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Cappadocia

Cappadocia travel guide

Historical region in Central Anatolia, Turkey

Things to do43 experiences
Best time to visitSeptember
Nearest airportNAV · 18 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC+3

About Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a historical region in Central Anatolia region, Turkey. It is largely in the provinces of Nevşehir, Kayseri, Aksaray, Kırşehir, Sivas and Niğde. Today, the touristic Cappadocia Region is located in Nevşehir province.

Places to visit in Cappadocia

  1. Göreme Historical National Park

    Göreme Historical National Park

    Park · 2 mi from centre

    A UNESCO-listed landscape of fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches and cave dwellings carved from soft volcanic stone. Visit the open-air museum early to beat tour groups, and make time for the Dark Church and its well-preserved frescoes.

  2. Göreme

    Göreme

    Neighborhood · 2 mi from centre

    The main base for exploring Cappadocia, a village of cave hotels set among rock cones. Hot-air balloon flights launch from nearby valleys at dawn; book ahead and keep a spare morning in case wind cancels your flight.

  3. Derinkuyu Underground City

    Derinkuyu Underground City

    Historic · 21 mi from centre

    The deepest of the region's underground cities, with tunnels, stables and chapels descending many levels below ground. Passages are narrow and low, so it is not ideal for anyone who is uneasy in tight spaces.

  4. Kaymakli Underground City

    Kaymakli Underground City

    Historic · 15 mi from centre

    A sprawling underground settlement of storerooms, kitchens and ventilation shafts carved into the rock beneath a village. It is shallower than Derinkuyu, and the two sit close enough together to visit on the same day.

  5. Uçhisar Castle

    Uçhisar Castle

    Viewpoint · 3 mi from centre

    A tall rock outcrop riddled with old chambers that crowns the hilltop village of Uçhisar, the highest point in the area. Climb to the top at sunset for wide views over Pigeon Valley and the Göreme rock formations.

  6. Ihlara Valley

    Ihlara Valley

    Nature · 41 mi from centre

    A deep, green canyon along a river, its walls hiding Byzantine churches with painted interiors. Walk the riverside trail between Ihlara village and Belisırma, and arrange a taxi or tour pickup so you do not have to backtrack.

  7. Zelve Open-Air Museum

    Zelve Open-Air Museum

    Historic

    An abandoned rock-cut village and monastic complex spread across three valleys and inhabited until the 1950s. Wear sturdy shoes, since some areas involve scrambling, and see the nearby Paşabağ fairy chimneys on the same trip.

  8. Avanos

    Avanos

    Neighborhood · 3 mi from centre

    A riverside town on the Kızılırmak known for pottery made from the river's red clay. Many workshops let you watch potters at the wheel or try it yourself, but compare a few shops before buying anything.

Things to do in Cappadocia by type

43 tours, tickets and experiences across 8 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • Over 6 hours 10
  • 1-3 hours 6
  • Up to 1 hour 3
  • Flexible 1
  • 3-6 hours 1
Good for
  • Couples 11
  • Youth 11
  • Senior 11
  • Families 10
Ways to go
  • Private 12
  • Small group 4
Browse all things to do in Cappadocia

Top experiences in Cappadocia

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 43 available.

See all things to do in Cappadocia

Best time to visit Cappadocia

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Cappadocia is September, when average daytime highs are around 80°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 27° – 47° 7
Feb 24° – 44° 7
Mar 32° – 58° 8
Apr 41° – 67° 10
May 47° – 73° 12
Jun 56° – 85° 3
Jul 62° – 91° 2
Aug 60° – 89° 2
Sep 53° – 80° 2
Oct 41° – 67° 2
Nov 33° – 57° 6
Dec 29° – 46° 10

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Cappadocia weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 64° 43° 0%
  • Thu 22 Oct 66° 42° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 70° 42° 0%
  • Sat 24 Oct 69° 46° 10%
  • Sun 25 Oct 70° 43° 8%
  • Mon 26 Oct 70° 53° 4%

Know before you go

Currency
Turkish lira (TRY)1 US dollar ≈ ₺49.6
Language
Turkish
Calling code
+90
Driving
On the right
Time zone
Europe/IstanbulUTC+3
Capital
Ankara

Upcoming public holidays in Turkiye

  • Republic DayCumhuriyet Bayramı
  • New Year's DayYılbaşı
  • Eid al-Fitr First Day (Tentative Date)Ramazan Bayramı 1. Gün (Tentative Date)
  • Eid al-Fitr Second Day (Tentative Date)Ramazan Bayramı 2. Gün (Tentative Date)
  • Eid al-Fitr Third Day (Tentative Date)Ramazan Bayramı 3. Gün (Tentative Date)
  • National Independence & Children's DayUlusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Cappadocia

These are the airports closest to central Cappadocia. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • NAV Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport18 mi (30 km) from the city centre
  • ASR Erkilet International Airport36 mi (58 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Cappadocia

Getting around Cappadocia

The villages are all linked by dolmuş, and these are sufficiently frequent to use for sightseeing.

Cappadocia travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Cappadocia?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Cappadocia is September, when average daytime highs are around 80°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.

What is the weather like in Cappadocia?

July is usually the warmest month in Cappadocia, with average highs of 91°F (33°C). February is the coolest, with average lows of 24°F (-5°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 69 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Cappadocia?

Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) is the closest airport, about 18 miles (30 km) from the centre of Cappadocia. Other nearby airports include Erkilet International Airport (ASR, 36 mi).

What currency is used in Cappadocia?

Cappadocia uses the Turkish lira (TRY). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ₺49.6.

What time zone is Cappadocia in?

Cappadocia uses the Europe/Istanbul time zone (currently UTC+3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Cappadocia?

The villages are all linked by dolmuş, and these are sufficiently frequent to use for sightseeing.

What are the best places to visit in Cappadocia?

Top sights in Cappadocia include Göreme Historical National Park, Göreme, Derinkuyu Underground City and Kaymakli Underground City. A UNESCO-listed landscape of fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches and cave dwellings carved from soft volcanic stone. Visit the open-air museum early to beat tour groups, and make time for the Dark Church and its well-preserved frescoes.

What are the top things to do in Cappadocia?

Popular experiences you can book in Cappadocia include Hot Air Balloon Tour, Discover the Cappadocia Highlights - Full-Day Small Group Tour and Balloon Flight and Classical Sites of Cappadocia Tour. Destina Holidays offers 43 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Cappadocia?

The most popular types of experiences in Cappadocia are outdoor activities & adventure (11), art & culture (8), day trips & excursions (6) and air, helicopter & balloon tours (6). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.