Turkey is one of the most beautiful and famous travel destinations among tourists. Upon hearing its name, the imagination takes us to bustling bazaars, mist of Turkish qehwa, hot air balloon rides, and unlimited landscape views. Among all these options, the one that makes Turkey a must-visit place is Cappadocia. It is a region famous for its strange rock formations, colourful valleys, underground cities, and magical hot air balloons floating in the sky. It is one of the most unique and beautiful places on Earth. It’s full of history, natural wonders, and exciting adventures. Therefore, tourists add this place to their Turkey holidays itinerary when planning their vacation. Without further ado, let us explore the top reasons why you should visit Cappadocia.
What Draws Tourists to Cappadocia?
1. Hot Air Balloon Ride
Many travellers see a hot air balloon ride as the highlight of their trip. Its tickets sell out quickly because of the hype and thrill attached to it. Therefore, people book their spot in advance to ensure that they don’t miss out on such an amazing experience as the view from the sky is simply breathtaking. Hundreds of balloons rise together, filling the sky with colour. It’s a peaceful and unforgettable experience. So, do not miss and must try this on your Turkey holidays.
2. Lavish Cave Hotel
Is there any place on Earth where you can sleep in a cave in the present time? If you want an answer, then it is Cappadocia, which is full of cave hotels. These are carved into soft stones, so they are neither dark nor scary. Moreover, these cave hotels are cosy, stylish, and full of charm. Staying in a cave hotel is a unique experience you’ll never forget. Some even offer luxury features like hot water, TV, satellite, and, of course, internet.
3. Phenomenal Underground Cities
To your surprise, there are entire cities built underground in Cappadocia. Long ago, people carved deep tunnels and rooms into the ground to hide from enemies. People had built homes, kitchens, stables, and even churches in these underground cities. Till now, hundreds of such cities have been discovered, of which the biggest and most famous is Derinkuyu, which once housed 20,000 people. Another popular one is Kaymakli. If you want to experience a real-life adventure, get there. You can explore these mysterious places and imagine what life was like for the people who once lived there.
4. Beautiful Valleys
You will find a large number of unique and special valleys in Cappadocia where each of which is unique. Most of them are filled with colourful rocks, whereas others have hidden ancient churches, tunnels, and secret caves. Among the most popular are Red Valley, known for its stunning red tones that glow beautifully at sunset. Next in line is the Rose Valley. It is a lovely area perfect for peaceful walks and great photo opportunities. Lastly, you can walk through Ihlara Valley, which is a green and quiet canyon with a flowing river and rock-carved churches. The best way to enjoy nature and find a sense of charm is by walking through these valleys. So, do not forget to bring your camera along and seize their beauty forever.
5. Ancient Rock Churches
As per the historic records, Christianity was widely spread and embraced in Cappadocia. Many centuries ago, early Christians came here to live and pray. They built beautiful churches inside the rocks and decorated them with colourful paintings called frescoes. When you plan your trip, do visit these epic ancient churches. They are located in the Göreme Open-Air Museum, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum is like a village carved into stone, with chapels, homes, and halls. The art on the walls is still visible and shows stories from the Bible. Overall, the place is peaceful where every stone is steeped in history.
6. Sunset from a High Viewpoint
For many tourists, watching the sunset from a high viewpoint can be the reason to visit Cappadocia. Here, you will find many such spots, but one of the most popular ones is Sunset Point in Göreme. Reaching here is a bit of a challenge, but once there, you can see the entire landscape stretch out before you. Your eyes would meet the rocky formations, rolling valley structures, and fairy chimneys. Over time, when the sun starts to set, the rocks turn soft shades of gold, pink, and orange. Cappadocia turns into a magical scene that looks like a painting, making the backdrop a perfect time to take stunning photos. Otherwise, you can also simply sit quietly and enjoy the peaceful beauty around you.
7. Delicious Turkish Food
Beyond seeing new places, travelling is about tasting new food. In Cappadocia, you will find a variety of mouth-watering dishes that will surely please your palate. One of the popular treats is Gozleme. It is a thin and crispy flatbread which is served filled with cheese, potatoes, and spinach. You can have it as a quick and tasty snack for you on the go. If you crave something sweet, try baklava. It is a sweet, flaky layer of pastry that is filled with nuts and drizzled with syrup or honey. After treating your taste buds with sweet and sour, it is time for a cup of Turkish tea or coffee. It is served with warm hospitality and is the most famous in Turkish culture.
The Last Word
Your Turkey holidays are incomplete without visiting Cappadocia. It is a must-visit place, a perfect spot to enjoy and feel nature’s charm. When you are here, every moment spent here feels like a wonder to uncover. So, if you want a trip that’s fun, different, and full of memories, Cappadocia is the perfect choice. Contact Virikson Holidays and book amazing Turkey holiday deals to discover one of the most magical places in the world.