Holidays in Cappadocia

An amazing place on the map of Turkey. Filled with fairy-tale beauty, it beckons with its uniqueness and historical grandeur. Where else can a tourist wander through the labyrinths of underground cities or visit cave monasteries if not in Cappadocia? Along with its historical past, the province is distinguished by modern services, excellent accommodation conditions, and original culinary traditions.

Where it is located

The central part of the Anatolian Peninsula. Cappadocia is bordered in the south by Mount Erciyes and the Taurus mountain range, and in the north by Lake Tuz and the Kızılırmak River. It has no access to the sea. Rivers are rare, and there are no large ones. The borders of the territory varied in different eras, but its historical name has survived to this day. Getting to Cappadocia is not very convenient due to the lack of direct air connections with central Turkey. A Ukrainian traveler needs to change planes in Istanbul for a flight to Kayseri. Travel time is 6 hours 20 minutes. From Kayseri, the capital of the historical region, you can head to any town in Cappadocia to explore the local sights.

When it’s best to go

The choice of travel time largely depends on how well the tourist tolerates summer heat. It is very stuffy in Cappadocia throughout the summer. It is more comfortable to visit this historic area in September or in May. In other words, this trip is ideal for those who, between the active beach season and a ski holiday, want to admire the incredible landscapes of Cappadocia, which can easily be compared to extraterrestrial scenery.

What to do

Cappadocia attracts tourists with its underground cities and cave monasteries from the early Christian era, as well as its picturesque surroundings, which can be explored on an exciting safari by scooter or on horseback. An incredible sight opens up to tourists at dawn – hundreds of colorful hot-air balloons rise into the sky. The entertainment program should include the following activities.

• Excursion to Göreme
  The cave houses in the rocks have made this small village one of the most famous and beautiful places in Turkey. Not far from it are rock churches that are part of a Byzantine monastery. Their walls are decorated with ancient frescoes. The complex is protected by UNESCO. You need to wake up early in the morning to see a most picturesque scene – against the backdrop of a fairy-tale landscape, hot-air balloons rise into the sky. Thrill-seekers head off on a flight.
• Walk through the underground city of Kaymaklı
  It was built by Christians during the early Byzantine period. Christians were forced to settle underground due to regular religious persecution by Arabs and Persians. The city consists of eight levels, but only half of them are open to those interested in historical relics. The largest underground city in Cappadocia, Derinkuyu, has a similar structure.
• Excursion to the village of Çavuşin
  This picturesque village is home to the oldest church in all of Cappadocia – that of St. John the Baptist. All the ancient churches in the village are decorated with beautiful frescoes. They are definitely worth seeing.
• Trip to Paşabağ
  This settlement is famous for its extraordinarily shaped rocks. They look like stone mushrooms growing out of the ground. Such bizarre natural formations are almost impossible to find anywhere else.
• Nevşehir
  If you want to see the lifestyle of people who, as in ancient times, live in tuff caves, go to Nevşehir. Here you will be shown cave dwellings equipped with modern amenities.
• Ihlara Valley
  A unique spot on the map of Turkey. In this long and narrow canyon there are churches brought together into a single whole by a network of passages. Their creators were hermit Christians who fled from persecution by followers of the Muslim faith.

Where to eat

The cuisine of Cappadocia differs dramatically from the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean cities. This is not the place tourists go to in order to enjoy seafood. Rather harsh climatic conditions have left their mark on the list of favorite dishes of the local population. The food is high in calories and cooked with plenty of oil. Tandoor-prepared dishes are popular. In Kayseri there are many restaurants serving steaks and grilled dishes. There are modern fast-food outlets and pizzerias, as well as seafood restaurants. Vegetarians and dessert lovers will not go hungry either.

• Bağdat Pöç Tandır
  A Turkish-cuisine restaurant. Tourists order pilaf, lamb, seekh kebab, shish kebab, rich soups, menudo, ribs, and salads from its menu. The establishment has reasonable prices, tasty food, and polite service.
• Ciğerci Yakup
  Invites guests to appreciate the chef’s efforts in preparing antipasti, naan flatbreads, and pide. Visitors note the good taste of the shish kebab, grilled meat, and chicken. The selection of salads is quite extensive. Try the local tea. Excellent service at an average price.

What to combine it with

You can travel around Cappadocia endlessly. The natural landscape is so beautiful that you can admire it for hours, losing track of time. If the trip is a long one, then stay in Istanbul, where you will arrive by plane from Ukraine, see the city’s sights, and then head to Cappadocia.