Where is Cappadocia, How to Get There? What are the Places to Visit in Cappadocia, What to Do?

Cappadocia is one of Türkiye's major tourism regions. Thousands of years ago, volcanic activity here resulted in a rare natural phenomenon. Its captivating beauty has earned it a place on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Where is Cappadocia and how to get there?

Cappadocia has a deep-rooted history dating back to 7000 BC. It is also known as one of Turkey's most important natural wonders. It is the most visited region by both domestic and international tourists in Turkey.

Cappadocia is located in Türkiye's Nevşehir province. However, parts of it are also located in the provinces of Kırşehir, Niğde, Aksaray, and Kayseri. The region contains various historical artifacts dating back to ancient times, thus encompassing a wide range of cultural heritage.

To get to Cappadocia, you first need to go to Nevşehir. Nevşehir is located in the heart of the Central Anatolian region, making transportation quite easy. You can reach Nevşehir by road or air. For those who prefer to travel by bus, there are direct buses to Nevşehir.

In addition to land transportation, the city can also be reached by air. The closest airport to Nevşehir is in Kayseri. After arriving in Kayseri, you can take taxis or shuttles to Nevşehir. If you're traveling to Nevşehir by private vehicle, you can easily reach the city by following certain routes.

What are the places to visit in Cappadocia and what to do?

Cappadocia was formerly known as Katpatuka. In addition to its natural beauty, there are also historical sites to visit. When Cappadocia is mentioned, the fairy chimneys are the first things that come to mind. These chimneys were formed approximately 60 million years ago by weathering the soft layers formed during volcanic activity on Mount Erciyes, Mount Hasan, and Mount Güllü.

Fairy chimneys are easily shaped. Therefore, they have provided shelter and storage for the people here for approximately 10,000 years. You can visit fairy chimneys in Göreme National Park, Lovers' Valley, and the Zelve Archaeological Site.

Göreme National Park covers an area of 9,614 hectares. This area was designated a protected area in 1986. The park is most visited for its fairy chimneys. The Göreme Open Air Museum is also located within Göreme National Park.

By coming here, you can visit both the fairy chimneys and the religious buildings from the Christian period.

Uçhisar is one of Cappadocia's most historic sites. Situated at the foot of Uçhisar Castle, this region boasts a remarkable cultural diversity due to its status as an important resting place on the Silk Road.

The hotels here are of very high quality, so you might consider this area for your visit. You'll also find shops selling handmade goods and wine. Pigeon Valley, located here, is another must-see.

The Güllüdere Valley is located in the area between Çavuşin Village and Göreme. A total of five historic churches are located here. With its stunning views, Ihlara Valley is a must-see destination. It was formed by the Melendiz River eroding the soft bottom. There are also many accommodations here. Some of the rocks here were carved into churches around the 9th century.

The Zelve Archaeological Site is located 3 km from Avanos. Fairy chimneys are abundant in this area. It is also an important climbing area for mountaineers. The area served as a Christian settlement and religious center from the 9th to the 13th centuries.

This area, situated on the steep slopes north of Aktepe, was home to important religious structures such as the Balıklı, Üzümlü, and Geyikli churches, built between 728 and 842. Ürgüp is a popular holiday destination, particularly for couples. It was known as Osiana during the Byzantine period, Başhisar during the Seljuk period, and finally, Burgut Castle during the Ottoman period.

There are rock tombs dating back to the Roman period, as well as the Altıkapılı and Temenni Tepesi Tombs, built during the Seljuk period.

The Valley of the Monks in Paşabağ is one of Cappadocia's must-see natural wonders. It features mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. The walking paths here are quite beautiful, making it easy to explore. You can also see the rock-cut chapels and rooms used by hermits and monks for retreat.

Derinkuyu Underground City is where Christians took refuge to escape the torture of the Roman Empire. It consists of a total of eight floors.