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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Spent the day very active and enjoyed the underground city.
Easy walk from Goreme – no need to book a tour for this if you are staying in Goreme. There are plenty of informative plaques in front of each church.
It was an experience of a life time. Cappadocia was the highlight of the trip. We saw some of the oldest churches and the dark church which was an extra 8 Lira charge not included in the tour was definitely worth it.
Yes it can be crowded, especially on Saturday when ther are many tour busses.
So take a little extra time to collect some unforgettible pictures.
And if you prefer no crowds at all, there is a small version in close by Urgup.
As for us, the crowds were considered, and we did not find it much of a problem.
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This is an easily accessed wonderful collection of fairy chimneys. Free to walk around, and lots to see. While we ultimately preferred Love Valley as it was more spectacular, the convenience of location, and accessibility make this area a close second. It is worth making the effort to go up the hill so as to drink it all in.
Great rock formations, and not a hard hike at all!
This was probably my favourite site in Cappadocia because it wasn't crowded. Our tour group had free time just to explore the valleys and climb up the hill. The surrounds were so pretty and the best view was from the 'cliff' that you can climb up (complete with rickety looking stairs).
it is a very pretty place..nice and green after all the dust. I wouldn
't describe it as a hike….more of a gentle stroll.Great to find a little shop in the middle. the greek village at the end was interesting as well with a wonderful view from the top of the hill. A very pleasant morning.
This seems to be the first site everyone in Goreme mentions, and was the first place we went. The tickets are not too expensive (I don't remember the price) and it's extra to go into the nicest church. It was a nice place to start our exploration of Cappadocia. They rent headsets for a tour if you want, but we…
The most famous fairy chimneys are the “Three Beauties” in Urgup.