Are you planning a trip to Cappadocia? Keep on reading, as I’ll share 8 things to know before visiting Cappadocia.
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1. There is no public transport
The best way to get around to the main attractions in Cappadocia is by taxi or to rent a car. There is no public transport in the town of Göreme nor anywhere else in the region of Cappadocia. Another option is to book an organised tour where you’ll visit different parts of Cappadocia by mini-van or by ATV.
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2. Book your hot air balloon flight in advance
Cappadocia is listed as one of the best places in the world to fly a hot air balloon. It’s by far the main reason why people visit this region in Turkey. Even though each morning 150 balloons take off from the ground in Göreme, it’s necessary to book your flight in advance.
This is the most popular thing to do in Cappadocia and places are limited. I’ve booked my flight 2 months in advance, which is playing extra safe. However, booking a few weeks in advance should definitely be fine as well.
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3. Prepare for early wake-up calls
Let me tell you, waking up early when in Cappadocia is an activity on its own. During your stay, check the timing of sunrise and start your day accordingly.
Something you have to do at least once is to watch the balloons take off at sunrise. Enjoying the panoramic views of Göreme with over 150 balloons flying in the air is an atmosphere that can’t be explained in words or photographs, you must experience it yourself.
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4. Book your accommodation in the town of Göreme
Göreme is the most popular town in the region of Cappadocia as it’s closely located to some main attractions such as Göreme Open Air Museum, Rose Valley and Göreme Panorama. You’ll find the most hotels and restaurants in this area as well. For your first visit, Göreme is definitely the best choice.
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5. Book the airport shuttle in advance
The closest airport to Göreme/Cappadocia is Nevşehir airport, which is located about a 40 minute drive from the centre of Göreme. The airport itself is very small and there is not much to do around this area. There is no public transport at the exit, only a taxi line.
I recommend to book your shuttle in advance, ideally via your accommodation. These services are well-organised and will be more affordable than grabbing a taxi at the airport.
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6. Book your accommodation in advance
The most hotels can be found in the town of Göreme. Do note that some hotels only have a few rooms and tend to be fully booked quickly, especially if they have popular features such as a terrace or cave-style rooms.
Here are some of my top-pick hotels:
- Caftan Cave Suites
- Mithra Cave Hotel
- Sultan Cave Suites
- Koza Cave Hotel
- Local Cave House Hotel
Also read: The best photo spots in Cappadocia
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7. Pack layers, also in Summer
If you want to fly/see the hot air balloons, your mornings will start very early. Hotel pick-up can be as early as 03:50AM. Even in Summer, the nights & mornings can be chilly, so definitely bring at least one warm sweater – you’ll need it for sure.
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8. Cappadocia is more than the hot air balloons
Cappadocia is most known for the hot air balloon flights and its spectacular landscapes with amazing rock formations, referred to as The Fairy Chimneys.
It’s recommended to visit at least a few valleys as they each have their own unique elements. The Valleys can be reached by taxi and by foot. If you like an organised tour, there are many companies in Cappadocia that offer a day trip that includes a visit to multiple Valleys.
Here are the Valleys I visited during my stay:
- Pasabag Valley (paid entrance)
- Love Valley
- Rose Valley
- Pigeon Valley
- Goreme Open-Air Museum (paid entrance)
I honestly would recommend them all.
Other recommended Valleys to visit:
- Red Valley
- Zelve Valley
- Devrent Valley
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Are you ready to book a trip to Cappadocia? Head over to my other blogpost were I share the top things to do in Cappadocia.