadocia. The interior of the castle was carved as halls, cellars, tombs, warehouses according to the needs of the people at that time. It was used more as a fortress to defend itself from the attacks of the Arabs in Roman times. Today it is one of the most visited places by travelers. The townspeople were living around Uçhisar until the late 1960s. Tickets to the castle cost 4 TL for students and 8 TL for adults. The castle is open 7 days a week from 07:30 to 17:30.
Wishing Tree
When talking about Cappadocia, it is impossible to forget the wishing tree where the eyes are hung against the evil eye. The tree is located at the panoramic views of the Pigeon Valley. Travelers make a wish, hang one eye, and also wait for their wish to come true. Many say that by hanging the eye they feel more relaxed by taking the weight off their shoulders.
Places to Visit between Ankara and Cappadocia
The intercity highway is the most convenient to go from Ankara to Cappadocia. On the way, you can stop at the second largest lake in Turkey, the Salt Lake. Before reaching Nevşehir we arrive at Aksaray. From there to Nevşehir you can visit the Ihlara Valley, Sultan Han, and Hasan Mountain.
Places to Visit between Ankara and Cappadocia
The intercity highway is the most convenient to go from Ankara to Cappadocia. On the way, you can stop at the second largest lake in Turkey, the Salt Lake. Before reaching Nevşehir we arrive at Aksaray. From there to Nevşehir you can visit the Ihlara Valley, Sultan Han, and Hasan Mountain.
Places to visit between Istanbul and Cappadocia
Travelers often ask how long it takes to get to Cappadocia from Istanbul.
How many hours are between Istanbul and Cappadocia?
The distance between Istanbul and Cappadocia is 700 km. And it takes about 8-9 hours by car. If you want to come by intercity bus it will take about 12 hours to reach Nevşehir. The places that can be visited on the way are; Izmit, Sakarya, Düzce, Bolu and Ankara or, if they continue through Bursa, they are Eskişehir, Ankara and Aksaray. Travelers are interested in the places to visit on the way to make the most of the journey.
Cappadocia by night
Uçhisar and Ortahisar forts are the highest points in Cappadocia and are very well lit at night. From these places, you can enjoy the panorama with the illuminated buildings. Among the things that can be done at night comes the Turkish Night, which is one of the famous and favorite entertainments of travelers.
Places to visit in Cappadocia Avanos
Avanos is best known for the pottery workshops that are made using a very ancient technique. The quality of this ceramic comes from the clay and the mass that is prepared with it. This dough is obtained from the earth carried by the Red River from the nearby mountains. For the ceramics and workshops of Avanos, you can consult the article in the link. The places you must visit in Avanos are; the Paşabağ Valley, the Zelve Valley, the Güllüdere Church, and the Avanos Houses. For the places to visit, the list continues with different towns such as Ürgüp and Göreme.
Places to visit around Cappadocia
Cappadocia, made up of 3 big cities apart from Nevşehir, is a big region. Kayseri, with its historical and Seljuk structures, is one of the large cities in close proximity to the region. Aksaray is also one of these cities where you can visit Ihlara Valley, Sarıhan Cavasar (Saruhan – Tepesidelik Han) and Hasan Mountain.
Cappadocia Attractions Map | Cappadocia Places to Visit | Cappadocia Attractions
Places To Visit In Urgup and Goreme
Places to Visit in Goreme, Cappadocia
Göreme is one of the most important towns in the Cappadocia region. It is a town where valleys, underground cities, and also the famous open-air museum are concentrated. Travelers usually spend at least 2 days in this town because it is where the runways for the balloons are located. To fly in a balloon and for more information about the places to visit in Göreme you can consult our article.
Attractions of Urgup
Ürgüp is best known for its cave hotels, and the three beauties, the legendary fairy chimneys. Staying in Ürgüp means entering the fantastic world and the spirit of the region to fully experience the daily life of the people living in the caves in the past. Of course, all this will be done in the comfort of the Cave Hotels in Ürgüp. For more detailed information about places to visit in Ürgüp please consult our article Urgup Hotels.
