Cappadocia Travel Guide

Cappadocia travel guide , Travel to the colorful world of balloons

Cappadocia, Turkey (meaning “land of beautiful horses”) is an astonishing collection of Turkish rock architecture. It’s recognized for its unique and wondrous natural rock formations, as well as its unique historical heritage, earning it a spot on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. In ancient times, the Cappadocia region was inhabited by the Hittite tribes. It was only after the collapse of the Hittite Empire in the 12th century BC that it emerged as an independent entity from the central power and was managed in a feudal manner.

Cappadocia is famous for its stunning landscapes, underground cities, and rock-carved churches built during the Middle Ages. The area is also popular for hot air balloon rides, which are used as a favorite tourist activity.

Given that Turkey is nowadays recognized as an affordable recreational destination, traveling to places overshadowed by famous cities like Istanbul and Antalya can offer you an exciting and different experience. Continue with Sepehran blog to get more familiar with the Cappadocia tourist region.

Get to know Cappadocia, Turkey better:

  • Where is Cappadocia, Turkey?
  • Cappadocia, Turkey map
  • How far is Cappadocia from Istanbul?
  • Climate of Cappadocia, Turkey
  • The best time to visit Cappadocia
  • Cappadocia, Turkey tour
  • Attractions of Cappadocia
  • Churches of Cappadocia
  • Hotels in Cappadocia, Turkey
  • Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia
  • Cost of hot air ballooning in Cappadocia
  • Transportation in Cappadocia
  • Cappadocia Airport
  • Photos of Cappadocia, Turkey

Where is Cappadocia, Turkey?

It is a historical region in Turkey mainly located in the central part of the country. This region is primarily situated in the provinces of Nevşehir, Kayseri, Aksaray, and the eastern half of Niğde province.

Cappadocia, Turkey map

How far is it from Cappadocia from Istanbul?

The distance between Cappadocia and Istanbul is about 730 km or about 450 miles if calculated by land. This distance can be covered by different types of vehicles:

1. Plane: The flight from Istanbul to Nowsehir, which is the closest big city to Cappadocia, takes about an hour and a half.

2.Bus: Traveling by bus from Istanbul to Cappadocia usually takes about 10-12 hours.

3.Private car: If you decide to drive, the journey from Istanbul to Cappadocia takes about 8 to 10 hours, depending on traffic conditions and speed.

Climate of Cappadocia, Turkey

The climate of Cappadocia in Turkey is influenced by its dry and mountainous environment. Summers in this region are warm and dry, while winters can be cold and possibly snowy.

During the summer, temperatures usually range between 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Nights are typically cooler and can reach temperatures of around 10-15 degrees Celsius. Winters in Cappadocia are cold with temperatures often around zero degrees Celsius or below. This season is also appealing to some, especially due to the beautiful snowy landscapes.

Weather in Cappadocia, Turkey
Weather in Cappadocia, Turkey

Best Time to Visit Cappadocia

Determining the best time to travel to this region can be tricky as it entirely depends on your preference, whether you’d like to witness snowy landscapes or travel to Cappadocia in milder weather.

The best times to visit Cappadocia, Turkey are in the spring and fall.

Spring, from late April to June, brings warmer and more pleasant weather. During this time, Cappadocia’s landscapes are lively and green, and the temperatures are suitable for outdoor excursions. Fall, from late September to late November, is another period where you can enjoy Cappadocia’s moderate climate and natural beauty. In this season, leaves take on yellow and red hues, creating picturesque landscapes.

Furthermore, spring and fall are the ideal times to experience hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, as the weather is calm and stable, making this activity even more enjoyable.

However, if you’re not deterred by snowy landscapes and a bit of cold, winter can also be a captivating time to visit Cappadocia. During this season, the region is blanketed in snow, offering unique and extraordinary views.

Tour of Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia tour in Turkey can be a wonderful and memorable experience. Tour packages usually include airfare, hotel accommodations, airport transfers, day tours, and sometimes hot air balloon rides.

The daily excursions of the sightseeing tours allow you to explore different parts of Cappadocia, including cave churches, underground cities and other historical and natural attractions.

Prices may vary depending on the season, tour duration and services provided. It is recommended to check the reviews of other travelers and tour details before booking.

 

Cappadocia tour price

Various factors affect the price of a Cappadocia tour. Including the type of air or land travel, the length of stay, the number of people who are with you on this trip and the season in which you travel.

Sights of Cappadocia, Turkey

Among other places to visit in Cappadocia, we can mention the following:

 

Sights of Cappadocia

Kaymaklı underground şehri

Red Valley

Göreme

Gomusler Ski Temple

Uçhisar

Ihlara Valley

Soğanlı

 

Villages of Cappadocia

  • Göreme Village in Cappadocia: Houses in Göreme, known as pigeon houses, have been carved into rocks and volcanic cones for about 200 years. These houses exhibit a great variety in design, façade, architecture, and interior decoration. Apart from the rock structure, entrance doors and parts of the house have been made using chisels. Aside from the rock homes, erosion of the stone walls due to natural elements such as wind, rain, surface water flow, and climatic changes have shaped them into beautiful forms like mushrooms, hats, cones, etc. These stone pillars later transformed into residential homes, churches, grain storages, tools, etc. They resemble chimneys, which are specific to the homes of fairies and angels. Hence, this area is also colloquially referred to as ‘fairy chimneys.’

 

  • Uçhisar Village: Uçhisar village (Uçhisar) is one of the tourist attractions in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. It is famous for its pristine and breathtaking castle made of natural stones and recognized as the highest point in Cappadocia. Uçhisar Castle is visible from a distance and provides a fantastic view of the unique hills and beautiful landscapes surrounding it.

 

Villages of Cappadocia
Villages of Cappadocia

Churches of Cappadocia

Below are some of the churches found in Cappadocia:

  • Çarıklı Kilise (the Church with Sandals)
  • Nunnery Church
  • Elmali Church
  • St. Barbara Church
  • Karanlik Church (Dark Church)

 

Churches of Cappadocia
Churches of Cappadocia

Cave Hotels of Cappadocia, Turkey

If you’re looking for a unique and special experience, and have an interest in history and nature, it’s highly recommended to stay in one of the cave hotels in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, dome-shaped hills, and historic caves that were once used as dwellings. Cave hotels in Cappadocia have capitalized on this natural and historic texture, offering travelers a distinct and attractive environment.

The ingenious designs and unique architecture of these hotels blend the historical context with modern amenities, creating a pleasant and memorable atmosphere for guests. Many travelers from around the world come to Cappadocia to have this experience and enjoy the beautiful views of the region.

Some of the renowned cave hotels include:

  • Sultan Cave Suites
  • Mithra Cave Hotel Cappadocia
  • Museum Hotel
  • Phocas Cave Suites
  • Kelebek Special Cave Hotel
  • Artemis Cave Suites

 

artemis-cave-hotel
artemis-cave-hotel

 

Air Ballooning in Cappadocia

Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia is a unique experience that attracts many tourists to this region of Turkey. Riding a balloon in Cappadocia allows you to fully enjoy the stunning and unbelievable landscapes of the area, showcasing the unparalleled features created by nature.

Best Time for Ballooning

Early in the morning, as the sun rises, balloons ascend into the Cappadocian sky. The most breathtaking views of Cappadocia occur when balloons are taking off and the sun begins to illuminate from beneath the horizon. This moment of the day is one of the best times for photography and videography.

As you ascend in a balloon, you reach heights above the ground from where you can observe the extraordinary and mesmerizing landscapes of Cappadocia. Viewing the dome-shaped hills, historical buildings, and natural caves from above provides an exciting and unforgettable experience.

How Much Does Ballooning in Cappadocia Cost?

The cost of ballooning in Cappadocia may vary depending on the season, the service provider, and the duration of the flight.

In the latest price update, the average cost for a balloon ride in Cappadocia was typically between $150 to $250 per person. This price usually includes a roughly one-hour balloon flight, round-trip transportation from the hotel, and sometimes a light breakfast or a warm beverage.

Regardless, it is recommended to contact several different companies before booking to compare prices and the services offered.

Companies providing balloon rides in Cappadocia

In the Cappadocia region of Turkey, there are many companies that offer hot air balloon rides.

Companies providing balloon
Companies providing balloon

 

Transportation in Cappadocia

Transportation in the Cappadocia region of Turkey can be accomplished through several methods. The Cappadocia region comprises cities and villages like Göreme, Uçhisar, and Ürgüp. Due to its numerous tourist attractions, there are various transportation options available.

  1. Walking: Given the unique nature and architecture of the area, walking in Cappadocia is one of the best ways to explore and discover the region. However, given the vastness of the area, this method is only suitable for exploring areas close to your hotel or accommodation.
  2. Taxi and Car Rental: You can use taxis to travel between cities and various points. Renting a car is another option for easier access. However, if you’re not prepared to drive in Turkey, this option might not be suitable.
  3. Bicycles and Motorcycles: In some cities, you can rent bicycles or motorcycles. This might be a better option for exploring more remote areas.
  4. Local Minibus: For travel between smaller towns.

Cappadocia Airport

Cappadocia has airports in Nevşehir and Kayseri.

Nevşehir Kapadokya Havalimanı International Airport is one of the two main airports that travelers can use to access the Cappadocia region of Turkey.

Another airport that is close to Cappadocia is Kayseri Erkilet Airport.

Noshhisar Cappadocia International Airport is located in Noshhisar province, approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Goreme, one of the main cities of Cappadocia.

The airport handles domestic and international flights and offers facilities including car rental, restaurants, cafes, and shops.

To go from the airport to the cities of Cappadocia, you can use a taxi or bus. Some tour companies and hotels also offer transfer services from the airport to the accommodation.

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Last word:

We hope that by reading this guide, you have gained enough knowledge about accommodation in Cappadocia, information about transportation and the airport of this region. If you have experience traveling to this region from Turkey, please let us know in the comments section.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How far is it from Cappadocia to Van?
The air distance is shorter, approximately 4227 miles.
How far is it from Cappadocia to Istanbul?
About 450 air miles
Is Cappadocia an independent country?
Generally, Cappadocia is a region, it is mainly located in the provinces of Nevşehir, Kayseri, Aksaray, and the eastern half of Niğde province.
How to travel to Cappadocia?
You can fly to Kayseri and Nevşehir provinces and from there take a transfer to Cappadocia.
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