CAPPADOCIA TRAVEL GUIDE AND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS FOR 2023

About Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia has natural wonders that are not to be found anywhere else on earth. The area has a unique panorama of pinnacles, known as fairy chimneys, and canyons, as well as the Ihlara Valley, underground cities and archaelogical marvels that make it one of Turkey's most important tourist destinations.

Formed by an unusual geological phenomenon, people have tunnelled into the soft volcanic rocks and used the fairy chimneys as houses and churches, many of which are decorated with frescoes. Indeed, there is evidence in Cappadocia of civilisations that are thousands of years old.

On the historic Silk Road, the region is linked to the Kizilirmak River and for centuries was visited by differnt people and civilisations. Today it hosts visitors from across the world.

Mystical but also tranquil, it offers the unique pleasure of hosting meetings in luxury hotels and then staying in boutique hotels. The region's grapes make wines worth tasting and there is the opportunity to fly in a balloon to see this unmatched natural beauty from the air.

Transport

By Road : There are bus services to the major towns of the region. Istanbul to Nevsehir is 730 km, Izmir to Nevsehir is 763 km, Ankara to Nevsehir is 276 km. From Nevsehir it is possible to travel by bus, minibus or taxi to Urgup, Goreme, Avanos, and Uchisar.

By Air : Nevsehir - Kapadokya Airport is 30 km from the city centre.

Climate

Summers are hot and dry, winters cold and snowy, spring and autumn are rainy, a typical rural stepe climate. Annual average temperature is 10.6 degrees Celsius.

Places to See

Sarihan

Halacdere Firatkan

Aziz Theodor (Tagar) Church

Pancarlik Church

Ala Church and Kepez Churches

Balkan Churches

Taskinpasa Mosque

Kadi Castle

Temenni (Monument)

Altikapi

Haci Bektas

Dergahi

The ancient sites linked to Urgup Museum

Mustafapasa (Sinasos)

Aios Vasilios Church

Monastery Valley Churches

Yesiloz (Aziz Theodor) Church

Pancarlik Church

Museum

Urgup Museum

Excursions and Outings

Avanaos

Urgup

Zelve

Cavusin

Ihlara Valley

Underground cities

Pembe Valley

Kizilcukur

Mustafapasa

Ortahisar

Damsa Dam

Special Events

Wine Competitions (Urgup-June), International Avanos Tourism and Handicrafts Festival (August), Urgup Grape Harvest Festival (October)

Sports

Hiking and trekking, hunting (around Damsa Dam and Uchisar)l climbing, ballooning, photo safari

Food

Pide (local thin pizza) and kebabs have a special place in the cuisine of Cappadocia. Regional pit-oven lamb (kuzu tandir) and stews, vegetable dishes shoul be tasted. Don't leave without trying the wine made from local grapes.

Shopping

The local handicrafts and gift shops are well developed. You can get imitations of fairy chimneys of various materials, Cappadocian dolls, earthenware pots and products made from the local grapes including the famous wines.