Cappadocia’s underground cities and the region’s distinctive fairy chimneys have gained international acclaim. Uncover the intriguing history of the Turkish villages of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu.

Cappadocia, Turkey’s unique and picturesque area, is famed for its original rocky outcrops, balloon adventures, and cave settlements where people have lived for millennia. The smooth sandstone made it simple for the inhabitants to cut out caverns large enough to house themselves.

Many historic villages are built into rock cliffs, some in the mountains, and some are made out of a sophisticated network of underground caves like a bug nest!

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Discover the Cave Cities of Cappadocia: Travel Guide

The Underground Cities of Cappadocia

The Cappadocia Underground Dwellings, chiefly uncovered in the Nevsehir area in central Turkey, is a sequence of spectacular subterranean towns erected by Troglodytes, popularly known as “cave visitors.” Some best-known Cappadocia underground towns, including Derinkuyu, Mazi, Kaymakl, Ozkonak, and Ürgüp, are accessible to visitors at Nevsehir.

The more impressive and intriguing underground cities presently exposed to visitors are those situated south of Nevşehir at Kaymakl and Derinkuyu, respectively, 12 and 19 miles south of Nevşehir. You may also stay in a Cappadocia cave hotel.

Exploring the underground towns of Cappadocia is an exhilarating, heartfelt, and captivating excursion. Since 1985, the Cappadocia subterranean towns have already been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Where in Turkey is Cappadocia?

Cappadocia is in the center of Turkey, on the eastern edge of the Central Anatolia region. It is a dynamic region with several mountain ranges and lowlands. It is around 725 kilometers from Istanbul.

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When Is the Best Time to Visit Cappadocia?

The peak months of April to May and September to October are ideal for visiting Cappadocia. Cappadocia, Turkey, is pleasant and sunny, with a high of 22 degrees Celsius during the day. This is also the best time to visit Cappadocia for a dawn hot air balloon experience. Nights might be colder, so pack an extra bundle of clothing.

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How to Visit Cappadocia?

Direct flights to Cappadocia are available from each major city in Turkey and several significant cities outside Turkey. Because Cappadocia has two airports, Kayseri Erkilet Airport and Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport, finding a flight for any time or budget is more manageable. Turkish Airlines, SunExpress, and Pegasus Airlines are the leading airlines that travel to Cappadocia.

From the two airports, you can take buses and taxis to Cappadocia. Omio is a great app/website for planning routes from different parts of Turkey.

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Accommodation in Cappadocia

Because of Cappadocia’s unique history, the area has become renowned for Cappadocia cave hotels. These chambers were cut into the region’s porous sandstones to retain warmth throughout the scorching heat of summer and the frigid temperatures.

The cave hotels are becoming a desirable unique attraction and a must-have Cappadocia experience. These cave hotels are among the most beautiful locations to stay in Cappadocia.

You may pick either accommodation style in Cappadocia, from fancy hotels to guesthouses. However, deciding where and how to stay in Cappadocia should be simple. You’ll also find hotels with patios where you can witness the hot air balloons fly off at dawn.

Most visitors struggle with deciding where to stay in Cappadocia. Goreme is the ultimate solution if this is your first time.

Here’s my recommendation for a stay in Cappadocia:

Medusa Hotel – I stayed at Medusa Hotel summer of 2022, and I loved the beautiful cave-style rooms and views. The onsite restaurant served a delicious breakfast with an idea. That being said, it wasn’t the cheapest hotel, but not the priciest, and it was conveniently located to many tourist attractions in this city (though great if you want a quieter stay!)

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Things to Not Miss While in Cappadocia

Cappadocia offers so much to uncover, from magnificent dawn hot air balloon excursions over the surreal scenic views to unique cave hotels in Cappadocia and gorgeous valleys with interesting rock formations.

Exploring Cappadocia must be on everyone’s dream list, and our Cappadocia guide will enable you to prepare and savor your ideal vacation!

Whether you’re arranging your next Cappadocia vacation or just imagining, our Cappadocia guide will provide you with much information and enthusiasm!

Open-Air Museum of Goreme

Goreme Open Air Museum is approximately 1.25 miles from Goreme and is reachable by foot. It is an “old quarter” of Goreme, where Byzantine Monks utilized all cave dwellings and chapels before becoming a pilgrimage attraction.

Goreme Museum is well known for its stunning, ornate temples, particularly Karanlik Kilise, which are sculpted from bare rocky walls. Aside from the chapels, the kitchen, dining room, and typical cavern residences were striking.

Book your visit here!

Best Hot Air Balloon Tour in Cappadocia

It is a distinctive and classic Cappadocia experience to float over the strange landscapes while the bright sun breaks from the skyline. Scheduling a morning hot air balloon excursion in Cappadocia is a necessity; you cannot leave the region unless you do so.

Hiking at Red and Rose Valley

Red and Rose Valley are in Cappadocia, just outside Goreme’s town. It takes around 7 to 13 minutes to drive from Goreme to Red & Rose Valley and about 16 minutes from Uchisar.

Red and Rose Valley are famously regarded as one of the best treks in Cappadocia. As a result of its reputation as the most stunning sunset spot, if you enjoy trekking, Red & Rose Valley, Cappadocia, should be your first stop.

You can begin hikes in the late afternoon during the colder seasons, which start in September. The treks are not too hard, and there are several tracks to choose from.

For more information on the hike, read here!

Cappadocia’s Well-Known Valleys

Cappadocia valleys abound due to the region’s volcanic environment. Each Cappadocia valley has something unique to offer.

Pigeon Valley is filled with hundreds of pigeon dwellings cut into the rock faces, while Love Valley is famed for its phallic rock sculptures and boasts the best panoramic view for sunset.

Cappadocia’s Famous Attractions

Famous Cappadocia attractions include:

• Derinkuyu Underground City
• Kaymalki Underground City

Cappadocia had no military presence for decades, so instead of enduring assault after the attack, the region’s residents took advantage of the soft rock and created towns beneath the surface.

These subterranean towns can accommodate up to 8,000 people and are up to ten feet deep. And these aren’t the only underground cities; over a hundred are scattered over the countryside—a fantastic area to hide from the frequent onslaught from neighboring territories.

Final Thoughts

Cappadocia has everything from traditional things to stunning views you should not miss. Cappadocia is usually bustling with visitors. By reading this article, you will discover the best travel tips and tactics.

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