With a history stretching back millennia, Cappadocia encompasses a region of Anatolia in central Türkiye known for its magical landscapes, lovely valleys and underground cities. This region attracts tourists from around the world but is also known for its viticulture and history. Major cities Nevşehir and Kayseri (Caesarea) offer access to towns such as Göreme, Ürgüp, Uçhisar and Derinkuyu.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Most international travelers fly into İGA Istanbul Airport and connect via daily non-stop flights on Turkish Airlines or Pegasus Air to either Nevşehir- Kapadokya Airport or Kayseri’s Erkilet Airport. Airport shuttles, buses and taxis service the airports, as do several car rental agencies. Public transportation is not well-suited to sightseeing in the region, so renting or hiring a car and guide prove excellent options, and there are numerous reputable guided tour companies as well.
LODGING
Dinler Hotels – Ürgüp
This 5-star modern property offers something for everyone: on-site dining and lounges, a business center, 24-hour room service, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center and salon services, Turkish bath and sauna, and an outdoor playground.
Mehmet Dinler Boulevard, Ürgüp, Nevşehir, Cappadocia, Türkiye, tel 90 384 341 3030 urgup.dinler.com
Esbelli Evi Cave Inn
Choose from 10 authentically restored cave houses offering high-speed WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities, as well as terraces and gardens. Knowledgeable, welcoming staff offer recommendations for local activities and restaurants.
Dolay Sokak 8, Ürgüp, Nevşehir, Cappadocia, Türkiye, tel 90 384 341 3395 esbelli.com
Gül Konakları (Rose Mansions) Sinasos
Consisting of two 19th-century Greek Ottoman stone mansions, this property offers 19 rooms in a peaceful setting. In addition to the soothing rose garden, guests enjoy hospitable staff and traditional, local dishes in the on-site restaurant with a tandoor oven.
Yeni Mah. Sumer Sok. 9, Mustafapaşa, Ürgüp, Cappadocia, Türkiye, tel 90 384 353 5486 gulkonaklari.com
DINING
Happena Cappadocia
Featuring the Hittite and ancient Anatolian cuisine of Cappadocia, the menu offers a wide selection of appetizers as well as entrées featuring lamb, veal and quail; vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available. Guests enjoy terrace seating and lovely views.
Kelebek Special Cave Hotel, Aydinli Mah. Yavuz Sok. 1, Göreme, Nevşehir, Cappadocia, Türkiye, tel 90 538 400 2520 happenacappadocia.com
Köşebaşı Kapadokya
Enjoy traditional Turkish kebap gastronomy and garden terrace dining as well as wood-fired oven Turkish pizza and vegan options. Cocktails, beer and fine local wines are also served.
Karşibucak Cd. 50, Göreme, Nevşehir, Cappadocia, Türkiye, tel 90 549 132 5000 kosebasi.com
The Plum Restaurant
Located in Ariana Sustainable Luxury Lodge, Plum offers seasonal Mediterranean menus created from farm-fresh local ingredients. Terrace seating offers views of vineyards and Cappadocia’s unique formations.
Tekelli Mah., Tekelli Kumesi 8, Uchisar, Nevşehir, Cappadocia, Türkiye, tel 90 384 219 2223 arianalodge.com
ATTRACTIONS
Derinkuyu Underground City
Cappadocia boasts dozens of underground cities; Derinkuyu, reaching depths of 280 feet, is the largest. Named a UNESCO World Heritage site, its 18 levels, once housing up to 20,000 residents, feature wine and oil presses, stables, cellars, chapels and schools. Book a guided tour from one of several tour companies to get the most from the experience.
Derinkuyu, Nevşehir, Cappadocia, Türkiye, tel 90 384 381 31 94
Göreme Open Air Museum
Another World Heritage site, this collection of historical rock-hewn monasteries and cave churches, most from the 10th through 12th centuries, features impressive architecture and vibrant frescoes. You may rent an audio guide and tour on your own or book a tour through one of several tour companies.
Göreme, Nevşehir, Cappadocia, Türkiye
Hot-Air Balloon Tours
Flying in a hot-air balloon over the fairy-tale landscape of Cappadocia at sunrise is considered a must by most visitors to this region. Book online with a reliable vendor well in advance. For a multiday visit, book your flight on the first day of your trip in case weather cancels your plans. That allows you to reschedule and not miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Nov 22, 2024Choose Lompoc on California’s Central Coast for Outdoor-Focused Fun
If you’re in weather denial mode and resisting the urge to switch your closet over to sweaters and snow boots, keep summer going for a little longer in Lompoc, California.
Sponsored Content
Remarkable Medellín
Visiting Medellín in Colombia: The Country of Beauty is like stepping into a fantastic story — literally, as the city in the Western Colombian Andes region inspired Disney’s Encanto. Here, valleys, the world’s tallest palms, vibrant communities, colorful houses, garden-like balconies and more prove reality is more picturesque than anything on film. And it’s especially more tempting following Medellín’s remarkable transformation, shedding its troubled past and reawakening as a city of innovation, art, cultural richness, modern infrastructure, thriving tourism and resiliency.
Daily
Nov 22, 2024Try This New Sea-to-Table Experience at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, the oceanfront property on the pristine coast of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, just launched a new Sea to Table program in partnership with SpearMex, the region’s premier sea exploration experts. The new programming features a hands-on experience and ocean-to-table culinary journey combining sustainable fishing practices with personalized gastronomic techniques lead by Executive Chef Jorge González.
Daily
Nov 22, 2024Waldorf Astoria Residences New York Announces Partnership with Bang & Olufsen
Waldorf Astoria Residences New York recently announced a partnership with Bang & Olufsen. The contemporary residences sit atop the legendary hotel, currently nearing the end of its expansive restoration.
Sponsored Content
Sailing the Ionian Sea: Explore Greece’s Nautical Gems
Sailing the Ionian Sea is an enchanting way to experience Greece's breathtaking islands and pristine waters. Known for its favorable winds, calm seas and stunning landscapes, the Ionian Sea offers a paradise for both experienced sailors and those looking to explore for the first time. From lively beaches to secluded bays, these waters have something for every traveler seeking adventure and relaxation.
Daily
Nov 21, 2024Hotel Saint Augustine to Open in Houston’s Museum District Neighborhood
Hotel Saint Augustine, expected to softly open in Houston this December, is a design-savvy boutique hotel from Austin-based hospitality group Bunkhouse. The hotel will officially debut January 2025.
5 Can’t-Miss Black Friday, Cyber Monday Hotel Deals
Daily
Nov 21, 2024eFlyer Reviews
Nov 20, 2024Château des Fleurs Review
Just a short block from the Champs Elysées, flower-bedecked window boxes grace the corner and clearly identify Château des Fleurs. This 37-room boutique hotel is one of Vivre-LMB’s five small hotels in Paris owned by Olivier Bertrand and his sisters and affiliated with Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines First to Purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel for ORD
Chicago O’Hare International Airport will soon receive sustainable aviation fuel, all thanks to United Airlines, which became the first airline to purchase SAF for use at the airport, one of the largest in the United States. Neste, a producer of SAF, will provide up to 1 million gallons of its Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The first supply arrived in August.
eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 20242 Miami Hotels Go Big for Black Friday, Cyber Monday
Two Miami hotels entice travelers this season to take advantage of some special offers. Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection, in the heart of Mid-Beach, offers up to 40 percent off the best available rate when booked by Dec. 30 for stays through Dec. 30, 2025. Book this offer.
ShareThis