Cappadocia – The Place Where The Unreal Becomes Reality
There are countries you are advised to go to in the summer, and of course, some other countries are better to visit during the winter. Turkey is a country you should visit anytime because it is absolutely fantastic throughout the whole year. From the Aegean coast to Anatolia, many places will leave you astonished. Istambul is a story for itself, the only city set on two continents. But if you really want to enjoy your vacation, you should go to the Turkish side regions, which are not as popular as they should be, and that makes them even more attractive. Cappadocia is one of these Turkish destinations and visiting this hidden gem may be your adventure of a lifetime.
The Mysterious Cappadocia
Cappadocia is located in the heart of Turkey, right in the middle of the Asian part of the country called Anatolia. Its valleys, canyons, and hills form an unusually picturesque landscape which has been an inspiration to various monks, artists, scientist and many people for millenniums. Its continental climate makes it perfect for hiking and exploring its immense moon-like wilderness.
Coming to Cappadocia will be very easy, especially if you are travelling by plane. But if you are an adventurer and a nature lover, then you should take the bus or even better, the train. It will last longer, but such a trip will definitively never be forgotten. The best way to roam around the Cappadocia, once you reach it, is by a car or organised tours. Since the region is not densely populated, the system of public transportation is not very advanced or punctual. And there is also one more way of transportation, or better said an attraction, you should definitively not miss. And that would be travelling by a hot air balloon that may be a bit expensive but definitively worth every cent.
The Rich Past Of The Region
People have been living in Cappadocia from the earliest times, but the first major civilisation that has emerged here was the Hittite Empire. Some believe they gave the name to the region which they called the area of beautiful horses. Nevertheless, the Persians were the next to rule this area, but they were defeated and overthrown by The Alexander the Great. His successors formed an independent kingdom of Cappadocia that was destroyed by the Romans, whose rule was followed by the Bizantean. From the 11th century, various Turkish tribes started to settle here and form their own small countries. The strongest of them called the Karaman, was finally destroyed by the Ottomans in the 15th century, and ever since then Cappadocia has been a part of the Turkish state.
The Land Of Attractions
The best approach to start your adventure in Cappadocia is to learn a bit more about its fascinating history. So, make a visit to the Goreme Open-Air Museum and check out the past of this magnificent region. Once you get the picture about the antiquity, head straight to one of the underground cities such as Derinkuyu or Kaymakli. Also, while you are in the Museum in Goreme, take a tour around this small town, and you will see the ominous Fairy Chimneys, which are completely natural rock formations with a quite weird look. You can also buy an excellent Turkish carpet in Goreme, which is truly magnificent, but unfortunately, it will not fly.
The amazing rock-carved churches in Cavusin will give you a glimpse of early Christianity. These small churches were made by the first Christian monks who sought spiritual cleansing. Once you are fed up with rocks, sand, and desert, it will be the best time to visit the real oasis called Ihlara Valley. You should also bring a bathing suit and have a refreshing swim in the river.
And when you become tired of adventures, go to the town of Urgup, which is the biggest city in the entire region. There are many shops, bars, and cafes where you can enjoy and refresh yourself after a busy day of roaming through the wilderness of Cappadocia. You can buy many interesting and useful stuff here, but don’t forget to bargain, it is an important tradition here. There are other small towns you can also visit such as Ortahisar and Uchisar where you can try climbing on rock towers.
Unusual Accommodation Will Exceed Your Expectations
Just like any other tourist destination, Cappadocia has a range of possibilities, depending on the city you decide to stay in. No matter on your choice, the Cappadocian cities will inevitably bring you a whiff of rural Turkey. You need to know that your lodging depends entirely on your budget. You will have various options, from budget, bouquet, luxury or private accommodation, so take some time to make a decision on what you really want and need. Once you set the vacation goals, you will easily find the suitable hotel, hostel, resort, or private accommodation.
However, those who are experienced with visiting Cappadocia always advise us, newbies, to visit Goreme if we want to spare money on lodging. The city of Goreme has the cheapest accommodation in the region, and what is more, it is well connected with the other cities but also to the surrounding villages that will bring you the vivid picture of the real beauty of Turkey. An unusual type of hotels in Cappadocia are the so-called cave hotels, and you will see them almost in every corner. These are the buildings carved into the rocks, and most of them are beautifully decorated and remind to the life of past times. Perhaps you should consider booking a room in Legend Cave Hotel, or the more luxurious Stone House Cave Hotel in Goreme.
On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a pleasant vacation in one of the luxurious hotels in the region of Cappadocia, then consider the city of Uchisar. This is quite a peaceful town, but with lovely luxurious hotels, and small streets to wander through the whole day. Taskonaklar Hotel is an excellent example of a lodging with a spectacular view and of course, super all inclusive service with bilingual, polite staff.
And if you are an adventurer, and you really want to explore rural segments of Turkey, then don’t hesitate to pay your visit to Ortahisar. The city abounds with small boutique hotels with the services usually being provided by the owners. An excellent example of a boutique hotel in Ortahisar is the Castle Inn.
But if you yearn for renting a private apartment, or even a villa or a house, you will find dozens of ads on the Internet, as well as on the spot. So, it indeed does not matter what kind of accommodation you choose because we are sure you will love your trip to Cappadocia.
Cappadocian Cuisine Will Make You Gain Some Weight
If you have ever visited Turkey, then you know well that Turkish people enjoy having meaty meals with a lot of spices, especially the domestic hot, ground paprika spice. And, visiting Cappadocia will not differ very much from the rest of the country, with the exception that perhaps some of the dishes are tastier than anywhere else in Turkey.
That is why we recommend you ‘menemen’, the meal usually served for breakfast. It is a kind of an omelette, but with tomatoes, onions, and inevitably peppers. Those who try it once, end up ordering menemen for breakfast almost every morning during their stay. For lunch, you should try another traditional Cappadocian dish, ‘guvec’. This is a stew-like dish and contains mushrooms, eggplant, onion, and garlic. The ingredients are mixed in an earthenware dish and then baked. The good thing about ‘guvec’ is that it can be made with different kinds of meat. Thus, in Cappadocia, you may order ‘guvec’ with lamb, chicken, or beef. Try each and every kind of these and you won’t regret it. Turks are widely known for their famous ‘mercemek’ soup. It is, actually, the lentil soup, which in Cappadocia tastes especially good. The secret is that they squeeze a lemon juice, as well as red pepper and yoghurt.
In addition to all the above mentioned, you will find other Turkish dishes on offer, especially in traditional restaurants. Hence, if you are more of a modern cuisine type, then try Turkish ‘pide’ or ‘lahmacun’, both of which are Turkish varieties of pizza. A must-try meal in Cappadocia is also a ‘testi kebab’, but we won’t reveal you what it looks like. You need to see it on your own why exactly this meal has become so popular.
A Range of Fascinating Activities Is Waiting For You
You must have seen the amazing photos of magnificent sceneries, clear blue sky, and dozens of balloons in the air. Well, be ready to experience the same sceneries in reality, because Cappadocia is the place where balloon trips are organised more than anywhere else on the Earth. There are at least 25 balloon companies in this region, and should you need a reliable one, then contact Turkiye Balloons, or Royal Balloons. The flight is one hour long, and you will pay it between 150-175 dollars. However, if you are wise enough, then you will search for the pages that offer discounts on hot-air balloon trips, and you may well fly for $120.
Another excellent activity to take your breath away is horseback riding. Having in mind that Cappadocia abounds hills and valleys, you will conclude that the best thing to do here is to ride a horse. For such an activity you will pay between $50-60. But, be sure you get a good horse.
And of course, in case you don’t like to ride, but instead love the motor vehicles, you are welcome to rent 4-wheeler motorcycles. You will not see only the perfect landscapes, but also dusty roads, and a company to fulfil your ‘wild west’ adventure.
There are indeed many other activities on offer, ranging from biking, hiking, visiting a volcano, or visiting the famous Turkish nights. No matter what activities you choose, you will surely have a lot of fun because it is Cappadocia you are visiting. Good luck!