If you think Cappadocia is all about hot air balloons, caves and dreamy photo spots — you’re not wrong, but there’s a lot more to it.

There was a whole lifeline on Cappadocia on this: people carved homes, churches, and monasteries into the soft rock, creating entire underground cities to escape invasions.

What fascinates me is how modern tourism has transformed these same spaces…

Now we have got all these pretty cave hotels and rides (albeit touristy!) but they still have a special romantic feels to these moonscapes.

I spent about 5 days in Cappadocia and I did everything there’s needed to do here like hiking, exploring the churches, visiting all the scenic spots and the hot air balloon ride.

Here’s my complete itinerary of what you should in Cappadocia in 2, 3 to 5 days.

Also Read: 3 to 5 Days Istanbul Itinerary That’s Different From The Rest

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What Do You Need To Know Before You Go?

here’s a complete cappadocia itinerary in 2, 3 or 5 days (pic shot on my way to love valley)!

🪂 The Hot Air Balloon Ride: This is an absolute must-have experience for anyone looking to go. But they’re highly weather dependent on wind conditions. When I went during peak season, prices are crazy expensive and go up to 500 euros (thanks Turkey inflation!). If I were you, I would pre-book online HERE.
📅 Best time To visit: Spring (April to June) or Autumn (Sept to Nov) weather is mild and is perfect. Summer is scorchingly hot ofcourse and Winter can get snowy but also dreamy!
🚍 Getting around/transportation: Public transport is limited, so most people rely on rental cars (rent a car HERE) or take one of those Green valley or red valley tours (if you prefer the hikes arranged for you!)
✈️ Which airport to fly into? Take a flight from Istanbul to Kayseri (ASR) or Nevşehir (NAV). Kayseri has more flight options, and both airports offer shuttle services to Cappadocia (1–1.5 hours).

How To Get To Cappadocia?

i took a flight but you can get to cappadocia by bus too!

I wondered if it was more cost efficient to fly or take a bus — I ended up flying but I heard the buses were also a comfortable ride (just really long!)

By Air: Fly from Istanbul airport to Kayseri (ASR) or Nevşehir (NAV). Book a shuttle bus or private pick-up here beforehand — it is only 10 euros!
By Bus: You can book your bus tickets via Omio for approx 34 euros— the Flixbus/Kamil Koc buses leave multiple times a day. I suggest taking the night buses that means 8pm and it reaches around 8am in Goreme. The ride takes 12 hours!
By Car: If you’re up for a road trip — you totally rent your car from here. You can even start from Ankara — it is just a 3-4 hour drive from there.

Where To Stay?

some of the cool cave hotels in cappadocia

Everything about Cappadocia is dreamy and gorgeous — if you’re a first timer, I would highly recommend staying in Göreme.

It is right at the center but there are quiet spots for you to even take in the views of the fairy chimneys and rocky hillsides.

You also have to stay in a cave hotel because there’s nothing quite like the feeling of having a little cave feels like you’re in a Flinstones set.

The next best town to stay in is Uchisar. It is the highest point in Cappadocia and also closer to the hiking trails.

In Göreme:

Design Cave Hotel: Amazing hotel to stay and have views of the valley plus lavender fields. It is a bit out from the main strip but still within walking distance.
Terra Cave Hotel: A ancient rock dwelling from the 19th century and one of the best spots to stay — the rooftop is also gorgeous!
Cappadocia Aishe Hotel: This is a modern hotel with clean spaces designed to look like a cave. If you love large space and quiet spots, I would highly recommend staying here. It is also close to the hiking trails and everything gets organised for you!

In Uchisar:

Karlık Cave Suite Cappadocia: A suite with a private pool — need I say more? Blown away by how gorgeous this property is!
Cappadocia Pyramid Stone House: Stunning place thats super grand and has open views of the valley!
Petra Inn Cappadocia: An excellent spot and a new hotel with cave vibes!

Cappadocia Itinerary: 3 to 5 days

Day 1: Exploring Cappadocia

shot at the rooftop cafe of goat cafe in cappadocia

If you’re tired and exhausted from a long flight, your first thing to do in Cappadocia would soak in the vibes and enjoy rooftop views of the valley.

I would recommend having coffee at this rooftop cafe called The Goat Coffee — I really enjoyed having a bird eye’s view of the entire valley. It was so nice to take it all in.

Walking around Goreme town

There were so many shops and trinkets that it was lovely to just walk around and absorb what Cappadocia was all about.

I had to read more about what Goreme was all about. Did you know it was once a agricultural village? It was not even called Goreme — the government changed its name from Matianá (Ματιαν).

Tourism exploded here in the 1970s and all the hotels you see today were converted from caves. Agriculture was also their way of making a life before transitioning to tourism.

By 2000, this place had exploded in tourism and now you’ll find houses, old Christian churches and underground cities.

Stopping by a carpet shop

One of the best ways to get a history of the Anatolian region is to actually visit a carpet or rug shop. Yes, no kidding!

Even if you don’t buy a rug, the owners love to talk to you about the designs, offer you tea and provide a deep dive of the region.

I highly recommend visiting places like the Tribal Collection Nomadic Rugs to have a chat with the owner and have an understanding of these rug motifs.

Sunset at Meskendir Valley

sunset in these valleys are extra special

This is an approximately one hour trek out of Goreme — it is one of the best spots to watch the sunset.

Once you walk out of the town you’ll come across Goreme open air museum, take the road next to Kaya camping before you arrive at Mesgendir Valley Cafe

It is truly off the beaten path — and you will have the entire magical valley to yourself to enjoy. There are lots of apple trees, grapes and ancient churches and dwellings.

If you don’t feel like going out of your way on your first day, another great sunset point within Goreme is at this cafe called Sunset of Cappadocia.

Dinner at Wooden Spoon Restaurant or Topdeck Cave

Securing a table here is pretty tough at a cave restaurant — if your hotel can book for you it would be great.

This is one of the best places to enjoy the lamb pottery kebab (testi), chicken sis kebab and for dessert rice pudding.

Day 2: Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia

the stunning hot air balloons of cappadocia

One of the most iconic thing which everyone comes to Cappadocia for — the hot air balloons.

This is the first thing you’ll want to book when you come to Cappadocia so you can make the most out of the good weather and keep a buffer day or two in case of cancellations.

I recommend checking your hot air balloon prices here and booking it! If there’s a great deal, be sure to secure it in advance.

The average hot air balloon cost should be between 150 to 300 euros per person. You’ll need to be ready by 4.30am for your tour operator to pick you up.

The whole journey takes about 2 hours and you’ll be back in your hotel by 7am.

Exploring Love Valley & Uchisar Castle

If you’re not too exhausted and have got some much-needed rest, I would urge you to spend your afternoons hiking Love Valley and heading over to Uchisar Castle

It takes about 3 hours in total to complete the loop but you can take a bus from Uchisar castle if you don’t feel like completing the loop.

The route is not so straightforward sometimes and it would be better to have Alltrails downloaded. Here’s the map for the route.

It was such a great way to see the landscapes of Love Valley and the various formations which resemble a phallus.

There are also various cafes and stopping points through this trail. One notable one next to Love Valley was Keles Cafe. I loved the pomegranate juice here and it was nice to take a break from the sun, sit in the shade with amazing views of the entire place.

Once you reach Uchisar castle, the castle looked amazing from far that you don’t even need to climb it. The entrance fee was about $10. Reaching the top requires climbing about 275 steps — I was kinda exhausted from the hike that I decided to just take in the beauty of Uchisar from far.

Dinner at Omurca Art Cave

There are so many cave-like restaurants to eat at — but I found this authentic little spot where you can have a good view of the terrace.

Omurca Art Cave is a cosy place to have dinner overlooking the town. Some of the Turkish food can be a hit or miss — I guess I was expecting more spices but they can turn bland. However, their grilled chicken dishes and rice was not too bad.

They try to use local ingredients and the family has some home grown grapes and wine collection which is worth trying.

Day 3: Take the Green Tour, Ilhara Valley & Underground City

The Red Tour & Green Tour lines of Cappadocia are common tour routes for those who want to visit a number of places in one day.

I would not recommend taking the Red Tour as you’ve already seen Uchisar castle and Love Valley.

I recommend taking the Green valley tour (with lunch & entry tickets).

This tour is worth it because you get to see the Derinkuyu Underground City, visit Anatolian villages and their rock-cut churches as well as enjoy a 4km trek in the Ihlara valley.

Everything is comfortable and it is easy to have a tour option like this so that you don’t have to worry about transport which can be a bit of a deal breaker especially if you want to make the most out of your trip in Cappadocia.

Dinner at Seten Restaurant Cappadocia

If you want to live it up on your last day, you should absolutely try this Turkish restaurant.

Seten is known for its amazing view and food — you need to try their pumpkin dessert and the tahini soufflé!

Day 4: Wake Up For Sunrise Point & Pottery Making

If this is your last day and if you have more time, it is worth waking up early in the morning to walk up to Sunrise Point.

The view is absolutely gorgeous because the balloons are right in front of you. I found so many gorgeous places to take pictures.

This is also a great sunrise point for those who skipped the balloon experience and want to capture the same magic of Cappadocia.

Pottery making with a local

I discovered this spot when I was walking around town called Afacanlar Seramik. I loved the pottery workshop and opted to make my own pot.

The owner Süleyman even offered us homemade wine and traditional Turkish tea and it just felt nice to spend the morning doing something simple.

Sunset Horseback Riding Adventure Tour

A really fun experience is enjoying a sunset ride while horseback riding in the Cappadocia valleys.

You can book the tour here — it also makes for some nice pictures in the evening when Cappadocia comes alive.

Day 5: Cavusin & Hiking Through Rose Valley or Retro Car Ride

If this is your last day — you may want to leave the best hiking trails for the last.

I was tired of hiking and walking everywhere but I am so glad I did this hike. It was one of the most beautiful hikes you can do in Cappadocia.

The hiking route can be downloaded here.

We first took the bus from Goreme bus stop to Cavusin. In Cavusin, you’ll find an old church with lots of ruins and a nice village market selling knick-knacks and souvenirs for a much-cheaper price.

The Churches of Rose Valley

There were so many churches and ruins we came across but I was enamoured but what I saw.

The reason there are so many rock churches was because the Christians built them as places of worship and refuge.

Between the 4th and 11th centuries, they carved churches, homes, and monasteries into the soft rock to escape persecution.

The faded frescoes and stone carvings sort of told a story of what it was like for their faith and survival. Some of the best churches you’ll come across in this valley are:

Hacli Kilise: The Crusader Church
Kolonlu Kilise: The Columned Church
Uc Hacli Kilise: Church of Three Crosses

There’s also a cute bamboo cafe inside Hacli Kilise selling drinks and pomegranate juice — it was nice to take a break and take a look at the surroundings.

I couldn’t believe places like this exists and it felt like I was an archaelogist on a quest to find something profound even after 1,200 years.

Sand-Brewed Turkish Coffee Workshop or Classic Car Experience

If you don’t feel like walking endlessly — you should absolutely try the Turkish way of brewing coffee.

It is a fun experience to learn about Turkish coffee and have homemade desserts!

Another cool way to end your Cappadocia trip is to book a retro car tour during sunset. In 2 hours, you get to see all the popular places of Cappadocia.

Hammam Spa

If there’s one thing you should do — have the Hammam spa in Cappadocia.

Deep spa Cappadocia is one of the best places to have the best Turkish experience. Get the first package which includes sauna, bubble and oil massage!

Also read my other itineraries of Turkey:

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Dreamiest Cappadocia Itinerary in 2, 3 or 5 Days: From Caves to Hikes