How to Make the Most of 24-hours in Cappadocia

It is hard to imagine that in just 24 hours, you can immerse yourself in Cappadocia’s breathtaking beauty and rich history. However, if you are willing to go, go, go, you can explore the region’s highlights, from the surreal landscapes of fairy chimneys to the depths of the fascinating underground cities. Whether you’re soaring above the earth in a hot air balloon at sunrise or discovering the secrets of Turkish pottery in the artisan village of Avanos, each moment captures the essence of this enchanting destination.

This itinerary includes an overnight stay, making it an ideal side excursion from Istanbul, especially since you may arrive mid-morning or early afternoon. While a single day might seem brief, it promises a memorable blend of adventure, culture, and culinary delights, ensuring you experience the best that Cappadocia has to offer.

Getting there

The Cappadocia region has two primary airports; Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR), the larger international airport, and Nevşehir-Kapadokya Airport (NAV) a smaller regional airport. Both are located approximately an hour from Goreme and offer shuttle service to your hotel.

Alternatively, arrange a private transfer, especially if traveling as a group. This can be economical because they do not charge per person but rather a flat rate for the group. Or do as we did and have the tour company pick you up from the airport and start your Cappadocian adventure there.

Discover Valley of the Monks

Shortly after our arrival, our tour company picks us up in their air-conditioned van. We begin our explorations on the surface before we visit an underground city, one of two in the region with UNESCO World Heritage Site designations.

Our first stop is the Valley of the Monks to get a closer look at what the region has become known for; the fairy chimneys or hoodoos. These tall, thin phallic-looking prominences are natural formations shaped by thousands of years of erosion. The ones seen in this region consist of soft limestone topped by harder basalt. Less easily eroded, the basalt protects the columns beneath, giving them their shape.  

Our guide gave us time to walk around the area. We climbed on and in and around these creations but did not spend a lot of time there as the heat was unbearable.

Our guide seemed surprised that we did not stay longer. Under cooler temperatures, I’m sure we would have explored more.

The otherworldly landscape makes a spectacular backdrop for photos. While we were there, a couple was having their wedding photos shot.

Let Your Imagination Run Wild in Deverent Valley

Deverent Valley is often called Imagination Valley, and for good reason. While the rock formations here were created in the same manner as the fairy chimneys their appearance is quite different.

Rather than towering erections, the rocks here bring our imagination to life. Much like the way we look at the shapes of clouds and see a whale or a bunny, here you can see a stone camel or an angel or anything else you can fancy in the stone compositions.

Explore the Underground City of Derinkuyu

The afternoon takes us to the Underground City of Derinkuyu, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is an intricate tunnel system complete with wells, rooms, ventilation shafts, animal stalls, and even a church.

No one knows who or when the city was built but experts believe that it may date back to the 15th Century BCE. In this case, the Hittites would be credited with building the elaborate underground metropolis. An alternate theory is the Phrygians built the maze of tunnels and dwellings between the 8th and 7th Centuries BCE.

Historians and archeologists agree the system was built to keep intruders out. Access into the city is through narrow tunnels which enemies would have to come through single file. Also, there are massive “doors” of stone that are rolled into place like a wheel to seal off sections of the city. All the tunnels and living spaces were dug by hand.

In this region, both past and present, people have lived in some improbable places. As far back as the 15th century, BCE people dwelled in underground cities. People no longer reside in these cities however people of Cappadocia do continue to live in caves.

The City of Derinkuyu is not the largest of the underground cities throughout the region but experts believe it is the deepest, possibly extending down as much as 18 levels. Only eight levels have been excavated and are open to the public. These alone traverse 280 feet below the surface.

This site is only for the able-bodied and sturdy shoes are a must. I recommend going through with a guide who can provide context.

The Artisan Village of Avanos.

On our way back to the hotel, we make a stop at Avanos, a charming artisan village. Nestled along the Kizilirmak (Red) River—the longest river in Turkey—Avanos is renowned for its ceramicists. The clay sourced from this expansive waterway serves as the foundation for their works of art.

To create these beautiful vessels for which Turkey is known, clay is thrown (shaped) on a kick-wheel. While the potter kicks a large stone wheel with their foot, they simultaneously shape the clay as it spins between their hands.

The artists make it look easy. However, I am an experienced potter and when given the opportunity to try it I could not coordinate the hand movement and maintain the consistent wheel speed required. But it was fun getting dirty and I have a far deeper appreciation for potters who do not use electric wheels.

After playing in the clay, we were shown where the pieces are glazed before firing. The highest quality pieces get painted freehand with intricate patterns including the tulip design common to Turkey. The lesser vessels get their pattern with the use of a stencil.

This is an opportunity to buy gifts or something for your home at all price points. The different techniques and whether the pieces are made and decorated by a master or a novice create a vast price variation.

Pigeon Valley

Our last stop of the day was Pigeon Valley. We drove to an overlook. The windswept valley that extends deep below us looks quite different than the terrain of the Fairy Chimneys despite both being carved out in the same manner.

Pigeon Valley looks more like a river cut through it. Caves and pigeon houses punctuate the valley walls and protrusion from the valley base, hence the name. This could be considered an early communications hub as the pigeons carried messages throughout the region. Their droppings are used as fertilizer. But today pigeons are not housed in the valley.

From this vantage point, we can see Uçhisar Castle, the highest point in the region. It is not a castle like those in Europe. It is more of a hill with caves that were a strategic outlook. Today, visitors can trek up to the top for its astounding views. Two primary trails through Pigeon Valley lead to and from the castle. Unfortunately, due to time restraints, we did not make the hike.

Our guide drops us off at our hotel. We are staying at the Eren Bey Cave Hotel in the village of Goreme.

Spend the Night in a Cave

With the explosion of this area’s popularity, cave hotels have cropped up in abundance and innkeepers are having no trouble filling their rooms.

When you think of a cave, dark, damp, and devoid of creature comforts probably comes to mind. But the accommodations at Eren Bey Cave Hotel in the village of Goreme are softly lit and certainly not cold; naturally cooled by Mother Nature in summer and central floor heating in the cooler months.

As for amenities, caves come equipped with a small in-room refrigerator, flat screen television, Wi-Fi, phone, King-size bed with inviting bedding, and a dual-head shower to die for. Our suite even had a mini Hammam.

Eren Bey offers a complimentary buffet breakfast for its guests. The spread consists of fruits, cheeses, meats, cereal, bread, eggs, juices, and coffee. It’s not exceptional but adequate. I found the fruits which included an assortment of luscious melons to be the most enjoyable part of the meal. The Turks grow a mean melon.

There’s a sunny courtyard area with several all-weather sofas and chairs and large potted plants for naturalizing the area. When the sun gets high in the sky the owners bring out umbrellas to shade their guests. A fireplace is built into one of the courtyard walls for cool evenings. If you need to get some work done or check emails, this is the best spot for a Wi-Fi connection

Indulge in Authentic Organic Turkish Food

After returning to the cave hotel, we walked a short distance into the village for dinner at the Organic Cave Kitchen. As we make our way closer to the restaurant the smell of freshly baked bread teases our senses.  When we arrive a woman is preparing loaves to go into a wood-fired, stone oven on the premises. It won’t be long before that soft, pillowy flatbread is at our table.

All the food is made fresh, and the meal is served with bread and a salad.  You may or may not feel comfortable eating the latter. I did, without incident.

 For your main course, I recommend the kabab pot, in part because of the ritual that goes with it. The food is cooked and brought to the table in a sealed clay pot. The waiter will have someone from the table do the honor of breaking open the vessel with a small hammer.

We ordered two and shared, one chicken and the other vegetarian. Both were tasty. The many spices used in Turkish food give it a richness that makes it wonderful.

Take a look at this comprehensive digest of Turkish foods from our friends at XYUandBEYOND.com.

While we waited for our Turkish coffee after our meal, I wandered to the back patio area. I was so glad I did as it provided a great photo opportunity and a delightfully unexpected ending to an already photo-worthy day.

Just behind the restaurant, a small group of village women had gathered. I had already taken hundreds of pictures throughout the day but loved seeing local people going about their daily routines. It provides perspective. It feels a bit like peeking behind the curtain.

By this time, we had been awake since, what I call, “before the ass-crack of dawn,” and were at the end of an extremely full day. Knowing we had a very early morning ahead, we weren’t up for much activity beyond dinner. We were all ready for rest.

A Sunrise Hotair Balloon Flight

My ideal day anywhere would not begin before sunrise. However, if I must wake before the sun rises it may as well be in a cave suite. The day starts with a 3:30 wakeup call, “time to get up” you hear in a soft voice.

Why in the world would we be getting up at such an early hour? Why else? A hot-air balloon rides over the unique lunar terrain of Cappadocia. 

Without being fully awake we make our way to the lobby where a van is waiting to escort us off to the headquarters of Turkiye Balloons.

Upon arrival, we are escorted into the office to confirm our group and to take care of payment. Once the formalities are over, we indulge in a hearty buffet-style breakfast in a large reception area that reminds me of a lodge. Once everyone checks in and has eaten, we climb into the van assigned to us at registration.

After a 15-minute drive, we arrive at an open space surrounded by giant rock formations. It’s at this time that I am reminded why I got up before the rooster crows.

Our balloon pilots and crew are already there and beginning to set up massive yellow and white balloons attached to large baskets to accommodate up to 16 people.

By this time, the first light is on the horizon and a weightless fog hovers above the field surrounded by Fairy Chimneys and other limestone figures.

With a blast of flames the balloons, still tethered, begin to inflate and their bright colors rise toward the dimly lit sky. One, then another, then, yet another, we begin to see the illuminated orbs pop up all around us.

We don’t know how many are preparing for a sunrise flight because they are nestled in the open areas obscured by geological formations. As each one comes into view, excitement builds as we know our turn is coming soon.

Finally, the team begins to load passengers into the baskets. They consider people’s size and weight in determining each rider’s placement in the wicker vessel. As I understand it, this has everything to do with preparing for a smooth landing.

Before we know it, our basket is full and ready for liftoff. The pilot introduces himself and the copilot. He explains that he can control the up and down movement of the balloon but the rest is up to wind direction. Finally, he provides a few instructions for landing.

By now it is dawn. The sky is lit but the sun has not risen over the horizon. It’s around this time we realize we are already floating just above the earth. More balloons lift off one by one until finally there are hundreds of balloons of varying colors dotting the early morning sky.

I can’t help but marvel at the majesty and peacefulness of the moment. The whoosh of flames keeping the balloon afloat punctuates the hushed chatter among the passengers.

And then we see it: the sun rising above the horizon. Silhouetted against the emblazoned sky are Fairy Chimneys and stone formations. Everyone oohs and aahs and moves into position to get the perfect photo.

By the time we’ve taken in daybreak from a new vantage point, our balloon has passed over the town, and it is light enough that we can fully take in the lunar landscape. Off in the distance is Uçhisar Castle.

In addition to the beauty of the natural scenery, created by erosion over thousands of years, the sky is now speckled with hundreds of balloons all around. By now, the experience has become surreal and serene.

After about an hour of floating over the valleys and rock formations, the pilot starts the balloon’s descent. We land in a field of wildflowers along with several other balloons. The balloon company hosts a celebration complete with champagne and certificates.

At this point, the van takes us back to the hotel. It feels like I have put in a full day, but it is barely past 8 AM.

The Zelve Open-Air Museum

Rather than taking the hot air balloon ride, one of our group members opted to spend the morning visiting the Zelve Open Air Museum. This was an important site for her to visit. If you enjoy early religious sites and time allows, you may want to prioritize this. She said she would have been disappointed had she not gotten there.

According to her, you could easily spend an entire day visiting the churches and viewing the beautiful frescos from the 10th, 11th, and 12th centuries. Additionally, there are several hiking trails to explore in the area.

If I have the good fortune to return this is where my trip will begin. I love beautiful religious sites and what a treat it must be to see works from ten thousand years ago. 

Wrapping up

In just 24 hours, you can immerse yourself in Cappadocia’s stunning beauty and rich history. While a single day may seem short, it effectively captures what makes this region so enchanting. Whether soaring over fairy chimneys in a hot air balloon, exploring ancient underground cities, visiting the artisan village of Avanos, or indulging in authentic Turkish cuisine, this side trip from Istanbul will leave you wanting more.

 

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