CAPPADOCIA

The land of beautiful horses” and fairy chimneys A región of lunar landscape, carved by nature and men. Cappadocia is famous for its unique geological features and layers of history.

Cappadocia is the name of the region, created by the erosión of soft layers formed by the lava and ashes sprayed by the volcanic mountains of Erciyes, Hasandağ and Güllüdağ, and shaped by rain, wind and ice for millions of years.

As the landscape was eroded, the basalt stones remained and formed conical structures. Some of which reached 45 m in height over time due to the erosion of the relatively soft volcanic ash that surrounded them. Past cultures have excavated them to créate homes, castles and even entire underground cities, used as hideouts by early inhabitants.

The local people referred to these unique rock formations as “fairy chimneys,” a name that has endured over the centuries. If nature was the first artist in arranging the decoration, it was the people of Anatolia who carved the rock and created Cappadocia as an open-air museum full of incomparable natural and cultural phenomena.

Cappadocia, “the land of beautiful horses,” as suggested by an interpretation of the name Katpatuka, is the key to countless possibilities for exploring and experiencing this fantastic land. From horseback riding to cycling; from exploration to sumptuous cuisine. No matter the season or time of year, this fantasy land always has something to stimulate, captivate and invigorate the senses.

Cappadocia is one of those places that allows you to leave our planet behind, while not leaving it at all. If given a chance, these lands will not disappoint you.

EXPERIENCES IN CAPPADOCIA

CONQUERING THE LANDSCAPE FROM ABOVE: HOT AIR BALLOONS

At dawn, you Will float in the air with great tranquility! Rock formations dating back millions of years, unimaginable geographic accidents unique to this topography that you will find below you. Valleys that offer majestic landscapes, high altitudes that paint a multicolor topography, slopes woven in velvety textures. The land of fairy chimneys has gradually become the center of hot air balloons over the last 20 years and heady morning cruises have attracted more and more travelers from around the world every day. The balloons, which reach heights of 800 meters, depart from trails around Göreme early in the morning.

CAPPADOCIA’S VINEYARDS

It wouldn’t be fair if you came here and left without trying the delicious wines of Cappadocia. This region, which has maintained the established viticultural tradition for thousands of years, owes its famous vineyards to the tuff formed by volcanic activities. Anatolian grapes such as Öküzgözü, Kalecik Karası, Boğazkere, Narince and Emir grow gracefully thanks to the rich tuff soil. It gets even better! The wineries of Cappadocia are open for visits throughout the year, making your trip possible at any time.

WALKING THROUGH THE STREETS (AVANOS, MUSTAFAPAŞA, ÜRGÜP, GÖREME)

If you are interested in history, faith, arts, architecture or different local lifestyles, the streets of Cappadocia will surely attract you. The streets of Avanos are full of pottery workshops, silk and carpets. The streets of Mustafapaşa or Sinasos with interesting architecture, churches and madrasas together. The streets of Ürgüp with historic mansions, museums, fairy chimneys, even Turkish baths. The streets of Göreme lead you to the world-famous Göreme Open Air Museum and Valleys of Love, Güvercinlik (Pigeons), Zemi, Paşabağ, Güllüdere, Kılıçlar and so on.

HORSEBACK RIDING

One of the best ways to discover Cappadocia is by horseback riding. There are many daily horse riding tours to choose from. There are also multi-day rides through Cappadocia as well as full moon rides where you can explore this enchanting region at night. You can ride through stretches of the valley, on trails where vehicles cannot enter, around fairy chimneys and between the lush vineyards of the village on horseback. You will have the opportunity to see the most beautiful valleys of Cappadocia such as Meskendir and Güllüdere.

STAY IN A CAVE

Cappadocia is a land of natural wonders and as such, there are some unique experiences that every traveler should try. One of the most rewarding experiences is staying in one of the world-renowned “cave hotels” of Cappadocia. Some of the region’s primitive dwellings have been converted into luxurious boutique hotels. These hotels offer a real sense of the unique architecture of the region. At the same time, they offer all modern amenities.