Türkiye is a land of diverse topographies and landscapes. It is a country of picturesque Mediterranean villages, green plateaus, breathtaking mountain ranges and sprawling cities. However, no other landscape is more enchanting than Cappadocia, often described as a “fairytale land”, a depiction warranted by its fantastical landscape. Here, fairy chimneys of various sizes and shapes salute the sun and the moon while subterranean caves and mysterious tunnels whisper the secrets of the land’s long history.

Land of beautiful horses

Cappadocia is a unique geography shaped by natural events, as well as human hands. It is said that the name Cappadocia means “land of beautiful horses” in ancient Persian. In reality, Cappadocia is the common name of an expansive area encompassing parts of several cities, namely Aksaray, Nevşehir, Niğde, Kayseri and Kırşehir in Central Anatolia. The region has been home to various civilisations since ancient times, and the traces they left can be seen today in rock-cut churches and underground cities.

Millions of years ago, volcanic eruptions from nearby mountains (active volcanoes back then) enveloped the region in lava and thick ash, which solidified into a type of soft rock called “tuff”. This thick layer of tuff was slowly corroded by wind and water, resulting in the creation of cones, pillars, pinnacles and chimneys.

In time, humans settling in the area added to nature’s creations and carved an incredible chamber and tunnel complex into the soft rock. They built caves, living quarters, places of worship, and even stables. In certain places, these man-made tunnel complexes made up entire towns going back several layers (up to 8 storeys) underground. As a result, the plateau became an urbanised but underground cultural landscape with a unique architecture.

There are more than 30 underground cities across Cappadocia, while new ones are being discovered. These underground cities were initially built by the Phrygians, who carved their living spaces into the soft volcanic rock stretching across these lands. People continued to work on the underground cities during the Roman and Byzantine periods, adding their own cultural and religious signatures, such as churches. During their peak, these cities sheltered thousands of people.

Must-see sights

Today, Cappadocia is a fascinating open-air museum incorporating numerous picturesque valleys and settlements, notably Uçhisar, Göreme, Avanos, Ürgüp, Derinkuyu and Ihlara, all of which are excellent bases to explore the region.

Uçhisar, a charming village located 10km (6 miles) from Nevşehir (where the airport is situated), is a perfect example of Cappadocia’s unique architecture. Uçhisar Rock Castle is a favourite spot to watch the scenery and take pictures. After exploring the town centre, your next stop should be the Valley of Pigeons (Güvercinlik). This long, deep canyon is home to 8th- and 9th-century rock churches, tunnels and pigeon nests carved in rocks. It is also a 4km (2.5-mile) trail offering spectacular views and ideal for hiking.

From Uçhisar, the road takes you to Göreme, which was a centre of monastic life until the 13th century. One of Türkiye’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Göreme Open-Air Museum is one of the region’s highlights. Here, you can see fairy chimneys, churches and monasteries carved into the rocks and vibrant frescoes and murals, the newest of which dates to the 12th century.

One of Cappadocia’s oldest settlements, Avanos, is another must-see. Due to its distinctive red clay, this town has been a centre of pottery making since the Hittites. You can observe artists making their creations in one of the pottery workshops and try fashioning one yourself with the help of an expert.

The nearby village of Cavuşin, with its rock-cut houses, is also worth visiting. Kızılçukur Valley, further along the road, is a popular spot for watching the sunset, which is a must for every visitor to Cappadocia.

One of the largest towns in Cappadocia, Ürgüp, is very close to the region’s major sights and, as such, is another good base for exploring. It is also home to some of Cappadocia’s most luxurious boutique hotels. Only 15 minutes from Nevşehir, Ürgüp is symbolised by its three fairy chimneys. When you are in Ürgüp, you can visit the local markets offering a variety of interesting items from handwoven fabrics to model fairy chimneys. Also, be sure to try the local cuisine, especially traditional dishes such as “testi kebab” and “sac kavurma”.

South of Nevşehir, the road takes you to the underground cities of Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu. Situated deep below Kaymaklı Castle, Kaymaklı underground city features a maze of tunnels and rooms carved eight levels deep into the earth. The first floor was used as a stable, while the other levels include living quarters, a church and even graves. Nine kilometres (6 miles) from Kaymaklı, Derinkuyu (means “deep well” in Turkish) takes its name from the depth of the water wells here. It is a complex network of tunnels and rooms spread over seven levels, consisting of stables, cellars, dining halls, churches and storage areas.

If you follow the road from Nevşehir to Aksaray, you will come across one of the world’s biggest canyons, the Ihlara Valley. Called “Peristrema” in ancient times, the valley was a favourite retreat of Byzantine monks. The area has more than 100 rock-carved churches. Cut by the Melendiz Stream, the valley is also one of the best places for a nature hike.

Unforgettable experiences

Cappadocia is a land of natural wonders, offering a collection of experiences that every traveller should try. One of the most memorable is staying in one of the region’s world-famous “cave hotels”. Some of Cappadocia’s historic troglodyte dwellings have been transformed into luxurious boutique hotels. These hotels offer a real feel of the region’s unique architecture while providing all the modern amenities.

Another wonderful way to explore Cappadocia is on horseback. Riding through the valleys allows visitors to observe the landscape’s remarkable details up close. There are many daily horseback tours available, as well as multi-day rides across the region and even full-moon tours that reveal the enchanting scenery of Cappadocia under the night sky.

For cycling enthusiasts, Cappadocia offers an equally extraordinary setting. With its surreal volcanic landscape and centuries-old cultural heritage, the region has become an exceptional destination for mountain biking. Riders can follow winding dirt roads and scenic single tracks that pass through fairy chimneys, ancient cave dwellings and dramatic valleys. Routes such as Ürgüp-Ortahisar or Ürgüp-Avanos-Uçhisar combine gentle terrain with panoramic views of orchards, vineyards and historic villages. The trails around Göreme and the picturesque Güvercinlik Valley offer unforgettable rides through striking rock formations and natural tunnels shaped by time, while longer routes toward the Ihlara Valley and Derinkuyu Underground City provide a deeper journey into Cappadocia’s remarkable natural and cultural landscape.

Cappadocia is also a paradise for hikers. Walking through its valleys is a unique experience that reveals some of the most surreal scenery in the world. Popular trails include the Valley of Pigeons near Göreme, Aşk Valley, Güllüdere Valley and Kılıçlar Valley, each of which can be explored in just a few hours. For those seeking a longer adventure, the 14km (9-mile) route through the Ihlara Valley offers an unforgettable journey through dramatic canyon landscapes.

While Cappadocia’s landscapes are breathtaking from the ground, seeing them from above is an experience like no other. The region is renowned as one of the best places in the world for hot air ballooning. As the balloon gently rises above fairy chimneys, sweeping valleys and extraordinary rock formations, the full panorama of Cappadocia unfolds in a truly unforgettable way.