The 10 best attractions near Cappadocia

What is it? Imagine; hundreds of thousands of years ago, lavas erupted from volcanoes, forming a tuff layer on the surface of the earth, about 100-150 metres thick. This tuff layer erodes with rivers, lakes, and wind, resulting in the emergence of whimsical formations. Although these types of formations can be encountered in other parts of the world, nature has been quite generous to Cappadocia in this regard. The most densely populated site of fairy chimneys is the Zelve, consisting of three valleys. The fairy chimneys, sculpted over millennia by the elements, never fail to evoke a sense of wonder. Watching the crimson glow of the setting sun reflected on their weathered faces is a sight that fills one with awe.

Why go? Fairy chimneys reflecting the redness of the sun at sunset offer unique views.

What is it? Ihlara Valley, through which the Melendiz Stream flows, is one of Turkey's largest canyons. It's also a magnificent trekking route. It's possible to reach the village of Belisırma from Ihlara Valley with a 14-kilometre walk. The valley, which was an important religious centre in the early days of Christianity, has many churches adorned with wall paintings.

Why go? During the walk, you will encounter caves carved into the rocks, churches, and ancient tomb remnants in the valley. You can take a break with a cup of tea in pergolas built over the Melendiz Stream.

What is it? Churches built underground by Christians who fled persecution by the Roman Empire appear in many parts of Cappadocia. The place where about 150 churches adorned with frescoes can be found is Göreme Open Air Museum. It's not difficult to be enchanted by the interconnected hidden world of churches, chapels, and monasteries.

Why go? Be sure to visit the Tokalı, Elmalı, Azize Barbara, Yılanlı, Karanlık, and Çarıklı churches.

What is it? Kaymaklı, also known as Enegüp in ancient times, is a fascinating underground city. There are a total of eight floors carved underground in the ancient city located under Kaymaklı Castle. Archaeological findings in this extraordinary underground city, where houses are connected to each other with hidden underground passages, indicate that it was used to protect against enemies during the Hittite period.

Why go? It would be incomplete to leave the town where the underground city is located without tasting the dried clotted cream with honey or sherbet.

What is it? Avanos is the centre of traditional pottery and ceramics production, and this craft has been continuing since the Hittite period. Pottery making, brought to life with the soft and red clay of the Kızılırmak River, is still carried out with traditional methods today. You can find handmade objects in workshops and even make your own pottery with the guidance of an instructor if you wish. Wandering through the bustling streets of Avanos, where the age-old tradition of pottery-making still thrives, fills one with a sense of connection to the artisans who have shaped this land for centuries. The earthy aroma of freshly-fired clay and the vibrant colours of handcrafted ceramics evoke a deep appreciation for the beauty of craftsmanship.

Why go? While you can see the finest examples of pottery craftsmanship in Avanos, don't leave without visiting the Yamanlı Church, which dates back to the second century.

What is it?: Ürgüp is a town filled with houses and mansions carved from stones, comfortable hotels, elegant restaurants, and colourful shops. It's possible to describe Ürgüp as the most touristic and bustling settlement in Cappadocia. The heart of Cappadocia's lively nightlife also beats in Ürgüp. You must also see the Three Beauties Fairy Chimneys, consisting of three adjacent fairy chimneys defined as father, mother, and child.

Why go?: The meticulously crafted floor mosaics, civil architectural examples, and sections of the bath complex in the Sobesos Ancient City located in Mustafapaşa Village of Ürgüp, dating back to the Late Roman period, are worth seeing.

What is it? Uçhisar Castle welcomes those coming to Cappadocia via Nevşehir. Serving as a museum, Uçhisar Castle is located at the highest point in Cappadocia, making it a great viewing point. We particularly recommend watching the sunset from Uçhisar Castle where the view extends all the way from Mount Erciyes, to Hasan, and Melendiz mountains. 

Why go? One of the most visited places in Uçhisar is the Pigeon Valley adorned with trees decorated with evil eye beads. The valley has a unique view with pigeons flying around.

What is it? Derinkuyu Underground City was built by the local people in ancient times to protect themselves from looting or attacks. The underground city, which is about 85 metres deep, has many living units from churches to dining halls, from stables to food warehouses. Only 10% of Derinkuyu Underground City, opened to visitors in 1965, can be visited.

Why go? There is a cross-planned church located on the lowest 8th floor of Derinkuyu, a metropolitan underground city capable of accommodating approximately 30,000 people.

What is it? Formerly known as Monks Valley and located about 1 km from Zelve on the Göreme-Avanos road, Paşabağları is one of the places with the densest fairy chimneys in Cappadocia. For those who love photography, Paşabağları is an ideal spot. Especially if you climb to the top, you can capture wonderful shots.

Why go? The chapel and refuge dedicated to Saint Simeon, located inside a three-headed fairy chimney in Paşabağları, stand out with their cross decorations at the entrance.

What is it? The Güray Museum is a private ceramic museum built by carving into a rock underground and covering an area of ​​1600 square metres. Being the world's first and only underground ceramic museum, it hosts a rich collection of terracotta ceramics. The museum consists of an Exhibition Hall, a Cafe, and a Foyer, along with the Ancient Artefacts Hall and Modern Artworks Hall.

Why go? The Güray Museum also has collections of archaeological artefacts, traditional tiles, Anatolian ceramics, and contemporary Turkish ceramics.