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Where are you going this year? As journeys for a yearly sojourn start taking shape, consider Asia Minor. The climate mirrors our own Southern California weather, with mild winters and hotter summers, so scheduling is dependent on what suits your preference.
For a winter/spring trip, the weather in central Turkey can’t be beat – and smack-dab in the middle of the country is a magical place called Cappadocia. Striking, historical and chock full of cultural immersion, this region is an absolute must-see. Here’s how to make the most of your time in this otherworldly place.
Fairy Chimneys
Tall and columnar, these formations, created by volcanism and then sculpted over millennia by erosion are now known the famous “fairy chimneys” of Cappadocia, often crowned with a spire of harder rock. Take a tour through these rock formation wonders to see where homes and even churches have been excavated for centuries.
Göreme Open-Air Museum
This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit. Göreme Open-Air Museum is a cluster of rock-cut churches and monasteries with well-preserved Byzantine frescoes. Take a walk through this historical site and experience some early Christian art and architecture. Nearby, Ihlara Valley is known for its lush green scenery and cave churches with stunning frescoes dating back to 900-1000 AD.
Hot Air Ballooning
Not to be missed for an unforgettable experience is a dawn hot air balloon flight. To be floating over Cappadocia region at the time of the sunrise may offer breathtaking views of fairy chimneys and valleys. For many, this is the true highlight of the visit, as it offers a very special perspective on the region from the sky’s serenity. Booking a hot air balloon ride in advance is recommended if on a tight schedule.
Kaymaklı Underground City
Worth the trip is a trek through underground cities like Kaymakli, where whole communities once lived during historical troubled times. These underground cities comprised connected tunnels and rooms that sheltered people from invading forces. Cappadocia is home to hundreds of underground cities, including famous ones like Derinkuyu, Kaymaklı, and Özkonak. While Kaymakli, first opened to tourists in the mid-sixties, is a highlight, there are other underground cities to tour, including Derinkuyu.
Hiking and Exploration
Trekkers dream of Cappadocia as the region’s hiking routes have very beautiful vista points that combine natural beauty with rock-cut churches, highlighting the remains of ancient settlements. Horse riding tours through Rose and Red Valley are available for visitors, showcasing scenic landscapes. These are also excellent opportunities to experience the beauty of the natural environment at close quarters.
Traditional Crafts
Visit the regional workshops showcasing the artisan traditions of Cappadocia: an opportunity to see skilled artisans at work on pottery and in weaving by hand. Pottery making is a central focus in Avanos, where many workshops and ateliers offer pottery-making experiences. You can even try these ancient crafts for yourself.
Whirling Dervishes
Attend a traditional Sufi Whirl ceremony and experience the spiritual aura of Cappadocia. The ritual dance and music performance underscores the culture of the region, and is really is a cultural experience unlike any other.
Testi Kebab
Sample the local specialty: Testi kebab: meat and vegetables slow-cooked in a sealed clay pot. The pot is cracked open at your table, revealing a flavorful and tender stew.
Vineyard Dining
Cappadocia’s Mediterranean climate and volcanic soil offers a terroir that creates unique wines. A tour through the vineyards, including wine tastings, can be a nice way to taste the peculiar flavors of the varietals from Cappadocia.
Closing Thoughts
From the fairy chimneys to the ancient cave houses to supping on local food – Cappadocia is a place that’s just magic. This enchanting region in central Turkey has a unique combination of natural wonders, rich history and culture that will capture you. Walk through the fairy chimneys, the towering rock formations shaped by volcanic activity and erosion over thousands of years and explore the maze of cave dwellings carved into the soft volcanic rock.
The cave houses and churches, many with ancient frescoes, tell the stories of civilizations past, including early Christians who hid here during the Roman Empire. Beyond the landscapes and historical sites Cappadocia invites you to get involved in its traditional crafts, such as pottery in Avanos and try the authentic Turkish dishes like testi kebab, a delicious stew cooked in a sealed clay pot.
Whether you’re floating above the valleys in a hot air balloon at sunrise or hiking through the Rose and Red Valleys Cappadocia is a journey into a fairytale world where nature, history and culture merge.
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