If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable destination for your next vacation, look no further than Cappadocia, Turkey. This historic region in central Turkey is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, incredible hospitality, and of course hot air balloons. In this ultimate Cappadocia, Turkey guide, we’ll take a closer look at the top places to stay, places to eat, and things to do in the area. Also, read our getting to Cappadocia, top Instagrammable places in Cappadocia, flying dress Cappadocia guide, and our personal detailed 3-night Cappadocia itinerary.

Top Places to Stay in Cappadocia

• Museum Hotel $$$ – $$$$ –  This luxurious boutique hotel is located in the heart of Cappadocia and features stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The hotel has 30 unique rooms, each decorated with antique furnishings and art.
• Sultan Cave Suites $$$ – $$$$ – Built into a series of caves, this hotel offers guests a truly unique experience. The rooms are spacious and feature traditional Turkish decor, and the hotel also has a rooftop terrace with amazing views.
• Kale Konak $$ – $$$ – Located in the charming village of Uchisar, this hotel offers guests a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the tourist areas. The rooms are decorated in a traditional Turkish style and the hotel also has a beautiful garden.
• Gamirasu Cave Hotel $$ – $$$ – This eco-friendly hotel is located in a restored Byzantine monastic retreat and features rooms carved into the surrounding rock. The hotel also has a restaurant serving delicious Turkish cuisine.
• Kayakapi Premium Caves $$$ – $$$$ – This hotel is built into a restored cave complex and offers guests a truly unique experience. The rooms are spacious and feature modern amenities, and the hotel also has a spa and wellness center.

Top Places to Eat in Cappadocia

• Dibek – Located in the village of Avanos, this restaurant is known for its delicious Turkish breakfasts and traditional Turkish cuisine. The restaurant also has a beautiful garden where guests can dine outside.
• Ziggy Cafe and Restaurant – This trendy restaurant in Goreme offers a modern take on traditional Turkish cuisine. The menu features dishes like lamb chops with fig sauce and Turkish-style pizza.
• Hanodasi Restaurant – Located in the village of Mustafapasa, this restaurant is housed in a restored Ottoman mansion and serves traditional Turkish dishes like manti (Turkish dumplings) and grilled lamb.
• Seten Anatolian Cuisine – This restaurant is located in a restored cave and offers diners a unique atmosphere. The menu features traditional Turkish cuisine with a modern twist, including dishes like lamb shank and stuffed eggplant.
• Topdeck Cave Restaurant – This restaurant is built into a cave and offers diners stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The menu features traditional Turkish cuisine, including meze, kebabs, and baklava.

Activities to do in Cappadocia

• Hot Air Balloon Ride – One of the most popular activities in Cappadocia is a hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscape. Guests can enjoy incredible views of the rock formations and valleys. Worthy to note that the hot air balloons take off between 5 and 6 am depending on the season.
• Goreme Open-Air Museum – This UNESCO World Heritage site features a series of cave churches and monasteries dating back to the 10th century. The frescoes inside the churches are incredibly well-preserved and offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history.
• Hiking – Cappadocia is a popular destination for hiking, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes through the valleys and mountains. The Red and Rose Valleys are particularly popular for their stunning scenery.
• Turkish Bath – Relax and rejuvenate with a traditional Turkish bath. Guests can enjoy a sauna, steam room, and massage, and also experience the traditional hammam.
• Pottery Workshops – Avanos is known for its pottery, and visitors can take a workshop to learn about the traditional techniques and create their own pieces of pottery to take home.
• Camel Riding – Slow, easy, and amazing 30-minute to hour-long rides on camels alongside beautiful scenery. Make sure to ask for your camel’s name. $25 per person
• ATV tours – Go four-wheeling late evening alongside a guide and other Cappadocia visitors to the Red and Rose valleys. End the ATV tour with a beautiful sunset viewing. $25 per person
• Paragliding – Ideal for thrill seekers. Paraglide off a cliff and record amazing footage and pictures for just $100 per person also covering pickup and dropoff from and to your hotel. Make sure to haggle for the media prices as these are extra but not fixed.