Kapadokya

It is estimated that the oldest date of the name Cappadocia dates back to the end of the 6th century BC. Cappadocia, which means Country of the Beautiful Horses in the Persian language, was formed as a result of erosion of rains and winds for millions of years by the soft layers formed by lava and ashes sprayed by Erciyes Mountain, Hasan Mountain and Güllü Mountain.

The first Cappadocians had to hide due to their beliefs and settled here by exploring this region. The fertility of the lands around Cappadocia, the ability to easily carve the rocks and make houses and shelters, the desire of people to live their religions freely and safely played an active role in settling people in this region.

Ihlara valley is the biggest example of this phenomenon with its churches and hidden settlements. There are underground cities, churches carved in rocks, fairy chimneys of different shapes, houses made of rock, hotels carved into the rock, valleys of different sizes and shapes in the region that hosts these beauties of natural wonder that cannot be seen in this density anywhere else in the world. The area, which is spread over a wide region, is located within the borders of Nevsehir, Aksaray, Kirsehir, Nigde and Kayseri provinces.

It is recommended that visitors who want to visit Cappadocia, which is spread over a wide geography, should spend at least 3 days here. Cappadocia, which has different texture and history of each region, can be visited easily in summer and winter. Cappadocia, which has been a news material to many newspapers and magazines around the world, has been ranked 5th in the list of 25 wonders of the world chosen by Times. UNESCO has added this region, which has no other example in the world, to the list of world cultural heritage. 

Distances to Cappadocia

How to get to Cappadocia?

There are direct buses to Cappadocia from anywhere in Turkey. Those who do not have special vehicles can easily get to Cappadocia by bus. It is recommended that those who want to go to Cappadocia in summer should book their tickets in advance from the bus companies.

Those who want to come by train should first come to Kayseri by train. There are trains from Ankara and Adana to Kayseri every day with beds. After a 7-hour train journey from Ankara and a 6-hour train ride from Adana, it is possible to easily reach Cappadocia by bus. Those who want to go to Cappadocia by train are advised to buy their tickets in advance.

Those who want to come to Cappadocia by airways should use Kayseri Airport or Nevsehir Airport and then they should go to Cappadocia by bus or shuttle. Airline companies or private companies at the Kayseri and Nevşehir airports also provide shuttle services to the intercity bus terminals or directly to Cappadocia. There are direct flights from Istanbul to Kayseri every day, as well as flights to Nevsehir on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The flight from Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevsehir takes approximately 80 minutes.

Transportation in Cappadocia

For those staying in the centre of Cappadocia, the transportation is very easy in Cappadocia and it is very easy to go from one place to another and to visit the bazaar and streets.The fact that those staying in Cappadocia first know what is close to them will make their transportation easier and faster. For those who don’t like walking, renting mountain bikes and ATVs is also an option. Although Cappadocia is a tourism region, the public transport network has not developed much. Although the transportation between the districts and is provided partially by buses and minibuses, the buses are sometimes far from these places or they do not stop at every place you would wish to see. It should also be noted that the time schedule is not very frequent. Private transportation, car rental, motor or ATV rental or taxis are also options for healthy transportation.

Climate

The summer months due to the geographical location of Cappadocia in Central Anatolia region of Turkey proved to be quite hot and dry, winters are cold and snowy. There is very little rainfall in Cappadocia with a continental climate. It is recommended to remember that those who want to visit Cappadocia in July and August expect very warm weather and take precautions accordingly, it should be remembered that they will be exposed to sudden changes in temperature, snowfall, cold and wind in winter and it is recommended to wear accordingly.  

When to go to Cappadocia? 

The best time to go to Cappadocia, where there is a continental climate, is April-May in spring and October-November in autumn. Those who want to visit Cappadocia, which is spread over a large area, are recommended to make their trips in spring when the weather is not very cold and hot. Visitors will be able to make their trips more enjoyable by taking the Cappadocia climate into consideration in the extremely hot summers and very cold winters. Cappadocia, which transforms into a beauty during the winter months, offers spectacular views with snow, especially to the visitors. Those who will visit Cappadocia during the winter months should take precautions in order to avoid being affected by icing and cold weather. 

Accommodation  

Cappadocia, which has accommodation options suitable for all kinds of budgets in different regions because it is spread over a wide region, stands out for Urgup, Göreme, Uchisar, Ortahisar and Avanos accommodation. Hotels, motels, hostels, cave hotels, apart–hotels, five–star hotels, are among the accommodation options. Especially those who want to stay in Cappadocia, where honeymoon couples show great interest, should make a reservation in advance and stay in hotels close to the centre to avoid transportation problems. 

Nightlife in Cappadocia

According to other tourist regions of Turkey Cappadocia has a calmer nightlife. Turkish night entertainment is also offered to guests in Cappadocia where it is possible to find all kinds of entertainment in the bars of hotels and night clubs. Turkish night is usually held in cave restaurants designed in a unique way. Different tastes from the Turkish cuisine are served at the night, as well as belly dancers, folklore shows and always accompanied by Turkish music to ensure an unforgettable night.

Movies filmed in Cappadocia

Cappadocia has been the subject of many movies with its geographical structure and unique scenery and fairy chimneys, which have no examples in the world, and many movies have been filmed here. In addition, Cappadocia’s pictures and video shows with summer and winter views have been awarded at many international film and painting festivals. In 1983 Italian-Turkish film il Mondo di yor In 1989, the science fiction film Slipstream In 2011 Ghost Drive: Spirit of Revenge Medea by Pier Paolo Pasolini These are among the movies filmed in Cappadocia.

What to eat in Cappadocia?

Cappadocian cuisine is usually dominated by meat dishes. Since small cattle breeding is widespread in the region, it is possible to find vegetable dishes and vegetarian dishes in the local restaurants for those who do not like sheep and lamb meat. Testi kebab is one of the main dishes served in Cappadocia restaurants. This dish is made with a mixture of sheep or veal with vegetables and is served with a local ceremony. It is possible to find the testi kebab served with rice pilaf in almost all restaurants in Cappadocia.

The local people are especially proud of the testi kebab, which is served to guests coming on Turkish nights and touristic trips. Some restaurants take pre-orders for testi kebabs, which take a long time to be cooked. Recommended dishes to taste in Cappadocia include yaprak sarma, dolaz, tandoor kebab, testi kebab, saç tava, düğün soup, beans or chickpeas in pot, dumplings and dried cream.

Shopping

It is possible to find souvenirs suitable for all kinds of budgets in Cappadocia where souvenirs stand out the most. The best-selling souvenirs include fairy chimney figures, gift balloons, small and large Cappadocian paintings with magnets, jewellery, tiles, bowls, pots, rugs and carpets. It is also possible to visit many pottery workshops in the Cappadocia region, to see the products made there and to buy them. Those who wish can test how to make pottery on the pottery bench. Carpet and rug weaving is among the other sources of livelihood in the region. If you wish, you can go to the carpet and rug workshops and see carpet weaving closely and buy the products you like from the exhibition halls. Especially Avanos rugs stand out the most as the product demanded by domestic and foreign tourists.

Tips for travellers to Cappadocia

* Due to the sudden weather changes in Cappadocia due to its geographic location, visitors are advised to take extra long-sleeved clothing, especially as the weather is a bit chilly in the evening.

* It is recommended to obtain a museum card to visit many historical sites in Cappadocia region cheaply.

* Before coming to Cappadocia region you should learn the history of culture, art and fair events held or to be held in the region.

* You should visit with a private vehicle or rent a car from Cappadocia to save time and see many different places in Cappadocia which spans quite a large geography.         

Yoga in Cappadocia

Cappadocia offers a unique opportunity for those who want to do outdoor yoga. Especially in recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of people practising outdoor yoga in Cappadocia. There are also options for groups who would like to do yoga with an instructor. You can participate in yoga camps organized by yoga schools in Cappadocia in the season by groups or you can join yoga courses. For those wishing to enjoy the sunrise or sunset, valley hiking and yoga, cycling and yoga activities are also available.

Cappadocia Wine

Due to its fertile soil suitable for viticulture, wine production has been made in Cappadocia throughout history. Particularly, the wines produced from the grapes known as Emir grapes in the vineyards of Ürgüp district of Nevşehir are among the most demanded by local and foreign tourists visiting Cappadocia. There are also several wine houses that stand out in the Cappadocia region. This wine house in international wine competitions have won gold and silver medals, also received the award for best white wine producer in Turkey. Visitors to Cappadocia can visit the factories for free and taste the wines.

Kapadokya Mapping Show:

The mapping show is called a visual show where the history of the region is explained with three-dimensional pictures and maps. The Mapping show which takes place outdoors in fairy chimneys in Zelve at night takes approximately 30 minutes. Participants of this professionally prepared show get information about the region by seeing the stages that fairy chimneys have spent in time. This activity, which is held every day in summer upon request, is for a fee and those who wish to see the show must make a reservation in advance.

Things to do in Cappadocia

Göreme, Uchisar, Ortahisar, Avanos, Urgup, Zelve, Mustafapasa, Ibrahimpasa, Ihlara valley, Ozkonak underground city, Ozluce underground city, Tatlarin underground city, Kaymakli underground city, underground city of Mazi underground city there are many different spots to visit in Cappadocia.

Do not return from Cappadocia without 
There are many different activities and points to be seen, which are recommended for those who come to this land and leave them with an unforgettable holiday and beautiful memories. Do not return from Cappadocia without;
* Watching colourful balloons taking off at sunrise,
* Seeing Cappadocia from the air with a hot air balloon,
* Watching the sunset in the Kızılçukur valley,
* Joining Cappadox festival,
* Participating in the Cappadocia cycling festival,
* Seeing the hair museum in Cappadocia, 
* Joining Ürgüp vine harvest festival,
* Participating in the Cappadocia bicycle festival and pedalling in the side of the valley by side with fairy chimneys, 
* Participating in one of Cappadocia walking tours,
* Before joining horse tour and pass through the fairy chimneys,
* Seeing Cappadocia as much as you can see,
* Eating testi kebab.