Title: 10 TOP Things to Do in Cappadocia January 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Cappadocia Travel Guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Cappadocia.dx6054888)[Hotels in Cappadocia](https://expedia.co.uk/Cappadocia-Hotels.d6054888.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Flights to Cappadocia](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Cappadocia.d6054888.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Cappadocia Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Cappadocia.d6054888.Car-Hire-Guide)[Cappadocia Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Cappadocia.d6054888.Holidays-City-Breaks) # What to do in Cappadocia ## Activities, attractions and tours ## Visit Cappadocia Types of activities Where to stay [Cappadocia travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Cappadocia.dx6054888) ![Cappadocia showing interior views and heritage architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/75000/75729-Cappadocia.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Cappadocia](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/75000/75730-Cappadocia.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Cappadocia showing heritage architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/75000/75717-Cappadocia.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Cappadocia](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/76000/76311-Tokali-Church.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Uchisar Castle showing street scenes](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/75000/75735-Cappadocia.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Cappadocia Attractions Covered in towering ‘fairy chimneys’ and crisscrossed by caves and tunnels, **Cappadocia** is home to one of the most unique landscapes on earth. The rugged region is a fantastic destination for hiking, with a great selection of routes to choose from. If you’re interested in history, you’ll find a number of archaeological sites, museums and traditional settlements to explore, or if you’ve got a head for heights you can join a hot air balloon ride over the rocks and valleys of Cappadocia and see the region from a different perspective. ### Areas & Neighbourhoods in Cappadocia **Goreme** – Goreme is one of the most iconic villages in Cappadocia. Surrounded by the famous ‘fairy chimneys’, the village has been carved into the rock and its cave-like houses and hotels have become a landmark of the region. Explore the nearby Goreme Open Air Museum and discover the many hidden archaeological treasures around every corner. **Uçhisar** – One of the highest points in Cappadocia, Uçhisar is the location of the Landlord’s Castle, one of the most impressive structures in the region. Explore the tunnels and rooms that make up this vast complex or hike to the top of the hill to enjoy awesome views over Cappadocia. **Güvercinlik Valley** – Also known as Pigeon Valley, Güvercinlik is located close to Goreme and is one of the best locations in Cappadocia for hiking. Named for the hundreds of pigeon houses that have been carved into the rock, the valley offers hikers great views and enjoyable routes. **Ürgüp** – One of the largest towns in Cappadocia, Ürgüp has a good choice of restaurants, tourist shops and transport links. Explore the cave houses found in the town and or head into the nearby countryside where hiking trails can be found. ### Things to See in Cappadocia Thanks to its unique geology, there are spectacular natural sights to see across Cappadocia. The UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum is well worth a visit during your stay in the region, as is the town of Goreme itself. A number of the region’s valleys are home to spectacular rock formations, with Rose Valley, Pigeon Valley and Ihlara Valley among the most impressive. The mushroom shaped formations in Paşabaǧ Valley are a must see, with their lofty monk’s cells giving you a glimpse into hermitic life in the region. Last but not least, no visit to Cappadocia would be complete without a trip to see the rock-cut fortress at Uçhisar. ### Things to Do in Cappadocia Visitors who want to explore the tunnels and subterranean networks of Cappadocia should head to the Kaymaklı Underground City or the Derinkuyu Underground City, both of which were used by early Christians to hide from attackers. Above ground, hiking is the most popular activity in the region with a number of routes running through the most picturesque valleys and villages. If you want to get an even better view of Cappadocia, join one of the many hot air balloon tours that carry visitors high over the rocky pinnacles every morning. --- --- ## Top places to visit ### 1\. Goreme Open Air Museum The exceptional Göreme Open Air Museum is home to a number of churches carved into the rocks by medieval Christian monks. Explore the historic site on foot to see intriguing frescos from 1,000 years ago and learn about the Byzantine people who created them. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is the main draw of the Cappadocia region due to its awe-inspiring views, diverse terrain and sculpted spiritual homes. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Goreme-Open-Air-Museum-Nevsehir.d6218877.Attraction) ![Goreme Open Air Museum featuring mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6218877/f9e5dab5-5f01-4bac-a9fd-4920ac8d13b3.jpg) ### 2\. Uchisar Castle Uçhisar Castle is a large rock formation rising tall above the terrain like a giant anthill full of small, dark holes. It attracts visitors with its intriguing history and stunning panorama that includes the surrounding landscape and Mount Erciyes in the distance. Look for black holes indicating the entrances to abodes, tunnels and dovecotes crafted into the rock many centuries ago. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Uchisar-Castle-Nevsehir.d6184016.Attraction) ![Uchisar castle in Cappadocia, turkey. the region was stunning, felt like you were on another planet, if you ever go to turkey make sure to go to Cappadocia #goldenhour](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6184016/aaa442b7-1e39-4570-98cb-899b3dd94147.jpg) ### 3\. Love Valley About 1 million visitors per year visit nature’s tribute to male fertility in the Love Valley. Its fairy chimneys differ from other examples in the region as they have a wide base, narrow pillar and cone-shaped peak. Millions of years of erosion from wind and rain along with volcanic eruptions formed the rock formations, which are considered both comical and beautiful. A hot air balloon over the extraordinary landscape is an unforgettable experience. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Love-Valley-Nevsehir.d553248621592342432.Attraction) ![Cappadocia which includes a sunset](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621592342432/7e156d38-9db2-4692-a5a7-99c6502cdf10.jpg) ### 4\. Sunset Point Sunset Point is known affectionately among locals and visitors as Göreme’s most beautiful vista. Watch the colorful hot air balloons illuminate the sky with a backdrop of fairy chimneys and diverse terrain. As its name suggests, the viewpoint is particularly charming in the evening as the sun goes down and turns the sky red and gold. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Sunset-Point-Urgup.d6184021.Attraction) ![Sunset Point as well as a couple](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6184021/3c0ba9a7-feaa-4b70-af85-12f666d0ea5b.jpg) ### 5\. Red Valley Red Valley is one of Cappadocia’s most scenic walking routes due to its colorful rock formations and historic carved churches. Hike through the Mars-like terrain for about 2 hours to appreciate its aesthetic qualities and intriguing history. The former homes, churches and dovecotes are surviving reminders of the monks who lived here more than a millennium ago with their pigeon messengers and pets. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Red-Valley-Avanos.d6184034.Attraction) ![Red Valley](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6184034/82ed81e8-3c5c-424d-9e82-ef8ca3b6185a.jpg) ## Recommended things to do in Cappadocia | Number of things to do | 671 | | ------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Cheapest thing to do on Expedia | [Cappadocia: Pottery Workshop](/things-to-do/ephesus-traditional-pottery-workshop.a48725980.activity-details): £3 | | Top 5 things to do | [Cappadocia Horseback Riding Tour](/things-to-do/cappadocia-horseback-riding-tour.a44909096.activity-details)[Fairy Chimneys Guided Horseback Tour in Cappadocia](/things-to-do/fairy-chimneys-guided-horseback-tour-in-cappadocia.a50692075.activity-details)[Cappadocia: Turkish Bath, Hammam, and Massage](/things-to-do/cappadocia-turkish-bath-hammam-and-massage.a46029921.activity-details)[Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon 1 of 4 Valleys](/things-to-do/cappadocia-hot-air-balloon-1-of-4-valleys.a46227874.activity-details)[Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Fairy Chimneys And Goreme](/things-to-do/cappadocia-hot-air-balloon-flight-over-fairy-chimneys-and-goreme.a46330849.activity-details) | | Half-day tours | [Cappadocia Horseback Riding Tour](/things-to-do/cappadocia-horseback-riding-tour.a44909096.activity-details)[Fairy Chimneys Guided Horseback Tour in Cappadocia](/things-to-do/fairy-chimneys-guided-horseback-tour-in-cappadocia.a50692075.activity-details)[Cappadocia: Turkish Bath, Hammam, and Massage](/things-to-do/cappadocia-turkish-bath-hammam-and-massage.a46029921.activity-details)[Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon 1 of 4 Valleys](/things-to-do/cappadocia-hot-air-balloon-1-of-4-valleys.a46227874.activity-details)[Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Fairy Chimneys And Goreme](/things-to-do/cappadocia-hot-air-balloon-flight-over-fairy-chimneys-and-goreme.a46330849.activity-details) | | With kids | [Cappadocia Horseback Riding Tour](/things-to-do/cappadocia-horseback-riding-tour.a44909096.activity-details)[Cappadocia: Turkish Bath, Hammam, and Massage](/things-to-do/cappadocia-turkish-bath-hammam-and-massage.a46029921.activity-details)[Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon 1 of 4 Valleys](/things-to-do/cappadocia-hot-air-balloon-1-of-4-valleys.a46227874.activity-details)[Cappadocia: Red and Green Combined Full-Day Tour in a day](/things-to-do/cappadocia-red-and-green-combined-full-day-tour-in-a-day.a44826362.activity-details)[Cappadocia: Underground Cities Skip-the-Line Tour with Lunch](/things-to-do/cappadocia-full-day-small-group-underground-cities-tour.a4574921.activity-details) | ## What to do in Cappadocia --- ### Popular places to visit ![Goreme Open Air Museum](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/75000/75892-Goreme-Open-Air-Museum.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Goreme Open Air Museum 4.5/5(29 reviews) Admire the colorful frescoes on the walls of the churches carved into the rocky terrain and learn about Turkey’s Byzantine past. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Goreme-Open-Air-Museum-Nevsehir.d6218877.Attraction) ![Uchisar Castle showing a city and heritage architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/75000/75946-Uchisar-Castle.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Uchisar Castle 4.5/5(27 reviews) Enjoy the view from the summit and delve into the intricate homes, churches and passageways that lie below the surface of this honeycomb mountain. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Uchisar-Castle-Nevsehir.d6184016.Attraction) ![Cappadocia which includes a sunset](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/76000/76308-The-Love-Valley.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Love Valley 4.5/5(15 reviews) Float in a hot air balloon past enormous phallic rock formations in this suggestive valley. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Love-Valley-Nevsehir.d553248621592342432.Attraction) ![Sunset Point showing mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/75000/75864-Sunset-Point.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Sunset Point 4.5/5(28 reviews) Watch the changing colors of the hot air balloons, fairy chimneys and intriguing rock formations as the sun goes down beyond the horizon. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Sunset-Point-Urgup.d6184021.Attraction) ![Red Valley showing a gorge or canyon](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/75000/75956-Red-Valley.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Red Valley 4.5/5(40 reviews) Crimson cliffs, carved churches and historic dovecotes complement the inspiring views and photo opportunities along this impressive walking trail. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Red-Valley-Avanos.d6184034.Attraction) ![Derinkuyu Underground City which includes signage](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/76000/76281-Derinkuyu-Underground-City.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Derinkuyu Underground City 4.5/5(22 reviews) Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Derinkuyu Underground City during your travels in Derinkuyu. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Derinkuyu-Underground-City-Derinkuyu.d6330356.Attraction) ![Rose Valley which includes ballooning](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/75000/75856-Rose-Valley.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Rose Valley 4.5/5(28 reviews) Explore a Mars-like terrain on Earth in this bizarre valley as you visit cave churches and clamber over pink rock formations and fairy chimneys. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Rose-Valley-Nevsehir.d6184029.Attraction) ![Pigeon Valley showing mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/76000/76293-Pigeon-Valley.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Pigeon Valley 4.5/5(28 reviews) In ancient times, people lived within these caves and scenic rock formations and raised pigeons as essential messengers and pets. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Pigeon-Valley-Nevsehir.d6330379.Attraction) ![Pasabag featuring mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/76000/76250-Pasabag.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Paşabağ Valley 4.5/5(27 reviews) In the fourth century, a miracle worker set up his home inside a fairy chimney that is now a monastery surrounded by dreamlike terrain and a vineyard. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Pasabag-Valley-Avanos.d6232000.Attraction) ### Explore areas of Cappadocia ![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/89db3ef5edce6577db2504603c8a383d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Kayseri City Center 5/5(4 area reviews) You'll enjoy the mountain views and museums in Kayseri City Center. You might want to make time for a stop at Meydan Camii or Kayseri Castle. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Kocasinan-Kayseri-City-Center.dx3000662555) ![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/89db3ef5edce6577db2504603c8a383d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Melikgazi 4/5(1 area review) You'll enjoy the mountain views and restaurants in Melikgazi. You might want to make time for a stop at Sirin Aquapark or Hunat Hatun Mosque. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Kayseri-Melikgazi.dx553248635290261859) --- Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check [things to do near me](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do-near-me) to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be. --- ## Day trip destinations from Cappadocia ![Kayseri](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/89db3ef5edce6577db2504603c8a383d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Kayseri ![Red Valley](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/75000/75953-Red-Valley.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Avanos ![Cappadocia showing ballooning](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/75000/75727-Cappadocia.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Ürgüp ![Uchisar Castle featuring a castle](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/75000/75952-Uchisar-Castle.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Nevşehir ![Aksaray](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/ae25c481812f67f92b3732112d568a58.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Aksaray ![Kirsehir](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/4a2791f2060344a8ed639b332c9c4597.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Kirsehir ![Konya](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/f606847d65add492df3ee0732c9ada23.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Konya ![Selime Monastery featuring interior views and heritage elements](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/76000/76332-Selime-Monastery.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Guzelyurt