Things to know before travelling to Cappadocia

The Landscape of Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a region of volcanic tufa, basalt and andesite rocks.

The evolution of the region has been taking place for 60.000.000 years. During the Third Geological Era the Taurus Mountains were formed, and under pressure from the Anatolian plateau to the north, large and small volcanoes became active, with the lava flow erupting from Mount Hasan to the south, and Göllüdağ and an assortment of other large and small volcanoes in the middle. Vast plateaus were covered by the accumulated ash, eventually forming a soft layer of tufa.

Today these formations that we observe with such admiration have been named ‘fairy chimneys’. The layers of tufa that were not covered with basalt were subject to formation through erosion and were transformed into the valleys that extend one after the other. The layerings of tufa are what give the fairy chimneys and canyons of Cappadocia their legendary beauty. Because of the ease with which the stone is worked numerous churches, monasteries and homes were carved in the region. And because the tufa does not absorb paint, the unique frescoes adorning the rock churches can still be seen today.

Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia

A balloon ride in Cappadocia is one of the most popular activities in Turkey. From the air, the view over Cappadocia is incomparable, with the amazing landscape revealing itself as your balloon ascends. You will have chance to take photo of best panoramic view of Cappadocia.

What to wear in Cappadocia?

Cappadocia’s summers are dry and hot but not oppressive. Daytime temperatures reach 40 degrees Celsius for 3-4 weeks at most, usually from late July to late August. But in the evening there is a drop in temperature, so even in the summer, take a few winter gowns with you.

You should expect to wear a jacket starting in October and heavy coats from mid-November through March.

Best Time to Visit Cappadocia

MAR-MAY: This is the ideal time to visit Cappadocia for the reasons outlined above. The weather is ideal and the crowds aren’t as heavy as they are during the summer peak season.

JUNE-AUG: This is the busiest time of the year in Cappadocia so pricing for accommodations and activities may be at their highest.

SEPT-NOV: Like Spring, Autumn is a great time to visit Cappadocia. The weather is similar and crowds are thinner. We we there in November and it was already getting pretty cold, so September or October may be better.

DEC-FEB: This is the coldest and slowest time of the year in Cappadocia. Winters can be frigid but if you can brave it, then it’s a beautiful time of the year to go. Accommodations and activities may also be cheapest around this time.

Which currency should I carry?

Make sure you have cash, not all credit cards may be used in Cappadocia.

Visa, Master card, American Express, Maestro card can be used in Cappadocia.

Shopping in Cappadocia

In Cappadocia most popular things that you can buy, Avanos Pottery, Cappadocia Dolls, hand-woven carpets and rugs.

Where to stay in Cappadocia

You should definitely choose cave hotels in a quiet area. Make sure you have a very different experience. We recommend you to choose a cave hotel in Goreme, Urgup, Uchisar and Ortahisar.

What Food to Eat in Cappadocia

Restaurants in Cappadocia offer a wide selection of traditional Turkish cuisine.

Pottery Kebab based on meat and vegetables cooked in terracota jarres, during 4 hours, out of clay brought from old river bank of Red River in Avanos.

Tiranenik: A special regional dish made with tarhana, (a sun-dried soup mix composed of yogurt,tomato and flour) and molasses.

Cheese Steak: A piece of beefsteak is pounded flat and grilled with a filling of regional cheese, black pepper and thyme.