Is a trip to Cappadocia on your itinerary? Excellent choice! We’ve explored every nook and cranny of this unique part of Turkey, and the bizarre rock formations make Cappadocia one of the most extraordinary places we’ve ever visited. In this article, we’ll share 10 practical tips for your trip to Cappadocia based on our experiences. So, before you hop on the plane, take a quick read through these tips and make the most of your trip to Cappadocia!
How to Get to Cappadocia?
You’ll arrive in Kayseri, a large city about an hour’s drive from Cappadocia. You can also fly to Nevşehir, but that always involves a layover in Istanbul.
Renting a Car is Very Affordable and Convenient
We rented a car in Cappadocia, and we can recommend it to everyone because it offers you complete freedom. We picked up our rental car at Kayseri Airport upon arrival, which also gave us our own transportation to our hotel. Many attractions in Cappadocia are relatively close to each other, but without a rental car, you’d still need to take taxis or buses regularly. Since you can rent a car for as little as $20 per day and you only need it for a few days to explore Cappadocia, we found it ideal. We rented our car through Rentalcars because it includes a good insurance policy by default. This is recommended because driving in Turkey is a bit different from what we’re used to, and with this insurance, you won’t have to worry about anything.
Tip: Read our tips for traveling with a rental car in Turkey before your trip.
Bring Good Shoes to Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a fantastic destination for hiking. In this unique landscape, you’ll find countless hiking trails that lead you to the most beautiful places. The hiking trails are generally well-maintained, but sometimes you may need to do a bit of climbing. Therefore, pack good and sturdy shoes.
Allocate Three Full Days for Cappadocia
When planning a trip to Cappadocia, you’re probably wondering how many days you should allocate. We stayed for five full days, but in hindsight, we found it a bit too long. In our opinion, a stay of three full days is perfect. In three days, you can engage in multiple activities and go on some beautiful hikes. If you plan to do more than two hikes, then it’s better to schedule four full days. Curious about the best activities and beautiful hikes in Cappadocia? Read our article on the 10 most enjoyable things to do in Cappadocia.
Tips for the Best Time to Visit Cappadocia
Cappadocia experiences multiple seasons. Summers are hot, and winters can be cold with the possibility of snow. Therefore, the best times to visit Cappadocia are during the spring and autumn. The months of May, June, September, and October offer perfect temperatures with clear blue skies. You can still visit Cappadocia in other months, but you’ll need to contend with either heat or cold. Hot air balloons fly year-round, weather permitting.
Not All Hot Air Balloon Flights Are the Same
If your budget allows, taking a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is fantastic. It’s likely to be the highlight of your trip. Every day, around 100 to 150 hot air balloons take off over Cappadocia during sunrise. There are many different companies where you can book a hot air balloon flight, and there are significant price differences. It’s essential to understand why these differences exist. If you book a cheap hot air balloon ride, you’ll probably take off slightly after sunrise. This means you’ll miss the most beautiful moment, as most hot air balloons will have already landed or be landing soon. Additionally, the cheaper balloon rides are likely to be shorter, and you may not experience significant changes in altitude during the flight. With better companies, the flight lasts about an hour, and you’ll take off before the sun rises so you can enjoy the sunrise from the air. Read our tips for hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia before booking.
Cappadocia Combines Perfectly with Istanbul
If you have a few extra vacation days, it’s a great idea to add a trip to Istanbul to your itinerary. Combining Cappadocia and Istanbul creates a perfect mix of city and nature, and you can often catch a Turkish Airlines flight from Kayseri to Istanbul for just a few tens of dollars. In Istanbul, you can visit beautiful mosques, stimulate your senses at one of the largest bazaars in the world, and enjoy the best Turkish restaurants. Curious about what else there is to do in Istanbul? Read all our tips for Istanbul.
Popular Restaurants Require Advance Reservations
Dining in Cappadocia is a delight every day. Most restaurants are authentic Turkish eateries serving delicious food. Topdeck, Turkish Ravioli, and Pumpkin are among the most popular restaurants. It’s wise to make reservations a few days in advance if you plan to dine at these establishments.
Where to Stay in Cappadocia?
It’s important to note that Cappadocia is not a single village or town but rather a region covering 800 square kilometers (308 square miles). Within this region, you’ll find various villages where you can stay, but Göreme is the most popular choice. Göreme is centrally located in Cappadocia, boasts numerous excellent restaurants, has a pleasant atmosphere, and offers a selection of enchanting hotels. Moreover, every morning, hot air balloons fly over Göreme, providing a spectacular view each day.
Book Your Hotel Well in Advance
Göreme boasts several exceptionally beautiful hotels with rooftop terraces and swimming pools that offer panoramic views of Cappadocia. These are mostly small-scale hotels with only a few affordable rooms, so it’s wise to book a room as early as possible. This way, you’ll have more choices, and the budget-friendly rooms are more likely to be available. We’ve curated a selection of the 5 most beautiful hotels in Göreme where you’re sure to have a wonderful time.
