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
-
Göreme Historical National Park
Park · 2 mi from centreA 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.
-
Göreme
Neighborhood · 2 mi from centreThe 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.
-
Derinkuyu Underground City
Historic · 21 mi from centreThe 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.
-
Kaymakli Underground City
Historic · 15 mi from centreA 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.
-
Uçhisar Castle
Viewpoint · 3 mi from centreA 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.
-
Ihlara Valley
Nature · 41 mi from centreA 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.
-
Zelve Open-Air Museum
HistoricAn 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.
-
Avanos
Neighborhood · 3 mi from centreA 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.
Top experiences in Cappadocia
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 43 available.
Hot Air Balloon Tour
From $248 per adult
Discover the Cappadocia Highlights - Full-Day Small Group Tour
From $72 per adult
Balloon Flight and Classical Sites of Cappadocia Tour
From $349 per adult
Discover Cappadocia - Private Tour
From $125 per adult
Hot Air Balloon Ride
From $299 per adult
Special Offer: Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Fairy Chimneys in Cappadocia
From $128 per adult
Cappadocia Classical - Shared Tour
From $69 per adult
Turkish Night and Belly Dance Show with optional Dinner
From $48 per adult
Hot Air Balloon and Capadoccia Private Tour
From $512 per adult
Cappadocia: Wine Tasting Experience
From $49 per adult
Quad Safari in Cappadocia
From $33 per adult
Turkish Night - Dinner at Cave Restaurant with Unlimited Drinks
From $64 per adult
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.
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 11 Nov 53° 33° 0%
- Thu 12 Nov 59° 36° 10%
- Fri 13 Nov 65° 44° 0%
- Sat 14 Nov 58° 48° 15%
- Sun 15 Nov 58° 47° 40%
- Mon 16 Nov 49° 35° 37%
- Tue 17 Nov 48° 28° 7%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Turkish lira (TRY)1 US dollar ≈ ₺50.2
- Language
- Turkish
- Calling code
- +90
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Europe/IstanbulUTC+3
- Capital
- Ankara
Upcoming public holidays in Turkiye
- 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
- Labour Dayİşçi 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
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 ≈ ₺50.2.
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.
