The Turkish region of Cappadocia, a region of exceptional natural wonders, in particular characterized by fairy chimneys and a unique historical and cultural heritage, boasts one of the most dramatic sights in the world.
Visiting Cappadocia is such a change from visiting many other busy bustling sights all over Turkey. It is a great pleasure to wander in the vast open space filled with captivating natural attractions which have seen human history dated back in the Bronze Age.
While in Goreme Open Air Museum , the conical formations resulting from the volcanic eruptions that took place millions of years ago, just follow the path up to the top of one of the ridges where a spectacular view of the fairy chimneys awaits you. The natural cone formations contain caves and labyrinths. As early as the third century, those chimneys became a hiding place for early Christians who fled persecution from the Romans, and then later from raiding Muslims. In modern tourism, many caves have been turned into cave houses for tourist stays and the lunar-like setting of Goreme Valley has become popular for hot-air ballooning.
Many say the extremely unique landscape of Cappadocia resembles some scene in a Star Wars movie and yet you may be surprised to discover that no major commercial movies have been filmed there. It would be a perfect setting for movies such as Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter series.
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Cappadocia has fantastic textures which you haven't seen in your life. Reaaly different geographic nascencies. National park of goreme is really good place to understand what had been lived in that area and how people lived their life.
Loved being able to walk around and look in all the places.
I had always wanted to go to Cappadocia as I had been entranced by the photos of the cave dwellings built into volcanic ash cliff faces for decades, and had hoped to add a tour there to the end of my cruise which finished in Istanbul in July this year.
The day we visited (the Sunday of Easter weekend) was rainy, cold and bursting with tourist groups which made it near impossible to get inside any of the caves, or if we did, we had to put up with loud tour guides explaining detail to groups which meant we couldn't enjoy the atmosphere ourselves or take time to understand what…
Im sorry to say that I wasn't overly excited by Pigeon Valley and after a full days touring this stunning area, I was one of those tourists who's feet were way too tired to even get out of our coach, and I've seen plenty of Pigeons to last me a lifetime. There seriously isn't much to see, Its basically just…
Ihlara Valley has to be one of the best hikes in Cappadocia.
This is an amazing sight. Not good for anyone with claustrophobia as you desend many levels into the earth through small tunnels. I hit my head several times in spite of trying to be careful. I recommend that if you are tall, wear a hat. It will help soften the blows! It's an outstanding sight that should not be missed.
I did not expect to find anything this nice in Turkey ! The people was extremely warm and friendly. We found a small restaurant where we celebrateted our 30th anniversary as married. The owner family arranged a party in our honour. We will never forget this !
It must have been the time of year, but we were the only people in the whole place, which made it all the better. After climbing around the perimiter for a while, we paid the entrance fee and climbed to the top. The views were spectacular. Well worth the trip there and the ticket price.
Selimay Monastery is well worth the visit. There are breath-taking views of the area from up in the buildings and it is fun to explore the Dr. Seuss like structures.