Cappadocia, located in central Turkey, is known for being the land of hot air balloons, having the most beautiful sunrises, and having impressive rock formations. The area is famous for its “fairy chimneys,” towering spires of soft volcanic rock shaped by centuries of erosion. I visited Cappadocia back in June of 2024, and I can confirm that this place felt like a fairytale. After doing lots of activities there and trying out all the suggestions, I have made a list of the 8 best things to do in Cappadocia, Türkiye.

Table of Contents

• 1. Ride a hot air balloon
• 2. Visit Galerie Ikman
• 3. Hike around Love Valley
• 4. Go on an ATV sunset tour
• 5. Walk around Rose and Red Valley
• 6. Watch the sunrise from the highest point in Goreme
• 7. Visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum
• 8. Go horse back riding

1. Ride a hot air balloon

The experience of riding a hot air balloon in Cappadocia is out of this world. I recommend it so so much. Although you can also watch the show almost from anywhere in Gorëme, doing so in a hot air balloon is such a different view.

Although the experience can be pricey, I think that it is so worth it. In addition, the price wasn’t as bad as what we had initially anticipated while doing our research. We paid around 130€ during the high season by booking beforehand on Get Your Guide. Balloon prices during the summer time should be between 90 to 200€. If you don’t see any cheaper than 200 online, you can always book it at your accommodation (they told us it is always between 90 to 200).

2. Visit Galerie Ikman

Galerie Ikman, nestled in the heart of Cappadocia’s Göreme, is a mesmerizing carpet shop and photography haven. Known for its vibrant displays of traditional Turkish rugs, the shop is a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns, creating an enchanting atmosphere that draws travelers and photographers from around the world. The gallery showcases intricately woven carpets, kilims, and textiles that reflect centuries of Turkish craftsmanship. Beyond its visual appeal, Galerie Ikman offers a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of Cappadocia, where visitors can not only admire but also purchase authentic, handcrafted pieces. 

They sell so many different sizes, from small squares enough to bit a small night stand to big carpets that can cover your whole living room. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything I recommend stopping by to take a look because the carpets are gorgeous!

3. Hike around Love Valley

Love Valley, located near Göreme in Cappadocia, is famous for its striking and unusual rock formations that resemble towering stone pillars. These natural formations, sculpted over millennia by volcanic eruptions and erosion, give the valley its romantic and playful name. The scenic valley is a popular destination for hikers and adventurers who come to enjoy the sweeping panoramic views, the serene walking trails, and the unique landscapes that shift color with the changing light. 

You can find various hiking/walking trails around Love Valley, especially on Alltrails, which is the app that we also used to find the best paths to explore. You can also explore Love Valley by driving there. Since we were staying in Gorëme, we could get to Love Valley by walk in approximately 30 minutes. If you decide to walk it during summer, make sure to bring lots of water and sunscreen because it’s super hot, and there isn’t much shade in the valley.

4. Go on an ATV sunset tour

Going on an ATV sunset tour is such a fun way to explore Cappadocia and watch the sunset. Cappadocia is pretty big, and exploring by ATV gives you access to see more. In addition, the trill of being on an ATV is also so fun. Depending on the tour you book, you will pass by various valleys. On our tour, we visited Rose and Red Valley.

The ATV tours typically last 2-3 hours. However, just keep in mind that you aren’t riding the ATV for 2-3 hours. Every time you drive somewhere new with the ATV, you will be making a stop to have the time to explore. They usually give 10-20 minutes each place to explore. We paid approximately 30€ per person.

5. Walk around Rose and Red Valley

Rose and Red Valley, located in the heart of Cappadocia, are renowned for their breathtaking, layered rock formations that shift in hues of pink, red, and orange, especially at sunset. These valleys offer some of the region’s most picturesque hiking trails, winding through hidden cave churches, ancient tunnels, and vineyards that are tucked into the rocky landscape.

Just like Love Valley, a great way to explore Rose and Red Valley is by taking a walk, or even by taking an ATV tour like we did. You can find various trails on Alltrails that bring you to the best spots in Rose and Red Valley. This valley is a bit further than the distance of Gorëme to Love Valley, so I recommend taking a bus to Rose and Red Valley if you are staying in Gorëme.

6. Watch the sunrise from the highest point in Goreme

If you don’t want to do the hot air balloon ride or if you are staying multiple nights, you can watch the sunrise from almost anywhere in Gorëme. One place that I recommend is going to “Sunrise Point” on Google Maps. It is one of the highest points in Gorëme, so you can see clearly all the rock formations and the hot air balloons in the horizon.

Another great place that you can watch the hot air balloons is simply from the comfort of your own accommodation. We stayed at TURAN Cappadocia Cave, and they had the cutest terrace with a view of the balloons and the town. Although we didn’t watch the balloons there because we preferred seeing it from a higher point of view, if you are tired and don’t feel like walking 30 minutes up a hill, watching it from your accommodation is also a great alternative.

7. Visit the Gorëme Open-Air Museum

The Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Cappadocia, is an extraordinary complex of ancient rock-cut churches, monasteries, and chapels carved into the soft volcanic landscape. Dating back to the early Byzantine era, this open-air museum is famed for its well-preserved frescoes, which depict vibrant biblical scenes and early Christian artistry. Visitors can explore the Dark Church, the Apple Church, and other sacred spaces, each offering a glimpse into the region’s religious history and monastic life.

If your accommodation is in Gorëme, you can get there by walk. It took my approximately 15 minutes by walk. There is an entry fee of 25€ to visit inside the Gorëme Open-Air Museum.

8. Go horse back riding

Horseback riding in Cappadocia offers an unforgettable way to explore the region’s breathtaking landscapes, often referred to as the “Land of Beautiful Horses.” Riding through Cappadocia’s stunning valleys—such as Red, Rose, and Sword Valley—gives travelers a unique perspective on its fairy chimneys, lush vineyards, and ancient rock formations. Guided horseback tours allow visitors to experience the tranquil beauty of the area, passing through hidden trails, cave dwellings, and panoramic vistas that are difficult to reach on foot. 

There are many activities that can be booked, during the day or during sunset. Depending on your desired schedule, there is a time for everyone! It costs approximately 30€ for a horse back riding tour, comparable to the ATV tour.