1. Go on a hot air balloon tour!
Take off at dawn and enjoy the sunrise. What better place than to greet the day than in a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia? Let the wind be your guide as you drift across the sky. There are a few things you need to know about hot air balloon tours. The winter tours start between 05:00-05:30 and at around 06:30 during the summer. We suggest that you set off from your hotel an hour before the tour is scheduled to begin. Hot air balloon tours are available all year round but do get canceled on stormy or rainy days. The tours, which take an average of 1 hour, have different routes per the weather forecast, but otherwise fly over Urgup, Goreme and Avanos, the most beautiful locations in Cappadocia. Hop on a hot air balloon and feast your eyes on the vast valleys, churches carved in rocks, the stone houses, fairy chimnies, and the Kizilirmak River.
2. Wander through valleys and see fairy chimnies!
Cappadocia is home to some of the most exciting trekking routes in Türkiye. The famous fairy chimnies can be found at the great trekking spots: Guvercinlik Valley, Kizil Valley, Ask Valley, Zelve and Gomeda Valley. The Valleys flourish in the burnt embers of fall, the lush greens of spring and under pure white sheets of winter snow. See the apricot and plum trees that line these picturesque trails and the famous pigeons perched there.
3. Tour with an ATV, ride a horse or a camel!
There are a few different ways to explore the ravines of Cappadocia. You can rent an ATV, ride a camel or a horse, and you do not need any professional experience or training. Try to coincide your Cappadocia adventure with the full moon phase and see the valley bathed in moonlight.
4. Make pottery
Pottery making should be on your to-do list of things to do in Cappadocia. Avanos is the ideal location for pottery making. There are plenty of local artists with talents that have been passed on to them through the generations. Local artists, are highly adept at pottery making and can teach you how to make red clay and pottery straight from the Kizilirmak River. Get behind the potter’s Wheel and create handmade ceramics and pottery!
5. Go camping!
Set up camp in the beautiful valleys of Cappadocia and spend the night in the shadow of the fairy chimneys. Breathe in the fresh air as you warm your bones by the campfire. Brew Turkish tea and cook on the fire as you gaze up at the stars scattered across the sky.
6. Gondola tour
Avanos is home to the Kizilirmak River, which flows through the center of Avanos. Take a gondola tour and soak in the surroundings. If you are looking for more action, there are river jet tour available too.
7. Watch a mapping show
A special visual event known as the mapping show is held in the evening at the Zelve Ruins. The event explains the geological structure of the region, the process it has undergone from its beginnings to the present day, and the diversity of beliefs of the civilizations that have inhabited these lands. The visuals are projected onto their fairy chimneys, what a fascinating way to discover the region!
8. Dine at restaurants carved in rocks
We recommend that you discover the beautiful specialties of Cappadocia at the local restaurants carved into the rock facades. Read our article to find out more about the delicious dishes you can try in an authentic setting.
9. Watch the sunset
Before sunset head to Gulludere or Kizilcukur Valley. Take in the mystical atmosphere and watch the dwindling light dance on the fairy chimneys and immerse with the horizon in this mystical atmosphere. Hundred of people visit Cappadocia just to watch the reflections of the sun bounce off of the fairy chimneys and rock formations.
10. Join in Turkish-themed nights
Enjoy a fun evening at the Turkish nights organized to promote Turkish culture in Cappadocia. You can watch folkloric dances or oriental shows accompanied by specialty dishes from Cappadocia and Central Anatolia. These events, which are usually held in rock-carved venues in Avanos and Uchisar, take an average of 3-4 hours.
11. Go to a Sema show
Watch the semazen show, the magnificent ritual of the Mevlevi, which was founded under Mevlana, a world-renowned figure in the history of Turkish culture, in the magical atmosphere of Cappadocia. The show lasts around 50 minutes and spread the Mevlana’s heart-warming message of love, which embraces all humanity.
